The potential collaboration between Vijaya Productions and Ajith Kumar was reported in November 2011, with speculation suggesting that Venkata Ramana Reddy wanted to commemorate his late father B. Nagi Reddy's 100th year since birth with a film project. Siva, who had made his debut in Tamil films with the 2011 film Siruthai, was noted as a potential candidate to direct the film, while Anushka Shetty was initially reported to play the female lead role.[3] Subsequently, in early December 2011, Ajith signed on to play the lead role in the venture, with a poster released confirming Siva's participation, noting that Vetri and Yuvan Shankar Raja would be cinematographer and music composer, respectively.[4]
Alongside Ajith, it was noted that four young actors would appear as his brothers in the venture. Vidharth, who rose to fame with his role in Mynaa, was signed on for the film after discussions with Prasanna was unsuccessful.[5][6] Suhail Chandhok, brother of former Formula One racer Karun Chandhok, was signed on for a role after Ajith was impressed with a short film that Suhail had featured in.[7][8][6] Munish, who appeared in Naanga, and Bala, director Siva's brother, were also selected to play Ajith's brothers.[6] Santhanam, who featured in a pivotal role in Siva's previous film, was also chosen to play a supporting role in the film. Tamannaah Bhatia was chosen to play Ajith's pair in the film, marking her comeback to Tamil films after a three-year sabbatical. Vishakha Singh was approached to play Vidharth's pair in the film but her refusal subsequently meant the producers opted for Manochitra, who was previously seen in Aval Peyar Thamizharasi (2010), while Abhinaya signed for another lead role.[9] Vidyullekha Raman signed to be Santhanam's pair for a third film.[10] Jayaprakash, Jayaram and Rajeev Govinda Pillai were also initially reported to be a part of the cast, though a later press release did not confirm their participation.[11] Kannada actor Avinash agreed to play a character "who, due to poverty, has become vengeful and is willing to do anything wrong for his own benefit".[12]
A press note was released on 4 April 2013 announcing the start of the filming of the project, while also clarifying the cast and crew.[14] The first schedule for the film began the next day in Hyderabad and went on for two weeks and more. The film was initially rumoured to be titled as Vetri Kondaan or Vinayagam Brothers before finally confirming Veeram. The shoot was completed on 2 November 2013.[15]
The film's plot is about a brave person and his four younger brothers who are living in a village.[17] Sudhish Kamath of The Hindu noted that the scenes were inspired from films like Murattu Kaalai (1980), Annamalai (1992) and Baashha (1995).[18]
The film's soundtrack was composed by Devi Sri Prasad.[19] The music rights were purchased by Junglee Music.[20] The album, consisting of 5 tracks, was scheduled to be released on 20 December 2013 but the tracks leaked on the Internet on 18 December 2013. The music was officially launched on 20 December followed by airplay of the songs on FM stations.[20] Behindwoods gave the soundtrack a rating of 2.75 out of 5 and India Glitz gave 2.5.[21][22]
A first-look teaser was released on 7 November 2013.[23] The second teaser was released on 5 December 2013 with a dialogue "Enna Naan Solrathu".[24] Veeram's trailer was released by Sun TV as a New Year special at 10 am.[25][26] The satellite rights of the film were purchased by Sun TV.[27] Central Board of Film Certification gave the film "U" certificate.[28] The film was released in 400 screens in Tamil Nadu,[29] 120 screens in Kerala,[29] 50 screens in Karnataka,[29] and in 220 screens overseas.[29]
Across Tamil Nadu, Veeram was distributed by various parties: in Chennai City by Sri Thenandal Films, in NSC area by Sri Thenandal Films, in T.T (Trichy and Thanjavur) by Green Screens, in M.R (Madurai, Ramanadhapuram) are by Gopuram Films and in T. K. (Thirunelveli, Kanyakumari) are by Sri Mookambiga Films. Vendhar Movies released the film in Coimbatore and surroundings through Vel Films and in Salem and surroundings through G Film.[30]
OneIndia rated the film 3.5 out of 5 and said "Veeram is such an entertaining movie where audience will hardly find drawbacks. The entertainment quotient is very high and it could be enjoyed by all section of audience. Ajith has a winner in hand again."[39] Indiaglitz gave 3.25 out of 5 and wrote, "Siruthai Siva comes up with a story that is not out of the box, however a racy screenplay and Thala's immense presence and valor takes the ball out of the boundary."[40] Behindwoods rated it 2.75 out of 5 and said "Ajith and Siva dish out a 'heady' commercial package for the actor's fans."[41] Deccan Herald wrote, "Tiresomely long, with second half, tad sagging, Veeram has Thala Ajith in fulsome flow with all fireworks. While Ajith's fans may swoon and swear by his one-man demolition squad show that will give even hulk Arnold Schwarzenegger the blushes, for the rest though, it's a matinee masala to stay away."[42] IANS gave 2.5 stars out of 5 and wrote, "Veeram is a classic example, which elevates Ajith and leaves the rest of the ensemble cast behind. The film is dedicated to Ajith, who is as charismatic as ever in his role. However, he is unfortunately not complemented by a strong screenplay."[43]
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