Iconic filmmaker Rajiv Menon's evergreen film 'Kandukondain Kandukondain' released 20 years ago on the same day yesterday. The...
Iconic filmmaker Rajiv Menon's evergreen film 'Kandukondain Kandukondain' released 20 years ago on the same day yesterday. The film, reportedly inspired from Jane Austen’s 'Sense and Sensibility', still grabs family audiences when telecasts on TV, for its women-oriented storyline, colourful songs and emotional appeal.
The director pulled off one of the biggest casting coups in south Indian film history with his 2000 flick that starred Mammootty, Ajith, Abbas, Aishwarya Rai and Tabu. The movie is still remembered for its phenomenal performances, dialogues, cinematography and its music by AR Rahman. Though the director didn't expect "#20YearsOfKandukondeinKandukondein" on social platform, it was a pleasant surprise when fans across the worlds celebrating 20th birthday fo the movie by sharing pictures and videos of the movie under #20YearsOfKandukondeinKandukondein. Rajiv took to Instagram on Wednesday, to thank fans for making the film stand the test of time.
"Grateful to the dynamic cast and crew that brought this film to life! The timeless melodies by @arrahman and penned by #Vairamuthu. Thank you to the audiences all around the world that have made this film stand the test of time with their endearing love. Truly humbled ! Thank you @thevcreations !" Rajiv posted along with an artwork from the film.
"In the one year’s time it took to shoot the film, Ajith had become a big star. I was trying to tell a story, not make a multi-starrer; it became like that," Rajiv told us in a recent interview on the film's 20th anniversary. "It took one year to make this film though it was only 15-16 reels. It was very difficult to get everybody together, but once they came together, it was great fun," he added.
Rajiv Menon, who worked with Mani Ratnam as his cinematographer in a few films like Bombay and Guru, considers him a friend, philosopher and guide, and that shows in the film. The film characters speak in abundance and that too often in poetic Tamil with references to Bharathiyar poems and others. Worth to mention that the pond was cleaned and filled with mineral water for the introductory bath scene of Aishwarya Rai and Tabu made headlines on dailies.
Though the movie didn't go well per expectation during the initial days, the film opened to positive reviews from critics. The promos like 'Sun TV Kandukondain Kandukondain Express' Train tours made the film to reach on B and C centers. With a slow start, the family drama picked up and received well among the audiences. Not just in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, the movie had a good run in north when released with English Subtitles. Presence of Aishwarya Rai and Tabu said to be positive factors to gain initial audiences. After rave reviews it made reasonable collection at the box office in Mumbai and New Delhi.
Kandukondain Kandukondain proved to be an important film in the careers of Ajith and Aishwarya Rai Bachan. The film showcased both Ajith's and Aishwarya's acting versatility and cemented their successful careers in cinema. Kandukondain Kandukondain is still one the best family drama to watch. Rajiv Menon's last film was Sarvam Thaala Mayam, directed after eighteen years, starring GV Prakash in the lead role. The film performed decently at the box office but failed to meet the expectations it set for itself.
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