Imsai Arasan 23rd Pulikesi

Imsai Arasan 23rd Pulikesi

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Imsai Arasan 23am Pulikesi (Tamil: இம்சை அரசன் 23ம் புலிகேசி; English: The King of Torture, Pulikesi the 23rd) is a 2006 Tamil historical comedy film directed by Chimbudeven. The film stars Vadivelu in his first lead role alongside Monica, Tejashree, Manorama, Nassar and Nagesh. The film's score and soundtrack are composed by Sabesh-Murali. The film was produced and distributed by Tamil film director S. Shankar. It was the first historical film after 28 years since "Maduraiyai Meeta Sundra Pandiyan". The film emerged a high commercial success.
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Cast


Vadivelu as King 23rd Pulikesi and Ukraputhan
Monica as Vasantha Soundary
Tejashree as Soolaayini
Nassar as Raja Guru Sangilimaayan (Pulikesi's Uncle)
Manorama as Bavani ammaiyar
Nagesh as Raja Mokkaiyappar
Ilavarasu as Minister Dagilandi
Sreeman as Commander Aganda muthu
Thiagu as King Vallavaraayan
Singamuthu as Poet Palapathra Onandi
Venniradai Moorthy as Palace Doctor


Plot


Imsai Arasan 23am Pulikesi is a comical satire on the Machiavellian politics practiced in the late 18th century. The film is laced with references to present-day happenings in politics, sports and other areas.
In a faraway South Indian kingdom of Cholapuram Paalayam the ruler (Nagesh) and queen (Manorama) are longing for a child, as all their 22 children have died at birth. Little do they know that the queen’s brother Rajaguru Sangilimaayan (Nassar) is behind the death of their children, as he wants to be the next ruler. But when the palace astrologer predicts that the 23rd child will be a dimwit, Rajguru is happy. But the queen gives birth to twins; the smarter one (according to the astrologer's instructions) is ordered to be killed while the dimwit survives.
The child is named 23 am Pulikesi (Vadivelu) and he grows up to be the new king after the king's death. Pulikesi is a weak, hedonistic bully with grandiose delusions and is a puppet in the hands of Rajguru, who colludes with the British to loot the state. Meanwhile, the other child is adopted by the palace doctor (Venniradai Moorthy) and his wife, a childless couple and he grows up to be Ugrabuddhan (Vadivelu), an educated young man and a patriot with a lofty vision for his country. Ugrabuddhan tries to kill Pulikesi, but when Ugran sees him he realizes that Pulikesi is his twin brother. Soon Ugrabuddhan comes to know about his past and to save the land from Rajguru and British, he replaces Pulikesi as the king. He joins hands with Thalapathi (Sreeman), brings new reforms, exposes Rajguru and saves the land from the British.


Soundtrack


The soundtrack features five songs composed by Sabesh-Murali with lyrics written by Pulavar Pulamaipithan.
Song Singers
"Aah Aadivaa" Manicka Vinayagam, Binni Krishnakumar, Saindhavi, Kovai Kamala, Vadivelu
"Pootiya Sirayinai" Tippu
"Panju Methai Kaniyae" Krishnaraj, Swarnalatha
"Aasai Kanniye" Naresh Iyer, Kalyani
"Vanam Namakul" T. L. Maharajan


Production


The film was shot in 73 days. It was filmed in Tamil Nadu around Chennai, Thiruvanamalai and Kumili.All the actors went on a rigorous training in horse riding and sword fighting. Nearly 80 percent of the film was shot in studios. Every single shot was planned and story boarded during the pre production work.


Reception


Was a milestone in Tamil cinema. Produced on a budget of  4 crores, the film was a commercial success, grossing  16 crores at the box office. The film also received critical acclaim for its comedy and for Vadivelu's performance. The film was critically praised for conveying social messages through comedy. Moreover, the film was celebrated as children's movie. Pulikesi's moustache was offered free in the theatres for the kids. Simailar to the Salvador Dalí's moustache, Pulikesi's moustache became popular in Tamil Nadu.
Awards


Imsai Arasan 23m Pulikesi
Best Actor Comedy - Filmfare Award
Best Costume -Tamil Nadu State Award
Best Makeup -Tamil Nadu State Award
Best Film 2006 -Tamil Nadu Progressive Writers - Artist Association