Kadamban is a 2017 Indian Tamil action drama film written and directed by Ragava and produced by R. B. Choudary under Super Good Films and associate produced by B. Suresh, B. Jeevan, Jithan Ramesh, Jiiva Arya under The Show People and Riwaz Duggal. Arya and Catherine Tresa feature in the leading roles, while Madhuvanti Arun plays a supporting role. Music composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja, cinematography by S. R. Sathish Kumar, edited by Dev, art directed by A. R. Mohan and stunt choreographed by Dhilip Subbarayan. The Hindi Rights of the Film were purchased by RK Duggal Studios for a record price. The Hindi trailer was launched on 6th May 2017.
A group of naïve tribal people who are living happily inside a forest (though they have their share of trivial disputes) are unaware of the clever tactics of business-minded people. They are ready to fight till their last breath against these forces who are eyeing their homeland for selfish needs. Most of them pin their hopes on Kadamban (Arya), probably the only man among them who is aggressive, charming and adventurous, and is also blessed with a great physique. He is mostly seen accompanied by his friend (Aadukulam Murugadoss).
Rathi (Catherine Tresa), who is in love with Kadamban, often persuades him to love her back, though the latter initially shows no signs of ‘settling down’. Like Kadamban, Rathi, too, is bold enough and good-looking, though a little unconvincing at times, considering the character and the backdrop against which the plot unfolds. Rathi’s brother is against their relationship and doesn’t mind getting into heated scuffle with Kadamban for the same.
Kadamban, who gets arrested by a local cop only to settle old scores with him, is released by activists (YG Mahendra and Madhuvanti) who work for human rights. They help the inhabitants of the forest in various ways to raise their standard of life, and win their hearts. Meanwhile, a business man (Deepraj Rana), who is keen to build his empire, sets his eye on the resources from the forest and hatches plans with the help of a cop and a few loyalists.
As an adventure thriller set in a dense forest, Kadamban offers a few breath-taking shots — the cinematography by Sathish Kumar is a treat to watch. The action sequences, choreographed by Dhilip Subbarayan, are good, especially in the climax, where the tribals fight with weapons naturally available in their forest, and the scene where Arya saves a cop from drowning in a marsh. However, scenes like the hero escaping unhurt despite many a people firing continuously from high-end guns appear clichéd and unreal. The scenes involving CG are good in some scenes, but look cheap in few other sequences.
Arya, with his chiselled-body, has given his best for the film, though his characterisation should have been more interesting. The absence of a challenging baddie and strong supporting characters, too, mars the flow overall. One can’t be blamed if the film reminds him of the sequences from many other movies. However, despite the flaws, the film has its moments and Ragava’s attempt and Arya’s efforts need to be lauded.
Directed by Ragava
Produced by Super Good Movies
Written by Ragava
Starring Arya, Catherine Tresa
Music by Yuvan Shankar Raja
Cinematography S. R. Sathish Kumar
Edited by Dev
Production Super Good Films
Distributed by The Show People & August cinema
Release date 14 April 2017
Running time 139 minutes
Country India
Language Tamil
