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{{short description|2021 Indian film by Prabu Solomon}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2021}}
{{Use Indian English|date=August 2018}}
{{Infobox film
| name = Kaadan Aranya Haathi Mere Saathi
| alt =
| image = Kaadan Poster.jpg
| caption = Release poster (Tamil version)
| director = [[Prabhu Solomon]]
| producer = [[Eros International]]
| writer = Prabhu Solomon [[Vanamali]] (Telugu dialogues) Niranjan Iyengar (Hindi dialogues)
| starring = {{ubl|[[Rana Daggubati]]|[[Vishnu Vishal]] (Tamil and Telugu)|[[Pulkit Samrat]] (Hindi)|[[Zoya Hussain]]|[[Shriya Pilgaonkar]]}}
| music = [[Shantanu Moitra]]
| cinematography = A. R. Ashok Kumar
| editing = Buvan
| studio = [[Eros International]]
| distributor = {{ubl|Eros International|'''Hindi version''': [[Zee Cinema]] [[Eros Now]]}}
| released = {{film date|df=y|2021|03|26|Tamil and Telugu|2021|09|18|Hindi}}
| runtime = 178 minutes
| country = India
| language = {{ubl|Tamil|Telugu|Hindi}}
| budget =
| gross =
}}

'''''Kaadan''''' ({{translation|Forester}}) in [[Tamil language|Tamil]], '''''Aranya''''' ({{translation|Forester}}) in [[Telugu language|Telugu]], and '''''Haathi Mere Saathi''''' in [[Hindi]] ({{translation|Elephants are my friends}}), is a 2021 Indian [[action adventure film]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ghosh |first=Devarsi |date=22 March 2021 |title=How Rana Daggubati lost weight and gained new insights into nature for 'Haathi Mere Saathi' |url=https://scroll.in/reel/990218/how-rana-daggubati-lost-weight-and-gained-new-insights-into-nature-for-haathi-mere-saathi |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211202053702/https://scroll.in/reel/990218/how-rana-daggubati-lost-weight-and-gained-new-insights-into-nature-for-haathi-mere-saathi |archive-date=2 December 2021 |access-date=2021-12-02 |website=Scroll.in |quote=All of this is delivered in an action-adventure tone, the most fun way to consume this story.}}</ref> written and directed by [[Prabhu Solomon]].<ref>{{Cite news |title='Haathi Mere Saathi' completes second schedule |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/haathi-mere-saathi-completes-second-schedule/articleshow/64455673.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180906073033/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/haathi-mere-saathi-completes-second-schedule/articleshow/64455673.cms |archive-date=6 September 2018 |access-date=9 August 2018 |work=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref> Produced by [[Eros International]], the film stars [[Rana Daggubati]], [[Vishnu Vishal]] (Tamil and Telugu), [[Pulkit Samrat]] (Hindi), [[Shriya Pilgaonkar]], and [[Zoya Hussain]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ians |date=2 January 2018 |title=Rana unveils his new look in "Haathi Mere Saathi" |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/rana-unveils-his-new-look-in-haathi-mere-saathi/article22349566.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220524144935/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/rana-unveils-his-new-look-in-haathi-mere-saathi/article22349566.ece |archive-date=24 May 2022 |access-date=9 August 2018 |work=The Hindu}}</ref> It was filmed simultaneously in Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi languages, each with slightly different cast members.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Iyengar |first=Shriram |title=Haathi Mere Saathi first look: Rana Daggubati is intense, fierce as Bandev |url=https://www.cinestaan.com/articles/2018/jan/2/10161/haathi-mere-saathi-first-look-rana-daggubati-is-intense-fierce-as-bandev |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180829213636/https://www.cinestaan.com/articles/2018/jan/2/10161/haathi-mere-saathi-first-look-rana-daggubati-is-intense-fierce-as-bandev |archive-date=29 August 2018 |access-date=9 August 2018 |website=Cinestaan}}</ref>

''Kaadan'' and ''Aranya'' were released on 26 March 2021, delayed from the initial release of 2 April 2020 due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]]. The theatrical release of ''Haathi Mere Saathi'' was put on hold which subsequently opted for a [[direct-to-video]] release on [[Zee Cinema]] and [[Eros Now]] on 18 September 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |date=3 September 2021 |title=Rana Daggubati's Haathi Mere Saathi to premiere on TV on September 18 |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/rana-daggubati-s-haathi-mere-saathi-to-premiere-on-tv-on-september-18-1848771-2021-09-03 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210903100243/https://www.indiatoday.in/amp/movies/regional-cinema/story/rana-daggubati-s-haathi-mere-saathi-to-premiere-on-tv-on-september-18-1848771-2021-09-03 |archive-date=3 September 2021 |access-date=3 September 2021 |website=India Today}}</ref> The film was promoted as a comic strip by famous children's magazine, [[Tinkle]] as Little Bandev.

==Plot==
{{more plot|section|date=February 2022}}
Kaadan (Tamil)/Aranya (Telugu)/Bandev (Hindi) is a true-blue animal film signifying a deep and strong bond between humans and animals.

== Cast ==
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Cast (Tamil/Telugu)
!Cast (Hindi)
!Role (Tamil)
!Role (Telugu)
!Role (Hindi)
|-
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;"| [[Rana Daggubati]] ||style="text-align:center;"| Veerabharathi "Kaadan" ||style="text-align:center;"| Narendra Bhupathi "Aranya" ||style="text-align:center;"| Sumitranandan "Bandev"
|-
| style="text-align:center;"|[[Vishnu Vishal]] || style="text-align:center;"|[[Pulkit Samrat]] || style="text-align:center;"|Maaran || style="text-align:center;" |Singa || style="text-align:center;" |Shankar
|-
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;"| [[Zoya Hussain]] ||style="text-align:center;"| Aruvi || colspan="2" style="text-align:center;"|Arvi
|-
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;"|[[Shriya Pilgaonkar]] || colspan="3" style="text-align:center;"| Arundhati
|-
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;"| [[Ravi Kale]] || colspan="3" style="text-align:center;"| Superintendent of Police
|-
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;"| [[Anant Mahadevan]] || style="text-align:center;"|Kurinjinathan ||style="text-align:center;"| Kanakamedala Raja Gopalam || style="text-align:center;"|Jagannath Sevak
|-
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;"| [[Sheeba Chaddha]] || colspan="3" style="text-align:center;"| Judge
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| [[Srinath (Tamil actor)|Srinath]] || style="text-align:center;"| Paristosh Sand || colspan="3" style="text-align:center;"| Attorney
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| [[Bose Venkat]] || style="text-align:center;"| [[Vishwajeet Pradhan]] || colspan="3" style="text-align:center;"| Divisional Forest Officer
|-
|style="text-align:center;"| [[Raghu Babu]] || style="text-align:center;"|Ankit Sagar || style="text-align:center;"|Maaran's uncle ||style="text-align:center;"| Singa's uncle || style="text-align:center;" | Shankar's uncle
|-
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;"| [[Bhuvan Arora]] || style="text-align:center;"|Maadan || colspan="2" style="text-align:center;"| Aarav
|-
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;"| Rayala Harishchandra || colspan="3" style="text-align:center;"| Village Head<ref>{{Cite web |date=12 December 2021 |title=Exclusive: #BehindTheCamera! Except for the personal make-up of the star actor, all others have no importance on the film sets: Make-up designer turned actor Rayala Harishchandra. |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/exclusive-behindthecamera-except-for-the-personal-make-up-man-of-the-star-actor-all-others-are-ill-treated-on-the-film-sets-make-up-designer-turned-actor-rayala-harishchandra-/articleshow/88209788.cms |access-date=12 October 2024 |website=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref>
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| [[Sampath Ram]] || style="text-align:center;"| Alok Gagdekar || style="text-align:center;"| Moorthy ([[Indian Forest Service|DFO]]) || style="text-align:center;"|Aadi (DFO) || style="text-align:center;"| Ajit (DFO)
|-
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;"| [[TSR Srinivasan]] || colspan="3" style="text-align:center;"| District Collector
|-
|}

== Production ==
The film was announced on 13 December 2017.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Rana Daggubati on Twitter |url=https://twitter.com/RanaDaggubati/status/941017563856646144 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180101192622/https://twitter.com/ranadaggubati/status/941017563856646144 |archive-date=1 January 2018 |access-date=9 September 2018 |via=Twitter}}</ref>{{Primary source inline|date=December 2021}} [[Prabhu Solomon]] wanted to bring the issue of elephant abuse to the light.<ref>{{Cite news |date=12 February 2020 |title=Kaadan is a soulful film: Rana Daggubati |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/kaadan-is-a-soulful-film-rana-daggubati/articleshow/74098181.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210621161747/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/kaadan-is-a-soulful-film-rana-daggubati/articleshow/74098181.cms |archive-date=21 June 2021 |access-date=18 April 2020 |work=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref> Unnikrishnan, an elephant who played a role in ''[[Kumki (film)#Sequel|Kumki 2]]'', also plays a pivotal role in the film. Hindi actress [[Zoya Hussain]] was signed to play a role.<ref name="hindu">{{Cite web |date=3 February 2018 |title=Mukkabaaz actress Zoya Hussain to star in Haathi Mere Saathi? |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/bollywood/020218/zoya-hussain-in-haathi-mere-saathi.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190115185313/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/bollywood/020218/zoya-hussain-in-haathi-mere-saathi.html |archive-date=15 January 2019 |access-date=15 January 2019 |website=Deccan Chronicle}}</ref> [[Rana Daggubati]] shed 15 kilograms for this film by eating vegetarian food for six weeks.<ref>{{Cite news |date=4 January 2018 |title=Rana Daggubati sheds 15 Kg for his upcoming film Haathi Mere Saathi |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/bollywood/040118/rana-daggubati-sheds-15-kg-for-his-upcoming-film-haathi-mere-saathi.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180829150809/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/bollywood/040118/rana-daggubati-sheds-15-kg-for-his-upcoming-film-haathi-mere-saathi.html |archive-date=29 August 2018 |access-date=9 August 2018 |work=Deccan Chronicle}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=18 February 2020 |title=Jungle Book: Rana Daggubati spends 200 days in different forests for 'Kaadan' |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2020/feb/18/jungle-book-rana-daggubati-spends-200-days-in-different-forests-for-kaadan-2104852.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200219124716/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2020/feb/18/jungle-book-rana-daggubati-spends-200-days-in-different-forests-for-kaadan-2104852.html |archive-date=19 February 2020 |access-date=10 May 2020 |website=The New Indian Express}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Dundoo |first=Sangeetha Devi |date=2 March 2020 |title=Into the wild: Rana Daggubati on 'Kaadan' and running with herds of elephants |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/into-the-wild-rana-daggubati-on-kaadan-and-running-with-herds-of-elephants/article30963293.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200306222731/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/into-the-wild-rana-daggubati-on-kaadan-and-running-with-herds-of-elephants/article30963293.ece |archive-date=6 March 2020 |access-date=10 May 2020 |work=The Hindu}}</ref> The makers initially announced [[Kalki Koechlin]] to play a role in the film, however, she was replaced by [[Shriya Pilgaonkar]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Shriya Pilgaonkar replaces Kalki Koechlin in Rana Daggubati's Haathi Mere Saathi |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/hindi/2019/jan/12/shriya-pilgaonkar-replaces-kalki-koechlin-in-haathi-mere-saathi-1923884.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210622180555/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/hindi/2019/jan/12/shriya-pilgaonkar-replaces-kalki-koechlin-in-haathi-mere-saathi-1923884.html |archive-date=22 June 2021 |access-date=17 February 2020 |website=The New Indian Express}}</ref> [[Vishnu Vishal]] was signed to play a role in the Tamil and Telugu versions while [[Pulkit Samrat]] reprised his role in the Hindi version.<ref>{{Cite news |date=21 January 2019 |title=Vishnu Vishal wraps up 20-day schedule for Kaadan |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/vishnu-vishal-wraps-up-20-day-schedule-for-kaadan/articleshow/67626872.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190124144136/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/vishnu-vishal-wraps-up-20-day-schedule-for-kaadan/articleshow/67626872.cms |archive-date=24 January 2019 |access-date=10 May 2020 |work=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=11 February 2020 |title=Vishnu Vishal's look from Kaadan released |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/news/2020/feb/11/vishnu-vishals-look-from-kaadan-released-16988.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201027063305/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/news/2020/feb/11/vishnu-vishals-look-from-kaadan-released-16988.html |archive-date=27 October 2020 |access-date=19 May 2020 |website=[[Cinema Express]]}}</ref>

== Release ==

Initially scheduled for release on 2 April 2020, the film release was then indefinitely postponed due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]],<ref name="rdpost">{{Cite news |date=16 March 2020 |title=Haathi Mere Saathi postponed due to coronavirus outbreak |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/news/2020/mar/16/haathi-mere-saathi-postponed-due-to-coronavirus-outbreak-17569.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805134445/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/news/2020/mar/16/haathi-mere-saathi-postponed-due-to-coronavirus-outbreak-17569.html |archive-date=5 August 2020 |access-date=16 March 2020 |work=Cinema Express}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=16 March 2020 |title=Makers of Kaadan announces the film's postponement |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/makers-of-kaadan-announces-the-films-postponement/articleshow/74653172.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200318122034/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/makers-of-kaadan-announces-the-films-postponement/articleshow/74653172.cms |archive-date=18 March 2020 |access-date=18 April 2020 |work=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref> before being rescheduled to be released on 15 January 2021 to coincide with [[Pongal (festival)|Pongal festival]].<ref name="toi:reld">{{Cite web |date=21 October 2020 |title=Vishnu Vishal-Rana-starrer Kaadan slated for a Pongal release in theatres |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/vishnu-vishal-rana-starrer-kaadan-slated-for-a-pongal-release-in-theatres/articleshow/78783873.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029141313/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/vishnu-vishal-rana-starrer-kaadan-slated-for-a-pongal-release-in-theatres/articleshow/78783873.cms |archive-date=29 October 2020 |access-date=6 January 2021 |website=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref> In January 2021, the film has been announced to release on 26 March 2021.<ref>{{Cite news |date=6 January 2021 |title=Rana Daggubati and Vishnu Vishal's 'Kaadan' to release on 26 March |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/rana-daggubati-and-vishnu-vishals-kaadan-to-release-on-march-26/articleshow/80130776.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210106081722/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/rana-daggubati-and-vishnu-vishals-kaadan-to-release-on-march-26/articleshow/80130776.cms |archive-date=6 January 2021 |access-date=6 January 2021 |work=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref>

In March 2021, owing to the COVID-19 situation, the release of Hindi version ''Haathi Mere Saathi'' has been postponed. Tamil and Telugu versions, however, are released as scheduled.<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 March 2021 |title=Rana Daggubati's Haathi Mere Saathi theatrical release postponed due to rise in COVID-19 cases |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/rana-daggubatis-haathi-mere-saathi-theatrical-release-deferred-due-to-rise-in-covid-19-cases-7241489/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210323211712/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/rana-daggubatis-haathi-mere-saathi-theatrical-release-deferred-due-to-rise-in-covid-19-cases-7241489/ |archive-date=23 March 2021 |access-date=24 March 2021 |website=The Indian Express}}</ref> The Hindi version is set to have a [[direct-to-video]] release on the television channel [[Zee Cinema]] followed by the streaming platform [[Eros Now]] on 18 September 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |date=3 September 2021 |title=Rana Daggubati's Haathi Mere Saathi to premiere on TV on September 18 |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/rana-daggubati-s-haathi-mere-saathi-to-premiere-on-tv-on-september-18-1848771-2021-09-03 |website=India Today}}</ref>

== Music ==
{{Infobox album
| name = Kaadan Aranya Haathi Mere Saathi
| type = Soundtrack
| artist = [[Shantanu Moitra]]
| cover =
| alt =
| released = 17 March 2021 (All languages)<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 February 2020 |title=Kaadan (Tamil) - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack |url=https://www.jiosaavn.com/album/kaadan/Yobb0NSWSTY_ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919105055/https://www.jiosaavn.com/album/kaadan/Yobb0NSWSTY_ |archive-date=19 September 2020 |access-date=24 March 2021 |publisher=Jio Saavn}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Aranya (Telugu) - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack |url=https://www.jiosaavn.com/album/aranya/tTdEp83gHbo_ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210418045225/https://www.jiosaavn.com/album/aranya/tTdEp83gHbo_ |archive-date=18 April 2021 |access-date=24 March 2021 |publisher=Jio Saavn}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Haathi Mere Saathi (Hind) - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack |url=https://www.jiosaavn.com/album/haathi-mere-saathi/rrXU0j5ywu4_ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417185930/https://www.jiosaavn.com/album/haathi-mere-saathi/rrXU0j5ywu4_ |archive-date=17 April 2021 |access-date=24 March 2021 |publisher=Jio Saavn}}</ref>
| recorded = 2019–20
| venue =
| studio =
| genre = [[Feature film soundtrack]]
| language = [[Tamil language|Tamil]] [[Telugu language|Telugu]] [[Hindi]]
| length = {{plainlist|
*{{Duration|m=14|s=23}} ([[Tamil language|Tamil]])
*{{Duration|m=14|s=22}} ([[Telugu language|Telugu]])
*{{Duration|m=14|s=25}} ([[Hindi]])
}}
| label = [[Eros Music]]
| producer = [[Eros International]]
| prev_title =
| prev_year =
| next_title =
| next_year =
}}

The music for the film has been composed by [[Shantanu Moitra]] and lyrics written by [[Swanand Kirkire]] (Hindi version) and [[Vanamali]] (Tamil and Telugu versions).

{{Track listing
| headline = Tamil
| total_length = 14:23
| extra_column = Singer(s)
| title1 = Thaalaattu Paadum
| extra1 = [[Haricharan]]
| length1 = 4:53
| title2 = Chinna China
| extra2 = Haricharan
| length2 = 4:24
| title3 = Idhayame
| extra3 = Javed Ali
| length3 = 5:06
}}
{{Track listing
| headline = Telugu
| total_length = 14:22
| extra_column = Singer(s)
| title1 = Chitike 'Se' Aa Chirugaali
| extra1 = [[Haricharan]]
| length1 = 4:53
| title2 = Vellu Vellu
| extra2 = Haricharan
| length2 = 4:24
| title3 = Hrudayame
| extra3 = Javed Ali
| length3 = 5:06
}}
{{Track listing
| headline= Hindi
| total_length= 14:25
| extra_column=Singer(s)
| title1 = Shukriya
| extra1 = [[Rituraj Mohanty]]
| length1 = 4:53
| title2 = Dheeme Dheeme
| extra2 = Adriz Gosh
| length2 = 4:26
| title3 = Ae Hawa
| extra3 = [[Javed Ali]]
| length3 = 5:06
}}

== Reception ==

=== ''Aranya'' ===
''[[The Times of India]]'' critic Suhas Yelupantla rated the film 3.5 stars of 5 and calling it an "engaging ride." He added that, "The first few minutes of the film are among the best. The visual effects, backed by the background score is spot on. The portrayal of the elephants is even better."<ref>{{Citation |title=Aranya Movie Review: An engaging ride |work=[[The Times of India]] |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movie-reviews/aranya/movie-review/81697089.cms |access-date=26 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210325211652/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movie-reviews/aranya/movie-review/81697089.cms |archive-date=25 March 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref>

Sangeetha Devi Dundoo of ''[[The Hindu]]'' felt that the film could have been better, and added "Rana singularly tries to hold things together, trying to save the elephants as well as the film."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Dundoo |first=Sangeetha Devi |date=26 March 2021 |title='Aranya'/'Kaadan' movie review: The jungle giants deserved better |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/reviews/aranyakaadan-review-the-jungle-giants-deserved-better/article34167925.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210326070411/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/reviews/aranyakaadan-review-the-jungle-giants-deserved-better/article34167925.ece |archive-date=26 March 2021 |access-date=26 March 2021 |work=The Hindu}}</ref> Hemanth Kumar, in his review for the ''[[Firstpost]]'', also echoed the same, stating that: "Rana Daggubati's film on ecosystem conservation, is educational but exceptionally insipid."<ref>{{Cite web |date=26 March 2021 |title=Aranya movie review: Rana Daggubati and the elephants deserve a better film |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/aranya-movie-review-rana-daggubati-and-the-elephants-deserve-a-better-film-9465651.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220118135426/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/aranya-movie-review-rana-daggubati-and-the-elephants-deserve-a-better-film-9465651.html |archive-date=18 January 2022 |access-date=26 March 2021 |website=Firstpost}}</ref> ''[[The Indian Express]]'' journalist Manoj Kumar rated the film 2/5 and called it "sub-standard." He added that ''Aranya'' was redeemed by its cinematography, [[Resul Pookutty]]'s sound design, and Daggubati's acting."<ref>{{Cite web |date=26 March 2021 |title=Aranya movie review: Rana Daggubati and a worthy cause let down by a sub-standard film |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/aranya-movie-review-rana-daggubati-and-a-worthy-cause-let-down-by-a-sub-standard-film-7246559/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210326111413/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/aranya-movie-review-rana-daggubati-and-a-worthy-cause-let-down-by-a-sub-standard-film-7246559/ |archive-date=26 March 2021 |access-date=26 March 2021 |website=The Indian Express}}</ref>

=== ''Kaadan'' ===
A reviewer from ''[[Sify]]'' called it a "noble attempt." They termed "Rana and his earnest performance as Kaadan" and "AR Ashok Kumar's splendid cinematography" as the film's main highlights.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kaadan review: Watch it for Rana's earnest performance |url=https://www.sify.com/movies/kaadan-review-watch-it-for-ranas-earnest-performance-review-tamil-vd0feSfcjecif.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210326063713/https://www.sify.com/movies/kaadan-review-watch-it-for-ranas-earnest-performance-review-tamil-vd0feSfcjecif.html |archive-date=26 March 2021 |access-date=26 March 2021 |website=[[Sify]]}}</ref> Haricharan Pudipeddi of ''[[Hindustan Times]]'' opined that the film was predictable and added: "its grandeur merely used as a gimmick to project the film on epic scale." Pudipeddi appreciated Daggubati's performance, calling it "one of his best till date."<ref>{{Cite web |date=26 March 2021 |title=Kaadan movie review: Rana Daggubati's film does a disservice to noble story |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/tamil-cinema/kaadan-movie-review-rana-daggubati-s-film-does-a-disservice-to-noble-story-101616759223556.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210326121954/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/tamil-cinema/kaadan-movie-review-rana-daggubati-s-film-does-a-disservice-to-noble-story-101616759223556.html |archive-date=26 March 2021 |access-date=26 March 2021 |website=Hindustan Times}}</ref> M. Sugandh in his ''[[The Times of India]]'' review wrote: "Prabu Solomon is more interested in telling us a story. It is only in the climax that the filmmaker starts to sermonise, which feels unnecessary given that we get the movie's 'message' even without the need for any underscoring."<ref>{{Citation |title=Kaadan Movie Review: Earnest storytelling keeps Kaadan engaging |work=[[The Times of India]] |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movie-reviews/kaadan/movie-review/81688040.cms |access-date=26 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210326070456/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movie-reviews/kaadan/movie-review/81688040.cms |archive-date=26 March 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref>

=== ''Haathi Mere Saathi'' ===
''[[NDTV]]''{{'s}} Saibal Chatarjee rated the film 2/5 and opined that the film rode on Daggubati's shoulders. He added that Solomon delivered the message on increasing deforestation in a gratuitously high-pitched manner, completely devoid of nuance.<ref>{{Cite web |date=18 September 2021 |title=Haathi Mere Saathi Review: Rana Daggubati's Film Is In Desperate Need Of A Rescue Act |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/haathi-mere-saathi-review-rana-daggubatis-film-is-in-desperate-need-of-a-rescue-act-2-stars-2545044 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211001142650/https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/haathi-mere-saathi-review-rana-daggubatis-film-is-in-desperate-need-of-a-rescue-act-2-stars-2545044 |archive-date=1 October 2021 |access-date=1 October 2021 |website=NDTV.com}}</ref> Writing for the ''[[Rediff.com]]'', Sukanya Verma gave a negative review and said: "Between bad writing, hysterical acting and a shoddy blend of CGI and the real deal, ''Haathi Mere Saathi'' completely neglects the message of saving our elephants."<ref>{{Cite web |last=VERMA |first=SUKANYA |date=20 September 2021 |title=Haathi Mere Saathi review |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/review/haathi-mere-saathi-review/20210920.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211001142658/https://www.rediff.com/movies/review/haathi-mere-saathi-review/20210920.htm |archive-date=1 October 2021 |access-date=1 October 2021 |website=Rediff}}</ref>

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
* {{IMDb title|11773212}}
* {{IMDb title|7822758|Hathi Mere Saathi}}
*''[https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/haathi-mere-saathi-2/ Haathi Mere Saathi]'' on [[Bollywood Hungama]]

{{Prabhu Solomon}}

[[Category:2021 Hindi-language films]]
[[Category:2021 Indian films]]
[[Category:2021 Tamil-language films]]
[[Category:2021 Telugu-language films]]
[[Category:2021 action adventure films]]
[[Category:2021 direct-to-video films]]
[[Category:2021 films]]
[[Category:2021 multilingual films]]
[[Category:Elephants in India]]
[[Category:Films about animal rights]]
[[Category:Films about elephants]]
[[Category:Films directed by Prabhu Solomon]]
[[Category:Films not released in theaters due to the COVID-19 pandemic]]
[[Category:Films postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic]]
[[Category:Films set in forests]]
[[Category:Indian action adventure films]]
[[Category:Indian direct-to-video films]]
[[Category:Indian multilingual films]]

Kaadan - Revision history

ThomasEl at 09:20, 3 March 2026