Subramaniapuram: The period action movie that revolutionised a stagnant Indian film industry turns 15

At that particular time, a previously unknown person named M Sasikumar emerged on the scene with a period action film that revolutionised the Indian film industry in a positive way, exactly 15 years ago.

The film, Subramaniapuram, opens with the release of a convict who, moments after leaving prison, is viciously stabbed, leaving him fighting for survival. The narrative swiftly transitions to a flashback, transporting the audience to the Subramaniapuram of the 1980s, where the circumstances leading to the attack are revealed. This cinematic breakthrough forever transformed the landscape of Indian cinema.

Paraman (Sasikumar), Azhagar (Jai), Kaasi (Ganja Karuppu), Dopa (Vichithran), and Dumka (Maari) are a group of five unemployed friends who prioritise leading carefree lives. Since their penchant for getting into trouble is well-known, they maintain a close relationship with ex-councillor Somu and his brother Kanugu (Samuthirakani). The two brothers tolerate the group’s mischief because they often prove helpful when needed. Meanwhile, Azhagar secretly harbours romantic feelings for Kanugu’s niece Thulasi (Swathi Reddy), unbeknownst to her family.

Subramaniapuram, with its meticulous period setting, well-developed characters, and compelling storyline, breathed new life into Indian cinema, which until then had been suffocating under a cloud of mediocrity and repetition. In a remarkable manner, Sasikumar skillfully captured the essence and intricacies of a Tamil Nadu village set in the 1980s, without exaggeration or unnecessary commercialisation of the narrative. The dialogues in the film are meticulously crafted and thoughtfully written, effectively contributing to the authenticity of the 1980s setting.

Simultaneously, the actors chosen for the crucial roles in the film effortlessly embodied the essence of characters from a bygone era. The impeccable casting played a significant role in elevating the overall quality of Subramaniapuram and cementing its status as a classic.

Sasikumar exuded ruggedness and convincingly portrayed the gang’s leader, while Jai infused his role with charm and fearlessness, creating an endearing yet audacious hero. Ganja Karuppu’s comedic timing and versatility were utilised effectively by casting him as the traitor, seamlessly transitioning between different facets of the character. Samuthirakani masterfully portrayed the role of the second-in-command, showcasing a villainous nature surpassing even the most powerful. Meanwhile, Swathi Reddy skillfully portrayed a character encompassing compassion, love, and helplessness, delivering a captivating performance.

Subramaniapuram stands out as a rare gem in which every contributor, from different areas of production, wholeheartedly dedicated themselves to delivering an exceptional outcome. Rembon B’s art direction played a pivotal role in creating a fully immersive world within Subramaniapuram, while it was K Natarajan’s costumes that truly stole the spotlight. With meticulous attention to every intricate detail, director Sasikumar and costume designer K Natarajan managed to revive an era that had been depicted numerous times but never quite brought to life in such a remarkable manner.

The film serves as a remarkable example of the transformative impact that exceptional music can have on a film. James Vasanthan’s songs, particularly the iconic song “Kangal Irandal” penned by Thamarai which is still hailed as one of the greatest Tamil film songs of all time, work in harmony to transport viewers to the 1980s setting, effectively immersing them in the atmosphere of a village near Madurai. Furthermore, the background music and carefully incorporated ambient sounds in Subramaniapuram contribute to a seamless and immersive viewing experience.

SR Kathiir’s cinematography and Raja Mohammad’s editing form the indispensable foundations of Subramaniapuram, while Rajasekar’s stunt choreography adds the final touch, rendering the film a unique masterpiece.

Through its meticulously crafted visuals and well-paced scenes, Subramaniapuram effectively transported Indian cinema back to its roots, capturing the essence and spirit of the era in a unique and captivating manner. Needless to say that the film became a phenomenal success at the box office and continues to hold a special place in the hearts of countless cinephiles and even master directors.

Ace filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has repeatedly commended the film and acknowledged that his acclaimed work Gangs of Wasseypur drew inspiration from the Sasikumar directorial. On Tuesday, he took to Twitter to express his admiration once more for the film and its team. Sharing a poster of the film, Kashyap tweeted: “15 years to the film that inspired me so much that it led us to make Gangs of Wasseypur. Congratulations Sasi Kumar and team.”

Kashyap, who had previously expressed that Subramaniapuram held the title of his favourite film from the 2000s, had showcased his admiration for the movie during its 10th anniversary as well. In a tweet, he said: “It’s ten years of the amazing film that inspired me to GOW #10yearsofsubramaniyapuram.”