Kasi is a 2001 Indian Tamil tragedy movie, written and directed by Vinayan. The film has Vikram playing the eponymous character of a blind village singer. A remake of the director’s own 1999 Malayalam film Vasanthiyum Lakshmiyum Pinne Njaanum, the film has Kaveri, reprising her role from the original and Kavya Madhavan making her Tamil debut in supporting roles. The film was produced by Aroma Mani for Sunitha Productions. The film score and soundtrack was composed by maestro Ilaiyaraaja. The film was released on 14 November 2001 and won positive reviews from critics upon release. Vikram won the Filmfare Best Actor Award.
Kasi is a tale about the deception of appearances. Kasi (Vikram) is a blind poet and singer who supports his family by his songs. He has an older brother Sevalai (Thalaivasal Vijay) who spends what money he has drinking, an abusive, crippled father and a younger sister Lakshmi (Kavya Madhavan). When the local landlord, Raghupathi (Rajeev) returns to the district, he brings along with him Mr Dinesh, the CM’s son and his wife Radhika (Aishwarya). Raghupathi has a reputation as a God in the area because of his charitable works and when a specialist eye doctor arrives he promises to pay the fees for an operation to give back Kasi’s vision. Elated by this news, Kasi learns that he has to find an eye-donor and his girlfriend Kaveri (Kaveri), who cannot speak, offers one of her eyes. Unfortunately, something happens that shows that the ‘God-like’ Raghupathi and Mr Dinesh are not what they seem. Blissfully unaware of the sadness of those around him, Kasi looks forward to his operation.
Directed by Vinayan
Produced by Aroma Mani
Written by Gokula Krishnan (Dialogues)
Story by Vinayan
Starring Vikram, Kaveri, Kavya Madhavan
Music by Ilaiyaraaja
Cinematography P. Sukumar
Edited by G. Murali
Distributed by Sunitha Productions
Release dates 14 November 2001
Running time 138 minutes
Country India
Language Tamil
Visitor Rating: 4 Stars