Velayudham

{{short description|2011 film by M. Raja}} {{Use Indian English|date=February 2026}} {{Use dmy dates|date=February 2026}} {{Infobox film | image = Velayudham poster.jpg | caption = Theatrical release poster | director = M. Raja | screenplay = {{plainlist| *M. Raja *R. T. Neason }} {{Infobox | decat = yes | child = yes | label1= Dialogues by | data1 = {{Ubl|Subha}} }} | story = Mohan Raja | producer = V. Ravichandran | starring = Vijay Genelia D'Souza Hansika Motwani | cinematography = Priyan | editing = B. Lenin V. T. Vijayan | music = Vijay Antony | studio = Aascar Film Pvt. Ltd | released = {{Film date|df=yes|2011|10|26}} | runtime = 167 minutes | country = India | language = Tamil | budget = {{estimation}} {{INR}}45 crore<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kumaraswami |first=Lakshmi |date=5 November 2011 |title=Actor Vijay goes head to head with brainy bodybuilder Suriya |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/leisure/story/20111114-chennai-kollywood-suriya-vijay-7aum-arivu-and-velayudham-749543-2011-11-05 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210802095634/https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/leisure/story/20111114-chennai-kollywood-suriya-vijay-7aum-arivu-and-velayudham-749543-2011-11-05 |archive-date=2 August 2021 |access-date=10 March 2026 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref><ref name="madrasmusings">{{Cite web |author=Ashok |first=T. N. |date=16 February 2013 |title=Tamil films: alive and kicking |url=http://madrasmusings.com/Vol%2022%20No%2021/tamil-films-alive-and-kicking.html |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004223801/http://madrasmusings.com/Vol%2022%20No%2021/tamil-films-alive-and-kicking.html |archive-date=4 October 2013 |access-date=17 April 2015 |work=Madras Musings |language=en}}</ref> | gross = {{estimation}} {{INR}}60 crore<ref name="madrasmusings" /><ref name="Gross">{{Cite web |date=29 February 2024 |title=Padayappa To Billa, Earliest Entrants Of Rs 50-crore Club In Tamil Industry |url=https://www.news18.com/movies/padayappa-to-billa-earliest-entrants-of-rs-50-crore-club-in-tamil-industry-8797500.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240318033904/https://www.news18.com/movies/padayappa-to-billa-earliest-entrants-of-rs-50-crore-club-in-tamil-industry-8797500.html |archive-date=18 March 2024 |access-date=10 March 2026 |website=News18 |language=en}}</ref> }}

'''''Velayudham''''' ({{IPAc-en|v|eɪ|l|ɑː|j|ʊ|ð|əm}}) is a 2011 Indian Tamil-language superhero film directed by M. Raja, who co-wrote the screenplay with R. T. Neason, while the dialogues were written by the duo Subha. Produced by V. Ravichandran, it stars Vijay in the title role with Genelia D'Souza and Hansika Motwani, while Santhanam, Saranya Mohan, Soori, Abhimanyu Singh, and Vineet Kumar play prominent roles. In the film, a journalist tracks down a villager who had unknowingly foiled a terrorist plot and persuades him to embrace his heroism as a symbol of hope for the people.

''Velayudham'' was inspired by the 2000 Telugu film ''Azad''; Raja obtained permission to remake the film but eventually retained only the premise. Filming began in July 2010 and continued till September 2011, lasting 150 working days; filming primarily took place in Pollachi and Udumalaipettai for the village portions, while rest of the action and song sequences were filmed in Chennai, Hyderabad, Odisha, Kochi and Kashmir. The music was composed by Vijay Antony with cinematography by Priyan and editing by B. Lenin and V. T. Vijayan.

''Velayudham'' was released on 26 October 2011 coinciding with Diwali and became a commercial success. Amongst its accolades, the film won two Edison Awards and an Ananda Vikatan Cinema Award, while being nominated for a South Indian International Movie Award and two Vijay Awards.

==Plot== Bharathi, a young journalist, and her two friends investigate a series of terrorist attacks which have taken place in Chennai and also other illegal activities like human trafficking. One night, Bharathi and her friends are caught video-recording illicit activities happening in a secluded house by a group of thugs, where they attempt to flee from them. While Bharathi's friends are murdered, Bharathi manages to escape despite being stabbed by one of the thugs. After the attack on Bharathi and her friends, the thugs' vehicle explodes due to a small mishap when a cigarette falls over petrol packets stored in the vehicle, killing the thugs.

Bharathi comes up with a new idea to eradicate society's evils by creating and propagating a fictitious character called "Velayudham" (after seeing a Murugan temple nearby) who wants to clean up the city of terrorism and other illegal activities. Meanwhile, in a village named Pavunoor. Velayudham "Velu" is a milk vendor who lives with his younger sister Kaveri and niece Vaidehi, unaware that she likes him as a future husband. One day, Velu, Kaveri, and Vaidehi leave for Chennai to collect money from a chit fund for Kaveri's marriage. At the Chennai Egmore railway station, Velu's handbag is stolen by Speedu, a petty thief. Velu pursues Speedu on a motorbike parked at the station and manages to get back his money. Moments after alighting from the bike, the bike explodes.

The parked bike had a bomb which was meant to ensure a terrorist attack at the railway station, which Velu inadvertently thwarted. Velu unknowingly prevents more terrorist attacks and comes to Bharathi's attention. At first, Bharathi hates him due to various incidents, but when she sees him unknowingly handing over the terrorists to the police, she falls in love with him without knowing that Vaidehi also loves him. When Bharathi learns that Velu unknowingly prevented the attacks, she convinces him to take up the role of Velayudham and provide hope for the people, but Velu refuses and tells her to finish the avatar of Velayudham.

Later, Velu learns that his money is stolen and the company where he insured the money was a corrupt company. The people get enraged when they learn that their money was stolen. One of them commits suicide by burning himself alive. When the villagers tells that Velayudham will come and help them, Velu plans to take the role of Velayudham and kills the person who stole the people's money and returns the money to the people. In the avatar of Velayudham, Velu starts to eradicate society's evils among others, where he soon gains wide support and acceptance among the public and police.

A few months later, Velu returns to Pavunoor with Bharathi for Kaveri's marriage. Unknown to Velu, Musafir Ibrahim, the leader of a terrorist group followed him to his village. Ibrahim wants to kill Velu since he thwarted every terrorist attack that he had planned in Chennai. On the day of Kaveri's marriage, a bomb planted by Ibrahim at Velu's house explodes, killing Kaveri. Velu later learns from Bharathi that the corrupt Home Minister Ulaganathan is indirectly responsible for the terrorist attacks and Kaveri's death.

Ulaganathan allowed Ibrahim to carry out terrorist attacks in exchange for profits and also even tries to gain popularity by claiming Velayudham as his idea. Ulagananthan plans to reveal Ibrahim as Velayudham's real identity in a function at the Nehru Stadium, Chennai. Velu and Bharathi arrives at the stadium, where Velu kills Ibrahim and his henchmen. Velu asks the people not to celebrate him as a superhero any more, but asks them to express their anger on their own without fear. Velu also exposes Ulaganathan's misdeeds with Bharathi's help, and Ulaganathan gets killed in a stampede.

==Cast== {{cast listing|  * Vijay as Velayudham alias "Velu" * Genelia D'Souza as Bharathi * Hansika Motwani as Vaidhehi * Santhanam as Kundusaamy alias Speedu * Saranya Mohan as Kaveri, Velu's sister * Pandiarajan as Head Constable Honest Raj * M. S. Bhaskar as Vaidehi's father * Sayaji Shinde as ACP Mohammed Feroz Khan IPS * Ilavarasu as a poor man * Soori as Abdullah * T. P. Gajendran as a travelling ticket examiner * Kadhal Dhandapani as Nattamai * Vincent Asokan as Ulaganathan's brother * Pandi as Pandi * Ajay as Ulaganathan's partner * Vineet Kumar as Ulaganathan, Home Minister of Tamil Nadu * Abhimanyu Singh as Musafir Ibrahim * Junaid Sheikh as Abu Salim  * O. A. K. Sundar as Inspector Kaalidaas * Veerasamar as Hari * Krishnamoorthy as a villager * Crane Manohar as a theatre operator * Swaminathan as Maama * George Maryan as a villager * Balaji. K. Mohan as Bharathi's friend * Rajendran as a local goon * Sampath Ram as a local goon * Munnar Ramesh as a local goon * Baiju Ezhupunna as a briefcase bomber * Boys Rajan * Raaghav as Jai * Singamuthu as Speedu's father * Vaiyapuri as Speedu's brother * Bonda Mani as a beggar * Lollu Sabha Seshu as Speedu's brother * Lollu Sabha Manohar as Bhajan Lal Settu * Siva Narayana Murthy * Yogi Babu as a villager * Anjali Devi as Vaidehi's mother * Meenal  }}

==Production== ===Development=== ''Velayudham'' was M. Raja's first directorial in Tamil for another actor, and without the involvement of his father Editor Mohan and brother Ravi Mohan.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Raghavan |first=Nikhil |date=23 April 2011 |title=Itsy Bitsy |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/Itsy-Bitsy/article14694097.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20260219103642/https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/Itsy-Bitsy/article14694097.ece |archive-date=19 February 2026 |access-date=19 February 2026 |work=The Hindu |language=en}}</ref> After the release of ''Santosh Subramaniam'' (2008), Vijay who had congratulated M. Raja for the film's success had teased him in a friendly banter saying whether he would often give successful ventures for his brother Ravi and not for him. Raja was impressed on the actor's offer to work with Vijay and had thought of a possible script for the actor.<ref>{{Cite web |date=24 October 2011 |title=Silence before the storm |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2011/Oct/24/silence-before-the-storm-303612.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260219112422/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2011/Oct/24/silence-before-the-storm-303612.html |archive-date=19 February 2026 |access-date=19 February 2026 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> Raja had analysed Vijay's popularity even before working on the script, as he accompanied a large fanbase ranging from youngsters, families, women and children, owing to him acting in a variety of genres that had its target audience. He also admitted his previous ventures with Ravi were also catered to the family audience. So he admitted not having to change his style to suit him, but instead adding a mass touch to his style.<ref name="hinduint">{{Cite news |last=Rangarajan |first=Malathi |date=8 October 2011 |title=The V quotient |url=http://www.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/article2520668.ece |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111010141345/http://www.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/article2520668.ece |archive-date=10 October 2011 |access-date=10 October 2011 |work=The Hindu}}</ref><ref name="rediffint">{{Cite web |last=Warrier |first=Shobha |author-link=Shobha Warrier |date=24 October 2011 |title=Raja: Velayudham is not a remake' |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-south-interview-with-raja/20111024.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250912214710/https://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-south-interview-with-raja/20111024.htm |archive-date=12 September 2025 |access-date=19 February 2026 |website=Rediff.com}}</ref>

Like Raja's previous Tamil films which were remakes of Telugu films, it was speculated that ''Velayudham'' would also be a remake of ''Azad'' (2000). However, Raja denied the same even though he had bought the rights of that film.<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 October 2011 |title=Velayudham inspired by Azad! |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/news-interviews/Velayudham-inspired-by-Azad/articleshow/10529995.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180325202102/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/news-interviews/Velayudham-inspired-by-Azad/articleshow/10529995.cms |archive-date=25 March 2018 |access-date=30 October 2011 |website=The Times of India}}</ref> Raja stated that the original film's director, Thirupathisamy, had told about the story to him before he narrated to Nagarjuna. Since then, Raja had this idea in mind and had developed into a complete script that was fresh and different from the original film. Since Vijay had garnered a huge fan following with a larger-than-life personality, Raja felt the story had suited his image. It took him 10 months to write the script, which he co-wrote with R. T. Neason, the latter of whom would direct Vijay in ''Jilla'' (2014).<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kumar |first=S. R. Ashok |date=28 December 2013 |title=Audio beat: Jilla – Big stars and some great music |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-reviews/audio-beat-jilla-big-stars-and-some-great-music/article5511967.ece |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140705035950/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-reviews/audio-beat-jilla-big-stars-and-some-great-music/article5511967.ece |archive-date=5 July 2014 |access-date=2 March 2015 |work=The Hindu |language=en}}</ref> When he narrated the story to Vijay, the latter was "really excited" about the part agreeing to do the film.<ref name="hinduint" /><ref name="rediffint" /> The film was produced by V. Ravichandran of Aascar Films which had previously distributed Vijay's ''Kadhalukku Mariyadhai'' (1997) and featured musician Vijay Antony, cinematographer Priyan, editor duo B. Lenin and V. T. Vijayan and art director Milan as part of the technical crew.<ref name="sifyshoot">{{Cite web |date=15 July 2010 |title=Velayudham- What they had to say |url=http://sify.com/movies/velayudham-what-they-had-to-say-news-tamil-kkfqjJijjjj.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101119082511/http://sify.com/movies/velayudham-what-they-had-to-say-news-tamil-kkfqjJijjjj.html |archive-date=19 November 2010 |access-date=19 February 2026 |website=Sify}}</ref>

===Casting=== Raja admitted that he had given his own style of characterization for Vijay, like his previous films while also adding an image that appealed to the masses. He described the character as a normal man "who does super things for society and people" and not a "super hero with supernatural powers".<ref name="rediffint" /> Vijay also admitted the same regarding his character.<ref>{{Cite news |date=23 October 2011 |title=An 'unforgettable trip' for actor Vijay |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/an-unforgettable-trip-for-actor-vijay/article2564746.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201105010412/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/an-unforgettable-trip-for-actor-vijay/article2564746.ece |archive-date=5 November 2020 |access-date=19 February 2026 |work=The Hindu |language=en}}</ref> Genelia D'Souza who worked with Raja in ''Santosh Subramaniam'' was chosen to play the role of a journalist and Hansika Motwani was cast as the village girl, which Raja noted "should remind viewers of Khushboo in her heyday".<ref name="hinduint" /> Both the lead actresses were given ample importance to the storyline.<ref>{{Cite news |date=24 April 2022 |title=Five times when two leading actresses shared screen space |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/five-times-when-two-leading-actresses-shared-screen-space/photostory/91051197.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220424221535/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/five-times-when-two-leading-actresses-shared-screen-space/photostory/91051197.cms |archive-date=24 April 2022 |access-date=19 February 2026 |work=The Times of India}}</ref> Their voices were dubbed by Savitha Radhakrishnan, who had often provided voice-overs for both actresses in their individual films.<ref name="hinduint" /> Saranya Mohan was cast as Vijay's sister.<ref name="kungumam">{{Cite web |last=வேணுஜி |date=8 August 2011 |title=சூப்பர் ஹீரோ ஆகிறார் விஜய்! |trans-title=Vijay becomes a superhero! |url=http://www.kungumam.co.in/Articalinnerdetail.aspx?id=1933&id1=3&issue=20110808 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250915084642/http://www.kungumam.co.in/Articalinnerdetail.aspx?id1=3&issue=20110808&id=1933 |archive-date=15 September 2025 |access-date=14 January 2025 |website=Kungumam |language=Tamil}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=13 August 2011 |title=Raksha Bandhan Special – Thangachi Pasam still works |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/raksha-bandhan-special-thangachi-pasam-still-works-news-tamil-linnJFijghi.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110814015714/http://www.sify.com/movies/raksha-bandhan-special-thangachi-pasam-still-works-news-tamil-linnJFijghi.html |archive-date=14 August 2011 |access-date=19 February 2026 |website=Sify}}</ref> Around 30 comedy actors were cast in the film which includes Soori, Santhanam and M. S. Bhaskar,<ref name="kungumam" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=26 April 2011 |title=A character you all know |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2011/Apr/26/a-character-you-all-know-248059.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260219113916/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2011/Apr/26/a-character-you-all-know-248059.html |archive-date=19 February 2026 |access-date=19 February 2026 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> and 15 antagonists with Abhimanyu Singh as the main one.<ref name="kungumam" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Srinivasan |first=Sudhir |date=6 December 2014 |title=Villain vicious |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/villain-vicious/article6667969.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150629222202/https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/villain-vicious/article6667969.ece |archive-date=29 June 2015 |access-date=19 February 2026 |work=The Hindu |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=20 September 2011 |title=B-Town baddies in Velayudham |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/news-interviews/B-Town-baddies-in-Velayudham/articleshow/10050708.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110926090734/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-09-20/news-interviews/30179838_1_b-town-villains-baddies |archive-date=26 September 2011 |access-date=14 October 2011 |work=The Times of India}}</ref>

===Filming=== The film was launched on 15 July 2010 at the Annamalai University in Chidambaram in the presence of thousands of fans.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Aishwarya |first=S. |date=15 July 2010 |title='Jeyam' Raja looks beyond remakes |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/Jeyam-Raja-looks-beyond-remakes/article16197496.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260220063620/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/Jeyam-Raja-looks-beyond-remakes/article16197496.ece |archive-date=20 February 2026 |access-date=19 February 2026 |work=The Hindu |language=en}}</ref> Raja initially planned to shoot 60 percent of the film in villages and remaining portions should be shot in Chennai and Hyderabad.<ref name="sifyshoot" /> The village portions of the film were shot in Vallakundapuram near Pollachi, and in Udumalaipettai.<ref name="kungumam" /> Around 50 actors and 200 junior artists were present throughout the shooting schedule ensuring the scale of the film.<ref name="sifyshoot" /> During the shooting in Uduamalaipettai, Vijay gifted around 108 milch cows to the poor families.<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 October 2010 |title=Vijay gifts 108 milch cows to poor |url=http://sify.com/movies/vijay-gifts-108-milch-cows-to-poor-news-tamil-klek6Ljddii.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101107005331/http://sify.com/movies/vijay-gifts-108-milch-cows-to-poor-news-tamil-klek6Ljddii.html |archive-date=7 November 2010 |access-date=19 February 2026 |website=Sify}}</ref> The song "Sonna Puriyadhu" was filmed with hundreds of local folk dancers along with artists from Mumbai and Russia.<ref name="kungumam" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=8 February 2011 |title=Vijay shakes a leg with Hansika in Pollachi |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/vijay-shakes-a-leg-with-hansika-in-pollachi-news-tamil-lcitvpeibba.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110213061317/http://www.sify.com/movies/vijay-shakes-a-leg-with-hansika-in-pollachi-news-tamil-lcitvpeibba.html |archive-date=13 February 2011 |access-date=19 February 2026 |website=Sify}}</ref> The song almost cost around {{INRConvert|2|c|year=2011}}.<ref>{{Cite web |date=24 October 2011 |title=A Velayudham song that cost over a crore! |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2011/Oct/24/a-velayudham-song-that-cost-over-a-crore-303613.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210731011646/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2011/Oct/24/a-velayudham-song-that-cost-over-a-crore-303613.html |archive-date=31 July 2021 |access-date=19 February 2026 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> By April, 80 percent of the film's shooting was completed.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=23 April 2011 |title=Vijay's Velayudham is getting ready |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/vijay-s-velayudham-is-getting-ready-news-tamil-lexqL4jhige.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110426023259/http://www.sify.com/movies/vijay-s-velayudham-is-getting-ready-news-tamil-lexqL4jhige.html |archive-date=26 April 2011 |access-date=19 February 2026 |website=Sify}}</ref>

The film featured six action sequences, under the supervision of Anal Arasu.<ref name=":3" /> Two action sequences were mainly filmed in the Chennai Port and at the Golconda fort in Hyderabad.<ref>{{Cite web |date=16 May 2012 |title=Raja mighty pleased with Vijay |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2011/Jan/28/raja-mighty-pleased-with-vijay-222794.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220122145924/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2011/Jan/28/raja-mighty-pleased-with-vijay-222794.html |archive-date=22 January 2022 |access-date=19 February 2026 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> Hollywood stunt co-ordinator Tom Delmar had worked on a risky stunt sequence on a moving train with Vijay and other antagonists, which was shot in Rayagada, Odisha.<ref name="hinduint" /> The climax portions for the film began during May 2011.<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 May 2011 |title=Genelia shooting for Velayudham climax! |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/august-attack-thala-v-s-thalapathy-news-tamil-lgjnlfgcchg.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110626034117/http://www.sify.com/movies/vijay-velayudham-pattayai-kalappum-news-tamil-lgxjJlegfeh.html |archive-date=26 June 2011 |access-date=19 February 2026 |website=Sify}}</ref> The sequence which takes place in a cricket stadium in Kochi was completed by July 2011.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sangeetha |first=P. |date=4 July 2011 |title=Actor Vijay has wrapped up the climax of the shoot for his upcoming film Velayudham with Genelia and Hansika in Cochin |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/actor-vijay-has-wrapped-up-the-climax-of-the-shoot-for-his-upcoming-film-velayudham-with-genelia-and-hansika-in-cochin-/articleshow/9097067.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260219111655/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/actor-vijay-has-wrapped-up-the-climax-of-the-shoot-for-his-upcoming-film-velayudham-with-genelia-and-hansika-in-cochin-/articleshow/9097067.cms |archive-date=19 February 2026 |access-date=19 February 2026 |work=The Times of India}}</ref> The song "Molachu Moonu" was filmed in Kashmir with Vijay, Motwani and D'Souza.<ref>{{Cite web |date=19 September 2011 |title=Vijay, Hansika & Genelia in Kashmir |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/vijay-hansika-genelia-in-kashmir-news-tamil-ljtjflfhbfd.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110924075340/http://www.sify.com/movies/vijay-hansika-genelia-in-kashmir-news-tamil-ljtjflfhbfd.html |archive-date=24 September 2011 |access-date=10 October 2011 |website=Sify}}</ref> Filming was completed by September 2011, after the song was shot.<ref>{{Cite web |date=24 September 2011 |title=Hansika v/s Genelia battle over a song! |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/hansika-v-s-genelia-battle-over-a-song-news-tamil-ljykexggafa.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110926202733/http://www.sify.com/movies/hansika-v-s-genelia-battle-over-a-song-news-tamil-ljykexggafa.html |archive-date=26 September 2011 |access-date=10 October 2011 |website=Sify}}</ref> The entire film was completed within 150 working days.<ref>{{Cite news |date=22 October 2011 |title=Take Two |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/take-two/article2562365.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260218082601/https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/take-two/article2562365.ece |archive-date=18 February 2026 |access-date=18 February 2026 |work=The Hindu |language=en}}</ref>

==Themes and influences== The film's superhero costume worn by Vijay's character was reported to been borrowed from the ''Assassin's Creed'' video game series,<ref name="ThreeSuperheroes">{{Cite news |last=Kamath |first=Sudhish |author-link=Sudhish Kamath |date=6 November 2011 |title=Tale of three superheroes |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/tale-of-three-superheroes/article2600891.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161116104540/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/tale-of-three-superheroes/article2600891.ece |archive-date=16 November 2016 |access-date=16 November 2016 |work=The Hindu}}</ref> bearing resemblance to the costumes of the characters Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad and Ezio Auditore da Firenze,<ref>{{Cite web |last=G |first=Ranjitha |date=19 September 2011 |title=Poster rip offs |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/-Poster-rip-offs/articleshow/10039370.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170517162839/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/-Poster-rip-offs/articleshow/10039370.cms |archive-date=17 May 2017 |access-date=4 November 2012 |website=The Times of India}}</ref> leading to criticism of the film being "copied" from ''Assassin's Creed''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Menon |first=Shruti |date=14 October 2012 |title=Who'll bell the copycats? |url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/tabloid/chennai/who%E2%80%99ll-bell-copycats-696 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121015050041/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/tabloid/chennai/who%E2%80%99ll-bell-copycats-696 |archive-date=15 October 2012 |access-date=4 November 2012 |website=Deccan Chronicle}}</ref> ''7 Aum Arivu'', which had released alongside ''Velayudham'', was also compared with the game.<ref>{{Cite web |date=19 November 2011 |title=7aum Arivu inspired by a video game? |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/news-interviews/7aum-Arivu-inspired-by-a-video-game/articleshow/10801910.cms?referral=PM |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161116144437/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/news-interviews/7aum-Arivu-inspired-by-a-video-game/articleshow/10801910.cms?referral=PM |archive-date=16 November 2016 |access-date=24 October 2017 |website=The Times of India}}</ref> Sudhish Kamath compared ''Velayudham'' to the ''Pink Panther'' films for featuring a series of "unintentional world-saving incidents",<ref name="ThreeSuperheroes" /> while ''The New Indian Express'' noted its thematic similarities to ''Main Azaad Hoon'' (1989) and ''Meet John Doe'' (1941).<ref name="Doe">{{Cite news |date=29 October 2011 |title=Velayudham |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/review/2011/Oct/29/velayudham-304918.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251231152320/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/review/2011/Oct/29/velayudham-304918.html |archive-date=31 December 2025 |access-date=20 February 2026 |work=The New Indian Express |language=en}}</ref>

==Music== {{Further|Velayudham (soundtrack)}}The soundtrack and background score are composed by Vijay Antony with lyrics written by Annamalai, Priyan, Viveka and Siva Shanmugam.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=Shrikumar |first=A. |date=31 August 2011 |title=Beat treat |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/beat-treat/article2414975.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250119142907/https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/beat-treat/article2414975.ece |archive-date=19 January 2025 |access-date=19 January 2025 |work=The Hindu |language=en}}</ref> The album consisted of six tracks and was released by Sony Music India on 28 August 2011.<ref>{{Cite news |date=28 August 2011 |title=The Velayudham Effect |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/the-velayudham-effect/articleshow/9769749.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250119145337/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/the-velayudham-effect/articleshow/9769749.cms |archive-date=19 January 2025 |access-date=19 January 2025 |work=The Times of India}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=30 August 2011 |title=Velayudham audio launch a grand affair |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/movie-details/news-interviews/velayudham-audio-launch-a-grand-affair/articleshow/9794674.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230218164744/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/movie-details/news-interviews/velayudham-audio-launch-a-grand-affair/articleshow/9794674.cms |archive-date=18 February 2023 |access-date=19 January 2025 |work=The Times of India}}</ref> More than one lakh audio CDs were sold on the first day of its release.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |last=Rangarajan |first=Malathi |date=17 September 2011 |title=For the record |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/for-the-record/article2462114.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250119143142/https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/for-the-record/article2462114.ece |archive-date=19 January 2025 |access-date=19 January 2025 |work=The Hindu |language=en}}</ref>

==Release== ''Velayudham'' was initially scheduled to be released during the summer (April–June) of 2011, but filming was not completed by then.<ref>{{Cite web |date=19 February 2011 |title=Kollywood- Summer of 2011 |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/kollywood-summer-of-2011-news-tamil-lctl1pccgbg.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110222151053/http://www.sify.com/movies/kollywood-summer-of-2011-news-tamil-lctl1pccgbg.html |archive-date=22 February 2011 |access-date=19 February 2026 |website=Sify}}</ref> The film was later scheduled for an August 2011 release, clashing with ''Mankatha''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=9 June 2011 |title=August Attack- Thala v/s Thalapathy |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/august-attack-thala-v-s-thalapathy-news-tamil-lgjnlfgcchg.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110612110441/http://www.sify.com/movies/august-attack-thala-v-s-thalapathy-news-tamil-lgjnlfgcchg.html |archive-date=12 June 2011 |access-date=19 February 2026 |website=Sify}}</ref> But at the film's audio launch held during that time, Vijay announced that the film would be released on 26 October 2011 during Diwali.<ref>{{Cite web |date=26 August 2011 |title=Special Report- 2011 Diwali is going to be a cracker! |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/special-report-2011-diwali-is-going-to-be-a-cracker-news-tamil-li1oyLegcej.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111023205423/http://www.sify.com/movies/special-report-2011-diwali-is-going-to-be-a-cracker-news-tamil-li1oyLegcej.html |archive-date=23 October 2011 |access-date=19 February 2026 |website=Sify}}</ref> The same was confirmed the following month, thereby clashing with ''Ra.One'' and ''7 Aum Arivu''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 September 2011 |title='Velayudham' to hit screens this Diwali |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2011/Sep/13/velayudham-to-hit-screens-this-diwali-290597.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260218082710/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2011/Sep/13/velayudham-to-hit-screens-this-diwali-290597.html |archive-date=18 February 2026 |access-date=18 February 2026 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> The film was cleared for release by the Central Board of Film Certification in mid-October.<ref>{{Cite web |date=14 October 2011 |title=Diwali releases gets censored |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/diwali-releases-gets-censored-news-tamil-lkolbDaefff.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111015233558/http://www.sify.com/movies/diwali-releases-gets-censored-news-tamil-lkolbDaefff.html |archive-date=15 October 2011 |access-date=14 October 2011 |website=Sify}}</ref>

''Velayudham'' opened in 800 screens worldwide with around 350–400 screens in Tamil Nadu.<ref>{{Cite web |date=18 October 2011 |title=Diwali countdown begins- 8 days more |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/diwali-countdown-begins-8-days-more-news-tamil-lkslaChjbei.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111018224709/http://www.sify.com/movies/diwali-countdown-begins-8-days-more-news-tamil-lkslaChjbei.html |archive-date=18 October 2011 |access-date=19 October 2011 |website=Sify}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=J |first=Anand |date=25 October 2011 |title=It is Diwali dhamaka at the box office |url=https://www.businesstoday.in/lifestyle/report/story/ra-one-7aum-arivu-velayutham-25707-2011-10-25 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250221160004/https://www.businesstoday.in/lifestyle/report/story/ra-one-7aum-arivu-velayutham-25707-2011-10-25 |archive-date=21 February 2025 |access-date=21 February 2025 |website=Business Today |language=en}}</ref> In Chennai, the film opened in 40 screens despite competition from ''7 Aum Arivu''.<ref>{{Cite news |date=20 October 2011 |title=Diwali Countdown- 6 Days more! |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/diwali-countdown-6-days-more-news-tamil-lkumMBedeje.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111021140717/http://www.sify.com/movies/diwali-countdown-6-days-more-news-tamil-lkumMBedeje.html |archive-date=21 October 2011 |access-date=17 November 2011 |work=Sify}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=20 October 2011 |title=Battle for screens |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2011/Oct/20/battle-for-screens-302390.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260202061446/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2011/Oct/20/battle-for-screens-302390.html |archive-date=2 February 2026 |access-date=21 February 2025 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> The overseas distribution rights were acquired by Ayngaran International while the Karnataka theatrical rights were acquired by K. Manju.<ref name=":2" /> The Kerala rights were acquired by Shibu Thameens and was released in over 80 screens across the state.<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 October 2011 |title='Velayudham' in Kerala on October 26 |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/2011/Oct/23/velayudham-in-kerala-on-october-26-303136.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260219143131/https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/2011/Oct/23/velayudham-in-kerala-on-october-26-303136.html |archive-date=19 February 2026 |access-date=19 February 2026 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> A week after the film's release, the film was premiered in an additional 100 screens worldwide owing to the positive response.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |date=2 November 2011 |title='Velayudham' success celebrations begin! |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2011/nov/02/velayudham-success-celebrations-begin-305924.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210123024523/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2011/nov/02/velayudham-success-celebrations-begin-305924.html |archive-date=23 January 2021 |access-date=5 December 2020 |website=The New Indian Express}}</ref>

On 1 November 2011, coinciding with the occasion of Karnataka Rajyotsava, Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV), a pro-Kannada outfit in Karnataka, requested all the theatres in the state not to screen any non-Kannada film on that occasion, but some of the exhibitors were reluctant to adhere to their pleas, which resulted in the activists protesting against ''Velayudham''. However, the theatre authorities realised that the situation might reach out of control and agreed to cancel all the shows of ''Velayudham'' screening on that particular day.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news |date=2 November 2011 |title=Cut, but only for a day! |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/cut-but-only-for-a-day/articleshow/10589522.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260218064427/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/cut-but-only-for-a-day/articleshow/10589522.cms |archive-date=18 February 2026 |access-date=18 February 2026 |work=The Times of India}}</ref>

==Reception==

===Critical response=== A critic from ''Sify'' gave ''Velayudham'' 4/5 stars and called it a good value for the money ("''paisa vassol''"), stating that the film was a "perfect outing with family, but [is] far too long."<ref>{{Cite web |date=26 October 2011 |title=Velayudham |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/velayudham-review-tamil-pcmaizfadebdc.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180723034450/http://www.sify.com/movies/velayudham-review-tamil-pcmaizfadebdc.html |archive-date=23 July 2018 |access-date=18 February 2026 |website=Sify}}</ref> Venkateswaran Narayanan of ''The Times of India'' gave 3.5 out of 5 stars and concluded that ''Velayudham'' is sure to add to his box-office muscle.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Narayanan |first=Venkateswaran |date=30 October 2011 |title=Velayudham |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/tamil/Velayudham/movie-review/10542187.cms |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111211020243/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/tamil/Velayudham/movie-review/10542187.cms |archive-date=11 December 2011 |access-date=9 December 2011 |newspaper=The Times of India}}</ref> Malathi Rangarajan of ''The Hindu'' stated that the film "simply enters and entertains" and that Raja had "churned out reasonably engaging fare", adding that it had a "strong story, a neat screenplay arresting action, admirable dance movements, one or two hum-worthy numbers and the ever-helpful sister sentiment."<ref>{{Cite web |author=Rangarajan |first=Malathi |date=29 October 2011 |title=Lance view |url=http://www.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/article2579932.ece |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111031204213/http://www.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/article2579932.ece |archive-date=31 October 2011 |access-date=30 October 2011 |work=The Hindu}}</ref> ''The New Indian Express'' wrote, "Some crisp editing here would have helped. Unpretentious and engaging for the most part, ''Velayudham'' should be a treat for Vijay fans".<ref name="Doe" />

Pavithra Srinivasan of ''Rediff.com'' gave 2.5 out of 5 stars saying, "Raja has set out to provide a ''masala'' entertainer that doesn't require you to tax your brain cells. ''Velayudham'' doesn't take itself seriously and doesn't expect you to either."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Srinivasan |first=Pavithra |date=26 October 2011 |title=Review: Velayudham is paisa vasool |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/review/review-velayudham-is-paisa-vasool/20111026.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111028121350/http://www.rediff.com/movies/review/review-velayudham-is-paisa-vasool/20111026.htm |archive-date=28 October 2011 |access-date=26 October 2011 |website=Rediff.com}}</ref> Indo-Asian News Service rated the film 2.5 out of 5 stars, criticising Antony's music and saying the songs were impeding the narrative, adding that the film "defies all logic. But it has the magic of the star called Vijay and the magic works well with the audiences".<ref>{{Cite news |date=31 October 2011 |title=Review: Velayudham |url=http://movies.ndtv.com/movie_review.aspx?id=668 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120105055601/http://movies.ndtv.com/movie_Review.aspx?id=668 |archive-date=5 January 2012 |access-date=27 August 2012 |work=NDTV |agency=Indo-Asian News Service}}</ref> ''Deccan Herald'' wrote: "[Lengthy], lethargic and [lackadaisical] ''Velayudham'' is best left to Vijay's brigade."<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 December 2011 |title=Velayudham |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/velayudham-2452415 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260513100629/https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/velayudham-2452415 |archive-date=13 May 2026 |access-date=19 February 2026 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en}}</ref> ''Ananda Vikatan'' rated the film 42 out of 100.<ref>{{Cite web |last=சார்லஸ் |first=தேவன் |date=22 June 2021 |title=பீஸ்ட் : 'நாளைய தீர்ப்பு' டு 'மாஸ்டர்'... விஜய்க்கு விகடனின் மார்க்கும், விமர்சனமும் என்ன? #Beast |url=https://cinema.vikatan.com/tamil-cinema/how-vijay-movies-scored-in-vikatan-reviews |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211008100344/https://cinema.vikatan.com/amp/story/tamil-cinema/how-vijay-movies-scored-in-vikatan-reviews |archive-date=8 October 2021 |access-date=23 December 2021 |website=Ananda Vikatan |language=ta}}</ref>

===Box office=== ''Velayudham'' earned {{INRConvert|40|c|year=2011}} worldwide, during the first weekend, with {{INRConvert|19.5|c|year=2011}} coming from Tamil Nadu.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Vijay-starrer 'Velayutham' makes Rs 40 cr |url=http://ibnlive.in.com/videos/198219/vijays-velayutham-makes-rs-50-crore-worldwide.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131010070011/http://ibnlive.in.com/videos/198219/vijays-velayutham-makes-rs-50-crore-worldwide.html |archive-date=10 October 2013 |access-date=3 February 2012 |website=IBNLive}}</ref> In Chennai, the film earned around {{INRConvert|2.10|c|year=2011}} during the first five days.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2 November 2011 |title=Chennai Diwali Box-Office (October 26 to 30) |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/boxoffice.php?id=14982616&cid=13525926 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111104134808/http://www.sify.com/movies/boxoffice.php?id=14982616&cid=13525926 |archive-date=4 November 2011 |access-date=2 November 2011 |website=Sify}}</ref> The film also opened well in overseas territories, such as the United Kingdom and United States,<ref>{{Cite tweet |number=130995107355828227 |user=taran_adarsh |title=Tamil film #Velayudham is rocking internationally. Opening weekend biz in UK and USA is excellent. |first=Taran |last=Adarsh |author-link=Taran Adarsh |access-date=18 February 2026 |archive-url= |url-status=live}}</ref> though the performance in United Kingdom gradually improved.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Adarsh |first=Taran |author-link=Taran Adarsh |title=Substantial decline |url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/trade/boxofficeoverseas/id/393 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120724045759/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/trade/boxofficeoverseas/id/393 |archive-date=24 July 2012 |access-date=25 March 2012 |newspaper=Bollywood Hungama}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Adarsh |first=Taran |author-link=Taran Adarsh |title=Not as rocking! |url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/trade/boxofficeoverseas/id/394 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120724114107/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/trade/boxofficeoverseas/id/394 |archive-date=24 July 2012 |access-date=5 November 2011 |work=Bollywood Hungama}}</ref> It secured a lifetime of $107,843 in overseas territories.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Velayudham |url=https://boxofficemojo.com/movies/intl/?page=&country=UK&id=_fVELAYUDHAM01 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140224041003/http://boxofficemojo.com/movies/intl/?page=&country=UK&id=_fVELAYUDHAM01 |archive-date=24 February 2014 |access-date=5 November 2011 |website=Box Office Mojo}}</ref>

Sharanya CR in her column for ''Daily News and Analysis'' felt ''Velayudham'' being successful over the highly anticipated ''7 Aum Arivu'', was considered a surprise for trade analysts and she noted the low-profile promotions and the makers' assurance on the film being a commercial entertainer had benefited.<ref>{{Cite web |last=C R |first=Sharanya |date=30 October 2011 |title=Velayudham's victory over 7aam Arivu surprises all |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_velayudhams-victory-over-7aam-arivu-surprises-all_1604999 |url-status=deviated |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111101210119/http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_velayudhams-victory-over-7aam-arivu-surprises-all_1604999 |archive-date=1 November 2011 |access-date=31 October 2011 |work=Daily News and Analysis}}</ref> In Kerala, the film was considered a success earning around {{INRConvert|7.6|c|year=2011}} in its lifetime.<ref>{{Cite web |date=31 October 2011 |title=Velayudham wins the Diwali race in Kerala |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/velayudham-wins-the-diwali-race-in-kerala/20111028.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111031010725/http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/velayudham-wins-the-diwali-race-in-kerala/20111028.htm |archive-date=31 October 2011 |access-date=31 October 2011 |website=Rediff.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=1 November 2011 |title=Velayudham Box-Office Kerala Collections |url=http://www.ayngaran.com/frame.php?iframepath=newsdetails.php%3Fnewsid%3D6650 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131006173745/http://www.ayngaran.com/frame.php?iframepath=newsdetails.php%3Fnewsid%3D6650 |archive-date=6 October 2013 |access-date=6 May 2012 |website=Ayngaran International}}</ref> The film earned around {{INRConvert|60|c|year=2011}} during its overall theatrical run an was considered a success by trade analysts.<ref name="Gross" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=29 December 2011 |title=Top 10 Tamil grossers of 2011 |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/top-10-tamil-grossers-of-2011-news-tamil-lm3mOLjjccd.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120108065644/http://www.sify.com/movies/top-10-tamil-grossers-of-2011-news-tamil-lm3mOLjjccd.html |archive-date=8 January 2012 |access-date=31 December 2011 |website=Sify}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=27 December 2011 |title=Box-office business: a bleak streak for Tamil filmdom |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/box-office-business-a-bleak-streak-for-tamil-filmdom/story-K8HZCGLGQsv3Y59mEOHRXM.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260212092138/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/box-office-business-a-bleak-streak-for-tamil-filmdom/story-K8HZCGLGQsv3Y59mEOHRXM.html |archive-date=12 February 2026 |access-date=12 February 2026 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en |agency=IANS}}</ref>

===Accolades=== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders unsortable" |- ! scope="col"| Award{{efn|Awards, festivals and organisations are in alphabetical order.}} ! scope="col"| Date of ceremony{{efn|Date is linked to the article about the awards held that year, wherever possible.}} ! scope="col"| Category ! scope="col"| Recipient(s) ! scope="col"| Result ! scope="col"| {{Abbr|Ref.|Reference}} |- ! scope="row" |Ananda Vikatan Cinema Awards |5 January 2012 |Best Comedian |Santhanam{{Efn|also for ''Deiva Thirumagal''}} |{{won}} | style="text-align:center;" |<ref>{{Cite news |title=Vikatan Awards 2011 |url=http://indianmalaysian.com/2012/Star%202012/vikatan_awards.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170516160112/http://indianmalaysian.com/2012/Star%202012/vikatan_awards.html |archive-date=16 May 2017 |access-date=26 March 2025 |work=Ananda Vikatan |via=India Malaysia Online}}</ref> |- ! rowspan="2" scope="row" |Edison Awards | rowspan="2" |14 February 2012 |Best Actor | rowspan="2" |Vijay |{{won}} | rowspan="2" style="text-align:center;" |<ref>{{Cite news |date=18 February 2012 |title=Twice as nice |url=http://www.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/article2903524.ece |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120219234952/http://www.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/article2903524.ece |archive-date=19 February 2012 |access-date=19 February 2012 |work=The Hindu}}</ref> <ref>{{Cite news |last=Subramanian |first=Anupama |date=14 February 2012 |title=Vijay bags Rajini Award |url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/showbiz/kollywood/vijay-bags-rajini-award-167 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120304165656/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/showbiz/kollywood/vijay-bags-rajini-award-167 |archive-date=4 March 2012 |access-date=16 February 2012 |work=Deccan Chronicle}}</ref> |- |Superstar Rajini Award |{{won}} |- ! scope="row" |South Indian International Movie Awards |21{{ndash}}22 June 2012 |Best Male Playback Singer  – Tamil |V. V. Prasanna – ("Molachu Moonu") |{{nom}} | style="text-align:center;" |<ref>{{Cite web |last=Manigandan |first=K. R. |date=28 June 2012 |title=The South Shines |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/the-south-shines/article3581006.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150811115724/http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/the-south-shines/article3581006.ece |archive-date=11 August 2015 |access-date=26 March 2025 |website=The Hindu}}</ref> <ref>{{Cite web |title=SIIMA Awards: 2011 Winners |url=http://siima.in/siima-awards.php?year=2012&action=winners |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150811120512/http://siima.in/siima-awards.php?year=2012&action=winners |archive-date=11 August 2015 |access-date=26 March 2025 |website=South Indian International Movie Awards}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" |V4 Entertainment Awards |4 January 2012 |Best Film |''Velayudham'' |{{won}} | style="text-align:center;" |<ref>{{Cite web |title=சிறந்த நடிகர் – நடிகைகள்,தனுஷ் – அஞ்சலிக்கு விருது!! |trans-title=Dhanush and Anjali win awards for Best Actor and Best Actress!! |url=http://tamilcnn.com/moreartical.php?newsid=10353&cat=india&sel=current&subcat=11 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120104104858/http://tamilcnn.com/moreartical.php?newsid=10353&cat=india&sel=current&subcat=11 |archive-date=4 January 2012 |access-date=8 January 2012 |website=tamilcnn.com |language=ta}}</ref> |- ! rowspan="2" scope="row" |Vijay Awards | rowspan="2" |16 June 2012 |Best Actor |Vijay |{{nom}} | rowspan="2" style="text-align:center;" |<ref>{{Cite web |date=19 June 2012 |title=6th Annual Vijay Awards: Complete list of winners |url=http://www.ibnlive.com/news/india/6th-annual-vijay-awards-complete-list-of-winners-483185.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150811113839/http://www.ibnlive.com/news/india/6th-annual-vijay-awards-complete-list-of-winners-483185.html |archive-date=11 August 2015 |access-date=26 March 2025 |website=IBNLive}}</ref> <ref>{{Cite episode |title=6th Vijay Awards |series=Vijay Awards |network=Star Vijay |date=30 June 2012 |location=Chennai}}</ref> |- |Favourite Film |''Velayudham'' – Aascar Films |{{nom}} |}

==See also== * List of Indian superhero films

==Notes== {{Notelist}}

==References== {{reflist}}

==External links== * {{IMDb title}} * {{Rotten Tomatoes}}

Category:2010s political action films Category:2010s superhero films Category:2010s vigilante films Category:2011 action films Category:2011 films Category:2011 Indian films Category:2011 masala films Category:2011 Tamil-language films Category:Fictional portrayals of the Tamil Nadu Police Category:Films about corruption in India Category:Films about human trafficking in India Category:Films about Islamic terrorism in India Category:Films about siblings Category:Films directed by Mohan Raja Category:Films scored by Vijay Antony Category:Films set in Chennai Category:Films shot in Chennai Category:Films shot in Hyderabad, India Category:Films shot in Jammu and Kashmir Category:Films shot in Kerala Category:Films shot in Odisha Category:Films shot in Srinagar Category:Indian films about revenge Category:Indian political action films Category:Indian superhero films Category:Indian vigilante films Category:Tamil remakes of Telugu films Category:Tamil-language action films Category:Tamil-language Indian films Category:Tamil-language political films