Vallavan released on 21 October 2006. It received mixed reviews and became a hit at the box office.
Plot
Vallavan is a happy-go-lucky college student who is friends with Suji, Soori and Subbu. While they are at temple, Vallavan sees Swapna and immediately falls in love with her. Vallavan encounters Swapna again in college and she is revealed to be a teacher who is three years elder than him. He decides to woo her by turning into Pallan, an ugly duckling with buck teeth and thick glasses. Pallan makes Swapna fall in love with him for his heart. He then reveals his disguise in a party and introduces her to his friends. In the party they try to convince her indirectly to accept a younger man but she doesn't budge. After that Vallavan drops her at her home.He then seduces and they have sex. The next day he assures her that he will marry her saying they didn't have sex but made love.When Swapna learns that Pallan is younger than her (from one of Vallavan's rivals in the college) and also a student, she dumps him and decides to marry another man.
As Vallavan walks in the streets wondering how things got so messy, he recalls his school life. When he was in higher secondary school, Vallavan met the hysteric and toxic Geetha, who ensures that Vallavan is mad about her. Learning of her true nature, he ends things with her. She is not ready to let him go so easily, and he teaches her a lesson.
Cast
Silambarasan as Vallavan a.k.a. Pallan, a college student
Nayanthara as Swapna, a teacher and Vallavan's love interest
Reema Sen as Geethakumari "Geetha", Vallavan's ex-girlfriend
The music was scored by noted musician and Silambarasan's friend, Yuvan Shankar Raja, coming together again after churning out the successful album of Manmadhan (2004). The soundtrack was released on 1 June 2006 and features nine tracks, including seven songs and two instrumental pieces. As it was the case in Manmadhan, a second Soundtrack was released afterwards with bit songs that feature in the film but not on the first soundtrack along with pieces from the film score. The lyrics were penned by Vaali, Thamarai, film director Perarasu and Silambarasan himself. Karunakaran wrote the lyrics of the bit song "Kadhal Vandhale", released in the second edition.
Yuvan Shankar Raja won accolades for his soundtrack, whereas especially the songs "Loosu Penne" and "Yammaadi Aathaadi" were both popular.[1][2] His film score, too, was lauded, called as the film's highlight and "backbone of the film", while he himself was hailed as the film's "real hero".[3] The song "Kadhal Vanthirichu" was remixed from the film Kalyanaraman (1979), composed by Yuvan's father Ilaiyaraaja.
Vallavan received mixed to positive reviews from critics, who praised the performances of the lead actors (particularly the chemistry between Silambarasan and Nayanthara), while Reema Sen's portrayal as a psychopathic woman garnered critical acclaim.
The Times of India wrote: "Reema Sen's performance as a psychotic maniac created chills in the hearts of the audience. Watching the sudden transformation of a happy school going Reema Sen into a lunatic out for vengeance was eerily brilliant! Her portrayal of a sadistic lover was very convincing and the actress did justice to the role".[4]The Hindu wrote: "Vallavan's basic sketch is simpler than Manmadhan, though the maker has lent it his trademark frills".[5]Sify gave 2.5/5 stars to Vallavan and said:
"If you are looking for some wholesome entertainment, then Vallavan is worth your time and money".[6]Behindwoods.com commented: "On a positive note, the glamorous quotient of two heroines along with music and the youth element can play to Vallavan's advantage".[7]Oneindia wrote: "Yuvan's music and Santhanam's comedy provide the much-needed relief as the film's dark and tension filled screenplay roils throughout with murky games of passion and revenge."[8]
Box office
Vallavan was a hit at the box office. The film also featured, prior to release, in "most awaited" lists from entertainment sites. The film got a grand release during Diwali 2006 along with other films, such as Ajith's Varalaru, Jiiva's E, Arya's Vattaram, and Sarath Kumar's Thalaimagan. Due to the pre-release hype it created, Vallavan received a grand opening.[citation needed]
Controversies
The poster featuring Silambarasan biting Nayanthara's lips was objected by women's organisations.[9]
While filming for Vallavan, Nayanthara was romantically linked with Silambarasan. She initially denied the reports. In November 2006, however, she confirmed that she and Silambarasan had broken up, going on to add that she would not work with him again. However, they later went on to appear in Idhu Namma Aalu (2016).[10] During the making, Reema Sen threatened legal action against Silambarasan after he made changes to the scope of her role in the film.[11] She later stated she regretted her claim and was proud to have won critical acclaim for the character.[12]
