Thamizh Padam is a Tamil-language parody film that was released on July 29, 2010. Directed by C. S. Amudhan, the movie is the first-ever full-length spoof film in Tamil cinema. It makes fun of common clichés in Tamil movies, from action sequences to sentimental drama, and even over-the-top heroism.
The film stars Shiva in the lead role, with Disha Pandey, Venniradai Moorthy, and Manobala playing important roles. With its hilarious take on mainstream Tamil cinema, Thamizh Padam quickly became a cult favorite among audiences. The movie’s humor is sharp, witty, and completely self-aware, making it a unique experience for Tamil movie lovers.
Now, let’s take a look at the movie’s plot, strengths, weaknesses, and how it performed at the box office.
Table of Contents
- Plot Summary
- What’s Good?
- 1. Direction and Writing
- 2. Acting and Comedy Timing
- 3. Music and Background Score
- 4. Cinematography and Editing
- 5. References to Tamil Cinema
- Strengths and Weaknesses
- Strengths:
- Weaknesses:
- Target Audience
- Box Office Details
- Budget and Collection
- First 5 Days Earnings (India & Overseas)
- Recommendation
Plot Summary
The story follows Shiva, an orphan who grows up in a village and later moves to the city to take revenge on his enemies. This is a classic Tamil movie storyline, but the film turns it into a complete joke. Every scene is a parody of something from famous Tamil films.
Shiva becomes a superhero-like cop, defeats villains effortlessly, and even manages to make time travel and ridiculous action scenes look funny. The film includes spoofs of Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, Vijay, Ajith, and other top actors’ movies. It also pokes fun at dramatic romantic scenes, mass dialogues, and logic-defying action sequences.
With its non-stop comedy and hilarious references, Thamizh Padam keeps the audience entertained throughout. The movie does not take itself seriously, which is what makes it so fun to watch!
What’s Good?
1. Direction and Writing
- C. S. Amudhan’s direction is bold and refreshing. He doesn’t hold back in making fun of mainstream Tamil movies.
- The script is packed with hilarious punchlines and cleverly written jokes that Tamil movie fans will enjoy.
2. Acting and Comedy Timing
- Shiva is the perfect choice for this role. His serious expressions while delivering absurd dialogues make the scenes even funnier.
- Venniradai Moorthy and Manobala add great comedy, making their performances highly entertaining.
- The film’s cast understands the parody concept well, which makes their exaggerated acting enjoyable.
3. Music and Background Score
- Kannan’s music is another highlight. The songs are humorous parodies of popular Tamil songs.
- The background score is over-the-top on purpose, making the dramatic moments even more ridiculous and funny.
4. Cinematography and Editing
- The film looks just like a regular Tamil commercial film, which makes the spoofs even funnier.
- Editing is crisp, with every scene transitioning smoothly into the next joke.
5. References to Tamil Cinema
- The movie is full of inside jokes about Tamil movies.
- Fans of Tamil cinema will love spotting references to famous actors, directors, and dialogues.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- Unique concept: The first-ever Tamil spoof film, making it a refreshing watch.
- Brilliant comedy: Well-timed jokes and parodies of famous Tamil movies.
- Great performances: Shiva and the supporting cast do an excellent job.
- Sharp writing: The script is full of smart and funny dialogues.
- Replay value: The film is just as enjoyable even when watched multiple times.
Weaknesses:
- Might not appeal to all audiences: If you don’t watch many Tamil movies, you might not get all the jokes.
- Some jokes go overboard: A few scenes feel stretched, and some humor might not work for everyone.
- No serious story: Since it’s a parody, there’s no emotional depth or serious storytelling.
Target Audience
Thamizh Padam is a film made for people who love Tamil cinema but also enjoy making fun of it!
- Perfect for fans of Tamil commercial movies who understand typical movie clichés.
- Those who enjoy light-hearted, fun movies without serious drama.
- Viewers who like spoof and parody films like Scary Movie or Hot Shots.
- Not ideal for audiences looking for deep emotions or realistic storytelling.
If you love Tamil movies and have a good sense of humor, this film is a must-watch.
Box Office Details
Even though Thamizh Padam was a new experiment in Tamil cinema, it performed well at the box office. Let’s look at the financial details:
Budget and Collection
| Details | Amount (INR) |
|---|---|
| Total Budget | ₹3.5 crores |
| Worldwide Box Office Collection | ₹7 crores |
First 5 Days Earnings (India & Overseas)
| Day | India Earnings (INR) | Overseas Earnings (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | ₹80 lakhs | ₹15 lakhs |
| Day 2 | ₹75 lakhs | ₹12 lakhs |
| Day 3 | ₹70 lakhs | ₹10 lakhs |
| Day 4 | ₹65 lakhs | ₹8 lakhs |
| Day 5 | ₹60 lakhs | ₹7 lakhs |
Despite its low budget, the movie earned double the investment, making it a commercial success. The film also gained cult status, with many fans re-watching it even today.
Recommendation
Thamizh Padam is a hilarious and unique film that brilliantly spoofs Tamil cinema. With clever writing, great performances, and non-stop comedy, it’s a must-watch for fans of Tamil movies. If you enjoy light-hearted fun and don’t mind laughing at common movie clichés, this film is highly recommended!
