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{{Short description|2012 Indian film by Sundar C}}
{{distinguish|Kalakalappu (2001 film)}}
{{Use Indian English|date=March 2026}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2026}}
{{Infobox film
| image = Kalakalappu poster.jpg
| caption = Theatrical release poster
| director = [[Sundar C]]
| writer = [[Badri (director)|Badri]] (dialogues)
| screenplay = Sundar C
| story = Sundar C
| producer = [[Ronnie Screwvala]] [[Siddharth Roy Kapur]] [[Khushbu Sundar|Khushbu]] Sundar C
| starring = {{plainlist|
*[[Vimal (actor)|Vimal]]
*[[Shiva (actor)|Shiva]]
*[[Anjali (actress)|Anjali]]
*[[Oviya]]
*[[Santhanam (actor)|Santhanam]]
}}
| cinematography = [[U. K. Senthil Kumar]]
| editing = [[Praveen K. L.]] [[N. B. Srikanth]]
| music = [[Vijay Ebenezer]]
| studio = [[Avni Cinemax]] [[UTV Motion Pictures]]
| distributor = UTV Motion Pictures
| released = {{Film date|df=yes|2012|05|11}}
| runtime = 154 minutes
| country = India
| language = Tamil
| budget = {{estimated}} {{INR}}6.5 [[crore]]<ref name="Half Yearly Report" />
}}

'''''Kalakalappu''''' ({{audio|Ta-கலகலப்பு.ogg|pronunciation}}) ({{translation|Humour}}) is a 2012 Indian [[Tamil language|Tamil]]-language [[comedy film]] directed by [[Sundar C]]. Produced by [[Avni Cinemax]] and [[UTV Motion Pictures]], the film stars [[Vimal (actor)|Vimal]], [[Shiva (actor)|Shiva]], [[Anjali (actress)|Anjali]], [[Oviya]] and [[Santhanam (actor)|Santhanam]], with music composed by [[Vijay Ebenezer]]. It revolves around a restaurant owner and his brother seeking to save the restaurant from closure.

The film was originally titled ''Masala Café'', but was later renamed. It was released on 11 May 2012 and became a commercial success. The film was remade in [[Telugu language|Telugu]] as ''[[Jump Jilani]]'' (2014). In 2018, a spiritual successor ''[[Kalakalappu 2]]'' was released. The film is loosely based on the 2009 German film ''[[Soul Kitchen (film)|Soul Kitchen]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 January 2016 |title=சுட்ட படம் |trans-title=Stolen film! |url=https://cinema.vikatan.com/tamil-cinema/114382-sutta-padam-soul-kitchen-kalakalappu |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190920083027/https://cinema.vikatan.com/tamil-cinema/114382-sutta-padam-soul-kitchen-kalakalappu |archive-date=20 September 2019 |access-date=20 September 2019 |website=[[Ananda Vikatan]] |language=ta}}</ref>

== Plot ==
Seenu runs the [[Kumbakonam]]-based Masala Café, inherited from his forefathers. Masala Café was once a famous food outlet for decades ago but has lost its prominence, and now Seenu finds it difficult to manage the struggling enterprise. The café's chef and his granddaughter Maya stay with Seenu.

Madhavi, a [[Environmental health officer|health inspector]], decides to permanently shut down Masala Café due to its unhygienic environment. Seenu requests her to give him some time so he can make his food joint regain its past glory. Slowly, Seenu and Madhavi become good friends, and love blossoms between them.

Seenu's younger brother Raghu, a [[con artist]], is released from prison. Seenu allows Raghu to stay with him as Raghu saves him from Anjuvatti Alagesan ({{translation|Five-[[interest]] Alagesan}}), to whom Seenu owes money. Raghu falls in love with Maya at first sight. Manickam, a jewellery owner, sets fire to his jewellery showroom for an [[insurance fraud|insurance claim]], although he has safely hidden precious diamonds in a mobile phone which is with Kumar, his nephew. Kumar misplaces the phone containing the diamonds, which later gets into Raghu's hands.

Dharmarajan, a cunning police inspector, is a childhood friend of Seenu. A real estate developer plans to demolish Masala Café and construct a mall over there due to its prime location. But Seenu is unwilling to sell his property as he prefers to own it in the memory of his family members. Dharmarajan assures to convince Seenu and make him sell the hotel and he talks a deal with the real estate developer.

Seenu, Raghu, Madhavi, and Maya come up with a plan to introduce traditional healthy food menu in Masala Café, believing that it will be liked by the present generation. Maya's grandfather gives tips about healthy ingredients, and Masala Café becomes popular again due to differentiated menu. Seenu earns more money from Masala Café.

Meanwhile, Madhavi's wedding is fixed with her relative Vettupuli in the village by her family. Seenu goes to Madhavi's village to stop the wedding and bring her back to Kumbakonam.

When Seenu is away, Dharmarajan plans to grab Masala Café as it is now managed only by Raghu, who is addicted to gambling. Dharmarajan calls Raghu for gambling, for which Raghu accepts. Dharmarajan tricks Raghu into gambling using his hotel documents. Raghu loses, and Dharmarajan takes over Masala Café. Seenu gets shocked knowing that Dharmarajan has betrayed them. After a series of events, Vettupuli learns about Seenu and Madhavi's love and decides to let them marry.

Manickam tracks down that the phone containing diamonds is with Raghu and comes to kill him and take back the diamonds. But Seenu and Raghu get to know about the diamonds being hidden in the phone only after Manickam comes. Seenu and Raghu escape from Manickam. Manickam kidnaps Maya and Madhavi and threatens Seenu and Raghu to give back the diamonds. A fight sequence follows where Seenu and Raghu beat Manickam. In the meantime, they also grab the hotel's documents from Dharmarajan. The police restore the diamonds and arrest Dharmarajan and Manickam. Seenu unites with Madhavi and Raghu with Maya.

== Cast ==
{{Cast listing|
* [[Vimal (actor)|Vimal]] as Seenu
* [[Shiva (actor)|Shiva]] as Raghu
* [[Anjali (actress)|Anjali]] as Madhavi
* [[Oviya]] as Maya
* [[Santhanam (actor)|Santhanam]] as Vettupuli
* [[Ilavarasu]] as Anjuvatti Alagesan
* [[Manobala]] as Marudhamuthu
* [[V. S. Raghavan]] as Natarajan
* [[Subbu Panchu]] as Manickam
* [[Vichu Vishwanath]] as Manickam's henchman
* [[John Vijay]] as Dharmarajan
* [[Shanmugasundaram]] as Minister Sundaram
* [[Bava Lakshmanan]] as Mandakasaayam
* [[George Maryan]] as Constable Pachchai Perumal
* [[Karunakaran (actor)|Karunakaran]] as Inba Kumar
* [[Yogi Babu]] as 'Malakottai' Shankar
* [[Pei Krishnan]] as Pei
* Balaji K. Mohan as Chef
* [[Kaali Venkat]] as Raghu's friend
* [[Kalloori Vinoth]] as Pickpocket
* [[Thalapathy Dinesh]] as Thimeengalam (uncredited)
}}

== Production ==
A report in December 2010 suggested that [[Sundar C]] would quit acting, after his films successively bombed at the box office, and concentrate on directing only.<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 December 2010 |title=Sundar C to quit acting |url=https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/south-masala/sundar-c-to-quit-acting/articleshow/21727742.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20241130121132/https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/south-masala/sundar-c-to-quit-acting/articleshow/21727742.cms |archive-date=30 November 2024 |access-date=30 November 2024 |website=[[Bangalore Mirror]] |language=en}}</ref> By September 2011, he was confirmed to be developing a film with [[Vimal (actor)|Vimal]] and [[Shiva (actor)|Shiva]] as the lead actors.<ref>{{Cite web |date=24 September 2011 |title=Sundar C is back to direction ! |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/sundar-c-is-back-to-direction-news-tamil-ljyk3rjgaac.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110926165410/http://www.sify.com/movies/sundar-c-is-back-to-direction-news-tamil-ljyk3rjgaac.html |archive-date=26 September 2011 |access-date=12 October 2011 |website=[[Sify]] |language=en}}</ref> Shiva said Sundar wrote his character with him in mind but let him improvise to his liking.<ref>{{Cite news |date=5 May 2012 |title='Kalakalappu' is a cool film for hot summer: Shiva |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/kalakalappu-is-a-cool-film-for-hot-summer-shiva/articleshow/12996425.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20260304100353/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/kalakalappu-is-a-cool-film-for-hot-summer-shiva/articleshow/12996425.cms |archive-date=4 March 2026 |access-date=10 March 2026 |work=[[The Times of India]] |language=en}}</ref> Sundar said that idea of the film him during the shooting of ''[[Murattu Kaalai (2012 film)|Murattu Kaalai]]'' (2012).<ref>{{Cite web |date=10 May 2012 |title=Kalakalappu is an out and out entertainer |url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/showbiz/kollywood/kalakalappu-out-and-out-entertainer-379 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120511150735/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/showbiz/kollywood/kalakalappu-out-and-out-entertainer-379 |archive-date=11 May 2012 |access-date=12 May 2012 |website=[[Deccan Chronicle]] |language=en}}</ref> [[Anjali (actress)|Anjali]] was confirmed as one of the lead actresses in October 2011.<ref>{{Cite news |date=12 October 2011 |title=Sundar's next is with Anjali |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/news-interviews/Sundars-next-is-with-Anjali/articleshow/10324657.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260304104616/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/news-interviews/Sundars-next-is-with-Anjali/articleshow/10324657.cms |archive-date=4 March 2026 |access-date=4 March 2026 |work=[[The Times of India]] |language=en}}</ref> [[Oviya]], who plays the other lead actress, said this would be her first glamorous role.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Manigandan |first=K. R. |date=5 April 2012 |title=Shot Cuts: High on humour |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/shot-cuts-high-on-humour/article3284058.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240205044914/https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/shot-cuts-high-on-humour/article3284058.ece |archive-date=5 February 2024 |access-date=5 February 2024 |work=[[The Hindu]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=6 April 2012 |title=Oviya turns glamourous for Masala Cafe |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/oviya-turns-glamourous-for-masala-cafe-news-tamil-megjAPjiibb.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121228204357/http://www.sify.com/movies/oviya-turns-glamourous-for-masala-cafe-news-tamil-megjAPjiibb.html |archive-date=28 December 2012 |access-date=30 November 2024 |website=[[Sify]] |language=en}}</ref> [[Vadivelu]] was expected to get a pivotal role in the film and make a comeback, but was later replaced by [[Santhanam (actor)|Santhanam]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=8 October 2011 |title=Sundar C prefers Santhanam to Vadivelu! |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/sundar-c-prefers-santhanam-to-vadivelu-news-tamil-lkhk5Hhahch.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111009111541/http://www.sify.com/movies/sundar-c-prefers-santhanam-to-vadivelu-news-tamil-lkhk5Hhahch.html |archive-date=9 October 2011 |access-date=12 October 2011 |website=[[Sify]] |language=en}}</ref> Karunakaran made his feature film debut.<ref>{{Cite news |date=19 August 2020 |title='Maanadu' actor Karunakaran undergoes minor leg surgery, on rest for few weeks |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/maanadu-actor-karunakaran-undergoes-minor-leg-surgery-on-rest-for-few-weeks/articleshow/77634708.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201230063152/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/maanadu-actor-karunakaran-undergoes-minor-leg-surgery-on-rest-for-few-weeks/articleshow/77634708.cms |archive-date=30 December 2020 |access-date=9 April 2026 |work=[[The Times of India]] |language=en}}</ref> The title of the film, ''Masala Cafe'' was announced in mid-October. It was jointly produced by [[Avni Cinemax]] and [[UTV Motion Pictures]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=12 October 2011 |title=Sundar C's Masala in Kumbakonam! |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/sundar-cs-masala-in-kumbakonam-news-tamil-lkmlJvgdbbj.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111013114737/http://www.sify.com/movies/sundar-cs-masala-in-kumbakonam-news-tamil-lkmlJvgdbbj.html |archive-date=13 October 2011 |access-date=13 October 2011 |website=[[Sify]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=17 October 2011 |title=UTV ties up with Sundar C & Kushboo |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/utv-ties-up-with-sundar-c-kushboo-news-tamil-lkrmSyhifdi.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111221092534/http://www.sify.com/movies/utv-ties-up-with-sundar-c-kushboo-news-tamil-lkrmSyhifdi.html |archive-date=21 December 2011 |access-date=4 March 2026 |work=[[Sify]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=17 October 2011 |title=UTV Ties Up with Sundar C for 'Masala Cafe' |url=https://daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay?newsID=119291 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241130123657/https://daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay?newsID=119291 |archive-date=30 November 2024 |access-date=30 November 2024 |website=[[Daijiworld Media]] |language=en |agency=[[Indo-Asian News Service|IANS]]}}</ref> Filming began on 2 November in [[Kumbakonam]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=6 November 2011 |title=Masala Café in Summer 2012! |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/movie-details/news-interviews/masala-caf-in-summer-2012/articleshow/10630177.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241130123653/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/movie-details/news-interviews/masala-caf-in-summer-2012/articleshow/10630177.cms |archive-date=30 November 2024 |access-date=30 November 2024 |work=[[The Times of India]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2 November 2011 |title=Masala Cafe starts in Kumbakonam today |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/masala-cafe-starts-in-kumbakonam-today-news-tamil-llcnPhfgghj.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120106090417/http://www.sify.com/movies/masala-cafe-starts-in-kumbakonam-today-news-tamil-llcnPhfgghj.html |archive-date=6 January 2012 |access-date=4 March 2026 |work=[[Sify]] |language=en}}</ref> Majority of the film was shot in [[Gobichettipalayam]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=7 March 2018 |title=Gobichettipalayam – a 'paradise' for cinema directors |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/salem/gobichettipalayam-a-paradise-for-cinema-directors/articleshow/63193200.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180714173507/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/salem/gobichettipalayam-a-paradise-for-cinema-directors/articleshow/63193200.cms |archive-date=14 July 2018 |access-date=30 November 2024 |work=[[The Times of India]] |language=en}}</ref> The new title ''Kalakalappu'' was announced in April 2012,<ref>{{Cite news |date=17 April 2012 |title=Shot Cuts – Masala Café is Kalakalapu now |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/shot-cuts-masala-caf-is-kalakalapu-now/article3324147.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240130113902/https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/shot-cuts-masala-caf-is-kalakalapu-now/article3324147.ece |archive-date=30 January 2024 |access-date=30 January 2024 |work=[[The Hindu]] |language=en}}</ref> by which point filming was over and the film was in post-production.<ref>{{Cite news |date=16 April 2012 |title=UTV's Masala Cafe gets a new title! |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/utv-s-masala-cafe-gets-a-new-title-news-tamil-meqs9iggjei.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120622182152/http://www.sify.com/movies/utv-s-masala-cafe-gets-a-new-title-news-tamil-meqs9iggjei.html |archive-date=22 June 2012 |access-date=4 March 2026 |work=[[Sify]] |language=en}}</ref>

== Soundtrack ==
The music is composed by [[Vijay Ebenezer]].<ref>{{Cite news |title=Kalakalappu Tamil Film Audio CD (sealed pack) |url=https://mossymart.com/shop/kalakalappu-tamil-film-audio-cd-sealed-pack/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260223034639/https://mossymart.com/shop/kalakalappu-tamil-film-audio-cd-sealed-pack/ |archive-date=23 February 2026 |access-date=23 February 2026 |work=Mossymart |language=en}}</ref> It was initially reported that Vimal had sung a few lines for a song. Lyricist [[Pa. Vijay]] said that Vimal did practice for the song, but ultimately could not record the final version due to time constraints.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ramanujam |first=Srinivas |date=21 March 2012 |title=Vijay moves out of his comfort zone! |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/music/news/vijay-moves-out-of-his-comfort-zone/articleshow/12352232.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260302103339/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/music/news/vijay-moves-out-of-his-comfort-zone/articleshow/12352232.cms |archive-date=2 March 2026 |access-date=2 March 2026 |work=[[The Times of India]] |language=en}}</ref> The audio launch was held on 20 April 2012.<ref>{{Cite news |date=20 April 2012 |title=Kalakalappu audio launch today |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/kalakalappu-audio-launch-today/articleshow/12745228.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20260302020316/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/kalakalappu-audio-launch-today/articleshow/12745228.cms |archive-date=2 March 2026 |access-date=2 March 2026 |work=[[The Times of India]] |language=en}}</ref> Reviewing the album, [[Karthik Srinivasan|Karthik]] of ''[[Milliblog]]'' wrote, "Likeable second effort by Vijay Ebenezer, after ''[[Kandaen]]''".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Karthik |author-link=Karthik Srinivasan |date=23 April 2012 |title=Kalakalappu (Music review), Tamil – Vijay Ebenezer |url=https://milliblog.com/2012/04/23/kalakalappu-music-review-tamil-vijay-ebenezer/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230522185209/https://milliblog.com/2012/04/23/kalakalappu-music-review-tamil-vijay-ebenezer/ |archive-date=22 May 2023 |access-date=16 November 2024 |website=[[Milliblog]] |language=en}}</ref>

{{Track listing
| headline = Track listing
| extra_column = Singer(s)
| title1 = Angelina
| extra1 = [[Krish (singer)|Krish]], Dr. Burn, [[MILI (singer-songwriter)|MILI]]
| length1 = 4:29
| title2 = Ivalunga Imsai Thaanga Mudiyala
| extra2 = Amitabh Narayan
| length2 = 4:53
| title3 = Masala Café
| extra3 = [[Rahul Nambiar]], Sheeba Truman & Steevevatz
| length3 = 4:21
| title4 = Mokkamanusha
| extra4 = Steevevatz, [[Suchitra]]
| length4 = 4:44
| title5 = Unnaipattri Unnidame
| extra5 = [[Devan Ekambaram]], [[Prashanthini]]
| length5 = 4:20
| title6 = Ava Thirumbipaarthu
| extra6 = [[Karthik (singer)|Karthik]], [[Anitha Karthikeyan]]
| length6 = 4:59
| total_length = 27:46
}}

== Release ==
''Kalakalappu'' was released on 11 May 2012, by UTV Motion Pictures.<ref>{{Cite news |date=10 May 2012 |title=UTV's Kalakalappu releasing tomorrow |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/utvs-kalakalappu-releasing-tomorrow/articleshow/13080275.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260304091623/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/utvs-kalakalappu-releasing-tomorrow/articleshow/13080275.cms |archive-date=4 March 2026 |access-date=30 November 2024 |work=[[The Times of India]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=26 April 2012 |title=UTV confirms Kalakalappu release on May 11 |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/utv-confirms-kalakalappu-release-on-may-11-news-tamil-me0pDvbjiba.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120622013413/http://www.sify.com/movies/utv-confirms-kalakalappu-release-on-may-11-news-tamil-me0pDvbjiba.html |archive-date=22 June 2012 |access-date=4 March 2026 |work=[[Sify]] |language=en}}</ref> It was released in 255 screens in Tamil Nadu, and was the only Tamil release of the week.<ref>{{Cite news |date=11 May 2012 |title=Friday Fury – May 11 |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/friday-fury-may-11-news-tamil-mflh2gcjfag.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120513182953/http://www.sify.com/movies/friday-fury-may-11-news-tamil-mflh2gcjfag.html |archive-date=13 May 2012 |access-date=4 March 2026 |work=[[Sify]] |language=en}}</ref> Ahead of the film's release, distributors predicted that the film would "work big time at the summer box-office", given the success of numerous comedy films in Tamil cinema released that year.<ref>{{Cite news |date=7 May 2012 |title=Kalakalappu, riding on the comedy wave |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/kalakalappu-riding-on-the-comedy-wave-news-tamil-mfhuCwbdbhj.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120509010824/http://www.sify.com/movies/kalakalappu-riding-on-the-comedy-wave-news-tamil-mfhuCwbdbhj.html |archive-date=9 May 2012 |access-date=25 March 2026 |work=[[Sify]] |language=en}}</ref>

=== Critical reception ===
M. Suganth of ''[[The Times of India]]'' claimed that "''Kalakalappu'' remains true to its title and is jolly good fun throughout".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Suganth |first=M |date=12 May 2012 |title=Kalakalappu |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/tamil/movie-reviews/Kalakalappu/movie-review/13106085.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131114231404/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/tamil/movie-reviews/Kalakalappu/movie-review/13106085.cms |archive-date=14 November 2013 |access-date=14 May 2012 |work=[[The Times of India]] |language=en}}</ref> ''[[Sify]]''<nowiki/>'s critic described the film as "good fun while it lasts, with the second half better than the first".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kalakalappu |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/kalakalappu-review-tamil-14998487.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130703101156/http://www.sify.com/movies/kalakalappu-review-tamil-14998487.html |archive-date=3 July 2013 |access-date=25 June 2013 |website=[[Sify]] |language=en}}</ref> Anupama Subramanian of ''[[Deccan Chronicle]]'' wrote, "It's fun and funny, unpretentious and yet quite nutty!".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Subramanian |first=Anupama |date=13 May 2012 |title=Kalakalappu review: Served with a lot of fun |url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/showbiz/movie-reviews/kalakalappu-review-served-lot-fun-099 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120529021249/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/showbiz/movie-reviews/kalakalappu-review-served-lot-fun-099 |archive-date=29 May 2012 |access-date=14 May 2012 |website=[[Deccan Chronicle]] |language=en}}</ref> Pavithra Srinivasan of ''[[Rediff.com]]'' gave it 2.5 out of 5 stars and stated that it did have "its funny moments but only a few of them work".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Srinivasan |first=Pavithra |date=11 May 2012 |title=Review: Kalakalappu fails to impress |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/south-review-kalakalappu-fails-to-impress/20120511.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120514020404/http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/south-review-kalakalappu-fails-to-impress/20120511.htm |archive-date=14 May 2012 |access-date=12 May 2012 |website=[[Rediff.com]] |language=en}}</ref> ''[[In.com]]'' wrote: "''Kalakalappu'' works only in bits and pieces!".<ref>{{Cite web |date=12 May 2012 |title=Kalakalappu works only in bits and pieces! |url=http://www.in.com/news/entertainment/kalakalappu-works-only-in-bits-and-pieces-23030886-in-1.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131013112758/http://www.in.com/news/entertainment/kalakalappu-works-only-in-bits-and-pieces-23030886-in-1.html |archive-date=13 October 2013 |access-date=4 February 2024 |website=[[In.com]] |language=en}}</ref> Malathi Rangarajan of ''[[The Hindu]]'' wrote, "Predictable narrative technique is a bane, and not all attempts at comedy transcend time. Instead [Sundar] should move on, fine-tune his comedic skills and take the viewer on a more advanced and pertinent humour trip".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rangarajan |first=Malathi |date=12 May 2012 |title=In a time warp |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/In-a-time-warp/article12874944.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222120630/https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/In-a-time-warp/article12874944.ece |archive-date=22 February 2026 |access-date=22 February 2026 |work=[[The Hindu]] |language=en}}</ref> [[Baradwaj Rangan]] wrote, "Sundar C fills his lively canvas with a corrupt cop and a villain after missing diamonds, and these discursions occasionally put a brake on the proceedings. Thankfully, the kitchen sink, aka the doting grandfather who flies through a car’s windshield, is always round the corner".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rangan |first=Baradwaj |author-link=Baradwaj Rangan |date=12 May 2012 |title="Kalakalappu @ Masala Café"... Gag orders |url=https://baradwajrangan.wordpress.com/2012/05/12/kalakalappu-masala-cafe-gag-orders/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190920083027/https://baradwajrangan.wordpress.com/2012/05/12/kalakalappu-masala-cafe-gag-orders/ |archive-date=20 September 2019 |access-date=20 September 2019 |website=Baradwaj Rangan |language=en}}</ref>

=== Box office ===
Trade analysts considered ''Kalakalappu'' a success within a week of its release, given the low budget.<ref>{{Cite news |date=15 May 2012 |title='Kalakalappu' makes the audience laugh |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/kalakalappu-makes-the-audience-laugh/articleshow/13136129.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20241130121151/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/kalakalappu-makes-the-audience-laugh/articleshow/13136129.cms |archive-date=30 November 2024 |access-date=30 November 2024 |work=[[The Times of India]] |language=en}}</ref> According to ''Sify'', the film was made on a budget of {{INRConvert|6.5|c|year=2012}}, and grossed around {{INRConvert|11|c|year=2013}}.<ref name="Half Yearly Report">{{Cite web |date=7 July 2012 |title=Tamil Cinema 2012- Half Yearly Report (Jan 1-June 30) |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/tamil-cinema-2012-half-yearly-report-jan-1-june-30-news-tamil-mhhsLzccaaa.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120708101345/http://www.sify.com/movies/tamil-cinema-2012-half-yearly-report-jan-1-june-30-news-tamil-mhhsLzccaaa.html |archive-date=8 July 2012 |access-date=16 February 2026 |website=[[Sify]] |language=en}}</ref>

== Legacy ==
The success of ''Kalakalappu'', along with that of other contemporaneous Tamil films such as ''[[Kadhalil Sodhappuvadhu Yeppadi]]'', ''[[Marina (2012 film)|Marina]]'' and ''[[Oru Kal Oru Kannadi]]'', initiated a short-lived trend of comedy films becoming successful. Trade analyst Sreedhar Pillai noted a shift in Tamil cinema from violent revenge-based films to comedies, which were found to be more commercially viable.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pillai |first=Sreedhar |date=19 May 2012 |title=Trends- Comedy Time in Kollywood |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/trends-comedy-time-in-kollywood-news-tamil-mfttP1bbiad.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120622190909/http://www.sify.com/movies/trends-comedy-time-in-kollywood-news-tamil-mfttP1bbiad.html |archive-date=22 June 2012 |access-date=6 November 2025 |website=[[Sify]] |language=en}}</ref> ''Kalakalappu'' was remade in [[Telugu language|Telugu]] as ''[[Jump Jilani]]'' (2014).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kavirayani |first=Suresh |date=13 June 2014 |title=Movie Review 'Jump Jilani': It's a routine comedy |url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/140612/entertainment-tollywood/article/movie-review-jump-jilani-it%E2%80%99s-routine-comedy |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210622165835/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/140612/entertainment-tollywood/article/movie-review-jump-jilani-it%E2%80%99s-routine-comedy |archive-date=22 June 2021 |access-date=23 February 2026 |website=[[Deccan Chronicle]] |language=en}}</ref> A spiritual successor titled ''[[Kalakalappu 2]]'', also directed by Sundar, was released on 9 February 2018.<ref>{{Cite web |last=R |first=Manoj Kumar |date=3 February 2018 |title=Kalakalappu 2 trailer: Jiiva, Jai and Shiva promise a laugh riot |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/kalakalappu-2-trailer-jiiva-jai-and-shiva-promise-a-laugh-riot-5050220/ |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220324055715/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/kalakalappu-2-trailer-jiiva-jai-and-shiva-promise-a-laugh-riot-5050220/ |archive-date=24 March 2022 |access-date=6 November 2024 |website=[[The Indian Express]] |language=en}}</ref>

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
* {{IMDb title}}
* {{Rotten Tomatoes}}

{{Sundar C}}
{{UTV Movies}}

[[Category:2012 comedy films]]
[[Category:2012 films]]
[[Category:2012 Indian films]]
[[Category:2012 Tamil-language films]]
[[Category:Cooking films]]
[[Category:Fictional portrayals of the Tamil Nadu Police]]
[[Category:Films about con artists]]
[[Category:Films about fraud]]
[[Category:Films about police corruption]]
[[Category:Films directed by Sundar C]]
[[Category:Films set in hotels]]
[[Category:Films shot in Gobichettipalayam]]
[[Category:Indian comedy films]]
[[Category:Tamil films remade in other languages]]
[[Category:Tamil-language comedy films]]
[[Category:Tamil-language Indian films]]
[[Category:UTV Motion Pictures films]]

Kalakalappu - Revision history

FredricKeeton9 at 00:47, 9 April 2026