Nedunchaalai

Nedunchalai (transl. Highway) is a 2014 Tamil language thriller film written and directed by N. Krishna and produced by Aaju, C. Soundarajan and Dheeraj Kher. This film features Aari Arujunan and Sshivada in the lead roles, with Thambi Ramiah and Prashant Narayanan in another pivotal roles. It was released on 28 March 2014.

Nedunchaalai
Film poster
Directed by	N. Krishna
Written by	S. A. Ramakrishnan (Dialogue)
Screenplay by	N. Krishna
Story by	N. Krishna
Produced by	Aaju C.Soundarajan Dheeraj Kher
Starring	Aari Arujunan Sshivada
Cinematography	Rajavel Olhiveeran
Edited by	Kishore Te.
Music by	C. Sathya
Production company	Fine Focus
Distributed by	Red Giant Movies
Release date	28 March 2014 (2014-03-28)
Running time	149 minutes
Country	India
Language	Tamil

Plot

Set in 1988, the story follows Tharpai Murugan (Aari), a feared dacoit who rules a lonely stretch of highway near Periyakulam. Abandoned as an infant after a road accident, Murugan was taken in by an old man, only to later fall under the influence of a seasoned highway thief. Over the years, he gathers a small band of loyal followers, surviving by looting cargo trucks that pass through the desolate route he calls home.

Murugan’s hardened life takes an unexpected turn when he meets Manga (Sshivada), a bold, warm-hearted woman who runs a small roadside motel. Their encounters spark a slow-burning romance, offering Murugan his first real glimpse of tenderness and the possibility of a different future.

But peace is a luxury Murugan cannot afford. His crimes draw the attention of Masanimuthu, a relentless police officer driven by a personal vendetta. Determined to restore order on the highway, Masanimuthu begins a tense hunt, pushing Murugan into a dangerous game of pursuit and escape.

As the net tightens, Murugan is forced to confront his past, his choices, and the fragile hope he has found with Manga. Rival criminals, betrayals within his own circle, and the looming threat of the law close in from all sides. What follows is a gripping tale of love, desperation, and the painful search for redemption against the dusty, restless backdrop of rural Tamil Nadu.

The story builds toward a tragic yet deeply emotional finale, exploring how even the most broken lives can carry the longing for change and the heartbreaking cost of chasing it.

Cast

• Aari Arujunan as 'Tharpai' Murugan
  • Kishore DS as Young Murugan
• Sshivada as Manga
• Prashant Narayanan as Masanamuthu
• Thambi Ramiah as Master
• Salim Kumar as Maattu Sekhar
• Ashvin Raja as Soozhi
• Kishore Kumar as Settu
• Ken Karunas as Mani Hotel Assistant
• Thavasi as Murugan's Foster father (Chiyaan)
• Kannan Ponnaiya (Executive Producer)

Production

The film was announced in February 2012 with director N. Krishna, of Sillunu Oru Kaadhal (2006) fame, choosing to move on to his next venture instead of waiting for his long pending project Yen Ippadi Mayakkinai? to release.^[1] Aari Arujunan, who appeared in Rettaisuzhi (2010) and Maalai Pozhudhin Mayakathilaey (2012) was cast in the male lead role, with Sshivada, who has appeared in Malayalam films pairing opposite him. Prashant Narayanan was also signed on to play a pivotal role in the film (Tamil debut), as well as supporting actor Thambi Ramiah.^[2] The title was revealed to be Nedunchalai in March 2012 with the makers adamant that the title did not clash with another project titled Desiya Nedunchalai during the period.^[3]

Soundtrack

Nedunchaalai
Soundtrack album by C. Sathya
Released	1 July 2013
Recorded	2013
Genre	Soundtrack
Length	21:20
Label	Think Music India
Producer	C. Sathya
C. Sathya chronology
Theeya Velai Seiyyanum Kumaru (2013) Nedunchaalai (2013) Ivan Veramathiri (2013)

The soundtrack album was composed by C. Sathya. The film's music was released on 1 July 2013 at an event where A. R. Rahman, who had collaborated with director Krishna in Sillunu Oru Kaadhal (2006), was invited as chief guest.^[4][5]

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Track list

No.	Title	Lyrics	Singer(s)	Length
1.	"Injathea"	Mani Amudhavan, Vayalar Sharath Chandra Varma (Malayalam)	Roop Kumar Rathod, Madhushree, Yazin Nizar	4:40
2.	"Ivan Yaaro"	Mani Amudhavan	Madhushree	2:15
3.	"Kadal Thaandi"	Mani Amudhavan	Elizabeth Malini, Dheeraj Kher	1:56
4.	"Nandooruthu"	Mani Amudhavan	Palaniammal, Chinna	4:21
5.	"Thamirabharani"	Karthik Netha	C. Sathya	4:56
6.	"Vaigai Nathi"	Mani Amudhavan	C. Sathya, Bavani	3:12
Total length:				21:20

Critical reception

The film released to overall positive reviews. Baradwaj Rangan from The Hindu wrote, "In his previous film, Sillunu Oru Kaadhal, the director Krishna lost his way in trying to balance an intimate story with the overblown must-haves of a star-driven movie. He doesn’t make that mistake in Nedunchalai, which is toplined by Aari Arujunan and a terrific newcomer named Shivada", calling it "a rock-solid B-movie" and "one of the season’s happiest surprises".^[6] Sify wrote "The over-the-top characters along with their spontaneous dialogues make Nedunchalai worth a look. Despite its minor flaws, it makes-up with style and excellence".^[7] The Times of India gave the film 3 stars out of 5 and wrote, "From the characterization of the hero (right down to his costumes) to the tragic climax, the shadow of Ameer's Paruthiveeran looms large on Nedunchalai, and this is both its strength and weakness" and stated that "this film is certainly a surefooted effort that shows that this director can tell an engaging tale".^[8] Behindwoods gave it 2.75 stars out of 5 and wrote "Although the movie has a few goodies to offer, it lacks those moments that can blow you over The film...doesn’t have too many twists, turns or humps that your eyes might want to look out for".^[9] In 2015 SIIMA,the film bagged two nominations including The Best Debut Actor for Aari^[10] and The Best Actor in a Negative Role for Prashanth Narayanan.^[11]