{{short description|2009 film directed by Susi Ganesan}} {{About|Tamil language film||Kandasamy (disambiguation){{!}}Kandasamy}} {{use Indian English|date=May 2014}} {{Use dmy dates|date=May 2014}} {{Infobox film | name = Kanthaswamy | image = Kanthaswamy Poster.jpg | alt = <!-- see WP:ALT --> | caption = Theatrical release poster | director = Susi Ganesan | producer = Kalaipuli S. Dhanu | writer = Susi Ganesan | starring = {{plainlist| *Vikram *Prabhu *Shriya Saran }} | music = Devi Sri Prasad | cinematography = N. K. Ekambaram | editing = Praveen K. L. <br /> N. B. Srikanth<br /> Rajesh Kumar | studio = V. Creations | distributor = {{ubl|Kalaipuli Internationals<br />{{small|(India)}}|Ayngaran International<br />{{small|(Overseas)}}}} | released = {{Film date|2009|08|21}} | runtime = 195 minutes | country = India | language = Tamil | gross = {{estimation}} {{INR}}21 crore<ref>{{cite web|url=https://bestoftheyear.in/movie/kanthaswamy/|title=Kanthaswamy Box Office|website=bestoftheyear.in|date=7 June 2017|access-date=24 July 2023|archive-date=24 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230724045918/https://bestoftheyear.in/movie/kanthaswamy/|url-status=live}}</ref> }}
'''''Kanthaswamy''''' is a 2009 Indian Tamil-language vigilante action film directed and written by Susi Ganesan. The film stars Vikram as the titular character, with Prabhu, Shriya Saran, Ashish Vidyarthi, Mukesh Tiwari, Krishna and Vadivelu appearing in supporting roles. The film was mostly dubbed in Telugu as '''''Mallanna''''' with Vadivelu's scenes partially reshot with Brahmanandam. The film's soundtrack and background score were composed by Devi Sri Prasad.
The film was released on 21 August 2009 and received positive reviews and became a success at the box office.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mallanna film muhurat – Telugu cinema function – Vikram & Shriya |url=http://www.idlebrain.com/news/functions/muhurat-mallanna.html |website=Idlebrain.com |access-date=9 October 2020 |archive-date=26 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126104836/http://www.idlebrain.com/news/functions/muhurat-mallanna.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Mallanna press meet function – Telugu cinema – Vikram & Shriya |url=http://www.idlebrain.com/news/functions/pressmeet-mallanna.html |website=Idlebrain.com |access-date=9 October 2020 |archive-date=17 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211017002754/http://www.idlebrain.com/news/functions/pressmeet-mallanna.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
== Plot == V. Pugazhmarattu Kanthaswamy is an officer in the CBI Economic Offences Wing, who along with his friends grants the wishes of the needy (whom they write letters in Lord Muruga temple) by disguising as an anthropomorphic rooster behavioured vigilante. During a CBI raid, Kanthaswamy discovers a stash of black money owned by Pallur Paramajothi Ponnusamy alias PPP, an arrogant business tycoon, and his partner Rajmohan. Ponnusamy pretends to suffer from a stroke in order to escape questioning by the police. Ponnusamy's daughter Subbalakshmi gets enraged by the news and goes after Kanthaswamy to seek revenge by pretending to be in love with him.
Knowing her real intentions, Kanthaswamy plays along, until where they fall in love with each other in reality. In a parallel comedic role, Thengakadai Thenappan/Kobarikayala Subbayya is also sought by a local police inspector who tries to solve the mystery of "Lord Muruga saving the people". In a series of twists, the police inspector is able to bring out the truth that the CBI is involved in the role behind the secret work of helping the needy people, though he is not able to prove it. Kanthaswamy finds the password of PPP's bank account, in which the black money is illegally saved, as he tricks Subbalakshmi into revealing the password and answers the security questions indirectly.
Kanthaswamy transfers the money to his own account, which he would use for helping poor and needy people. In the end, Ponnusamy originally gets stroke upon realising his money gone and that the account has zero balance. Kanthaswamy encounters Rajmohan, whom people think to be a humble person. Kanthaswamy reveals Rajmohan's true intentions, which leads the people to understand Rajmohan's true colour and Kanthaswamy arrests him. Subbulakshmi, who realizes that her father is a corrupt person, proposes to Kanthaswamy where they get married and live in Rajasthan. Kanthaswamy reads some letters tied to a tree (just like the ones at the Lord Muruga temple), where he puts a letter in a pocket with a secret smile, implying that he will pursue as a vigilante again.
== Cast == {{cast listing| * Vikram as V. Pugazhmarattu Kanthaswamy IPS, Superintendent of Police of CBI Economic offences Wing * Prabhu as Parandhaman IPS, DIG of CB-CID * Krishna as R. Krishna Rao IPS, Joint Director of CBI * Shriya Saran as PP Subbulakshmi, PPP's Daughter (voiceover by Suchitra) * Vadivelu as Thengakadai Thenappan * Ashish Vidyarthi as Pazhuvur Paranjothi Ponnusamy "PPP" (voiceover by P. Ravi Shankar) and Subbulakshmi's father * Mukesh Tiwari as Rajmohan, PPP's partner (voiceover by Subbu Panchu) * Y. G. Mahendran as Ganganathan, PPP's assistant * Mansoor Ali Khan as Inspector * Vinod Raj as Rajmohan's assistant * Charle * Alex as Mexico Pichumani * Mumaith Khan as Meenakumari, an actress (item number) * Ilavarasu as Constable * Mayilsamy * Muthukaalai as Auto driver * King Kong as Thief * Halwa Vasu as Thenappan's sidekick * Sevvalai Rasu * Nellai Siva as Constable * Chelladurai as Constable ;Uncredited * Susi Ganesan as Ganesh IPS, Superintendent of Police of IB and Kanthaswamy's friend<ref name="I" /> * Boys Rajan as CB-CID officer * Vengal Rao as Coconut thief * Citizen Mani as bystander ;Telugu version * Brahmanandam as Kobbarikayala Subbayya * Gundu Hanumantha Rao as Auto driver * Kallu Chidambaram as Coconut thief * Rocket Raghava as Jaffa }}
== Production == === Development === After the vigilante film ''Samurai'', actor Vikram decides to do another vigilante film. In January 2007, early reports suggested that Kalaipuli International were set to make a film starring Vikram directed by Susi Ganesan, titled ''Kanthaswamy'' for a release during Diwali 2007.<ref name="diwali">{{cite web |year=2007 |title=Susi-Hari venture named 'Kandasamy' |publisher=Nowrunning.com |access-date=28 January 2007 |url=http://www.nowrunning.com/news/news.aspx?it=9344 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090614012505/http://www.nowrunning.com/news/news.aspx?it=9344 |archive-date=14 June 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Soon after the announcement, Shriya Saran, who was acting in ''Sivaji: The Boss'' at the time, was chosen to play the heroine.<ref name="shriya">{{cite web |year=2007 |title=What makes Shriya click? |website=IndiaGlitz.com |access-date=27 February 2007 |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/29470.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070302080958/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/29470.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2 March 2007}}</ref> However, due to Vikram and Shriya's projects, the film was delayed and the first schedule was postponed to July 2007. The film's first photo shoot was carried out in June 2007 at Muthukadu near Chennai featuring the lead actors.<ref name="muthukadu">{{cite web|year=2007|title=Hari begins work on Kandasamy|publisher=Galattatime.com|access-date=14 June 2007|url=http://www.galattatime.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9&Itemid=2|archive-date=13 May 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070513110414/http://www.galattatime.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9&Itemid=2|url-status=usurped}}</ref> The film began filming a pre-launch trailer, the first of its kind in Tamil cinema, to be screened at the launch, with Hari, Susi Ganesan and fashion designer Chetan travelling to Malaysia to look for Hollywood-inspired costumes.<ref name="costume">{{cite web |year=2007 |title=Hari's costume party |website=Behindwoods.com |access-date=16 July 2007 |url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news/july-07-03/16-07-07-vikram.html |archive-date=3 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303165143/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news/july-07-03/16-07-07-vikram.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
The inauguration of ''Kanthaswamy'' took place on 22 September 2007 at the Devi Paradise theatre in Chennai. For the event, a unique electronic invitation, made in China, was presented to guests who had been invited. The invitation was the size of a laptop and featured an 8-minute trailer of ''Kanthaswamy''.<ref name="trailere">{{cite web|author=Ashok Kumar, S.R |year=2007 |title=Invitation for launch of 'Kandasamy' not commonplace |work=The Hindu |access-date=19 September 2007 |url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/2007/09/19/stories/2007091959110200.htm |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090110182415/http://www.hinduonnet.com/2007/09/19/stories/2007091959110200.htm |archive-date=10 January 2009 }}</ref> Each invitation had cost about Rs. 15,000, making it the most expensive invitation in Indian film history.<ref name="card">{{cite web |author=Warrior, Shobha |year=2007 |title=I want my movies to be the biggest film of 2008 |work=Rediff.com |access-date=25 September 2007 |url=http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2007/sep/20sd1.htm |archive-date=3 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303204421/http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2007/sep/20sd1.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> Following the launch ceremony, the team announced they had adopted two villages near Madurai; Sangampatti and Gandhi Nagar, to shoot in initially and then to provide basic amenities like school and proper roads among other things to the villagers for a year. The team, who were praised for their actions, were the first production team to take part in such activity in Tamil cinema.<ref name="travill">{{cite web |author=Kavitha, S.S |year=2007 |title=Adoption with a difference |work=The Hindu|access-date=10 November 2007 |url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/mp/2007/11/10/stories/2007111050380100.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090110125420/http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/mp/2007/11/10/stories/2007111050380100.htm|url-status=usurped|archive-date=10 January 2009}}</ref>
In November 2007, the shooting was halted temporarily due to an accident that occurred at the shooting spot at the Chennai Boat Club. Cameraman Ekambaram was canning the shots as per director Susi Ganesan's instructions when a pole erected on the sets unexpectedly fell on the director's head, resulting in an injury.<ref name="taccidentl">{{cite web |year=2007 |title='Kandasamy' shooting comes to a halt |website=Cinesouth |access-date=23 November 2007 |url=http://www.cinesouth.com/masala/hotnews/new/23112007-4.shtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071125102543/http://www.cinesouth.com/masala/hotnews/new/23112007-4.shtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=25 November 2007}}</ref> The film finished schedules at Italy, where the trailer was filmed as well as schedules in Tanzania, Kenya and Switzerland. During the production of the film, actor Raghuvaran died suddenly and hence subsequently, his role was replaced by Ashish Vidyarthi, which also led to a delay in the release of the film. A schedule in locations in Mexico was also held, after the team went location hunting there, with a song and several scenes canned.<ref name="thunt">{{cite web |year=2007 |title=Bangkok purchases for 'Kandasamy' |website=Cinesouth |access-date=19 June 2007 |url=http://www.cinesouth.com/masala/hotnews/new/19062007-5.shtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090627054131/http://www.cinesouth.com/masala/hotnews/new/19062007-5.shtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=27 June 2009}}</ref> The film, initially described as a "hilarious comedy", was rumoured to be a remake of the American cult hit ''The Breakfast Club'',<ref name="vikramt">{{cite web |year=2007 |title=Vikram's Kandasamy remake of the English movie "The Breakfast Club" |publisher=TamilFilmRatings.com |access-date=10 May 2007 |url=http://www.tamilfilmratings.com/news/fullnews.asp?ref=388 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070513184843/http://www.tamilfilmratings.com/news/fullnews.asp?ref=388 <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = 13 May 2007}}</ref> however Susi Ganesan has claimed that the film has a more Robin Hood feel to it.<ref name="vhoodmt">{{cite web |year=2007 |title=The Robin Hood of Kollywood |publisher=Oneindia |access-date=7 May 2007 |url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/tamil/exclusive/vikram-kandasaamy-shreya-070507.html |archive-date=18 February 2013 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130218062737/http://entertainment.oneindia.in/tamil/exclusive/vikram-kandasaamy-shreya-070507.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>
=== Casting === Following the announcement of the project, Shriya Saran was signed in February 2007, when she was in the middle of completing her other projects ''Sivaji: The Boss'' and ''Azhagiya Tamil Magan''.<ref name="shriya" /> In September 2007, with the release of the trailer several other artistes names were featured as supporting cast. Prominent supporting actor Raghuvaran was selected to play as Shriya's father and shot scenes in the role, before his unexpected death during the production of the film, subsequently, his role was replaced by Ashish Vidyarthi.<ref name="kashna">{{cite web |year=2008 |title=Kanthaswamy's latest replacement |website=Behindwoods.com |access-date=31 May 2008 |url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/may-08-04/kanthaswamy-31-05-08.html |archive-date=3 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303203218/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/may-08-04/kanthaswamy-31-05-08.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Prabhu was also added in a supporting role, as well as lesser established actors such as Vikram's father Vinod Raj, Y. G. Mahendran, Shiv, Arun Madhavan, Vinayak and Alex, whilst Mumaith Khan was assigned for an item number. Later on, veteran Telugu actor Krishna<ref name="krishna">{{cite web |year=2007 |title=A new star joins Kanthaswamy |website=Behindwoods.com |access-date=5 November 2007 |url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news/nov-07-01/05-11-07-kanthaswamy.html |archive-date=24 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924033815/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news/nov-07-01/05-11-07-kanthaswamy.html |url-status=live }}</ref> was signed to a role in the project as well as Indrajith who will do a villainous role in the film.<ref name="indrajith">{{cite web |year=2007 |title=Prithiviraj's sibling in Kanthaswamy |website=Behindwoods.com |access-date=20 November 2007 |url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news/nov-07-03/20-11-07-kanthaswamy.html |archive-date=3 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303205601/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news/nov-07-03/20-11-07-kanthaswamy.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Indrajith was selected for the role ahead of other prominent character actors Arjun Rampal, Irfan Khan and Suman.<ref name="badguy">{{cite web |year=2007 |title=Kanthaswamy's new villain! |website=Sify |access-date=27 November 2007 |url=http://sify.com/movies/tamil/fullstory.php?id=14563470|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071122140929/http://sify.com/movies/tamil/fullstory.php?id=14563470|url-status=dead|archive-date=22 November 2007}}</ref> Along with the change of actor for Raghuvaran's role, Indrajith's role was taken by Mukesh Tiwari and the role created for Santhanam was deleted. Moreover, Vivek, who had featured in the original trailer, opted out and was replaced by Vadivelu. Mansoor Ali Khan took up a negative role in the film to make a comeback in acting.<ref name="imik">{{cite web |year=2008 |title=Mansoor's Kanthasamy connection |publisher=Chennai365.com |access-date=17 January 2008 |url=http://www.chennai365.com/news/mansoors-kanthasamy-connection/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080118210658/http://www.chennai365.com/news/mansoors-kanthasamy-connection/ |archive-date=18 January 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
The producer of ''Kanthaswamy'', Kalaipuli S. Dhanu and Susi Ganesan, the director ensembled an experienced team to produce the film. Veterans Thotta Tharani, A. S. Laxmi Narayanan and Viveka between them, take care of the art direction, audiography and lyrics respectively. Devi Sri Prasad composed the music. While N. K. Ekambaram was assigned as the director of photography of the film, the film was edited by three film editors Praveen K. L., N. B. Srikanth and M. V. Rajesh. Kanal Kannan and Chatrapathy Shakthi are the fight masters for the film, whilst Mittra media are responsible for the publicity designs of the film outputs, adding to their work with the trailer and the invitations. The film is co-produced, by Chennai businessmen, A. Paranthaman and A. K. Natraj, along with Dhanu.
== Music == The film has seven songs composed by Devi Sri Prasad. For the first time, Vikram has sung most of the songs in this movie. === Tamil === {{Infobox album | name = Kanthaswamy | type = Soundtrack | artist = Devi Sri Prasad | cover = | alt = | released = 17 May 2009 | recorded = 2009 | venue = | studio = | genre = Feature film soundtrack | length = 35:04 | label = Sony Music India | language = Tamil | producer = Devi Sri Prasad | prev_title = Current | prev_year = 2009 | next_title = Arya 2 | next_year = 2009 }}
The songs from the album was released to the public after an audio launch at the Chennai Trade Centre in Chennai on 17 May 2009. "En Peru Meenakumari" samples "Bambara Kannaala" from ''Manamagan Thevai'' (1957).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nilacharal.com/movie-news-reviews/%E0%AE%95%E0%AE%A8%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%A4%E0%AE%9A%E0%AE%BE%E0%AE%AE%E0%AE%BF-%E0%AE%87%E0%AE%9A%E0%AF%88-%E0%AE%B5%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%AE%E0%AE%B0%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%9A%E0%AE%A9%E0%AE%AE%E0%AF%8D/|title=கந்தசாமி - இசை விமர்சனம் - Nilacharal|website=Nilacharal.com|access-date=11 December 2017|archive-date=19 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019164135/http://www.nilacharal.com/movie-news-reviews/%e0%ae%95%e0%ae%a8%e0%af%8d%e0%ae%a4%e0%ae%9a%e0%ae%be%e0%ae%ae%e0%ae%bf-%e0%ae%87%e0%ae%9a%e0%af%88-%e0%ae%b5%e0%ae%bf%e0%ae%ae%e0%ae%b0%e0%af%8d%e0%ae%9a%e0%ae%a9%e0%ae%ae%e0%af%8d/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Item-girl-turns-heroine/articleshow/3835723.cms|title=Item girl turns heroine!|website=The Times of India|access-date=11 December 2017|archive-date=17 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170317053556/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Item-girl-turns-heroine/articleshow/3835723.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>
{{track listing |headline= Track-List | extra_column = Singer(s) | total_length = 35:04 | all_writing = Viveka | title1 = Excuse Me | extra1 = Vikram, Suchitra | length1 = 05:46 | title2 = Allegra | extra2 = Rita Thyagarajan | length2 = 05:23 | title3 = Meow Meow | extra3 = Vikram, Priya Himesh | length3 = 04:31 | title4 = Ithellam Dupe | extra4 = Vikram, Devi Sri Prasad | length4 = 04:08 | title5 = Mambo Mamiya | extra5 = Vikram, Rita | length5 = 04:36 | title6 = En Peru Meenakumari | extra6 = Malathy Lakshman, Krishna Iyer | length6 = 04:20 | title7 = Kanthaswamy Theme | extra7 = Devi Sri Prasad | length7 = 03:04 | title8 = Kanthaswamy | note8 = DSP mix | extra8 = Devi Sri Prasad | length8 = 03:16 }}
=== Telugu === {{Infobox album | name = Mallanna | type = Soundtrack | artist = Devi Sri Prasad | cover = | alt = | released = 2009 | recorded = 2009 | venue = | studio = | genre = Feature film soundtrack | length = 35:05 | label = Sony Music India | language = Telugu | producer = Devi Sri Prasad }}
"Naa Peru Meenakumari" samples "Pachagaddi Koseti" from ''Dasara Bullodu'' (1971).<ref name="I" />
{{track listing |headline= Track-List | extra_column = Singer(s) | total_length = 35:05 | all_lyrics = Sahithi | title1 = Excuse Me | extra1 = Vikram, Suchitra | length1 = 05:48 | title2 = Allegra | extra2 = Rita Thyagarajan | length2 = 05:23 | title3 = Meow Meow | extra3 = Vikram, Priya Himesh | length3 = 04:31 | title4 = Ivannee Dupe | extra4 = Vikram, Devi Sri Prasad | length4 = 04:08 | title5 = Mambo Mamiya | extra5 = Vikram, Rita Thyagarajan | length5 = 04:36 | title6 = Naa Peru Meenakumari | extra6 = Malathy Lakshman, Krishna Iyer | length6 = 04:20 | title7 = Mallana Theme | extra7 = Devi Sri Prasad | length7 = 03:03 | title8 = Mallana | note8 = DSP mix | extra8 = Devi Sri Prasad | length8 = 03:16 }}
== Release == The original Tamil version of the film was given a "U" certificate, along with some cuts by the Indian Censor Board. Additionally, the Telugu version ''Mallanna'' was granted a U/A certificate, with a few cuts from the Board. Some theaters reduced 15 minutes of Brahmanandam's comedy from the Telugu version.<ref name="I">{{Cite web|url=http://www.idlebrain.com/movie/archive/mr-mallanna.html|title=Mallanna (Kanthaswamy in Tamil) review – Telugu cinema Review – Vikram & Shriya Saran|website=Idlebrain.com|access-date=13 January 2020|archive-date=11 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160811055220/http://www.idlebrain.com/movie/archive/mr-mallanna.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Due to Raghuvaran's death, the release was postponed.
== Reception == === Critical response === ''Kanthaswamy'' received mixed reviews from critics, with praise for Vikram and Shriya's performances, the soundtrack, background score, and plot. However the film's editing, writing, and length received criticism.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://tamilomovie.com/tamil-movie-review/2549-movie-review-kanthaswamy- |title=Movie Review — Kanthaswamy |publisher=Tamilomovie.com |access-date=5 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121122162039/http://tamilomovie.com/tamil-movie-review/2549-movie-review-kanthaswamy- |archive-date=22 November 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
''Indiaglitz'' reviewed that "the movie was delight to watch and praised Shriya that as a cool cat, she plays a perfect foil to Vikram in the film".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/review/9204.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071015124219/http://indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/review/9204.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=15 October 2007 |title=Kanthaswamy Tamil Movie Review |website=IndiaGlitz |date=21 August 2009 |access-date=5 August 2012}}</ref> ''Sify'' also reviewed that "the movie was a roller coaster ride of pure unadulterated masala. It praised Vikram and Shriya saying while Vikram rocked and the film belongs to him, Shriya sizzled throughout and carried the glamorous role with élan and the attitude".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/kandasamy-review-tamil-14905901.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130627144514/http://www.sify.com/movies/kandasamy-review-tamil-14905901.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=27 June 2013|title=Movie Review:Kandasamy |website=Sify |access-date=5 August 2012}}</ref> ''Rediff'' gave the film 2.5/5 stars and commented: "Watch ''Kandhasamy'' for its beautiful locales, a ravishing heroine, and Vikram's smile but go with nil expectations as this particular super-hero doesn't have much to offer a discerning viewer".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://movies.rediff.com/report/2009/aug/21/south-tamil-movie-review-kandasamy.htm |title=Kandasamy is a commercial cocktail |publisher=Rediff |date=21 August 2009 |access-date=5 August 2012 |archive-date=20 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160920160956/http://movies.rediff.com/report/2009/aug/21/south-tamil-movie-review-kandasamy.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Behindwoods'' rated the film 2/5 and stated that it was "A hollow hype".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-reviews/reviews-2/kanthaswamy.html |title=Kanthaswamy — Tamil Movie Reviews |website=Behindwoods |access-date=5 August 2012 |archive-date=22 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120622211617/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-reviews/reviews-2/kanthaswamy.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Cinema Chaat gave the film 3.5/5 stars, and stated that "''Kanthaswamy'' is not a great film, but instead serves as an excellent example of what might have been."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cinemachaat.com/2010/08/26/kanthaswamy/|title=Kanthaswamy|date=26 August 2010|access-date=11 December 2017|archive-date=23 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150323085335/http://cinemachaat.com/2010/08/26/kanthaswamy/|url-status=live}}</ref>
For the Telugu version ''Mallanna'', Jeevi of ''Idlebrain'' gave the film a rating of two-and-a-half out of five and noted that "On a whole, ''Mallana'' is an example of what happens when popular screenplay goes wrong in any of Shankar's movies".<ref name="I" />
=== Box office === The film collected {{INR}} 13.7 million in the UK.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/trade/overseas_boxoffice/280.html |title=Eagerly awaiting 'Wanted', 'Dil Bole Hadippa' |author=Taran Adarsh |date=16 September 2009 |website= Bollywood Hungama|access-date=12 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091223095325/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/trade/overseas_boxoffice/280.html |archive-date=23 December 2009 |url-status=dead}}</ref> In Malaysia it collected a $1,077,658 in its total run.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://boxofficemojo.com/intl/malaysia/?yr=2009&wk=40&p=.htm|title=Malaysia Box Office, October 1–4, 2009|date=8 April 2012|publisher=Boxofficemojo.com|access-date=5 August 2012|archive-date=22 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022100514/http://boxofficemojo.com/intl/malaysia/?yr=2009&wk=40&p=.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> In Chennai box office it collected {{INR}} 72.8 million in seven weeks.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sify.com/movies/tamil/fullstory.php?id=14925283 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100102052311/http://sify.com/movies/tamil/fullstory.php?id=14925283 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2 January 2010 |title=2009- Kollywood Hits & Misses! |website=Sify |access-date=5 August 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/news-interviews/Kollywood-sets-a-new-milestone/articleshow/5215530.cms | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104211116/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-11-11/news-interviews/28080587_1_hits-tamil-films-tamil-nadu | url-status=live | archive-date=4 November 2012 | first1=Sreedhar | last1=Pillai | work=The Times of India | title=Kollywood sets a new milestone | date=11 November 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=TOINEW&BaseHref=TOICH%2F2009%2F12%2F31&ViewMode=GIF&GZ=T&PageLabel=19&EntityId=Ar01901&AppName=1 |title=Article Window |website=epaper.timesofindia.com |access-date=5 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717060453/http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=TOINEW&BaseHref=TOICH%2F2009%2F12%2F31&ViewMode=GIF&GZ=T&PageLabel=19&EntityId=Ar01901&AppName=1 |archive-date=17 July 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
=== Accolades === '''Amrita Mathrubhumi Award'''
* Best Actress – Shriya Saran<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/53278.html |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100106023816/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/53278.html |url-status= dead |archive-date= 6 January 2010 | title= Suriya & Shriya to win Mathrubhumi awards|date= 5 January 2010 |work= Indiaglitz |access-date=6 January 2010}}</ref>
'''Edison Awards''' * Best Public Relations Officer – Diamond Babu
'''Vijay Awards'''
The film has been nominated for the following categories:<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/may-10-02/vijay-awards14-05-10.html |title=Countdown for the Vijay awards |website=Behindwoods |date=14 May 2010 |access-date=5 August 2012 |archive-date=19 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100919114053/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/may-10-02/vijay-awards14-05-10.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
* Favorite Hero – Vikram * Favorite Heroine – Shriya Saran * Favorite film – Kalaipuli S. Dhanu * Favorite Director – Susi Ganesan * Best Music Director – Devi Sri Prasad * Best Art Director – Thotta Tharani * Best Female Playback Singer – Rita * Best Choreographer – Saravana Rajan * Best Make Up Artistes – Nellai Shanmugam * Best Costume Designer – Chaitanya and Sai
== References == {{Reflist}}
== External links == *{{IMDb title}}
{{Susi Ganesan}}
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