Kathai (film)

Kathai (English: Story) is a 2010 Indian Tamil-language drama film written and directed by Abhishek. Produced by Rajan Radhakrishnan and distributed through Madurai by noted director M. Sasikumar, the film stars newcomers Shaan Kumar, Nivedhitha and Abhinay in the lead roles. The film was released on 29 January 2010.

Narain (Shaan), an acclaimed writer, becomes a winner of the Booker prize for one of his works. While he dedicates the honour to his wife Kavya (Niveditha), a flashback reveals some secrets in the couple’s life.

Narain and Kavya, who is a renowned violinist, fall for each other and get married. It’s only post wedding Kavya comes to know Narain is a psychotic and that the world outside is not aware of Narain’s other face, he is now a celebrated writer.

Coming to the present, the husband and wife are now in the United States, where they meet Bujji (Abhinay), a childhood friend of Kavya. How Kavya comes out of all difficulties is the remaining part of Kathai.

In December 2008, the film was launched at the AVM Studios with a new cast and new crew, with Abhishek, a noted television actor, launching his first directorial venture. A song was shot in March 2009, with several prominent musicians appearing in the film, including Balamurali Krishna, Chinnaponnu and Malgadi Subha.

The film opened in a few centres across Chennai, Tamil Nadu to a below average opening. The film which grossed Rs. 2,07,519 in the opening weekend in Chennai became a commercial failure at the box-office.

Upon release, the film generally received average reviews, with The Hindu claiming that "a little more pace in the proceedings would have helped". In terms of performances it labelled Shaan Kumar as having "done a good job right from the beginning", but claimed that Nivedhitha was disapponiting. Abinay was told to be "perfect for his role", whilst Nalini, ‘Kanja' Karuppu and ‘Crazy' Kumar "provide the laughs". Abhishek's direction received a mixed response with the review claiming that he has a "flair for story-telling. But if only he had cut certain unwanted shots, it would have made an interesting film".

Film score and the soundtrack are composed by new Paul Jacob. The film featured songs from notable singers such as Balamurali Krishna, Shankar Mahadevan and Vasundhara Das.