DharmaDurai is a 2016 Indian Tamil-language slice-of-life drama film directed by Seenu Ramasamy and produced by R. K. Suresh. The film stars Vijay Sethupathi in the lead alongside an ensemble cast consisting of Tamannaah Bhatia, Aishwarya Rajesh, Srushti Dange, Radhika Sarathkumar, Ganja Karuppu and Rajesh in pivotal roles. Yuvan Shankar Raja composed the music, while M. Sukumar and Kasi Viswanathan handled the cinematography and editing, respectively.
Dharmadurai, known as the village drunkard, constantly embarrasses his brothers and brother-in-law, who run a chit-fund business. They often lock him up and mistreat him. Only his mother, Pandiyamma, and his friend Gopalaswamy sympathize with him. One night, Pandiyamma overhears her sons planning to kill Dharmadurai, so she helps him escape, urging him to start a new life far away. Dharmadurai, unaware that he has taken the chit-fund money with him, leaves for Madurai. When his brothers discover his absence and the missing money, they search for him but eventually give up. In a flash back, it is shown that Dharmadurai, the first graduate from his village, pursued his MBBS at Madurai Medical College. During college, he was part of a close-knit group with Subhashini and Stella, who harbored feelings for him. Inspired by Dr Kamaraj's ethos of serving the underprivileged, they vowed to stay in India post-graduation but lost touch thereafter. Back in the present, seeking solace and guidance, Dharmadurai seeks out Stella, only to discover she had passed away in a car accident. Then, he goes to the hospital where Subhashini is working. Subhashini, who is now married to a Hyderabad-based doctor, is alarmed at the change in Dharmadurai. Dharmadurai tells her why he had become an alcoholic.
Following his graduation, Dharmadurai returned to his village and established a clinic. One day, he encountered Anbuselvi, a farm laborer who brought some sick elderly women to his clinic. Dharmadurai was immediately drawn to Anbuselvi and sought permission from her father, Paraman, to marry her, which Paraman granted. Anbuselvi also agreed to the marriage, and plans were made. However, Dharmadurai's brothers demanded a large dowry, including gold ornaments and a significant sum of money, which Paraman refused. Consequently, the marriage was called off, leading to Anbuselvi's tragic suicide. Filled with rage and grief, Dharmadurai confronted his brothers, blaming them for the tragedy. He was on the brink of violence when he was stopped by Pandiyamma. Devastated and betrayed, Dharmadurai closed his clinic and turned to alcohol. After Subhashini hears Dharmadurai's story, she brings him to her apartment and helps him recover from his struggles with alcohol. As they spend more time together, Subhashini shares her own painful experience of her husband's betrayal and her decision to divorce him. She confesses her long-standing love for Dharmadurai since their college days, and he reciprocates her feelings. They decide to start a life together, and Subhashini bravely ends her marriage. Dharmadurai returns to his medical practice in their town, dedicating himself to helping the needy. His reputation grows, and one day, a blind Dr Kamaraj, inspired by Dharmadurai's work, pays him a visit. Upon Dr Kamaraj's suggestion, Dharmadurai and Subhashini decide to marry. As they plan their future together, Subhashini becomes pregnant with Dharmadurai's child. Subhashini encourages Dharmadurai to reconcile with his family, suggesting he return to his village to make amends and share the news of their upcoming marriage. Dharmadurai agrees, ready to face his past and embrace his future with Subhashini and their child.
In his village, Dharmadurai discovers that his family had to leave their home after being compelled to sell it to repay the villagers, who had uncovered their embezzled funds. Upon arriving at the makeshift hut where his mother and brothers now reside, one of his brothers, consumed by anger at Dharmadurai's actions, strikes him with a spanner. However, when he realizes that Dharmadurai has recovered the stolen money, he is overcome with remorse. Pandiyamma rushes Dharmadurai to the hospital, where he receives treatment from a former college classmate with whom he had conflicts in college. While recuperating, Dharmadurai receives a call from Subhashini, urging him to return promptly, as both she and their unborn child eagerly await his arrival.
In November 2015, Seenu Ramasamy announced that he would direct Vijay Sethupathi in a film to be produced by R. K. Suresh of Studio 9 Productions.[5] Following the project's announcement, Anand Kumaresan, who had initiated work on a film titled Vasantha Kumaran with the actor and producer in 2012, expressed frustration and demanded explanations regarding the delay of his project. Previously, the film had been suspended due to a disagreement between Suresh and Vijay Sethupathi.[6] The makers of Dharma Durai disclosed that they were in talks with Lakshmi Menon, Aishwarya Rajesh and Gayathrie to play three of the film's four leading female roles.[7] Production of the film commenced in mid-December 2015, with actresses Tamannaah Bhatia, Sshivada, Aishwarya Rajesh and Srushti Dange confirmed as part of the cast.[8][9] Radhika Sarathkumar was cast to portray Sethupathi's mother.[10]
Gautaman Bhaskaran of Hindustan Times gave 3.5/5 stars and commented, "Scripted with subtlety and helmed without melodrama, Dharmadurai is far better than any Tamil work one has seen in a long time", expressing that the film features strong performances and picturesque cinematography, telling the story of a former doctor dealing with family betrayal and personal struggles, albeit with some coincidental and preachy elements.[12] The Hindu wrote, "Dharmadurai leaves us dry-eyed, despite having much potential for drama", noting that despite its potential and interesting themes about a village doctor navigating modern ideals and traditional expectations, it is undermined by heavy-handed messaging and literal dialogue that detracts from its emotional impact and storytelling.[13] Sreedhar Pillai of The First Post, in his review, stated, "Dharma Durai is a feel-good family entertainer that works to a large extent due to Vijay Sethupathi, an actor of substance" and pointed out that strong performances from the cast are hindered by a thin plot and commercial twists.[14]
If only. Dharmadurai is an alcoholic. The only way the brothers can keep him in check is by locking him up. The early scenes paint Dharmadurai as a loser, and I ended up feeling sorry for the brothers who have to put up with his loutish behaviour.
Had the director Seenu Ramasamy (who hints at his unreleased Idam Porul Yaeval in a line of dialogue) focused on just these story beats, he might have ended up with something as moving as his Neerparavai , which also dealt with alcoholism and star-crossed love. That sadly underappreciated film swept us along in a sea of emotions. Dharmadurai leaves us dry-eyed, despite much potential for drama.
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Vijay Sethupathi Tamannaah Bhatia Srushti Dange Aishwarya Rajesh Radhika Sarathkumar Aruldoss M. S. Bhaskar Rajesh Soundara Raja Ganja Karuppu R. K. Suresh Seenu Ramasamy Madhuvanti Arun Florent Pereira Saravana Sakthi Abi Nakshathra Vishalini Daniel Jeeva Subramanian
Something so tender and beautiful about a deserving guy moving away from a toxic phase (environment) and healing his way to a good happy life. This film to me is nice people having each other's back. A bit in your face in it's messaging about the medical profession but Dharmadurai is so pure, all heart and full of hope. Vjs in one of his best roles from his glorious era and U1 with an all timer soundtrack ??. Also there's a subtle underlying message of how far some people need to travel (escape) from their life n destined identity to be and become better people.
Director Seenu Ramasamy and Vijay Sethupathi first teamed up for the National award-winning film Thenmerku Paruvakatru in 2010 before getting together again for the yet-unreleased Idam Porul Yaeval. Their third film together Dharmadurai hit the screens this week.
The film opens with a perennially drunk Dharma bad-mouthing his family, picking unnecessary quarrels and earning the wrath of his brothers. The situation gets so bad that his brothers even hatch a plan to kill him.
His only support is his mother, who pleads with him to leave the village and go somewhere where he can find peace and happiness. Dharma leaves the village in the middle of the night, but accidently takes the bag containing the chit fund money.
Director Seenu Ramasamy has woven a beautiful tale with plenty of family sentiments, fun, and an important social message. The well-written characters with some powerful performances by Vijay Sethupathi, Raadhika and Aishwarya form the backbone of this film.
What takes the film down a notch is the screenplay, which appears a bit too smooth and lacks conviction at times. It is funny how Vijay has absolutely no clue that he has escaped with all the money, leaving his family in the lurch for months on end.
The director and actor have now come together for the third time with the 2016 Dharma Durai, which is a feel good family entertainer largely driven by the performance by Vijay Sethupathi. Ramasamy has made it work as the film is about the goodness in people and the mistakes they make, told as a commercial entertainer.
The story is set in a village near Madurai. Dharma Durai (Vijay Sethupathi) is an alcoholic and an embarrassment to his three brothers who run the family chit fund business. But his mother Pandiyamma (Radhika Sharatkumar) dotes on him and at a crucial moment helps him to escape from the clutches of his brothers who were planning to silence him.
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