Deepavali (2007 film)

Deepavali is a 2007 Indian Tamil-language action romance film written and directed by Ezhil and produced by Thirupathi Brothers. The film stars Jayam Ravi and Bhavana in the lead roles and Raghuvaran, Lal, Vijayakumar, and Cochin Haneefa in supporting roles. The music was composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja with cinematography by S. D. Vijay Milton and ediitng by G. Sasikumar.

The shooting of the film finished in December 2006, with shooting locations were canned in Chennai, Bangalore, Shoolagiri, Hosur, and in Oman, for the picturization of a song. Deepavali released on 9 February 2007 to positive reviews and became a success.

Plot
Billu is the son of Mudaliar. Mudaliar is much loved and respected by the people of his locality, and Billu is almost like a foster son to every person in the locality.

Billu takes an instant liking for Susi the moment he sets his eyes on her at the railway station. Susi, who has arrived from Bangalore to Chennai, is all set to stay at Settu's place. Settu, who has worked for Susi's father Chidambaram, a dreaded thug, has earlier changed ways but retains his respect towards him nevertheless. Susi, who has been craving for love and concern since young, gets impressed with the bonding that the Royapuram residents share. When a godman predicts that Susi is the one for Billu, she is taken aback. She dreads her father to a great extent and fears that things will go topsy-turvy if their relationship blossoms into love. Soon, she realizes she cannot camouflage her feelings towards Billu and enjoys being in the company of Billu and his friends, when the unexpected occurs.

Susi acts peculiar when a long-lost friend meets her at a restaurant. She denies knowing her, despite her friend Revathi's attempts to talk to her. Feeling insulted, Revathi walks away, much to the dismay and confusion of Billu and his friends. Susi, who gets emotionally high-strung, leaves the restaurant in a jiffy too. Susi, at this juncture, comes out with the truth to Billu. Affected with PTSD after an accident, Susi has forgotten events that happened in a span of three years. Billu, who takes her to Dr. Devasaghayam, learns that this condition can be cured, but when she does get cured, Susi will not be in a position to remember whatever happened and whoever she met at Chennai - Billu included.

This disheartens Susi to a major extent, and she persuades Billu to promise her that he would never leave her, even if she were to forget him due to her condition. Billu promises her that he would never leave her, come whatever may. Billu's conversation with Chidambaram infuriates the latter, and he immediately arrives in Chennai with his goons. When he is all set to leave for Bangalore with his daughter, the residents rise to the occasion and flock against Chidambaram. Deciding to play it safe, Chidambaram agrees to the engagement between Billu and Susi and cunningly thrashes Billu after making him arrive at a place far from his locality, at the outskirts. The helpless Susi travels along with her father, escorted by his men, to Bangalore.

When Billu meets Susi at her residence, he gets nothing less than shocked as she has been cured, and she fails to recognize him, but Billu, who had given the word to his beloved that he would never leave her, is not the one to relent. At the end, he tries relentlessly to convince her going to the extent of bringing her to Royapuram despite her resistance. Chidambaram comes there with his men, and a fight ensues. Billu gets disheartened as Chidambaram drags Susi away, as Susi gets surprised by Billu and the Royapuram residents' behavior towards her earlier. She leaves her father's hands and suddenly runs to Billu. Billu gets elated that Susi has regained her memories, but Susi reveals that she does not remember anything but believes whatever he says and her life in Chennai. They finally reunite.

Production
Deepavali was the first film to be produced by director N. Lingusamy under his production company Thirupathi Brothers. Some scenes and songs were shot at set resembling Royapuram consisting of houses, petty shops and lanes.

Soundtrack
The music of Deepavali was scored by Yuvan Shankar Raja in his second collaboration with Jayam Ravi after Daas (2005) and first collaboration with Ezhil. The soundtrack was released on 5 January 2007, which features five tracks with lyrics written by Na. Muthukumar, Yugabharathi, and Kabilan. The album was a major success as the songs got immensely popular upon release, particularly the songs "Pogadhey" and "Kadhal Vaithu".

Reception
Rediff wrote "On the whole, park your logic at the door and enjoy Deepavali". Sify wrote "On the whole Deepavali is a heartless love story". Chennai Online wrote "If there is any respite in the movie, it is the Ravi-Bhavana team who spares no effort to make their interactions lively and watchable. Otherwise 'Deepavali' is a vain attempt at re-lighting yesterday's burnt-out sparklers!". Lajjavathi of Kalki praised the acting of Jayam Ravi, Bhavana and other actors while also praising the comedy, cinematography, music, dialogues and art direction and director Ezhil for narrating an complex plot smoothly while calling the climax as natural.