>Kailash29792 at 18:22, 9 May 2021

2021-05-09T18:22:46Z

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{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2016}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2017}}
{{Infobox film
| name = Kanavu Variyam
| image = Kanavu Variyam.jpg
| alt =
| caption = Poster
| director = Arun Chidambaram
| producer = Dr. A. Chidambaram Karthik Chidambaram
| writer = Arun Chidambaram
| starring = Arun Chidambaram [[Jiya Shankar]] [[Yog Japee]] [[Ilavarasu]] [[Black Pandi]] [[Senthi Kumari]]
| music = Shyam Benjamin
| cinematography = S. Selvakumar
| editing = Gaugin
| studio = DCKAP Cinemas
| distributor = [[Warner Bros. Pictures]]
| released = {{Film date|df=y|2017|02|24}}
| country = India
| language = Tamil
| budget =
| gross =
}}
'''''Kanavu Variyam''''' ({{trans|Dream Factory}}) is a 2017 Indian [[Tamil language|Tamil]]-language [[drama film]] written and directed by Arun Chidambaram and produced by DCKAP cinemas. The film stars Chidambaram in the lead role alongside [[Jiya Shankar]] and revolves around power cuts and electricity deficit in the villages of [[Tamil Nadu]], [[India]].<ref name="ndtv">http://movies.ndtv.com/regional/chennai-techie-wins-usas-prestigious-remi-award-for-debut-film-1279151</ref><ref name="nie">http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/Kanavu-Variyam-Wins-Remi-Award-at-WorldFest/2016/02/18/article3282643.ece</ref> Featuring a predominantly new cast and crew, the film was distributed by [[Warner Bros. Pictures]] as their first South Indian film.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-16/warner-bros-to-release-their-first-tamil-film-titled-kanavu-variyam.html|title=Warner Bros Pictures To Distribute Its First Ever Tamil Film}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/independent-tamil-film-gets-backing-of-hwood-studio/articleshow/56803688.cms|title=Independent Tamil film gets backing of H'wood studio}}</ref>

Prior to its theatrical release, the film was screened at several international film festivals and received a number of awards and recognition.<ref>http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/tamil-film-on-power-cuts-in-villages-goes-places/article8255166.ece</ref> Among its titles, ''Kanavu Variyam'' won the Platinum Remi for Best Independent Theatrical Feature Film ([[Drama]]) and the same was awarded at the 49th WorldFest Houston International Film Festival. The film also won the Special Jury Award at [[National Science Film Festival and Competition]] in India.<ref name=":0">http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Chennai-filmmakers-win-awards-at-WorldFest/articleshow/52009899.cms</ref><ref name="th">http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/tamil-film-on-power-cuts-in-villages-goes-places/article8260190.ece</ref> ''Kanavu Variyam'' was released across India on 24 February 2017.

==Plot==
Ezhil (Arun Chidambaram) is a brilliant school student. He excels in all subjects and is favorite among teachers. Ezhil grows up with his interest in [[science]]. Days pass as Ezhil is now a teenager and an aspiring scientist. His father ([[Ilavarasu]]) supports him in his dream, while his Mother ([[Senthi Kumari]]) does not. Their village often lands in electricity deficits and power cuts. Ezhil aspires to invent a machine to deal with it. Ezhil's crush Veena ([[Jiya Shankar]]) and friend Sakkarai ([[Black Pandi]]) help him in his research and ideas. Ezhil decides to do it through some waste materials and simple objects such as motors, batteries, etc. He studies the structure of windmills and their works. He then gets an idea about it. When Ezhil constructs a model of the windmill, he faces many obstacles from the villagers on the way, and how he manages to invent it forms the rest of the story.

==Cast==
{{colbegin}}
*Arun Chidambaram as Ezhil
*[[Jiya Shankar]] as Veena
*[[Ilavarasu]] as Ezhil's father
*[[Yog Japee]] as Gopi
*[[Black Pandi]] as Sakkarai
*[[Senthi Kumari]] as Ezhil's mother
*[[G. Gnanasambandam]] as Gnanasambandan
*[[T. P. Gajendran]]
*[[Mayilsamy]]
*[[Kavithalaya Krishnan]]
*[[Crane Manohar]]
*[[George Maryan]]
*Lollu Sabha Easter
*[[Ambani Shankar]]
*[[Saravana Subbiah]]
*Arumugam
{{colend}}

==Production==
The film's writer, director and lead actor [[Arun Chidambaram]] returned to Chennai from his corporate job in [[Chicago]] to begin working on the film.<ref>http://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/kollywood/220516/arun-chidambaram-s-debut-film-soaring-high.html</ref> Shot entirely in Tamil Nadu during late 2015, Arun Chidambaram revealed that ''Kanavu Variyam'' was about the shortage of electricity in the villages of India and would have a theatrical release following an extended circuit of international film festivals.<ref>http://www.thebetterindia.com/47010/kanavu-variyam-remi-award-arun-chidambaram/</ref> The film was produced by Arun's brother Karthik, while Shyam Benjamin worked on the film's soundtrack and Selvakumar associated with the project as the cinematographer.<ref>https://www.americanbazaaronline.com/2016/02/19/tamil-film-kanavu-variyam-to-get-remi-award-at-houston-international-film-festival/</ref> Hindi television actress Jiya Shankar debuted in films as the lead actress, while [[Ilavarasu]], [[Black Pandi]], [[G. Gnanasambandam]], [[Yog Japee]], and [[Senthi Kumari]] all enacted supporting roles.

''Kanavu Variyam'' received media attention within [[Tamil Nadu]], after it was announced that [[Warner Bros. Pictures]] had associated with the project as a distributor, marking the first collaboration of the Hollywood studio with a South Indian film.<ref>http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-16/warner-bros-to-release-their-first-tamil-film-titled-kanavu-variyam.html</ref><ref>http://www.indiaglitz.com/kanavu-variyam-a-commercial-entertainer-about-power-cut-problem-will-be-the-first-tamil-film-disctributed-by-warner-brothers-pictures-tamil-news-177701.html</ref> The film's teaser was launched by music director [[Yuvan Shankar Raja]], and received attention from several film industry personalities.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/arun-chidambaram-kanavu-variyam-teaser-launched-by-yuvan-shankar-raja-tamil-news-178591.html|title=IndiaGlitz - Arun Chidambaram Kanavu Variyam teaser launched by Yuvan Shankar Raja - Tamil Movie News|access-date=2017-02-11}}</ref> The launch of the soundtrack and trailer took place at Prasad Labs in Chennai in February 2017. Along with the whole film crew, it was attended by renowned personalities including film director [[Bharathiraja]], space scientist [[K. Sivan]], Tamil Nadu meteorologist Pradeep John, and designer [[Udaya Kumar (designer)|Udaya Kumar]]. During the event, in recognition of his scientific achievements, [[K. Sivan]], was conferred with the title “Inspiring Scientist of India” at the event, owing to theme of the film. Bharathiraja was conferred the title “Inspiring Director of India” for his achievements in the film industry, and [[Sirkazhi G. Sivachidambaram|Sirkazhi Sivachidambaram]] was conferred with the title “Inspiring Voice of India” award. Further awards were handed to the other chief attendees of the event.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/kanavu-variyam-audio-and-trailer-launched-by-bharathi-raja-isro-scientist-drksivan-tamil-news-178755.html|title=Bharathi Raja, ISRO Scientist and the founder of Rupee symbol praise 'Kanavu Variyam'}}</ref>

== Soundtrack ==
{{Infobox album
| name = Kanavu Variyam
| type = Soundtrack
| artist = Shyam Benjamin
| cover =
| alt =
| released = 8 February 2017
| recorded =
| venue =
| studio =
| genre = [[Film soundtrack|Feature film soundtrack]]
| length =
| label = Trend Music
| producer = Shyam Benjamin
| prev_title = [[Kalavu Thozhirchalai]]
| prev_year = 2014
| next_title =
| next_year =
}}
The music of ''Kanavu Variyam'' was composed by Shyam Benjamin. "Kalla/Manna", a song from the film which refers to 51 traditional games of rural India, won the Silver Remi for Best Children's Song and won the Best Youth Focus Music Video award at the [[Bare Bones International Film Festival|Bare Bones International Film and Music Festival]] at Oklahoma, USA.<ref name=":1" />

{{tracklist
| headline = Tamil
| extra_column = Singer(s)
| title1 = Kalla Manna
| lyrics1 = Arun Chidambaram
| extra1 = Mithuna, Sai Rishi, Sai Lakshmi
| length1 = 4:26
| title2 = Nee Paadhi
| lyrics2 = Arun Chidambaram
| extra2 = Guna, [[Mahalakshmi Iyer]]
| length2 = 4:14
| title3 = Science Is Fun
| lyrics3 = Arun Chidambaram
| extra3 = Sharmila
| length3 = 3:06
| title4 = Kirukkan
| lyrics4 = Arun Chidambaram
| extra4 = [[Sirkazhi G. Sivachidambaram]]
| length4 = 3:06
}}

==Release==
The film's world premiere was at the 49th WorldFest Houston International Film Festival on 9 April 2016.<ref name = behindwoods>http://behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-16/director-arun-chidambaram-will-receive-the-remi-award-for-kanavu-variyam.html</ref><ref name=thshangai>http://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/kanavu-variyam-a-tamil-film-on-power-cuts/article8614892.ece</ref><ref name = nie/>

===Critical reception===
Prior to its theatrical release, ''Kanavu Variyam'' received critical acclaim in major film festivals across the globe. News portals including The Hindu, NDTV, Dina Thanthi highly appreciated the preview shows of the film and stated "Arun is a director to watch out for".<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.dtnext.in/News/City/2016/02/21112445/Chennai-techies-maiden-film-wins-laurels-in-US.vpf|title=Chennai techie’s maiden film wins laurels in US|date=2016-02-21|newspaper=dtNext.in|language=en-US|access-date=2016-11-16}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://movies.ndtv.com/tamil/kollywood/kanavu-variyam-movie-teaser-1655927|title=NDTV}}</ref>

The film had a theatrical release across Tamil Nadu on 24 February 2017. The New Indian Express called the film a "feel-good entertainer", adding that "when many of our makers look towards the West for inspiration, it is heartwarming that the U.S. based-Chidambaram has turned to the rural scenario and the issues faced by the villagers as his debut work" and that "the film is inspiring and motivating, is worth a watch by both adults and children. It's a powerful debut by multi-faceted artist Arun Chidambaram'. Number 1 weekly in Tamil Nadu, 'Ananda Vikatan' quoted the film to be a "powerful cinema which inspires the dreamer in you". Dina Thanthi, the highest read daily in the state quoted "A must-watch entertainer for families". Other critics gave the film a less welcoming review, with The Times of India stating "as a director, though his plot and intention is commendable, amateurish execution and slow screenplay spoil the flow of the narration".<ref>http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movie-reviews/kanavu-variyam/movie-review/57341511.cms</ref> Sify.com wrote "on the whole, a weak script that lacks subtlety and nuance, the film is ultimately a bore" and that "though the intentions of director Arun Chidambaram is laudable, his bumbling execution is a spoiler".<ref>http://www.sify.com/movies/kanavu-variyam-review-there%E2%80%99s-little-to-recommend-review-tamil-rcyjSifahdedg.html</ref> Sowmya Rajendran of TheNewsMinute also criticised the film stating "science can explain several phenomena, but I am still wondering what explains the film's success and the reputation it has built for itself", stating that she was "deeply puzzled" with the film's success on the international circuit.<ref>http://www.thenewsminute.com/article/review-kanavu-vaariyam-earnest-attempt-falls-flat-film-57752</ref>

===Awards and Recognitions===
''Kanavu Variyam'' has received the following recognitions following its preview shows and participation in international film festivals:
*'Platinum Remi Award' for 'Best Independent Theatrical Feature Film' (Drama) at 49th WorldFest-Houston, USA 2016. 'Kanavu Variyam' was chosen from over 4500 movies from 74 countries.<ref name="nie" />
*'Silver Remi Award' for 'Best Children's Song' at 49th WorldFest-Houston, USA 2016.<ref name="ndtv" />
*'Audience Favorite Movie' at 49th WorldFest-Houston 2016.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=http://entertainment.chennaipatrika.com/post/2016/04/23/Arun-Chidambaram-receives-2-Remi-Awards-at-WorldFest.aspx|title=Arun Chidambaram receives 2 Remi Awards at WorldFest|last=Chennai Patrika|website=entertainment.chennaipatrika.com|access-date=2016-07-06}}</ref>
*'Best Unique Film' at 'International Motivational Film Festival' 2016 held at [[Rostov-on-Don|Rostov]], [[Russia]].<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=http://entertainment.chennaipatrika.com/post/2016/08/19/Kanavu-Variyam-to-be-screened-at-IMFF-Bridge-of-Arts.aspx|title=Kanavu Variyam to be screened at IMFF Bridge of Arts|last=edkarthick|website=entertainment.chennaipatrika.com|access-date=2016-11-17}}</ref>
*'Special Jury Award' at [[National Science Film Festival and Competition]] organized by the Government of India.<ref name=":0" />
*'Best Youth Focus Music Video' award for the song "Kalla Manna (Stone or Sand)" at [[Bare Bones International Film Festival|Bare Bones International Film and Music Festival]].<ref name="th" /><ref name=":1" /> held in USA.
*'Best Music Video' for the song "Kalla Manna (Stone or Sand)" at Los Angeles Film and Script Festival, USA.<ref name=":1" />
*Official Selection at 19th [[Shanghai International Film Festival]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/kanavu-variyam-a-tamil-film-on-power-cuts/article8614892.ece|title=Now, a Tamil film on power cuts|date=2016-05-18|newspaper=The Hindu|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X|access-date=2016-06-21}}</ref> held in China.
*'Opening Film' at 15th Pyonyang International Film Festival’ in North Korea scheduled from 16 to 23 September.<ref name=":2" />
* Nominated for 'Best Feature Film' and 'Best Cinematography' at 'Asian New Media Festival' in Busan, South Korea - a film festival organized by General Association of Korean movies, Korean Film Critics Association, and the Shanghai Film Academy.
*Official Selection at ‘International Children’s Film Festival’ in Dytiatko, Ukraine scheduled from 21 to 24 September.<ref name=":2" />
*Official Selection at ‘67th Montecatini International Film Festival’ in Italy scheduled from 6–9 October.<ref name=":2" />
*Official Selection at ‘11th Lola Kenya Screen Film Festival’ in Kenya scheduled in December.<ref name=":2" />

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

== External links ==
*{{imdb title|5254636}}

[[Category:Tamil-language films]]
[[Category:2017 films]]
[[Category:Warner Bros. films]]
[[Category:Films set in Tamil Nadu]]
[[Category:2017 directorial debut films]]
[[Category:Indian films]]

Kanavu Variyam - Revision history

>Kailash29792 at 18:22, 9 May 2021