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{{Short description|2001 Indian film directed by Suresh Krissna}}
{{Use Indian English|date=December 2022}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2022}}
{{Infobox film
| name           = Aalavandhaan
| image          = Aalavandhan.jpg
| caption        = Theatrical release poster (Tamil)
| director       = [[Suresh Krissna]]
| producer       = [[S. Thanu]]
| writer         = 
| screenplay     = [[Kamal Haasan]]
| based_on       = {{based on | ''Dhayam'' | [[Kamal Haasan]]}}
| starring       = {{Unbulleted list | [[Kamal Haasan]] | [[Raveena Tandon]]  | [[Manisha Koirala]]}}
| music          = {{Unbulleted list | [[Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy]] (songs) | [[Mahesh Mahadevan]] (score) }}
| cinematography = [[Tirru]]
| editing        = [[Kasi Viswanathan]]
| studio         = V. Creations
| distributor    = 
| released       = {{film date|df=y|2001|11|14|[[Tamil language|Tamil]]|2001|11|15|[[Hindi]]}}
| runtime        = 178 minutes (Tamil)<br />177 minutes (Hindi)<ref name="hind">{{cite web | url=http://www.bbfc.co.uk/releases/abhay-2001 | title=Abhay (2001)&nbsp;– BBFC | publisher=[[BBFC]] | access-date=14 March 2016 | archive-date=15 March 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160315001602/http://www.bbfc.co.uk/releases/abhay-2001 | url-status=live }}</ref>
| country        = India
| language       = {{Unbulleted list|Tamil|Hindi}}
| budget         = {{INR}}100million<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.screenindia.com/20011102/finter.html |last=Bhattacharya |first=Roshmilla |date=2 November 2001 |work=[[Screen (magazine)|Screen]] |title=Suresh Krissna: Future shock! |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011121085451/http://www.screenindia.com/20011102/finter.html |archive-date=21 November 2001 |access-date=2 April 2021 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| gross          = 
}}

'''''Aalavandhan''''' ({{translation|The one who came to rule}}) is a 2001 Indian [[Tamil language|Tamil]]-language [[psychological thriller]] film directed by [[Suresh Krissna]] and produced by [[S. Thanu]]. An adaptation of the novel ''Dhayam'' that was written by [[Kamal Haasan]] in 1984,<ref>{{cite web|last=Fernandes|first=Vivek|date=25 August 2001|title=Abhay sings a fearless tune|url=http://getahead.rediff.com/entertai/2001/aug/25abhay.htm|access-date=7 February 2010|work=Rediff.com|archive-date=15 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715165208/http://getahead.rediff.com/entertai/2001/aug/25abhay.htm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Everyone is a ruler-to-be...|url=http://archives.chennaionline.com/interviews/kamal.asp|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20100129163420/http://archives.chennaionline.com/interviews/kamal.asp|archive-date=29 January 2010|access-date=30 September 2015|work=chennaionline.com|df=dmy}}</ref> The film stars Haasan in dual roles, with [[Raveena Tandon]], [[Manisha Koirala]], [[Sarath Babu]], [[Gollapudi Maruti Rao]], Madurai G.S. Mani and [[Milind Gunaji]] in supporting roles. It has elements of [[magic realism]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/entertai/2001/nov/10kamal.htm|title=Abhay:Fear becomes him, getting under Kamal Haasan's skin|author=Subhash K. Jha|website=[[Rediff.com]]|access-date=15 August 2018|archive-date=15 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180815091157/http://www.rediff.com/entertai/2001/nov/10kamal.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

The film was [[Multiple-language version|simultaneously filmed]] in [[Hindi]] with the title '''''Abhay''''' ({{translation|Fearless}}) with three different actors.<ref name="Abhay Characters" /><ref name="nanduabhay">{{cite web|url=http://teleport-city.com/2006/06/10/abhay/|title=Abhay|date=10 June 2006|publisher=[[Teleport Communications Group]]|access-date=14 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160315011107/http://teleport-city.com/2006/06/10/abhay/|archive-date=15 March 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> Although a commercial failure during its release, ''Aalavandhan'' and ''Abhay'' won the [[National Film Award for Best Special Effects]].

== Plot ==
{{long plot|date=September 2022}}
Major Vijay Kumar and his group of the [[National Security Guard|Black Cats]] save a group of tourists held hostage by terrorists in a [[Kashmir]] valley. Meanwhile, at a [[military hospital]], Vijay meets his girlfriend Tejaswini aka Teju, a news presenter who he is ready to marry. Teju reveals she is pregnant after she presents her [[Human chorionic gonadotropin|HCG]] report to Vijay after one of their dates gone wrong. Vijay then reveals to Teju about  his plan to visit his twin brother, Nandhakumar "Nandhu", in a mental asylum who is incarcerated for murdering his stepmother.

Nandhu is a cleverly scheming and with good physical strength, yet paranoidal [[Schizophrenia|schizophrenic]] man who has spent most of his life in the asylum, often communicating using metaphors and poetic expressions. Vijay cares about Nandhu and looks forward to his release, but Nandhakumar's doctor tells him that Nandhu has developed into a psychopath. He is now a danger to society and should not be released.

Vijay and Teju visit Nandhu to share the news about their impending marriage, which turns disastrous as Nandhu begins to see Teju in the image of his stepmother. Seeking to save Vijay from Teju, Nandhu manages to escape custody after killing two other inmates Sulthan and Paasha, for a clean getaway, thus leaving no trail. He later meets his maternal uncle, who was responsible for incarcerating him. The man dies of choking upon seeing his nephew. Vijay and Teju get married. The next day Vijay and Teju are shocked to learn of Nandhu's escape. Vijay initially refuses to believe it was Nandhu who escaped. But, Nandhu's doctor believes it was Nandhu who escaped, because of the similarity that both Nandhu and his murdered buddy Sulthan are [[Circumcision|circumcised]] due to health reasons after the [[autopsy|postmortem]] of Sulthan's beheaded corpse, thus proving Nandhu is circumcised. Later, Vijay is convinced that it was Nandhu.

Nandhu visits Vijay's home when he is not there and leaves a message about wanting to kill Teju. He keeps hallucinating his deceased mother in his imagination. While searching for Teju, Nandhu kills a drug peddler and falls in love with a socialite Sharmilee by looking at her promotional posters. By chance, he stumbles across Sharmilee at a hotel. Sharmilee ecstatically falls for Nandhu upon his antics, and both become close. Both being drugged, Sharmilee playfully whips Nandhu, which inadvertently causes him to visualise his stepmother's whippings and brutally murders her as a result. After returning to his senses, he regrets his actions and tearfully burns Sharmilee's corpse before exiting the room, but leaves behind evidence through which Vijay deduces him as the murderer.

Vijay and Teju leave for Vijay's ancestral home in [[Ooty]] to stay safe from Nandhu, but he secretly follows them. Vijay and Teju find Nandhu's old diary in the house through which they read his past: Vijay and Nandhu's mother committed suicide after realising that Santhosh, their father was having an affair with Jayanthi, who later became their stepmother. Both brothers hate her, especially Nandhu. The teacher complains about this, and Nandhu justifies that he is only reflecting the home environment. Enraged, Santhosh beats both his sons for disliking his new wife.

One day, Vijay learn that Jayanthi is having an affair with another man and Nandhu tries telling this to his father, who pays no heed, and instead beats him. Nandhu pleads to his maternal uncle to take him along with him. But as he is suffering from throat cancer, he refuses and suggests a boarding school. Eventually, Vijay leaves with his uncle to a boarding school while Nandhu remains home.

The situation gets worse at home with Nandhu and Jayanthi turning violent, and Santhosh gets a heart attack. Nandhu overhears a conversation between Jayanthi and a lawyer, and realises that she is only after his father's wealth. Seeing this, Santhosh dies due to another heart attack. Nandhu now starts to see both his deceased parents in his hallucinations, as a result of being turned into a psychopath due to his stepmother's cruel antics. His mother gives him the mission of killing Jayanthi, granting him a [[Combat knife|military knife]]. Nandhu stabs Jayanthi with the knife, but before dying, she vows that she will return. Nandhu stays with Jayanthi's corpse in the house before being incarcerated at the asylum.

In the present, Vijay learns from his old friend Tenoosh Kooth that Nandhu has reached Ooty. Vijay reaches on time to save Teju from Nandhu, who entered their hotel room and leaves with her. Nandhu, after getting a serpent styled [[tattoo]] all over his body which resembles the bond between the brothers by Tenoosh Kooth, decides to exact revenge on Teju. He chases the couple wreaking havoc across the road. After a while, they escape from the clutches of Nandhu, Vijay manages to push Nandhu's car into an abyss and assumes he is dead. However, Nandhu escapes and continues his trail. Vijay plans to leave the city and notices Nandhu coming to the hotel secretly.

Vijay and his commandos try to nab him, but he takes on everyone and kills many. Finally, the brothers have a fight where Nandhu overcomes Vijay. He corners Teju, who starts whacking him with a belt in self-defense, reminding Nandhu of Jayanthi's manner of punishing him. Vijay reaches by then, and there is another fight between the brothers. Nandhu visualises his mother asking him to join her as Jayanthi is torturing her [[Otherworld|up there]]. He realises his mistake and apologises to Vijay for chasing Teju. To kill his stepmother, he lights up some cylinders which explode and he dies.

Some months later, Teju is revealed to be pregnant with twins. She fears they will have the same traumatic childhood Vijay and Nandhu had, but Vijay comforts her by telling her that they shall provide good parental care and such thing will not happen.

== Cast ==
===Tamil version===
{{colbegin}}
* [[Kamal Haasan]] as [[Major]] Vijay Kumar (Vijay) and Nandha Kumar (Nandhu) 
* [[Raveena Tandon]] as Tejaswini 'Teju', News reporter for Star News channel; Vijay's wife.
* [[Manisha Koirala]] as Sharmilee, the socialite who was love interest of Nandhu and killed by Nandhu.
*  Madhurai G.S.Mani  as the Psychiatrist doctor
* [[Milind Gunaji]] as [[Colonel]] Santhosh Kumar, Nandhu and Vijay's father; Priya's widower; Jayanthi's late husband. (voice dubbed by [[Nassar (actor)|Nassar]])
* [[Sarath Babu]] as Tejaswini's father
* [[Fathima Babu]] as Tejaswini's mother
* [[Anu Haasan]] as Priya Kumar, Nandhu and Vijay's late mother, Santosh's late wife (cameo appearance)
* [[Kitu Gidwani]] as Jayanthi Kumar, Nandhu and Vijay's cruel stepmother, Santhosh's second wife.
* [[Riyaz Khan]] as Sulthan
* [[Vikram Gokhale]] as Nandhu and Vijay's maternal uncle Ranganath
*[[Poovilangu Mohan]] as Nandhu and Vijay's headmaster
* [[Yashpal Sharma (actor)|Yashpal Sharma]] as the Kashmiri militant
* [[Major Ravi]] as Menon, Vijay's buddy in Black cat
* [[Vikram Dharma]] as a Drug peddler
* Nissar Khan as Sonu, Vijay's buddy in Black cat
* Raji Iyer as Malathi, Teju's coworker in Star News channel
* Krishna Bhatt as Tenoosh Kooth, a mentally unstable [[Kota people (India)|Kota]] tribesman
* [[Shiva (actor)|Mirchi Shiva]] in "Siri Siri" song (uncredited role)
{{colend}}

===Hindi version===
All characters mentioned above in the Tamil version are the same in the Hindi version except Nandu's name, the doctor's character, and Tejaswini's parent's characters have been played by different actors.
* [[Kamal Haasan]] as Major Vijay Kumar 'Vijay' and Abhay Kumar 'Abhay'<ref name="Abhay Characters"/>
* [[Naveen Nischol]] as Ravinder, Tejaswini's father<ref name="Abhay Characters">{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/entertai/abhay/charac.htm|title=Abhay Characters|website=rediff.com|access-date=5 July 2018|archive-date=5 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180705150642/http://www.rediff.com/entertai/abhay/charac.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[Smita Jaykar]] as Geeta, Tejaswini's mother
* [[Vallabh Vyas]] as  Srinivasa Rao, Psychiatrist doctor

== Production ==
{{quote box
| quote=''Dhayam'' was a novel written by [Kamal] for a magazine long back, and it talked about a pair of twin brothers, one being an ‘animal’ (Nandhu) and the other a ‘trained animal’ (Vijay). We wanted this contrast and started off from there. The ‘animal’ had to literally look the part, and that's why Kamal sir went bald and bulked up like never before [...] The ‘trained animal’ was a dashing commando with a logical approach. Usually, most twin films fail to show the real difference between both brothers. To bring out this contrast, Kamal shot for Vijay first and then took on the Nandhu character.
| source=—Suresh Krissna, in 2017<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/twin-it-to-win-it/article21259871.ece |title=Twin it to win it |last=Kaushik |first=L. M. |date=4 December 2017 |work=The Hindu |access-date=7 December 2017 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20171207175345/http://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/twin-it-to-win-it/article21259871.ece |archive-date=7 December 2017 |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X |url-status = dead|df=dmy-all }}</ref>
| align=right
| width = 25%
}}
<!-- https://www.siliconeer.com/past_issues/2000/august2000.html -->
In the early 1980s, Kamal Haasan wrote a story titled ''Dhayam'' for the journal, "Idhayam Pesugiradhu".<ref name="16YearsOfAalavandhan">{{Cite web |url=https://cinema.vikatan.com/amp/tamil-cinema/news/107962-16-years-of-aalavandhan-movie-special-article.html |title='ஆளவந்தான் உங்களுக்கு இன்ஸ்பிரேஷனா?' க்வென்டின் டாரன்டீனோவிடம் கேட்கப்பட்ட கேள்வி..! #16YearsOfAalavandhan |date=16 November 2017 |website=[[Ananda Vikatan]] |language=ta |trans-title='Is Aalavandhan an inspiration for you?' The question asked to Quentin Tarantino..! |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171116151919/https://cinema.vikatan.com/amp/tamil-cinema/news/107962-16-years-of-aalavandhan-movie-special-article.html |archive-date=16 November 2017 |url-status = dead|df=dmy-all }}</ref> He had discussed making the story into a film with [[K. Balachander]] during the period, but felt that the story was ahead of its time.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cinematoday2.itgo.com/Everyone%20is%20a%20ruler-to-be.htm|title=Everyone is a ruler|access-date=5 February 2016|archive-date=22 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222094643/http://cinematoday2.itgo.com/Everyone%20is%20a%20ruler-to-be.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2000, he picked up the story again and agreed to make the film with director [[Suresh Krissna]], a former assistant of Balachander, and producer [[S. Thanu]]. When Thanu had agreed to produce a film for Haasan, he had initially rejected the storylines of ''[[Pammal K. Sambandam]]'' and ''[[Nala Damayanthi (2003 film)|Nala Damayanthi]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cinema.maalaimalar.com/2013/10/17224553/Kamal-Hassan-starring-Aalavand.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150206182018/http://cinema.maalaimalar.com/2013/10/17224553/Kamal-Hassan-starring-Aalavand.html|title=கமலஹாசன் நடித்த 'ஆளவந்தான்' உருவான கதை – Kamal Hassan starring Aalavandhan film|trans-title=Making of Kamal Haasan starrer 'Aalavandhan'|archive-date=6 February 2015|work=maalaimalar.com|access-date=30 September 2022}}</ref> This prompted the pair to begin work on ''Dhayam'' instead, and the film was revealed to be called ''Aalavandhan'' in Tamil and ''Abhay'' in Hindi. ''Abhay'' was distributed by reputed Shringar Films.<ref name="Abhay">{{cite web|author=Subhash K Jha|year=2001|title=Fear becomes him! Getting under Kamal's skin|work=Rediff.com|access-date=24 January 2011|url=http://in.rediff.com/movies/2001/nov/10kamal.htm|archive-date=22 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110622103322/http://in.rediff.com/movies/2001/nov/10kamal.htm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="AbhayMusic">{{cite web|author=Vivek Fernandes|year=2001|title=Abhay sings a fearless tune|access-date=24 January 2011|url=http://getahead.rediff.com/entertai/2001/aug/25abhay.htm|archive-date=15 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715165208/http://getahead.rediff.com/entertai/2001/aug/25abhay.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Mahesh Mahadevan]] was signed on to compose the background music, [[Tirru]] was selected to be the cinematographer and Sameer Chanda was picked to be the art director. Actor [[Jayam Ravi]] also worked on the film as an assistant director.{{Sfn|Dhananjayan|2014|p = 405}}<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/success-begins-at-home/article3230588.ece|title=Success begins at home|work=The Hindu|date=7 September 2006 |access-date=5 February 2016|archive-date=28 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128072513/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/success-begins-at-home/article3230588.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- <ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-QVVfoz_A0  |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211219/c-QVVfoz_A0 |archive-date=2021-12-19 |url-status=live|title=Detailed Frame Analysis of Aalavandhan, Hey Ram & 24 With DOP Tirru |date=17 June 2017 |publisher=Behindwoods}}{{cbignore}}</ref> -->

The film was first announced with Haasan and [[Simran (actress)|Simran]]  and Bollywood actress [[Rani Mukerji]] in a special appearance. Both actresses left the project for its delay in start,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Search&Key=TOICH/2013/06/11/26/Ar02603.xml&CollName=TOI_CHENNAI_ARCHIVE_2009&DOCID=640098&Keyword=%28%3Cmany%3E%3Cstem%3EKamal%3Cand%3E%3Cmany%3E%3Cstem%3Esimran%3Cand%3E%3Cmany%3E%3Cstem%3Erani%29&skin=pastissues2&AppName=2&ViewMode=HTML |title=Did you Know? |website=The Times of India |access-date=13 August 2013 |archive-date=30 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150930235741/http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Search&Key=TOICH%2F2013%2F06%2F11%2F26%2FAr02603.xml&CollName=TOI_CHENNAI_ARCHIVE_2009&DOCID=640098&Keyword=%28%3Cmany%3E%3Cstem%3EKamal%3Cand%3E%3Cmany%3E%3Cstem%3Esimran%3Cand%3E%3Cmany%3E%3Cstem%3Erani%29&skin=pastissues2&AppName=2&ViewMode=HTML |url-status=live }}</ref> being replaced by [[Raveena Tandon]] and [[Manisha Koirala]]. Producer Dhanu had initially tried to cast [[Aishwarya Rai]] in the film, but the actress did not sign the project.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tamilstar.com/topnews/aish4.shtml |title=Tamil Star - News |website=www.tamilstar.com |access-date=11 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000818180520/http://www.tamilstar.com/topnews/aish4.shtml |archive-date=18 August 2000 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

Composer [[Harris Jayaraj]] was first approached by the producer to do music for the movie, and he assured to introduce him as a music composer before [[Minnale]]. But Harris refused as he owed to do his first movie with [[Gautham Vasudev Menon]]. Later, music trio [[Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy]] was signed as music composers.

{{Sfn|Dhananjayan|2014|p = 405}} The film featured Haasan in two distinct roles, for one of which he had his head shaved bald and gained ten kilograms. To play the other in the film, he went to the [[National Defence Academy (India)|National Defence Academy]] for a crash course and also consulted his co-actor [[Major Ravi]], who was a former officer in the [[Indian Army]].<ref name="madhu">{{cite web | url=http://in.rediff.com/movies/2003/nov/08kamal3.htm | title=The Kamal I know&nbsp;– Panicker | work=Rediff.com | access-date=21 January 2011 | year=2003 | archive-date=22 June 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110622104459/http://in.rediff.com/movies/2003/nov/08kamal3.htm | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chennaionline.com/location/alavanthaan.asp |title=Alavanthaan&nbsp;– on the floors |work=chennaionline.com |access-date=30 September 2015 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20050216210351/http://www.chennaionline.com/location/alavanthaan.asp |archive-date=16 February 2005 |url-status = dead|df=dmy }}</ref>  Stunt choreographer Grant Page, who had worked in the American film ''[[It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World]]'', was assigned to compose stunt sequences in Kashmir. Another fight sequence was shot in Delhi for 15 days using 39 cars with 3 cameras with a machine called Airramp brought from abroad for jumping scenes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cinema.maalaimalar.com/2013/10/18210008/aalavandhan-film-fight-views-f.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021035011/http://cinema.maalaimalar.com/2013/10/18210008/aalavandhan-film-fight-views-f.html|title=ஆளவந்தான் படத்துக்கு சண்டைக்காட்சிகள் அமைக்க வெளிநாட்டு நிபுணர்|trans-title=Stunts for the film Aalavandhan was choreographed by stunt master from abroad|archive-date=21 October 2013|work=maalaimalar.com|access-date=30 September 2022}}</ref><!-- http://www.rediff.com/movies/2008/jun/12sssuresh.htm -->

== Soundtrack ==
The soundtrack of the movie was composed by the music trio [[Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy]] making their debut in Tamil, and the film score is composed by [[Mahesh Mahadevan]]. The film features six tracks in both Tamil and Hindi 
versions with lyrics written by [[Vairamuthu]] and [[Javed Akhtar]] respectively.

The album of the film's Tamil version was released on 24 September 2001, and it created a record by selling over 2,00,000 copies in less than eight hours of its release.<ref name="abhaymusicsales">{{cite web|last=Fernandez|first=Vivek|title=Abhay sings a fearless tune|url=http://www.rediff.com/entertai/2001/aug/25abhay.htm|work=Rediff.com|access-date=24 June 2011|archive-date=26 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121026064924/http://www.rediff.com/entertai/2001/aug/25abhay.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> However, according to Rediff, it "did not live up to expectations."<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2001/nov/10south.htm|title=rediff.com, Movies: Ready, set, go...|website=www.rediff.com|access-date=10 January 2018|archive-date=10 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171210123045/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2001/nov/10south.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>
{{Infobox album|
| name         = Aalavandhan
| type         = [[Soundtrack]]
| artist       = [[Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy]]
| cover        = 
| alt          = 
| released     = 24 September 2001
| recorded     = 2001
| venue        = 
| studio       = 
| genre        = [[Film soundtrack|Feature film soundtrack]]
| length       = 27:20
| language     = [[Tamil Language|Tamil]]
| label        = [[Magnasound Records|Magnasound]]<br />[[Universal Music Group|Universal Music]]<br />[[Ayngaran International|Ayngaran Music]]<br />An Ak Audio<br />[[Sa Re Ga Ma]]
| producer     = [[Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy]]
| prev_title   = [[Dil Chahta Hai (soundtrack)|Dil Chahta Hai]]
| prev_year    = 2001
| next_title   = [[Yeh Kya Ho Raha Hai?]]
| next_year    = 2002
}}
{{tracklist
| headline        = Tamil track list<ref>{{cite web | url=https://itunes.apple.com/in/album/aalavanthan-original-motion/id818678308 | title=Aalavanthan (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)&nbsp;– EP | publisher=[[iTunes]] | access-date=30 September 2015 | archive-date=3 October 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151003080508/https://itunes.apple.com/in/album/aalavanthan-original-motion/id818678308 | url-status=live }}</ref>
| extra_column    = Singer(s)
| all_writing = [[Vairamuthu]]
| total_length = 27:20
| title1          = Africa Kaattu Puli
| extra1          = [[Nandini Srikar]]
| length1         = 4:57
| title2          = Aalavandhan
| extra2          = [[Shankar Mahadevan]]
| length2         = 3:19

| title3          = Kadavul Paadhi
| extra3          = [[Kamal Haasan]], Nandini
| length3         = 3:14

| title4          = Kadavul Paadhi
| extra4          = Kamal Haasan
| length4         = 2:41

| title5          = Siri Siri
| extra5          = Kamal Haasan, [[Mahalakshmi Iyer]]
| length5         = 6:23

| title6          = Un Azhagukku
| extra6          = Shankar Mahadevan, [[Sujatha Mohan]]
| length6         = 6:46
}}
{{Infobox album
| name         = Abhay
| type         = [[Soundtrack]]
| artist       = [[Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy]]
| cover        = 
| caption      = 
| alt          = 
| released     = 10 October 2001
| recorded     = 2001
| venue        = 
| studio       = 
| genre        = [[Film soundtrack|Feature film soundtrack]]
| length       = 27:28
| language     = [[Hindi]]
| label        = [[T-Series (company)|T-Series]]
| producer     = [[Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy]]
| prev_title   = [[Dil Chahta Hai (soundtrack)|Dil Chahta Hai]]
| prev_year    = 2001
| next_title   = [[Yeh Kya Ho Raha Hai?]]
| next_year    = 2002
}}
{{tracklist
| headline        = Hindi track list<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.saavn.com/s/album/hindi/Abhay-OST-2008/RGWOMkW,,-A_ | title=Abhay (OST) | date=2 December 2008 | publisher=[[Saavn]] | access-date=30 September 2015 | archive-date=1 October 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151001090944/http://www.saavn.com/s/album/hindi/Abhay-OST-2008/RGWOMkW,,-A_ | url-status=live }}</ref>
| extra_column    = Singer(s)
| all_writing = [[Javed Akhtar]]
|total_length = 27:28
| title1          = Zingoria (Joote Ke Chaal Liye)
| extra1          = [[Nandini Srikar]]
| length1         = 4:58
| title2          = Aa Gaya Hai Dekho Abhay
| extra2          = Shankar Mahadevan
| length2         = 3:21
| title3          = Kal Tak Mujhko Gaurav Tha
| extra3          = Kamal Haasan
| length3         = 3:16
| title4          = Hey! Who Are you
| extra4          = Kamal Haasan, [[Manisha Koirala]]
| length4         = 2:43
| title5          = Hans De Hans De
| extra5          = Shankar Mahadevan, Kamal Haasan, Mahalakshmi Iyer
| length5         = 6:23
| title6          = Koyal Se Mili Tumko
| extra6          = Shankar Mahadevan, Sujatha Mohan
| length6         = 6:47
}}
<!-- do ''not'' include the Telugu track list unless a reliable source is found ;Telugu version
{{Infobox album|
| name         = Abhay
| type         = [[Soundtrack]]
| artist       = [[Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy]]
| cover        = 
| caption      = 
| alt          = 
| released     = 2 November 2001
| recorded     = 2001
| venue        = 
| studio       = 
| genre        = [[Film soundtrack|Feature film soundtrack]]
| length       = 27:26
| language     = [[Telugu Language|Telugu]]
| label        = [[Magnasound Records]]<br />[[T-Series (company)|T-Series]]
| producer     = [[Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy]]
| prev_title   = [[Dil Chahta Hai (soundtrack)|Dil Chahta Hai]]
| prev_year    = 2001
| next_title   = [[Yeh Kya Ho Raha Hai?]]
| next_year    = 2002
}}-->
<!-- do ''not'' include the Telugu track list unless a reliable source is found ;Telugu version
{{tracklist
| headline        = Telugu track list<ref>{{cite web | url=https://itunes.apple.com/in/album/abhay-original-motion-picture/id586986864 | title=Abhay (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)&nbsp;– EP | publisher=iTunes | access-date=30 September 2015 | archive-date=3 October 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151003080409/https://itunes.apple.com/in/album/abhay-original-motion-picture/id586986864 | url-status=live }}</ref>
|all_writing = [[Vennelakanti]]
| extra_column    = Singer(s)
|total_length = 27:26
| title1         = Andamaina Aadapuli
| extra1          = [[Swarnalatha]]
| length1         = 4:59
| title2          = Kannulalo Merupu
| extra2          = [[S. P. Balasubrahmanyam]], Sujatha Mohan
| length2         = 6:47
| title3          = Nuvvu Evaro ! What are you !
| extra3          = S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, [[Harini (singer)|Harini]]
| length3         = 2:42
| title4          = Aggipidugai
| extra4          = S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
| length4         = 3:20
| title5          = Dhaivam Sagamai
| extra5          = S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
| length5         = 3:16
| title6          = Navu Navu
| extra6          = S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, Harini
| length6         = 6:22
}}-->

== Release ==
Started on a budget of {{INR}}7 crore, ''Aalavandhan'' costs tripled by the time of release.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cinema.maalaimalar.com/2013/10/20223142/Aalavandhan-film-disappointed.html|title=Aalavandhan cost trebled to 25 crore|work=Maalaimalar|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131111085704/http://cinema.maalaimalar.com/2013/10/20223142/Aalavandhan-film-disappointed.html|archive-date=11 November 2022}}</ref> The film was released on 16 November 2001, during [[Diwali]].<ref name="16YearsOfAalavandhan" /> The Hindi version ''Abhay'' was bought over in Maharashtra by the reputed Shringar Films. The number of prints in Tamil Nadu had been increased by almost 5 times the average.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://in.rediff.com/movies/2003/nov/07kamal.htm|title=Fear becomes Kamal|access-date=22 January 2011|last=K Jha|first=Subhash|date=10 November 2002|work=www.rediff.com|archive-date=22 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110622041930/http://in.rediff.com/movies/2003/nov/07kamal.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> Both ''Aalavandhan'' and ''Abhay'' got A (adults only) certificate from the [[Central Board of Film Certification|CBFC]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Strptease act: Kamal Haasan to do full monty in his next film|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/kamal-haasan-to-go-full-monty-in-his-next-film/1/245217.html|access-date=11 July 2017|website=[[India Today]]|date=13 November 2000|archive-date=28 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128072458/https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/eyecatchers/story/20001113-kamal-haasan-to-go-full-monty-in-his-next-film-778433-2000-11-13|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=15 Years of Aalavandhan: Five lesser known facts about Kamal Haasan's psychological thriller: Haasan went naked for Nandu's character.|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/gallery/15-years-of-aalavandhan-lesser-known-facts-about-kamal-haasan-pychological-thriller/2/18538.html|access-date=11 July 2017|website=[[India Today]]|date=14 November 2016|archive-date=30 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161130181303/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/gallery/15-years-of-aalavandhan-lesser-known-facts-about-kamal-haasan-pychological-thriller/2/18538.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Later, both were re-examined upon request to get a UA certificate.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://movies.syzygy.in/censor/aalavandaan-celluloid|title=Aalavandaan (Celluloid) &#124; Movies & Lyrics|website=movies.syzygy.in|access-date=23 March 2016|archive-date=7 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160407040352/http://movies.syzygy.in/censor/aalavandaan-celluloid|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://movies.syzygy.in/censor/abhay-celluloid-0|title=Abhay (Celluloid) &#124; Movies & Lyrics|website=movies.syzygy.in|access-date=23 March 2016|archive-date=6 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160406225950/http://movies.syzygy.in/censor/abhay-celluloid-0|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://movies.syzygy.in/censor/aalavandaan-video|title=Aalavandaan (Video) &#124; Movies & Lyrics|website=movies.syzygy.in|access-date=23 March 2016|archive-date=6 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160406204156/http://movies.syzygy.in/censor/aalavandaan-video|url-status=live}}</ref>

The film was the top opener of the Diwali weekend at the box office but was not successful. According to [[Bollywood Hungama]], ''Abhay'' collected {{INR}}93.35 lakh at the box Office.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/abhay/box-office/|title=Abhay Box Office Collection till Now &#124; Box Collection - Bollywood Hungama|first=Bollywood|last=Hungama|access-date=24 August 2020|archive-date=1 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200601025649/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/abhay/box-office/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/fr/2002/11/08/stories/2002110801030300.htm |location=Chennai, India |title=As star power wanes |date=8 November 2002 |url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140607065307/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/fr/2002/11/08/stories/2002110801030300.htm |work=[[The Hindu]] |archive-date=7 June 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-slide-shows/movie-3/kollywoods-face-off/kamal-thanu.html|title=Kollywood's famous Face-Offs&nbsp;– Behindwoods.com&nbsp;– Tamil Movie Slide Shows|work=Behindwoods|access-date=30 September 2015|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924051749/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-slide-shows/movie-3/kollywoods-face-off/kamal-thanu.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Reception ==
<!-- https://web.archive.org/web/20171016053258/https://uiowa.edu/indiancinema/abhay -->
Initial reviews at the time of the film's release were mixed. Malathi Rangarajan of ''[[The Hindu]]'' said, "Too much publicity can sometimes affect a film adversely, because of the great expectations triggered. In the case of ''Aalavandhan'', the hype and hoopla built up for months seems justified&nbsp;— to a certain extent".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/fr/2001/11/16/stories/2001111600670200.htm |title=Aalavandhaan |date=16 November 2001 |access-date=29 November 2016 |location=Chennai, India |url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031009011326/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/fr/2001/11/16/stories/2001111600670200.htm |archive-date=9 October 2003 |work=[[The Hindu]] |df=dmy }}</ref> The film won the [[National Film Award for Best Special Effects]] at the [[49th National Film Awards]] in 2002.<ref>{{cite web|title=49th National Film Awards|url=http://iffi.nic.in/Dff2011/Frm49NFAAward.aspx|publisher=[[Directorate of Film Festivals]]|access-date=29 November 2014|pages=62–63|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224105444/http://iffi.nic.in/Dff2011/Frm49NFAAward.aspx|archive-date=24 December 2013|url-status = dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

Reviewing the Hindi version ''Abhay'', [[Taran Adarsh]] said, "On the whole, ''Abhay'' has nothing to offer to the masses or the classes. Poor".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/abhay/critic-review/|title=Abhay movie review|author=Taran Adarsh|date=14 November 2001|website=[[Bollywood Hungama]]|access-date=17 October 2001|archive-date=28 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128072440/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/abhay/critic-review/abhay-movie-review/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Rediff]] author R. Swaminathan said, "What happens when an exceptionally talented actor develops an inexplicable urge to delve into the dark side of the human psyche, and worse, decides to paint the town red about it? Well, for one, you get a film called ''Abhay''."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rediff.com/entertai/2001/nov/13abhay.htm|title=Swaminathan reviews Abhay|author=R Swaminathan|date=13 November 2001|website=rediff.com|access-date=16 October 2017|archive-date=17 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171017042432/http://www.rediff.com/entertai/2001/nov/13abhay.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>  Vijay Ramanan of Planet Bollywood rated the film 5.5 out of 10, saying, "The film falls flat on its face because of its failure in the two most important departments of filmmaking&nbsp;– scriptwriting, and direction [...] It almost seems as if Kamal Haasan and Suresh Krishna were high on drugs while making this film."<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.planetbollywood.com/displayReview.php?id=032706014019|title=Abhay&nbsp;– movie review by Vijay Ramanan&nbsp;– Planet Bollywood|website=www.planetbollywood.com|access-date=18 October 2017|archive-date=18 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171018092957/http://www.planetbollywood.com/displayReview.php?id=032706014019|url-status=live}}</ref> Smriti Kashyap of ''fullhyd.com'' said "The movie is a huge letdown. It lacks the pop, snap and crackle to fill you with enough guts to potter down to the theater and watch it. Catch it on the CD, it's easier on the brains."<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://movies.fullhyderabad.com/abhay/hindi/abhay-movie-reviews-240-2.html|title=Abhay Movie Review|website=movies.fullhyderabad.com|access-date=18 October 2017|archive-date=18 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171018093847/http://movies.fullhyderabad.com/abhay/hindi/abhay-movie-reviews-240-2.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Although the film failed commercially, it was positively received over the next few years, subsequently becoming a [[Cult film|cult classic]], with some critics stating that the film was "way ahead of its time".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/kamal-haasans-cult-film-aalavandhans-digitally-remastered-version-to-release-soon-3512263.html|title=Kamal Haasan's cult film Aalavandhan's digitally remastered version to release soon - Entertainment News , Firstpost|date=3 June 2017|website=Firstpost|access-date=24 August 2020|archive-date=26 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191226114301/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/kamal-haasans-cult-film-aalavandhans-digitally-remastered-version-to-release-soon-3512263.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The film was shown in the 2016 [[Fantastic Fest]], where it was acclaimed by the American audiences.<ref name="Indiatoday.in">{{cite web|title=Kamal Haasan's Aalavandhan at Fantastic Fest: After 15 years, the film gets much-needed attention|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/aalavandhan-at-fantastic-fest-2016-kamal-haasan-dayam-fans-cheer/1/778175.html|publisher=[[Indiatoday.in]]|access-date=9 November 2016|archive-date=10 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161110054030/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/aalavandhan-at-fantastic-fest-2016-kamal-haasan-dayam-fans-cheer/1/778175.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2013, Rediff included the film in its list, "The 10 Best Films of Kamal Haasan".<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/slide-show-1-the-10-best-films-of-kamal-haasan-south/20131107.htm|title=The 10 BEST Films of Kamal Haasan|work=Rediff|access-date=10 January 2018|archive-date=14 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141214073232/http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/slide-show-1-the-10-best-films-of-kamal-haasan-south/20131107.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Awards ==
{{Unreferenced section|date=April 2022}}
'''[[National Film Awards]]'''
* [[National Film Award for Best Special Effects|Best Special Effects]] - N. Madhusudhanan

'''[[Tamil Nadu State Film Awards]]'''
* [[Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Editor|Best Editor]] - [[Kasi Viswanathan]]

== Re-release ==
Following the film's positive response at the 2016 Fantastic Fest, a digitally restored version was announced.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/kamal-haasans-cult-film-aalavandhans-digitally-remastered-version-to-release-soon-3512263.html|title=Kamal Haasan's cult film Aalavandhan's digitally remastered version to release soon|date=3 June 2017|work=Firstpost|access-date=3 June 2017|language=en-US|archive-date=3 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170603094148/http://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/kamal-haasans-cult-film-aalavandhans-digitally-remastered-version-to-release-soon-3512263.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Alternate cut ==
In April 2021, Thanu announced that he would release a re-edited version of ''Aalavandhan''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Thanu says he will rewrite, re-edit and re-release Kamal Haasan's 'Aalavandhan' |url=https://www.sify.com/movies/thanu-says-he-will-rewrite-re-edit-and-re-release-kamal-haasans-aalavandhan-news-tamil-vehea9gdcebic.html |website=[[Sify]] |access-date=13 April 2021 |language=en |date=7 April 2021 |archive-date=10 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410180615/https://www.sify.com/movies/thanu-says-he-will-rewrite-re-edit-and-re-release-kamal-haasans-aalavandhan-news-tamil-vehea9gdcebic.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

== Legacy ==
The song "Kadavul Paathi Mirugam Paathi" inspired a 2015 film of [[Kadavul Paathi Mirugam Paathi|same name]] directed by Raaj Menon.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/southern-cinema-popular-dialogues-songs-inspire-film-titles-news-others-olcmujcbhbjcb.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019113625/http://www.sify.com/movies/southern-cinema-popular-dialogues-songs-inspire-film-titles-news-others-olcmujcbhbjcb.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=19 October 2017|title=Southern cinema: Popular dialogues, songs inspire film titles|date=2 November 2014|website=Sify|access-date=5 May 2021}}</ref>

== References ==
{{Reflist|30em}}

== Bibliography ==
* {{cite book|last=Dhananjayan|first=G.|title=Pride of Tamil Cinema: 1931 to 2013|date=2014|publisher=Blue Ocean Publishers|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=e07vBwAAQBAJ|isbn=978-93-84301-05-7}}

== External links ==
* {{IMDb title|id=0294264}}
* [http://www.rediff.com/entertai/abhay/abhay.html ''Abhay'' on rediff.com]

{{National Film Award Best Special Effects|state=collapsed}}
{{Suresh Krissna}}
{{Kamal Haasan}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:2001 films]]
[[Category:Films based on Indian novels]]
[[Category:2001 action thriller films]]
[[Category:Indian action thriller films]]
[[Category:Films directed by Suresh Krissna]]
[[Category:Twins in Indian films]]
[[Category:Indian multilingual films]]
[[Category:2001 psychological thriller films]]
[[Category:Indian films with live action and animation]]
[[Category:2000s Tamil-language films]]
[[Category:2000s Hindi-language films]]
[[Category:Films with screenplays by Kamal Haasan]]
[[Category:Films scored by Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy]]
[[Category:Tamil-language psychological thriller films]]
[[Category:Indian Army in films]]
[[Category:Magic realism films]]
[[Category:Films that won the Best Special Effects National Film Award]]
[[Category:2001 multilingual films]]
[[Category:Hindi-language thriller films]]
[[Category:Child abuse in fiction]]