Partner (2023 film)

Partner is a 2023 Indian Tamil-language science-fiction crime comedy film written and directed by Manoj Damodharan in his directorial debut. The film stars Aadhi Pinisetty, Hansika Motwani and Yogi Babu with Pallak Lalwani, Pandiarajan, Robo Shankar, John Vijay, Ravi Mariya, Tiger Thangadurai, Munishkanth, Rajendran, Myna Nandhini and Lollu Sabha Manohar in supporting roles.

Production
Production on the film began in March 2019, with the project marking the debut of director Manoj Damodaran, who had previously apprenticed under A. Sarkunam. Reported as a comedy with a science-fiction fantasy element, Aadhi was signed on to play the lead role, with Hansika Motwani in a role that would not represent the "typical Tamil cinema heroine". Pallak Lalwani and Yogi Babu joined the team in further roles, with the makers hoping to complete and release the film within a period of six months.

The COVID-19 pandemic subsequently delayed the completion and release of the film, with the makers later preparing the film for a mid-2023 release. At the audio launch of the film in July 2023, alleged sexist comments made by comedian Robo Shankar were widely criticised.

Music
The music for the film was composed by Santhosh Dhayanidhi. The song "Raati" composed for 7UP Madras Gig was reused.

Release and reception
The film was released on 25 August 2023.

Narayani M of Cinema Express gave it 2 out of 5 stars and wrote, "Partner could have worked well if there had been genuine efforts in writing good comedy." Logesh Balachandran of The Times of India gave the film 2 out of 5 stars and wrote, "Aadhi Pinisetty's Partner contributes to the collection of mindless comedic films in Tamil cinema that struggle to elicit genuine laughter."