Shahjahan (film)

Shahjahan is a 2001 Indian Tamil-language romantic film written & directed by Ravi and produced by R. B. Choudary. The film stars Vijay, Richa Pallod (in her Tamil debut) and Krishna in the lead roles while Vivek and Kovai Sarala portray supporting roles. The film, which had music was composed by Mani Sharma, was released on 14 November 2001. The story is about the love life of a love doctor and how his love life ends in a tragedy unknowingly. The film was a commercial success and it completed 125 days theatrical run.

Plot
Ashok Ilango is a charismatic young man with a profound understanding of the intricate dynamics of love and relationships. He operates in a clandestine world where he assists star-crossed lovers in eloping, defying the stern opposition of their families. Supported by his loyal companions, Boopathi Ramaiyaa and Seenu, Ashok navigates the tumultuous waters of romance with finesse and empathy.

Amidst his endeavors, Ashok's own heart becomes entangled when he encounters Uma Maheshwari, affectionately known as Mahee, a brilliant engineering student whose presence captivates him deeply. Despite harboring a profound crush on Mahee, Ashok opts for silence, haunted by a haunting past incident involving his dear friend, Giri.

In a poignant flashback, the audience is confronted with Giri's tragic tale of unrequited love. Giri's affection for Aisha, a young Muslim woman, ended in heartbreak and tragedy when she tragically took her own life in the face of societal scorn and familial discord triggered by Giri's declaration of love. This in turn caused Giri to go insane and end up in a mental hospital.

When Ashok's friend Raja solicits his aid in winning over a mysterious lady, Ashok altruistically agrees, unaware that the enigmatic maiden is none other than Mahee herself. As Raja and Mahee's clandestine romance blossoms, Ashok remains blissfully oblivious to their burgeoning affection.

However, when Mahee's father discovers their relationship, the young couple turns to Ashok once more, seeking refuge in his expertise. Oblivious to Raja's intentions, Ashok pledges his assistance, unwittingly facilitating Raja's pursuit of Mahee. The revelation strikes Ashok with devastating force as Mahee stands before him, ready to elope with Raja.

Consumed by anguish and heartache, Ashok's world shatters as he realizes the depth of his sacrifice. Despite his torment, Ashok exhibits remarkable resilience and selflessness, orchestrating Raja and Mahee's union even as his own heart breaks.

As the newlyweds flee to Coimbatore to escape Mahee's father's wrath, tragedy strikes once more. In a harrowing confrontation, Mahee's father unleashes his fury upon the trio, culminating in a brutal assault on Ashok. Despite the searing pain of betrayal, Ashok valiantly shields his friends, sacrificing his own safety for their happiness.

The film culminates in a poignant tableau, with Ashok wounded and broken, yet undeterred in his mission to unite kindred souls. As a stranger beseeches him for aid in matters of the heart, Ashok, with a heavy heart, offers his unwavering assistance, embodying the timeless adage that true love knows no bounds, even in the face of personal anguish and sacrifice.

Cast
As per the film's opening and end credits:

Production
R. B. Choudary, after the successes of Poove Unakkaga (1996) and Thulladha Manamum Thullum (1999), signed on Vijay for a project to be directed by Vikraman. However, Vijay opted against starring in Vikraman's venture and Ravi Appulu was roped in to make a film titled Sneha Jahan, which later became Shahjahan, named after India's 5th Mughal emperor with the same name. The director had previously approached Vikram with the script of the film. Although the story takes place in Chennai, the movie was predominantly shot only in Vishakhapatnam but 50% of the movie's portions were shot in Chennai as well. Arthur A. Wilson was signed to handle the camera, Mani Sharma to compose the music, Vairamuthu to write lyrics while Prabhakaran did the art work and Prasanna Kumar has written the dialogue.

Soundtrack
The soundtrack of the film was composed by Mani Sharma, and all lyrics were penned by Vairamuthu. The song "Minnalai Pidithu" is based on the theme of The Ghost and the Darkness (1996).

Release and reception
Shahjahan was released on 14 November 2001. Malathi Rangarajan from The Hindu gave the film a positive review claiming that "youth, romance and vibrant music seem to sell at a premium these days" and that Shahjahan "has all these in ample measure". She added that Richa "has little to do but look good" and Vijay "sparkles in the role of Ashok" while Krishna "fills the bill of a perfect non-action hero". Ananda Vikatan rated the film 36 out of 100 and wrote that the makers have erected a puppet Taj Mahal with this Shahjahan as a succession of predictable scenes and weak incidents. Visual Dasan of Kalki rated the film "above average".