Raman Thediya Seethai

Raman Thediya Seethai
Theatrical release poster
Directed by	K. P. Jagannath
Produced by	Moser Baer Entertainment
Written by	K. P. Jegannath
Starring	Cheran Pasupathy Nithin Sathya Remya Nambeeshan Vimala Raman Karthika Navya Nair Gajala Manivannan
Music by	Vidyasagar
Cinematography	Rajesh Yadav
Edited by	Kola Bhaskar
Release dates	19 September 2008 (2008-09-19)
Running time	145 minutes
Country	India
Language	Tamil

Raman Thediya Seethai ( Tamil: ராமன் தேடிய சீதை ; English: The Sita whom Rama searched for) is a Tamil drama film written and directed by K. P. Jagannath, starring Cheran, Pasupathy, Nithin Sathya in the lead male roles whilst Vimala Raman, Remya Nambeeshan, Navya Nair, Gajala and Karthika play parallel female roles.

In 2012, it was remade in Kannada as Gowri Puthra with Akshay.

Plot

The first few scenes themselves set the tone; first, a hesitant and bashful Venugopal (Cheran) trying desperately to carry on an interesting conversation with a prospective bride Ranjitha (Vimala Raman), in her picturesque home in Nagercoil. The conversation proceeds quite well in the beginning, until it hits an unexpected snag—Venu was hospitalised for extreme stress during his school years; he still stammers as the result of the strain, and when he's unexpectedly put into stressful situations. Ranjitha, unimpressed with the story and wary of his behavior, rejects him.

And thus begins the saga of this modern-day Raman who owns a wedding invitation design shop (a refreshing change of scenery, where you see the working of this unique business), works with beautifully crafted invitations, alliances, marriages and bride/grooms but somehow, he's never successful when it comes to his own wedding.

A second alliance is arranged, this time with Vidya (Ramya Nambisan), which actually gets to the wedding-day, but then goes down the tubes. Vidya elopes with her lover the day before her marriage, leaving her father Manickavel (Manivannan) distraught and furious. Remorseful, he promises that he will make sure Venu gets the perfect bride, as a sort of penance for his own daughter's fault.

But life holds no cheer for Venu, who's scarred by depression and by the feat that perhaps he's just not the man who will ever experience romance or marriage. But life has a few surprises in store for him.

A rather charming story unfolds now, in the form of Nedumaran (Pasupathi), a blind radio jockey, whose mission is to inspire people and inspire he does, as he outlines his own emotional love story with Thamizhisai (Gajala), whose steadfast love made him believe in himself. Nedumaran's zest for life and obviously joyous marriage inspires Venu, who continues on his hunt.

Another prospective bride Gayatri (Karthika) is interested, frank and pretty but she has a back story too; a hilarious, touching one, involving a reformed thief, Gunasekar (Nithin Sathya). Venu turns away, dejected, only to approach an inspector, Senthamarai (Navya Nair, in a cameo). But just when he's stunned by the twists and turns thrown by fate, destiny suddenly re-aligns itself.

Controversy

The unit was highly criticized, when it had used the vehicle registration number of a revenue department officer without obtaining proper permissions. A complaint was filed with the police against director Cheran, however no official complaint was later lodged.^[1]

In January 2008, the shooting of the film was in progress at Boothapandi in Kanyakumari district. During the shooting, 12 vehicles were involved, which were going to parade for a minister in the scene. Hundreds of people were gathered to watch this shoot in the village. The last vehicle, which was the jeep, hit an old woman Kuttralammal and she was thrown afar. She was admitted in a hospital, where she died the next day.^[1]

The local inspector has registered a case against the driver of the jeep and the director. Shooting has been cancelled.

Production

Casting

The film was announced in 2007 and the photo session was held at the time of launch.^[2] Gajala was selected as one of the leads^[3] and Remya nambeesan from Kerala was selected and she joined in second schedule.^[4] Vimala Raman of Poi,^[5] Karthika of Thootukudi and Navya Nair were selected since the story needed five heroines Pasupathi^[6] and Nithin Sathya were selected to play important roles.

Filming

Director Jagan said that "There are 78 scenes whereas there are 94 locations in the film"^[7] and added that "in most of the scenes there would be a small flashback and if this is taken into consideration then there are more locations in the film rather than scenes".^[8]

Cast

• Cheran as Venugopal
• Pasupathy as Nedumaran
• Nithin Sathya as Gunasekhar
• Vimala Raman as Ranjitha
• Remya Nambeeshan as Vidhya Manikkavel
• Gajala as Thamizhisai Nedumaran
• Karthika as Gayathri
• Navya Nair as Senthamarai
• Manivannan as Manikkavel
• Karunas as Murali
• Vidharth as Vidhya's husband

Soundtrack

Soundtrack is composed by Vidyasagar and it was well received.^[9] Balu Mahendra and Bhagyaraj released the audio which was held in Sathyam cinemas at 30 July 2008.^[10] During audio release, cheran made controversial statements about reporters by publishing rumours about him.^[11][12]

Reviews

Rediff wrote:"There's a delicate balance between portraying a genuinely touching story and going overboard with emotions. And that's where Global One Studio Productions' Raman Thediya Seethai (Rama's Hunt for Seetha), directed by K P Jagannath, manages to be different".^[13] Behindwoods wrote:"The director needs to be appreciated for delivering a film without kissing or glamorous scenes. However, he could have tried to make the subject a bit more interesting".^[14] Sify wrote:"RTS is riveting cinema and exhibits emotional depth and is a clean feel-good family entertainer".^[15] Nowrunning wrote:"Minus violence and item numbers, 'Raman Thediya Seethai,' a feel good romance certainly entertains".^[16]

References