Hero (2019 Tamil film)

Hero is a 2019 Indian Tamil-language superhero film directed by P. S. Mithran, and produced by Kotapadi J. Rajesh under his production house KJR Studios. It stars Sivakarthikeyan, Arjun, Abhay Deol, Kalyani Priyadarshan and Ivana in prominent roles. This film marks the Tamil debuts of Deol and Kalyani Priyadarshan.[1] The story was written by P. S. Mithran, Pon Parthiban, Savari Muthu and Antony Bhagyaraj. The music for the film is composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja, with cinematography done by George C. Williams, and editing done by Ruben.

Hero
Theatrical release poster
Directed byP. S. Mithran
Produced by
  • Kotapadi J. Rajesh
  • T. Ezhumalaiyan
Written by
Starring
Music byYuvan Shankar Raja
CinematographyGeorge C. Williams
Edited byRuben
Production
company
KJR Studios
Release date
  • 20 December 2019 (2019-12-20)
Running time
164 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageTamil

The film was released worldwide on 20 December 2019.[2] A Telugu dubbed version titled Shakthi was released on 20 March 2020.[3] Prior to its release, filmmaker Bosco Prabhu accused Mithran for plagiarizing his story. In April 2020, the Madras High Court issued an interim order banning the film from television and streaming platforms, due to which it was taken down from Prime Video.[4][5] The ban was lifted in May 2020 once the issue was resolved.[6]

Plot

Sakthivel "Sakthi" is a young boy who dreams of becoming a superhero, like Shaktimaan. After being ridiculed by his teacher and classmates for believing that Shaktimaan is real, Sakthi tries to prove it by falling off the terrace of his school, injuring himself in the process. His father (Azhagam Perumal) tries to convince Sakthi that Shaktimaan is fictional by showing the disclaimer of actor Mukesh Khanna advising viewers that the events depicted in the show are purely fictitious, causing Sakthi to abandon his hopes of becoming a superhero.

Years later, Sakthi (Sivakarthikeyan) and Inbaraj "Ink" (Robo Shankar) are friends who earn their livelihood as educational brokers and run a xerox shop in their neighbourhood that houses a certificate forgery unit to help the needy secure their desired jobs at the expense of huge commissions. Sakthi bumps across Meera (Kalyani Priyadarshan), a social worker at an educational fair, and falls in love with her. Meera happens to be the inspiration of Mathi (Ivana), a brilliant girl who aspires to become an aeronautical engineer. Mathi devises an engine that runs on saltwater as a measure to help her father (Elango Kumaravel) and many other thwart the problem of rising petrol prices. Meera soon learns of Sakthi's true profession and advises him to help Mathi secure an admission in an engineering college without any payment. Sakthi tries to secure admission for Mathi but to no avail. He learns that the only way to help Mathi secure a seat is to demonstrate the practical applications of her engine, which is rejected by Sathyamoorthy (Arjun), Mathi's teacher who runs a school for the academically weak but brilliant children. Sakthi bypasses his warnings and demonstrates the engine at an educational fair by attaching it to an autorickshaw. This attracts the attention of the henchman of Mahadev (Abhay Deol). In turn, he promises a seat for Mathi with a full scholarship. The next day, the autorickshaw is seized by the police, and Mathi is arrested on grounds of Patent violation. The court convicts her guilty of the charges, which distraught her. She attempts suicide by falling off a running train. Sakthi takes her to the hospital, only for the doctors to delay her treatment, and she eventually succumbs to her injuries. Sakthi and Ink are also convicted guilty and are placed on the wanted list for aiding Mathi.

Sakthi, on the run, decides that the only way to avenge Mathi's death and prove her innocence is to confront the company issuing the patents. Due to his experience in forging certificates, he easily fishes out the fact that the patent was forged by the company under Mahadev's orders but is attacked in the process when he is rescued by Sathyamoorthy wearing a mask. Sathyamoorthy explains to him that Mahadev is a corrupt business tycoon whose aim is to wipe out innovation in work culture. He also subdues brilliant students and subjects them to lobotomy, rendering their frontal cortex unusable, therefore reducing them to his "puppets". He uses their innovations to sell them to foreign companies and earn profits. Sathyamoorthy, being an advocate of innovation, secretly nurtures such children away from Mahadev in his school. Sakthi decides to fight the system along with Sathyamoorthy and the children, donning the mantle of the "Mask."

Using the gadgets developed by the children and Sathyamoorthy's training, Sakthi fights through Mahadev's henchmen and eventually learns the truth. Sathyamoorthy apparently sacrifices himself in the struggle, prompting Sakthi to telecast the innovative inventions of students and explaining to the audience that children should be given the freedom to follow their passion and not be just mere bookworms. In the final fight, Mahadev's plans are foiled and Sakthi subjects him to lobotomy, disabling him permanently. Six months later, Sakthi, while still on the wanted list, runs the school along with Meera on the outskirts of the city. A police officer (Prem) approaches him and takes him in his jeep around the city, where Sakthi finds major developments in the city due to the innovations of Mathi and other brilliant students. The officer tosses away the documents relating to Sakthi's charges as he had opened his eyes about his child's dreams and requests Sakthi to continue on with the mantle of the Mask. In the post-credits scene, it is also revealed that Sathyamoorthy is alive and is helping Sakthi in his missions.

Cast
  • Sivakarthikeyan as Sakthivel "Sakthi" / Hero (Mask)
    • Master Raghavan as young Sakthivel
  • Arjun as Sathyamoorthy "Moorthy" (Sakthi’s mentor) / Mask
  • Abhay Deol as Mahadev
  • Kalyani Priyadarshan as Meera
  • Ivana as Mathi
  • Shyam Krishnan as Mahadev's assistant
  • Robo Shankar as Inbaraj "Ink"
  • Elango Kumaravel as Mathi's father
  • Azhagam Perumal as Sakthi's father
  • Prem as police officer
  • Rishikanth as Lawyer
  • Ray Paul as Sathyamoorthy's student
  • Nithyaraj as Sathyamoorthy's student
  • Surendar kpy as Sathyamoorthy's student
  • '96 Gowthamraj as Ragu, Sathyamoorthy's old student (flashback student)
  • Raja Rani Pandiyan as a TV viewer
  • Robo Chandru as a TV viewer
  • Shrawan as a TV viewer
  • Priya Rajkumar as a TV viewer
  • Douglas Kumaramoorthy as a private university HR manager
  • Supergood Subramani as the head master of Shakthi's childhood school
  • Mullai as Mullai, a resident of Sakthivel's area
  • Kothandam as a resident of Sakthivel's area
  • Rahul Thatha
  • Winner Ramachandran as a stall owner
  • Aswin Rao as a hacker
  • "Black Sheep" Ayaz as a helpline caller and in a special appearance in the song "Overa Feel Pannuren"
  • "Unakennappa" Vivek as a helpline caller and in a special appearance in the song "Overa Feel Pannuren"
  • P. S. Mithran in a special appearance as a fake certificates dealer

Production

After a successful debut through Irumbu Thirai, director P. S. Mithran announced in early-2019 that he would direct a film featuring actor Sivakarthikeyan in the lead role.[7][8]

The crew of director Mithran's previous film, Irumbu Thirai were also retained for this film as well, including composer Yuvan Shankar Raja, editor Ruben, cinematographer George C. Williams. Additionally, Arjun, who was the main antagonist in Irumbu Thirai was added to the cast.[9] Furthermore,[9] later actress Kalyani Priyadarshan was announced to play the female lead alongside actress Ivana in a supporting role. The film also marks Abhay Deol's Tamil debut, and he will be playing the main villain role for the first time in his career .[10][11]

The film was officially announced with its title Hero on 13 March 2019, with a formal pooja held, marking the commencement of the principal photography.[1]

Themes and influences

The Times of India, reviewed the film as a spiritual sequel to Gentleman (1993).[12] Some of the scenes and inventions used in the film were actually based on real-life incidents, which includes the salt-water engine and satellites using helium filled balloon.[13][14]

Music
Hero
Soundtrack album by
Yuvan Shankar Raja
Released
21 December 2019 (Singles)
9 January 2020 (Album)
Recorded2019
GenreFeature film soundtrack
Length15:20
LanguageTamil
LabelLahari Music
T-Series
ProducerYuvan Shankar Raja
Yuvan Shankar Raja chronology
Nerkonda Paarvai
(2019)		 Hero
(2019)

The soundtrack album is composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja, marking his second collaboration with Sivakarthikeyan and P. S. Mithran after "Kedi Billa Killadi Ranga" (2013) and Irumbu Thirai (2018) respectively. All the songs were released as singles, before being released as an album. The lyrics for the songs were written by Pa. Vijay, G. Rokesh and rap versions were penned by Abby Simone and MC Sanna.

All lyrics are written by Pa. Vijay, except where noted.

No.TitleSinger(s)Length
1."Malto Kithapuleh" (Lyrics written by Rokesh)Shyam Vishwanathan3:43
2."Hero Title Track" (Rap versions by Abby Simone)Yuvan Shankar Raja, Abby Simone4:16
3."Overa Feel Pannuren" (Rap versions by MC Sanna)Yuvan Shankar Raja, MC Sanna3:44
4."Aayiram Mugangal"Ilayaraaja3:41
Total length:15:20

Release

The film was released on 20 December 2019, clashing with Dabangg 3, which was also distributed by KJR Studios.[2] The film released in Dubai on 19 December 2019, a day before its original release.

Distribution

The Tamil Nadu and Kerala distribution rights were acquired by the production house itself.[15] Horizon Studio acquired the Karnataka distribution rights. The overseas rights were bought by AP International and Home Screen Entertainment.[16]

Marketing

The title poster, announcing the release date of the film was launched by the makers on 27 July 2019.[17] The first look was released on 2 September 2019, on the day of Vinayagar Chathurthi, where Sivakarthikeyan was seen holding a mask.[18] The second look was released on 18 October 2019. Sivakarthikeyan is presented wearing mask with fire and chaos all around.[19] The official teaser was launched by Salman Khan on 24 October 2019.[20] The official trailer was released on 13 December 2019.[21]

As a part of the film's promotional purposes, the makers launched a new Augmented Reality game experience titled Play Hero, on 23 November 2019.[22] The latest poster of the film was launched on 28 November 2019. The production company KJR Studios, advertised the film in local trains, along with the Salman Khan-starrer Dabangg 3, for which the distribution rights were bought by the company.[23][24] The makers also launched a one-of-a-kind upscale promotion, in which the "Hero" symbol is lighted up in buildings.[25]

On 9 December 2019, the makers launched the official merchandise of the film teaming up with BeatRoute and Fully Filmy.[26] Later the following day, on 10 December 2019, the makers released the WhatsApp stickers of the film.[27] On 11 December 2019, the makers launched the Augmented Reality filter for Facebook and Instagram.[28][29] Theatrical trailer of the film was released on 13 December 2019, at Sathyam Cinemas in Chennai, and it was later released on YouTube.[30] The makers also announced a promotional event at M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on 15 December 2019, coinciding with the first ODI match between India and West Indies which was also hosted in Chennai.[31]

Reception

The Times of India rated the film 3.5 out of 5, stating that "A superhero story origin, that's also a spiritual sequel to Shankar's Gentleman".[12] Behindwoods rated the film 2.5 out of 5, stating that "Hero is a watchable Super-Hero drama with some inspiring moments."[32] Firstpost rated the 3/5, stating that "Mithran has given a neat commercial entertainer, which also calls for a rethink of our educational policy."[33] Sify rated the film 3.5 out of 5 stating that "Hero is a must watch for families this holiday season, which has a relevant message on the modern-day educational system."[34]

India Today rated the film 2.5 out of 5 stars, stating that "Hero had all the potential to become a proper superhero film sensible to Tamil cinema standards. But, the lumbering narrative (in a few portions), exaggerated scenes and illogical loopholes ruin the entire experience."[35] Sudhir Srinivasan rated the film 3 out of 5 stars, stating that "Hero takes its messaging very, very seriously. The film is a scathing criticism of the education system. It attacks colleges, pressurising parents, the spineless government, and above all, a syllabus that stifles originality and creativity, and in the words of Mahadev (Abhay Deol), “that is designed to create labourers.” Moorthy (Arjun) says as much."[36] The Indian Express rated 2 out of 5 stating that "Sivakarthikeyan’s superpower is being super preachy."[37]

Baradwaj Rangan of Film Companion reviewed it as "The film is surprisingly understated. It steers clear of massy "hero" moments, and there's a lot of clear, clean thinking in the writing."[38] Haricharan Pudipeddi reviewed the film as "PS Mithran’s Hero is the Gentleman tribute we needed and it’s a film that pretty much gets everything right."[39]

Box office

The film collected ₹1.64 crore (US$230,000) in the first weekend and ₹57.19 lakh (US$80,000) in the second weekend in Chennai. The film collected ₹3.12 crore (US$440,000) in 10 days in Chennai.[40]

Prior to the film's release, aspiring filmmaker Bosco Prabhu reported Mithran to South Indian Film Writers Association, accusing him of plagiarizing his script registered with the association in 2017 and making it into Hero. After a scrutiny with 18 EC members, film director K. Bhagyaraj who is the head of the association, pointed out the plots of Hero and Bosco's scripts were both the same. Mithran denied any plagiarism, claiming the film had a different plot. Post the association's decision, Bhagyaraj sent Mithran a letter telling him to compensate and give Bosco credits for Hero's story. When Mithran did not respond and went ahead with the film's release, Bhagyaraj insisted Bosco to go to court, assuring him of the association's support.[41]

Feeling the members of the association compared the core plots instead of screenplay, Mithran stated that the film's story was incorporated from many stories found in newspaper articles and real-life incidents.[42] He also wrote back to the president of the Writers' Association, denying any plagiarism of Bosco's script, and requesting them to compare and reviews both scripts before reaching a conclusion.[43] In 2020, months after the film started streaming on Prime Video, the court gave a judgement in favor of Prabhu and issued an interim order that resulted in the film being banned from television airings and getting taken down from Prime Video.[44][45] In May 2020, the case was resolved and the film was reinstated on Prime Video.[6]

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References
  1. "Sivakarthikeyan's next film SK15 with PS Mithran is titled Hero". Behindwoods. 13 March 2019.
  2. "Abhay Deol's Tamil film 'Hero' release date out!". The New Indian Express.
  3. "'Hero' as 'Shakthi' in Telugu, release date finalized". NTV Telugu. Retrieved 9 March 2020.
  4. "Sivakarthikeyan's Hero taken down from OTT platforms due to plagiarism charges". India Today. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
  5. "Sivakarthikeyan film Hero removed from Amazon Prime Video due to ongoing plagiarism charges". Firstpost. Retrieved 20 April 2020.
  6. "Ban on Sivakarthikeyan's 'Hero' finally lifted". The Times of India. Retrieved 3 May 2020.
  7. "Sivakarthikeyan-PS Mithran film officially announced". The News Minute. 2 November 2018.
  8. "Exciting Update on Sivakarthikeyan's next with P.S.Mithran". Behindwoods. 25 February 2019.
  9. "Sivakarthikeyan to lock horns with Arjun Sarja for thriller". India Today. 2 November 2018.
  10. "Young heroine joins the cast of Sivakarthikeyan's SK15". Behindwoods. 25 February 2019.
  11. "Abhay Deol plays villain in Tamil film Hero, says it was 'a natural progression'". Hindustan Times. 23 August 2019.
  12. M Suganth. "Hero Movie Review: Fairly good vigilante film, middling superhero movie". Times of India.
  13. M, Sathish Kumar (23 December 2019). "#Hero film speaks about the unsung heroes. Scenes have been inspired been inspired from real life incidents". @sathishmsk. Retrieved 12 January 2020.
  14. Correspondent, Special (21 April 2019). "Students launch satellite using helium-filled balloon". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 12 January 2020.
  15. Studios, K. J. R. (18 December 2019). "We are happy to announce the we will be doing the distribution of #Hero in the God's own country". @kjr_studios. Retrieved 12 January 2020.
  16. Cinema, Golden (12 December 2019). ".@Siva_Kartikeyan's #Hero directed by @Psmithran, music by @thisisysr, starring @akarjunofficial, @AbhayDeol & @kalyanipriyan, is all set to release in UAE & GCC on 19th December!". @GoldenCinemaGCC. Retrieved 17 December 2019.
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  18. "Hero first-look poster out. Sivakarthikeyan is mysterious in PS Mithran film". India Today. Ist. Retrieved 11 December 2019.
  19. Desk, The Hindu Net (18 October 2019). "Sivakarthikeyan in 'Hero': masked crusader or superhero?". The Hindu – via www.thehindu.com.
  20. Hero Official Teaser | Sivakarthikeyan | Arjun | Yuvan Shankar Raja | P.S.Mithran. Lahari Music. YouTube. 24 October 2019.
  21. "Hero Trailer".
  22. "Sivakarthikeyan-starrer 'Hero' gets an Augmented Reality game". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 11 December 2019.
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  24. Studios, K. J. R. (8 December 2019). "#Dabangg3 on wheels One of a kind train promotions for @BeingSalmanKhan's Tamil outing!". @kjr_studios. Retrieved 11 December 2019.
  25. Studios, K. J. R. (8 December 2019). "Testing something really UNIQUE & STUNNING for #Hero Know where this is?". @kjr_studios. Retrieved 11 December 2019.
  26. Studios, K. J. R. (9 December 2019). "We're stoked to be launching the official #HeroMerchandise of EXCLUSIVE COLLECTABLES ~Glow in the dark T-Shirt ~3D Embossed T-Shirt ~Pop grip ~Keychain ~Neck chain Shop now". @kjr_studios. Retrieved 11 December 2019.
  27. Studios, K. J. R. (9 December 2019). "#HEROWAStickers out now!". @kjr_studios. Retrieved 11 December 2019.
  28. Studios, K. J. R. (10 December 2019). "Now you too can become a #Hero Check out #HeroARFilter for Facebook now!". @kjr_studios. Retrieved 11 December 2019.
  29. Studios, K. J. R. (10 December 2019). "Unleash the #Hero in you with #HeroARFilter Surprise, now out on Instagram too". @kjr_studios. Retrieved 11 December 2019.
  30. Studios, K. J. R. (11 December 2019). "Much awaited. Much anticipated. We hope it'll be much loved too! #HeroTrailerlaunch event happening at Sathyam Cinemas on Friday at 8 AM. Releasing online at 11:03 AM". @kjr_studios. Retrieved 13 December 2019.
  31. Studios, K. J. R. (12 December 2019). "GUESS WHAT'S HAPPENING THIS SUNDAY?". @kjr_studios. Retrieved 13 December 2019.
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  34. "Hero review: An-engaging-entertainer-for-families!!". Sify. 22 December 2019.
  35. ChennaiDecember 20, Janani K.; December 20, 2019UPDATED; Ist, 2019 13:47. "Hero Movie Review: Sivakarthikeyan's film has interesting premise, but let down by execution". India Today. Retrieved 12 January 2020.CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  36. "Hero Movie Review: A gentleman trains a hero in this okayish origins film". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 12 January 2020.
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  39. Pudipeddi, Haricharan. "Hero review: Sivakarthikeyan-starrer is a Gentleman tribute that needed more punch". Cinestaan. Retrieved 12 January 2020.
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