Jump to content

Payanam (2011 film): Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
Tags: Mobile edit Mobile web edit
GreenC bot (talk | contribs)
Bots
2,555,695 edits
Reformat 1 archive link. Wayback Medic 2.5 per WP:USURPURL and JUDI batch #20
 
(185 intermediate revisions by 31 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{short description|2011 film by Radha Mohan}}
{{Use Indian English|date=April 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=April 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2018}}
{{Infobox film
{{Infobox film
| name = Payanam
| name = Payanam
| image = Payanam 2011 poster.jpg
| image = Payanam 2011 poster.jpg
| caption = Poster
| caption = Theatrical release poster
| director = [[Radha Mohan]]
| director = [[Radha Mohan]]
| producer = [[Prakash Raj]] <small>(Tamil)</small><br />[[Dil Raju]] <small>(Telugu)</small>
| producer = [[Prakash Raj]]<br />[[Dil Raju]]
| writer = Radha Mohan<br />[[T. J. Gnanavel]]<br />[[Umarji Anuradha]] <small>(Telugu dialogues)</small>
| writer = Radha Mohan<br />[[T. J. Gnanavel]]<br /><small>(Tamil dialogues)</small><br />Anuradha Umarji<br /><small>(Telugu dialogues)</small>
| starring = {{unbulleted list|[[Nagarjuna (actor)|Nagarjuna]]|[[Prakash Raj]]|[[Poonam Kaur]]|[[Sana Khan]]|[[Rishi (actor)|Rishi]]|[[Brahmanandam]]|[[Thalaivasal Vijay]]}}
| starring = {{unbulleted list|[[Nagarjuna (actor)|Nagarjuna]]|[[Prakash Raj]]|[[Poonam Kaur]]|[[Sana Khan]]|[[Rishi (Tamil actor)|Rishi]]|[[Brahmanandam]]|[[Thalaivasal Vijay]]}}
| music = [[Pravin Mani]]
| music = [[Pravin Mani]]
| cinematography = [[K. V. Guhan]]
| cinematography = [[K. V. Guhan]]
| editing = [[Kishore Te]] <br /><small>(Tamil version)</small><br />[[Marthand K. Venkatesh]]<br /><small>(Telugu version)</small>
| editing = [[Kishore Te]]
| studio = [[Duet Movies|Silent Movies]] <small>(Tamil version)</small><br />Matinee Entertainment <small>(Telugu version)</small>
| studio = [[Duet Movies|Prakash Raj Productions]] <small>(Tamil version)</small><br />[[Dil Raju|Matinee Entertainment]] <small>(Telugu version)</small>
| distributor = [[AGS Entertainment]]
| distributor = [[AGS Entertainment]] <br /><small>(Tamil version)</small><br /> [[Dil Raju|Sri Venkateswara Creations]] <br /><small>(Telugu version)</small>
| released = {{Film date|df=yes|2011|02|11}}
| released = {{Film date|df=yes|2011|02|11}}
| runtime = 115 minutes <small>(Tamil)</small><br />120 minutes <small>(Telugu)</small>
| runtime = 131 minutes <small>(Tamil)</small><br />120 minutes <small>(Telugu)</small>
| country = India
| country = India
| language = {{unbulleted list|Tamil|Telugu}}
| language = {{unbulleted list|Tamil|Telugu}}
| budget =
| budget =
| gross =
| gross =
}}
}}


'''''Payanam''''' ({{translation|''Journey''}}) is a 2011 Indian [[action thriller film]] written and directed by [[Radha Mohan]]. It is simultaneously shot in [[Tamil language|Tamil]] and [[Telugu language|Telugu]] languages, the latter titled '''''Gaganam''''' ({{translation|''Sky''}}). The plot of the film is based on a [[Aircraft hijacking|flight hijacking incident]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/movie-previews/tamil/Payanam/articleshow/7346940.cms |title=Payanam |work=The Times of India |access-date=25 October 2011 |date=28 January 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/61553.html |title=Get ready for 'Payanam'&nbsp;– Tamil Movie News |publisher=IndiaGlitz |access-date=25 October 2011}}</ref> It stars [[Nagarjuna Akkineni|Nagarjuna]], [[Prakash Raj]], [[Poonam Kaur]], [[Sana Khan]], [[Rishi (actor)|Rishi]], [[Brahmanandam]] and [[Thalaivasal Vijay]] amongst others. Co-produced by Raj and [[Dil Raju]], the film was released on 11 February 2011 to critical and commercial success. The Telugu version was later dubbed into [[Hindi language|Hindi]] as ''Mere Hindustan Ki Kasam'' in 2012 by Goldmines Telefilms.<ref>{{cite web|author=Thriller |url=http://www.getcinemas.com/payanam-review |title=Payanam review, trailer & stills starring Nagarjuna, Prakash Raj |publisher=Getcinemas.com |date=11 February 2011 |access-date=25 October 2011}}</ref>
'''''Payanam''''' ({{translation|Journey}}) is a 2011 Indian [[action thriller film]] that was written and directed by [[Radha Mohan]]. It was simultaneously filmed in [[Tamil language|Tamil]] and [[Telugu language|Telugu]] languages, the latter being titled '''''Gaganam''''' ({{translation|''Sky''}}). The film's plot is based on a [[Aircraft hijacking|flight hijacking incident]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=28 January 2011 |title=Payanam |work=[[The Times of India]] |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/movie-previews/tamil/Payanam/articleshow/7346940.cms |url-status=live |access-date=25 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120107201636/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/movie-previews/tamil/Payanam/articleshow/7346940.cms |archive-date=7 January 2012}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=November 13, 2010 |title=Get ready for 'Payanam' |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/61553.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101115230304/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/61553.html |archive-date=15 November 2010 |access-date=25 October 2011 |website=IndiaGlitz}}</ref> ''Payanam''{{'s}} cast includes [[Nagarjuna (actor)|Nagarjuna]], [[Prakash Raj]], [[Poonam Kaur]], [[Sana Khan]], [[Rishi (Tamil actor)|Rishi]], [[Brahmanandam]] and [[Thalaivasal Vijay]]. The film was co-produced by Raj and [[Dil Raju]], and was released on 11 February 2011 to critical and commercial success.


== Plot ==
== Plot ==
On a flight from [[Chennai]] to [[Delhi]], five passengers retrieve weapons hidden in the toilet and use them to hijack the plane. An engine is damaged during the struggle with the pilots, so they make an emergency landing at [[Tirupati Airport]]. Government authorities arrive. The hijackers demand {{INR}}100 [[Crore]] (c. US $22,000,000), the release of their imprisoned leader Yusuf Khan, and a fresh aircraft for their escape.
On a flight from [[Chennai]] to [[Delhi]], five passengers retrieve weapons from the toilet and use them to hijack the aircraft. During a struggle with the pilots to divert the plane to [[Rawalpindi]], an engine is damaged so they make an emergency landing at [[Tirupati Airport]]. Government authorities arrive. The hijackers demand {{INR|100 [[crore]]}} (c. US $22,000,000), the release of their imprisoned leader Yusuf Khan, and a fresh aircraft for their escape.


[[National Security Guard]] Major N. Raveendran (Major N. Raveendra in Telugu) recalls the loss of a valued comrade at the shootout when he captured Yusuf Khan, and regrets not killing Khan at the time. He urges the government to allow a [[Special Forces of India|commando]] operation, but officials fear to risk passengers' life, not trusting Raveendra's team. The major is frustrated when the government vacillates, and it seems Khan might be released. Inside the flight, the passengers fall into groups discussing their past lives and religion. One of the terrorists becomes sentimentally attached to Afshana, a little girl returning to [[Karachi]] after her heart operation. The terrorist, however, is warned by his comrade to not become too attached as his main duty is to carry out the current tasks, which include killing the passengers at the end no matter what. Another passenger frequently irritates the terrorists with bitter questions about their motives, in which he is supported by Jagdeesh, a retired army colonel. Time passes, and tensions rise until one of the passengers, Praveen (a drug addict), attempts an escape but is shot down by a terrorist who warns the authorities to act soon.
A team is put together, led by Home Secretary K Vishwanath ([[Prakash Raj]]), to tackle the situation. [[National Security Guard]] Major N. Raveendra "Ravi" ([[Nagarjuna (actor)|Nagarjuna]]), who captured Yusuf Khan, recalls the death of a colleague at the shootout and regrets not killing Khan at the time. He urges the [[Government of India]] to allow a [[Special Forces of India|Special Forces]] commando operation but officials fear risking passengers' lives and do not trust Raveendra's team. Ravi is frustrated when the government vacillates, and it seems Khan might be released.


Inside the aircraft, the passengers gather in groups to discuss their past lives and religion. One of the terrorists becomes sentimentally attached to Afshana, a young girl who is returning to [[Karachi]] after a heart operation. The terrorist's associates, however, warn him not to become too attached to the girl because his main duty is to carry out the operation, which includes killing the passengers. Another passenger, who is Jagadheesh ([[Thalaivasal Vijay]]), a retired army colonel, frequently irritates the terrorists with questions about their motives. Tensions rise until Praveen ([[Narayan Lucky|Narayan]]), one of the passengers who is a drug addict, attempts an escape but is shot by a terrorist, who warns the authorities to act quickly.
Ravindra's colleague Nawaz Khan discovers that the missing cleaner who prepared the toilet of the flight before its departure has been identified by [[Tamil Nadu]] Police. Ravi and Nawaz go to find the cleaner in the hope of getting information about the nature of weapons that were left for the hijackers. After a chase in Red Hills, they capture the man, who confesses his involvement in the plot and also gives vague information about the size of the weapon he placed in the toilet. Ravi and Nawaz deduce that it must be a [[plastic explosive]].


Raveendra's colleague Nawaz Khan ([[Bharath Reddy (actor)|Bharath Reddy]]) discovers [[Tamil Nadu Police]] have identified a missing cleaner who prepared the toilet of the flight before its departure. Ravi and Nawaz go to find the cleaner, hoping to get information about the nature of the weapons that were left for the hijackers. After a chase in [[Red Hills, Chennai|Red Hills]], they capture the cleaner, who admits his involvement in the plot and gives vague information about the size of the weapon he placed in the toilet. Ravi and Nawaz deduce the weapon is a [[plastic explosive]].
On his return, Ravi is told the government has decided to release Khan. But Khan dies in an accident while being transported to the airport. Ravi asks the officials to be very confidential about this information so they can plan an assault without the terrorists' knowledge. However, a reporter disguises himself as an assistant to a senior police official, and so gets close to the aircraft. He records footage of the flight through his pen camera and overhears two officials talking about the accident of Khan in the restroom. The terrorists get alarmed. Despite attempts to contain the news, the media leak it, and one of the terrorists kills the passenger Subash, seeking proof that Yusuf is alive, failing which one passenger will be killed every half-an-hour. Ravi later arranges for Ranganathan, who acted as Khan in a film, to pose as the real Khan, to make the terrorists believe Khan is alive and getting treated at a hospital.


On his return, Ravi is told the government has decided to release Khan but while being transported to the airport, Khan dies in an accident. Ravi asks officials to be very confident about this information so they can plan an assault without the terrorists' knowledge. A reporter disguises himself as an assistant to a senior police official; he closely approaches the aircraft, records video of the aircraft using a pen camera and overhears two officials in a restroom discussing Khan's accident. The terrorists become alarmed. Despite attempts to contain the news, the media leak it. One of the terrorists kills a passenger named Subash ([[Elango Kumaravel|Kumaravel]]), and threatens to kill one passenger every 30 minutes unless it is proved Khan is alive. Ravi arranges for actor Ranganathan ([[Sricharan]]), who portrayed Khan in a film ''Bharat Maata'', to make the terrorists believe Khan is alive and being treated at a hospital.
Meanwhile, Ravi plans an operation to rescue the victims and christens it as Operation Garuda. Through a cleaning lady, he secretly sends a mobile phone onto the plane in a food packet, so he can exchange information with Colonel Jagadeesh. Ravi plans to shoot the terrorists during their transit to a new flight by asking the passengers to bend down when they get a signal. The firing succeeds, and four of the five terrorists are killed. The last terrorist is killed with the help of the passengers Chandrakanth and Vinod. The plastic explosive is found in Afshana's bag. Ravi throws it away, which explodes. The operation ends with the Prime Minister appreciating Ravi and the passengers heading to their destination.


Ravi plans an operation to rescue the victims and names it Operation Garuda. Through a female cleaner, he secretly sends a mobile phone hidden in a food packet onto the plane so he can exchange information with Colonel Jagadheesh. Ravi plans to shoot the hijackers while they transit to a new flight by asking the passengers to bend down when they get a signal. The plan succeeds, and four of the five hijackers are killed. The last terrorist is killed with the help of two passengers. The plastic explosive is found in Afshana's bag. Ravi throws it away and the bag explodes. The operation ends, the Prime Minister appreciates Ravi and the passengers continue to their destination.
The passengers happily take leave and farewell each other, and agree to meet again. The terrorists' names are revealed to be Yasin (the leader), Munna, Omar, Anwar, and Abdul.


The passengers happily leave the flight, farewell each other and agree to meet again. The terrorists' names are revealed to be Yasin (the leader), Munna, Omar, Anwar and Abdul.
== Cast ==

== Cast and characters ==
===Main cast===
{{Cast listing|
{{Cast listing|
* [[Nagarjuna Akkineni|Nagarjuna]] as Major N. Raveendran <small>(Tamil)</small> / N. Raveendra <small>(Telugu)</small>, National Security Guard
* [[Nagarjuna Akkineni|Nagarjuna]] as Major N. Raveendra
* [[Prakash Raj]] as K. Viswanathan <small>(Tamil)</small> / K. Viswanath <small>(Telugu)</small> I.A.S., Home Secretary
* [[Prakash Raj]] as [[Home Secretary (India)|Home Secretary]] K. Vishwanath
* [[Poonam Kaur]] as Air Hostess Vimala Gupta
* [[Sana Khan]] as Sandhya<ref name = "Opening Credits">{{Cite AV media |title=''Payanam'' (DVD): opening credits from 0.38 to 7.53|date=11 February 2011|last=Mohan, Radha (Director) |medium=Motion picture}}</ref>
* [[Rishi (actor)|Rishi]] as Vinod<ref name = "Opening Credits" />
* [[Brahmanandam]] as Director Rajesh Kapur
* [[Thalaivasal Vijay]] as Col. Jagadeesh<ref name = "Opening Credits" />
* [[M. S. Bhaskar]] as Rev. Fr. Alphonse<ref name = "Opening Credits" />
* [[Bharath Reddy (actor)|Bharath Reddy]] as Captain Nawaz Khan
* [[Shankar Melkote]] as S. K. Sharma, Spl. Secretary&nbsp;– Internal Security<ref name = "Opening Credits" />
* Iqbal Yaqub as Yasin, leader of the terrorist gang
* Balaji K Mohan, Nitish, Sahil, and Prince as members of the terrorist gang
* [[Narayan Lucky]] as Praveen, the drug addict
* [[Sricharan]] as Yusuf Khan and Ranganathan <small>(Tamil)</small> / Ranganath <small>(Telugu)</small> (acted as Yusuf Khan in climax)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/people-think-im-crazy-sricharan/articleshow/8489862.cms|title=People think I'm crazy: Sricharan |newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=17 November 2021}}</ref>
* [[Ravi Prakash (Telugu actor)|Ravi Prakash]] as Flight Captain Girish
* Kotesh Manava as Police Officer<ref name = "Opening Credits" />
* Laxmi Ratten as Krishnamurthy, National Security Advisor<ref name = "Opening Credits" />
* [[Manobala]] as Dr. Narayana Shastry
* [[Babloo Prithiveeraj]] as "Shining Star" Chandrakanth<ref name = "Opening Credits" />
* [[Elango Kumaravel|Kumaravel]] as Subash
* [[Badava Gopi]] as Gopinath - Mimicry Artist<ref name = "Opening Credits" />
* [[Mohan Ram]] as Mr. Venkat Raman <small>(Tamil)</small> / Venkat Ram <small>(Telugu)</small>
* [[Sri Lakshmi (actress)|Sri Lakshmi]] as Jaanaki "Jaanu", Venkat Raman / Venkat Ram's wife
* Jayashree as Divya Prasad<ref name = "Opening Credits" />
* [[Chaams]] as Balaji <small>(Tamil)</small> / Subba Rao <small>(Telugu)</small>
* [[Harsha Vardhan]] as Srinivas, reporter INC
* [[K. P. Sekar (voice actor)|Shekar Sega]] as a news anchor
* [[Satyam Rajesh]] in a [[cameo appearance]] as a man at the airport (Telugu version)
* Manager Cheena as a flight passenger<ref name = "Opening Credits" />
}}
}}

<!--
=== Flight crew and passengers ===
*TBA as Afshana<ref name = "Opening Credits" />
{{Colbegin}}
*TBA as V. K. Ramamurthy <small>(Tamil)</small> / Suriya Shekhar <small>(Telugu)</small>, Central Minister <ref name = "Opening Credits" />
;Flight crew
*TBA as M. G. Menon, Joint Secretary - Kashmir-->
* [[Ravi Prakash (Telugu actor)|Ravi Prakash]] as Captain Girish
* [[Poonam Kaur]] as Vimala Gupta
;Terrorists
* Iqbal Yaqub as Yasin
* Balaji K. Mohan as Anwar
* Nitish, Prince, and Sahil as members of the terrorist gang
<br />
;Flight passengers
* [[Rishi (Tamil actor)|Rishi]] as Vinod
* [[Sana Khan]] as Sandhya
* [[Thalaivasal Vijay]] as Colonel Jagadheesh
* [[M. S. Bhaskar]] as Reverend Father Alphonse
* [[Manobala]] as Astrologer Narayana Shastry
* [[Babloo Prithiveeraj|Prithiviraj]] as "Shining Star" Chandrakanth
* [[Chaams]] as Balaji <small>(Tamil)</small> / Subba Rao <small>(Telugu)</small>
* [[Annarakkannanum Thannalayathu|Jayashree]] as Mrs. Divya Prasad
* [[Elango Kumaravel|Kumaravel]] as Subash
* [[Narayan Lucky|Narayan]] as Praveen<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-columns/etcetera-a-steady-climb-up/article4911912.ece|title=Etcetera: A steady climb up|first=Nikhil|last=Raghavan|date=13 July 2013|publisher=|work=The Hindu|access-date=21 February 2023|archive-date=21 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230221112821/https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-columns/etcetera-a-steady-climb-up/article4911912.ece|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[Sri Lakshmi (actress)|Sri Lakshmi]] as Mrs. Janaki "Jaanu" Venkat Ram{{efn|Full name only mentioned in Telugu version.}}
* [[Mohan Raman|Mohan Ram]] as Mr. Venkat Ram
* [[Badava Gopi]] as Mimicry Artiste Gopinath
* Afshana and her family
* V. K. Ramamurthy <small>(Tamil)</small> / Suriya Shekar <small>(Telugu)</small>, Central Minister
{{Colend}}

=== Supporting cast ===
{{Colbegin}}
* [[Brahmanandam]] as Film Director Rajesh Kapur
* [[Harsha Vardhan]] as Reporter Srinivas
* [[Sricharan]] as Ranganath (also Yusuf Khan in climax) and real terrorist Yusuf Khan (Dual Role)<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/people-think-im-crazy-sricharan/articleshow/8489862.cms|title=People think I'm crazy: Sricharan|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=25 June 2024|archive-date=17 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211117235341/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/people-think-im-crazy-sricharan/articleshow/8489862.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[Bharath Reddy (actor)|Dr. Bharath Reddy]] as Captain Nawaz Khan
* Laxmi Ratten as Krishnamurthy, National Security Advisor
* [[Shankar Melkote|Melkote]] as S. K. Sharma, Spl. Secretary&nbsp;– Internal Security
* Kovai Krishnan as M. G. Menon, Joint Secretary - Kashmir
* G. Srinivasan, Chennai Airport Director
* [[Satyam Rajesh]] as Airport Passenger <small>(Telugu)</small>
{{Colend}}


== Production ==
== Production ==
[[Radha Mohan]], after directing the family-oriented romance and drama films ''[[Azhagiya Theeye]]'', ''[[Mozhi (film)|Mozhi]]'' and ''[[Abhiyum Naanum]]'', decided to make a shift and produce an action thriller based on [[Aircraft hijacking|flight hijacking]].<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/payanam-trailer-launched-news-tamil-lbokTHcjieg.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110117042037/http://www.sify.com/movies/payanam-trailer-launched-news-tamil-lbokTHcjieg.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=17 January 2011 |title=Payanam trailer launched |publisher=Sify.com |access-date=25 October 2011}}</ref> He approached actor-producer [[Prakash Raj]], a close friend and producer of all his earlier ventures, who agreed to fund this film as well, marking the fourth collaboration of the duo. Prakash Raj renamed his Duet Movies banner to Silent Movies, the logo and name of which were designed by Radha Mohan himself.<ref name="autogenerated1" /> Radha Mohan also decided to make it a bilingual venture, shooting the film in both Tamil and Telugu languages simultaneously, and was able to convince noted Telugu film producer [[Dil Raju]] to produce the Telugu version, titled ''Gaganam'',<ref name="autogenerated1" /><ref name="indiaglitz1">{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/telugu/article/58848.html |title='Gaganam' decided for Nag-Dil Raju's movie&nbsp;– Telugu Movie News |publisher=IndiaGlitz |access-date=25 October 2011}}</ref> whilst roping in [[Nagarjuna (actor)|Nagarjuna]], who is a known name in both film industries, to enact the lead role of a [[National Security Guards|NSG commando]].<ref name="indiatimes1">{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/news-interviews/Nagarjuna-Cant-shift-to-Chennai/articleshow/7310154.cms |title=Nagarjuna: Can't shift to Chennai |work=The Times of India |date=18 January 2011 |access-date=25 October 2011}}</ref> Speaking about his role, Nagarjuna revealed that the film turned out to be "one of the easiest" he had worked in as he didn't have to prepare much for the role, since Radha Mohan and Prakash Raj had done "so much research", spoken to army officers and had "everything about the role on paper&nbsp;– how commandos behave and dress."<ref name="indiatimes1" /> Nagarjuna, starring in his first direct Tamil film after 13 years, was part of an ensemble cast that featured around 45 known artists from both Tamil and Telugu industries, with the cast being retained for both versions.<ref name="autogenerated1" /> Prakash Raj himself, who had also previously starred in all Radha Mohan films, was cast in a pivotal role.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/payanam-trailer-launch-on-jan-14-news-tamil-lbllCrjcbbd.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110114194136/http://www.sify.com/movies/payanam-trailer-launch-on-jan-14-news-tamil-lbllCrjcbbd.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=14 January 2011 |title=Payanam trailer launch on Jan 14 |publisher=Sify.com |access-date=25 October 2011}}</ref> He considered [[Babloo Prithiveeraj]]'s character Chandrakanth, a [[Superstar]], to represent "all falsehood in our cinema".<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/getFiles.asp?Style=OliveXLib:LowLevelEntityToPrintGifMSIE_PASTISSUES2&Type=text/html&Locale=english-skin-custom&Path=TOICH/2011/02/14&ChunkNum=0&ID=Ar02101|title=Hats off to Radha Mohan: Prakash Raj|date=14 Feb 2011|work=The Times of India|access-date=20 April 2018}}</ref>
[[Radha Mohan]], after directing the family-oriented romance and drama films ''[[Azhagiya Theeye]]'', ''[[Mozhi (film)|Mozhi]]'' and ''[[Abhiyum Naanum (film)|Abhiyum Naanum]]'', decided to produce an action thriller about an [[aircraft hijacking]]. He approached his close friend actor-producer [[Prakash Raj]], who produced all his earlier films. Raj agreed to fund this film, marking the pair's fourth collaboration. Prakash Raj renamed his Duet Movies banner Silent Movies, the logo and name of which Radha Mohan had designed.<ref name="autogenerated1">{{Cite web |date=2011-01-14 |title=Payanam trailer launched |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/payanam-trailer-launched-news-tamil-lbokTHcjieg.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110117042037/http://www.sify.com/movies/payanam-trailer-launched-news-tamil-lbokTHcjieg.html |archive-date=17 January 2011 |access-date=25 October 2011 |website=[[Sify]]}}</ref> Mohan also decided to make the film simultaneously in both Tamil and Telugu languages, and was able to persuade Telugu film producer [[Dil Raju]] to produce the Telugu version, titled ''Gaganam'',<ref name="autogenerated1" /><ref name="indiaglitz1">{{Cite web |date=July 24, 2010 |title='Gaganam' decided for Nag-Dil Raju's movie |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/telugu/article/58848.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100724204449/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/telugu/article/58848.html |archive-date=24 July 2010 |access-date=25 October 2011 |website=IndiaGlitz}}</ref> whilst engaging actor [[Nagarjuna (actor)|Nagarjuna]], who is well-known in both film industries, to play the lead role of a [[National Security Guards]] commando. Nagarjuna said ''Payanam'' was "one of the easiest" he had worked on because he did not have to prepare much for the role since Mohan and Raj had done "so much research", spoken to army officers and had "everything about the role on paper&nbsp;– how commandos behave and dress".<ref name="indiatimes1">{{Cite news |date=18 January 2011 |title=Nagarjuna: Can't shift to Chennai |work=[[The Times of India]] |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/news-interviews/Nagarjuna-Cant-shift-to-Chennai/articleshow/7310154.cms |url-status=live |access-date=25 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110121234646/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/news-interviews/Nagarjuna-Cant-shift-to-Chennai/articleshow/7310154.cms |archive-date=21 January 2011}}</ref>


Nagarjuna, starring in his first direct Tamil film in 13 years, was part of an ensemble cast that includes around 45 actors from both Tamil and Telugu industries, the cast being retained for both versions.<ref name="autogenerated1" /> This was Nagarjuna's first film without a love interest for his character.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/i-need-not-think-about-heroines-nag/articleshow/7370605.cms?frmapp=yes&from=mdr|title=I need not think about heroines: Nag|date=27 January 2011|work=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=24 August 2023|archive-date=28 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928030548/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/i-need-not-think-about-heroines-nag/articleshow/7370605.cms?frmapp=yes&from=mdr|url-status=live}}</ref> Nagarjuna's Tamil voice was dubbed by [[Sekar P. R.|Sekar]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cinema.vikatan.com/tamil-cinema/88093-dubbing-artist-shekar-interview|title=அமரேந்திர பாகுபலியாகிய நான் - சேகர்|date=1 May 2017|accessdate=26 May 2019|publisher=[[Ananda Vikatan|Cinema Vikatan]]|language=ta|trans-title=I am Amarendra Baahubali - Sekar|archive-date=26 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190526074843/https://cinema.vikatan.com/tamil-cinema/88093-dubbing-artist-shekar-interview|url-status=live}}</ref> Prakash Raj, who had starred in all of Mohan's earlier films, was cast in a main role.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2011-01-11 |title=Payanam trailer launch on Jan 14 |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/payanam-trailer-launch-on-jan-14-news-tamil-lbllCrjcbbd.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110114194136/http://www.sify.com/movies/payanam-trailer-launch-on-jan-14-news-tamil-lbllCrjcbbd.html |archive-date=14 January 2011 |access-date=25 October 2011 |website=[[Sify]]}}</ref> He considered [[Babloo Prithiveeraj]]'s character Chandrakanth, a [[superstar]], to represent "all falsehood in our cinema".<ref>{{Cite news |date=14 Feb 2011 |title=Hats off to Radha Mohan: Prakash Raj |work=[[The Times of India]] |url=http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/getFiles.asp?Style=OliveXLib:LowLevelEntityToPrintGifMSIE_PASTISSUES2&Type=text/html&Locale=english-skin-custom&Path=TOICH/2011/02/14&ChunkNum=0&ID=Ar02101 |url-status=dead |access-date=20 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180420135702/http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/getFiles.asp?Style=OliveXLib:LowLevelEntityToPrintGifMSIE_PASTISSUES2&Type=text/html&Locale=english-skin-custom&Path=TOICH/2011/02/14&ChunkNum=0&ID=Ar02101 |archive-date=20 April 2018}}</ref>
Despite widespread report that the film was based on the [[Indian Airlines Flight 814|1999 Kandahar hijacking incident of the Indian Airlines Flight 814]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/gallery/events/25212.html |title=Events&nbsp;– 'Payanam' Exclusive |publisher=IndiaGlitz |date=14 January 2011 |access-date=25 October 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/nagarjuna-explores-kandahar-hijacking-in-new-film-78970 |title=Nagarjuna explores Kandahar hijacking in new film |publisher=Ndtv.com |date=12 January 2011 |access-date=25 October 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/jan-11-02/payanam-prakash-raj-11-01-11.html |title=Prakash Raj's Pongal Payanam |publisher=Behindwoods.com |access-date=25 October 2011}}</ref> Prakash Raj had denied the reports, making clear that it was about a hijack that takes place at the [[Tirupati Airport]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/prakash-raj-confirms-payanam-on-dec-3-news-tamil-kldldmaiceb.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101106020214/http://sify.com/movies/prakash-raj-confirms-payanam-on-dec-3-news-tamil-kldldmaiceb.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=6 November 2010 |title=Prakash Raj confirms Payanam on Dec 3 |publisher=Sify.com |access-date=25 October 2011}}</ref> A grand set resembling the Tirupati airport was erected at the [[Ramoji Film City]] in [[Hyderabad, India|Hyderabad]], [[Andhra Pradesh]] by art director Kathir.<ref name="autogenerated1" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/jan-11-02/payanam-prakash-raj-13-01-11-02.html |title=Prakash Raj Re-constructs Thirupathi Airport |publisher=Behindwoods.com |date=13 January 2011 |access-date=25 October 2011}}</ref> The airport set was constructed within one month and reportedly costed ₹3 crores,<ref name="autogenerated1" /> which was almost 20% of the films' entire budget and included runway, traffic, ATC room and two planes with "perfect interiors".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/53412.html |title=Airport for 'Payanam' |publisher=IndiaGlitz |access-date=25 October 2011}}</ref> The film was shot using the [[Red Digital Cinema Camera Company|RED camera]], handled by cinematographer K. V. Guhan.<ref name="indiaglitz1" /> [[Pravin Mani]] was assigned as the film composer, who worked on the film's background score. The film would feature only one solo song, which too was composed by Pravin and was written by [[Vairamuthu]]'s son Madhan Karky.<ref name="autogenerated1" /> The trailer of the film was launched on 14 January 2011.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/filmi-parties/regional/Trailer-launch-of-Payanam/articleshow/7285015.cms |title=Trailer launch of Payanam |work=The Times of India |date=15 January 2011 |access-date=25 October 2011}}</ref>


Despite widespread reports ''Payanam'' iss based on the [[Indian Airlines Flight 814|1999 hijacking of the Indian Airlines Flight 814]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=14 January 2011 |title=Events&nbsp;– 'Payanam' Exclusive |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/gallery/events/25212.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110114231959/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/gallery/events/25212.html |archive-date=14 January 2011 |access-date=25 October 2011 |website=IndiaGlitz}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=12 January 2011 |title=Nagarjuna explores Kandahar hijacking in new film |url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/nagarjuna-explores-kandahar-hijacking-in-new-film-78970 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110116162409/http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/nagarjuna-explores-kandahar-hijacking-in-new-film-78970 |archive-date=16 January 2011 |access-date=25 October 2011 |website=[[NDTV]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=January 11, 2011 |title=Prakash Raj's Pongal Payanam |url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/jan-11-02/payanam-prakash-raj-11-01-11.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110222005611/http://behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/jan-11-02/payanam-prakash-raj-11-01-11.html |archive-date=22 February 2011 |access-date=25 October 2011 |website=Behindwoods.com}}</ref> Raj has denied these reports, making clear it is about a hijack that takes place at [[Tirupati Airport]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2010-11-03 |title=Prakash Raj confirms Payanam on Dec 3 |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/prakash-raj-confirms-payanam-on-dec-3-news-tamil-kldldmaiceb.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101106020214/http://sify.com/movies/prakash-raj-confirms-payanam-on-dec-3-news-tamil-kldldmaiceb.html |archive-date=6 November 2010 |access-date=25 October 2011 |website=[[Sify]]}}</ref> Art director Kathir erected a grand set resembling Tirupati airport at [[Ramoji Film City]] in [[Hyderabad, India|Hyderabad]], [[Andhra Pradesh]].<ref name="autogenerated1" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=13 January 2011 |title=Prakash Raj re-constructs Thirupathi airport |url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/jan-11-02/payanam-prakash-raj-13-01-11-02.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111006043458/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/jan-11-02/payanam-prakash-raj-13-01-11-02.html |archive-date=6 October 2011 |access-date=25 October 2011 |website=Behindwoods}}</ref> The airport set was constructed within one month and cost ₹3 crore,<ref name="autogenerated1" /> which was almost 20% of the film's entire budget; the set included a runway, traffic, an air traffic control (ATC) room and two aeroplanes with "perfect interiors".<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 9, 2010 |title=Airport for 'Payanam' |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/53412.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100114103532/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/53412.html |archive-date=14 January 2010 |access-date=25 October 2011 |website=IndiaGlitz}}</ref> The film was shot using the [[Red Digital Cinema Camera Company|RED camera]] and was handled by cinematographer K. V. Guhan.<ref name="indiaglitz1" />
== Soundtrack ==

The film did not have an [[original soundtrack]], a notable rarity in [[Telugu cinema|Telugu]] & [[Tamil cinema]]s. However, [[Madhan Karky]] had penned the lyrics for a promotional song, which was also the film's only song. [[Pravin Mani]] scored the film's background score.<ref name="autogenerated1" /> According to the director [[Radha Mohan]], "We did not have songs in the film because there are no situations in the film which warranted songs. Hence we decided to do away with songs in the film."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.videos.behindwoods.com/videos-q1-09/director-interview/radha-mohan.html |title=Radha Mohan&nbsp;— Tamil Cinema Director Interview |publisher=Behindwoods |access-date=11 June 2013}}</ref>
[[Pravin Mani]] was assigned as the film composer and worked on the film's background score. The film would include only one solo song, which was composed by Pravin and was written by [[Vairamuthu]]'s son Madhan Karky.<ref name="autogenerated1" /> According to the director: "We did not have songs in the film because there are no situations in the film which warranted songs. Hence we decided to do away with songs in the film."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bhavanishankar |first=Jyothsna |title=Radha Mohan Interview |url=http://www.videos.behindwoods.com/videos-q1-09/director-interview/radha-mohan.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110208030722/http://www.videos.behindwoods.com/videos-q1-09/director-interview/radha-mohan.html |archive-date=8 February 2011 |access-date=11 June 2013 |website=Behindwoods}}</ref> The film's trailer was released on 14 January 2011.<ref>{{Cite news |date=15 January 2011 |title=Trailer launch of Payanam |work=[[The Times of India]] |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/filmi-parties/regional/Trailer-launch-of-Payanam/articleshow/7285015.cms |url-status=live |access-date=25 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110126080353/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/filmi-parties/regional/Trailer-launch-of-Payanam/articleshow/7285015.cms |archive-date=26 January 2011}}</ref>


== Reception ==
== Reception ==
===Tamil version ===
The film opened to mainly positive reviews. The story and screenplay by Radhamohan were well appreciated. Rediff.com gave the film 3.5 out of{{nbsp}}5 and stated that "The sequences are logical, even while allowing for dashes of humour, soul-searching, and feel-good factors; the whole setting has a realistic feel that draws you in."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/south-review-payanam/20110211.htm |title=Review: Nagarjuna's Payanam works! |work=Rediff.com |date=11 February 2011 |access-date=25 October 2011}}</ref> Nowrunning.com also gave 3.5 out of{{nbsp}}5 and wrote "Payanam has come out as something new for Tamil cinema. It's worth watching."<ref>{{cite web|author= Aravindan DI|url=http://www.nowrunning.com/movie/8581/tamil/payanam/2957/review.htm |title=Payanam Review |publisher=Nowrunning.com |date=12 February 2011 |access-date=25 October 2011}}</ref> Southdreamz expressed that "Payanam is a movie that can be watched for a different experience."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.southdreamz.com/2011/02/payanam-review.html |title=Payanam Movie Review |publisher=Southdreamz.com |date=13 February 2011 |access-date=25 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111009184350/http://www.southdreamz.com/2011/02/payanam-review.html |archive-date=9 October 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Indiaglitz also praised the film stating "Kudos to Payanam for a great successful journey."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/review/11514.html |title=Payanam Tamil Movie Review|publisher=IndiaGlitz |date=11 February 2011 |access-date=25 October 2011}}</ref> Another review website gave 3.5 out of{{nbsp}}5 stated "The movie has the necessary elements which can be called the director's touch."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://reviews.in.88db.com/index.php/movie/movie-reviews/6889-payanam-tamil-movie-review |title=Payanam Tamil Movie Review |publisher=Reviews.in.88db.com |access-date=25 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120312231925/http://reviews.in.88db.com/index.php/movie/movie-reviews/6889-payanam-tamil-movie-review |archive-date=12 March 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> National Award-winning critic Baradwaj Rangan wrote "You could call Payanam a cross between a disaster movie (say, Airport) and a Mouli stage play. There's such an air of bonhomous familiarity to those who grew up in the seventies and the eighties, reading Vikatan jokes about actresses named Kalasri."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://baradwajrangan.wordpress.com/2011/02/19/bullet-point-report-payanam-nadunisi-naaigal/ |title=Bullet-point Report: Payanam / Nadunisi Naaigal « Baradwaj Rangan |publisher=Baradwajrangan.wordpress.com |date=19 February 2011 |access-date=25 October 2011}}</ref> Sify.com stated that "The film's supporting cast is what makes it work. On the whole, Radha Mohan's Payanam is an enjoyable ride."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/payanam-review-tamil-14962786.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130316112142/http://www.sify.com/movies/payanam-review-tamil-14962786.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=16 March 2013 |title=Movie Review:Payanam |publisher=Sify.com |access-date=25 October 2011}}</ref> Chennai Online praised the attempt for inserting comedy in the action sequences saying "A big plus is a comedy in the script with the various characters from all backgrounds from a star to an astrologer, all thrown together in the aircraft."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://chennaionline.com/movies/movie-reviews/20114914044914/Movie-Review-Payanam.col |title=Movie Review: 'Payanam' |publisher=ChennaiOnline |access-date=25 October 2011}}</ref> The Hindu noted that "The film grabs audience attention from the word go&nbsp;—you're worried about the plight of the passengers one minute, chuckling the very next at the wry humour, and before long, gripped by the suspense." admiring the art director stating "The aircraft and airport are apparently a set. Really? Art director Kathir, take a bow!" and further cited that "As the end credits roll, you only wish there had been a Major Raveendran who had his way in December 1999 at Amritsar!"<ref>{{cite news|author=Subha J. Rao |url=http://www.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/article1447376.ece |title=Arts / Cinema : Suspense in the air |work=The Hindu |location=India |date=12 February 2011 |access-date=25 October 2011}}</ref>
''[[Rediff.com]]'' rated ''Payanam'' 3.5 out of 5 and stated; "The sequences are logical, even while allowing for dashes of humour, soul-searching, and feel-good factors; the whole setting has a realistic feel that draws you in".<ref name="Rediff">{{Cite web |date=11 February 2011 |title=Review: Nagarjuna's Payanam works! |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/south-review-payanam/20110211.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110810010834/http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/south-review-payanam/20110211.htm |archive-date=10 August 2011 |access-date=25 October 2011 |website=Rediff.com}}</ref> Nowrunning.com also gave 3.5 out of 5 and wrote: "''Payanam'' has come out as something new for Tamil cinema. It's worth watching."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Aravindan DI |date=12 February 2011 |title=Payanam Review |url=http://www.nowrunning.com/movie/8581/tamil/payanam/2957/review.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120302225759/http://www.nowrunning.com/movie/8581/tamil/payanam/2957/review.htm |archive-date=2 March 2012 |access-date=25 October 2011 |publisher=Nowrunning.com}}</ref> Southdreamz said ''Payanam'' "can be watched for a different experience".<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 February 2011 |title=Payanam Movie Review |url=http://www.southdreamz.com/2011/02/payanam-review.html |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111009184350/http://www.southdreamz.com/2011/02/payanam-review.html |archive-date=9 October 2011 |access-date=25 October 2011 |publisher=Southdreamz.com}}</ref> Indiaglitz praised the film, giving "Kudos to ''Payanam'' for a great successful journey".<ref>{{Cite web |date=11 February 2011 |title=Payanam Tamil Movie Review |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/review/11514.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110119135615/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/review/11514.html |archive-date=19 January 2011 |access-date=25 October 2011 |website=IndiaGlitz}}</ref> Another review website gave ''Payanam'' 3.5 out of 5 and stated the film " has the necessary elements which can be called the director's touch".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Payanam Tamil Movie Review |url=http://reviews.in.88db.com/index.php/movie/movie-reviews/6889-payanam-tamil-movie-review |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120312231925/http://reviews.in.88db.com/index.php/movie/movie-reviews/6889-payanam-tamil-movie-review |archive-date=12 March 2012 |access-date=25 October 2011 |publisher=Reviews.in.88db.com}}</ref>

According to Indian film critic [[Baradwaj Rangan]]: "You could call ''Payanam'' a cross between a disaster movie (say, Airport) and a Mouli stage play. There's such an air of bonhomous familiarity to those who grew up in the seventies and the eighties, reading Vikatan jokes about actresses named Kalasri."<ref>{{Cite web |date=19 February 2011 |title=Bullet-point Report: Payanam / Nadunisi Naaigal « Baradwaj Rangan |url=http://baradwajrangan.wordpress.com/2011/02/19/bullet-point-report-payanam-nadunisi-naaigal/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110812054316/http://baradwajrangan.wordpress.com/2011/02/19/bullet-point-report-payanam-nadunisi-naaigal/ |archive-date=12 August 2011 |access-date=25 October 2011 |publisher=Baradwajrangan.wordpress.com}}</ref> ''[[Sify.com]]'' stated: "The film's supporting cast is what makes it work. On the whole, Radha Mohan's ''Payanam'' is an enjoyable ride."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Movie Review:Payanam |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/payanam-review-tamil-14962786.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130316112142/http://www.sify.com/movies/payanam-review-tamil-14962786.html |archive-date=16 March 2013 |access-date=25 October 2011 |website=[[Sify]]}}</ref> Chennai Online praised the attempt to insert comedy in the action sequences, saying; "A big plus is a comedy in the script with the various characters from all backgrounds from a star to an astrologer, all thrown together in the aircraft".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Movie Review: 'Payanam' |url=http://chennaionline.com/movies/movie-reviews/20114914044914/Movie-Review-Payanam.col |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111128061709/http://chennaionline.com/movies/movie-reviews/20114914044914/Movie-Review-Payanam.col |archive-date=28 November 2011 |access-date=25 October 2011 |publisher=ChennaiOnline}}</ref> ''[[The Hindu]]'' noted; "The film grabs audience attention from the word go&nbsp;– you're worried about the plight of the passengers one minute, chuckling the very next at the wry humour, and before long, gripped by the suspense". The reviewer also praised the art director, stating: "The aircraft and airport are apparently a set. Really? Art director Kathir, take a bow!" and also said; "As the end credits roll, you only wish there had been a Major Raveendran who had his way in December 1999 at Amritsar".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Subha J. Rao |date=12 February 2011 |title=Arts / Cinema : Suspense in the air |work=The Hindu |location=India |url=http://www.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/article1447376.ece |url-status=live |access-date=25 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110215064825/http://www.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/article1447376.ece |archive-date=15 February 2011}}</ref>

''Payanam'' also received mixed and negative reviews. A critic from ''[[The Times of India]]'' gave a score of 2.5 out of 5 and said; "Radhamohan's ''Payanam'' would have been a more engaging watch only if the journey was a littler shorter".<ref name="TOI">{{Cite news |date=13 February 2011 |title=Payanam |work=The Times of India |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/tamil/Payanam/moviereview/7486458.cms |url-status=live |access-date=19 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110219005441/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/tamil/Payanam/moviereview/7486458.cms |archive-date=19 February 2011}}</ref> Behindwoods gave it 2 out of 5 and said; "Although humour shares equal space with action and suspense, a slight swaying on the lighter side dilutes the serious effect a wee bit which could have been taken care of".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Payanam Movie Review |url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-reviews/reviews-2/payanam-movie-review.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111015232911/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-reviews/reviews-2/payanam-movie-review.html |archive-date=15 October 2011 |access-date=25 October 2011 |website=Behindwoods}}</ref> ''[[Oneindia]]'' commented; "The film appears a little nagging and boring because the audiences continue to expect a big action scenes but the film continues to roll without any such incident".<ref>{{Cite web |date=14 February 2011 |title=Payanam gets thumbs up from critics |url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/tamil/news/2011/payanam-thumbs-up-critics-140211-aid0017.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602220508/http://entertainment.oneindia.in/tamil/news/2011/payanam-thumbs-up-critics-140211-aid0017.html |archive-date=2 June 2021 |access-date=25 October 2011 |publisher=Entertainment.oneindia.in}}</ref>


=== Telugu version ===
In contrast, the film also received mixed and negative reviews. A critic from the Times of India gave 2.5 out of{{nbsp}}5 and said that "Radhamohan's 'Payanam' would have been a more engaging watch only if the journey was a littler shorter."<ref>{{cite news| url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/tamil/Payanam/moviereview/7486458.cms | work=The Times Of India | title=Payanam | date=13 February 2011}}</ref> Behindwoods gave it{{nbsp}}2 out of{{nbsp}}5 and said that "Although humour shares equal space with action and suspense, a slight swaying on the lighter side dilutes the serious effect a wee bit which could have been taken care of."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-reviews/reviews-2/payanam-movie-review.html |title=Payanam Movie Review |publisher=Behindwoods |access-date=25 October 2011}}</ref> One India commented, "The film appears a little nagging and boring because the audiences continue to expect a big action scenes but the film continues to roll without any such incident."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/tamil/news/2011/payanam-thumbs-up-critics-140211-aid0017.html |title=Payanam gets thumbs up from critics |publisher=Entertainment.oneindia.in |date=14 February 2011 |access-date=25 October 2011}}</ref>
A critic from ''[[Rediff.com]]'' wrote: "Director Radhamohan has crafted a brilliant hijack drama in ''Gaganam''. The film is filled with suspense and thrills and laced occasionally with humour."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rajamani |first=Radhika |date=1 February 2011 |title=Review: Gaganam is a must-watch |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/review/south-review-gaganam/20110211.htm |access-date=21 February 2023 |website=[[Rediff.com]] |archive-date=22 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230322215506/https://www.rediff.com/movies/review/south-review-gaganam/20110211.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> Jeevi of ''[[Idlebrain.com]]'' called ''Gaganam'' "a decent film which should be watched with an open mind".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jeevi |date=11 February 2011 |title=Telugu Movie review - Gaganam |url=https://www.idlebrain.com/movie/archive/mr-gaganam.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230221112822/https://www.idlebrain.com/movie/archive/mr-gaganam.html |archive-date=21 February 2023 |access-date=21 February 2023 |website=Idlebrain.com}}</ref> A critic from ''[[123telugu]]'' awarded "two big thumbs up for the film&nbsp;... go watch it", and said: "Even if you are an ardent follower of commercial cinema, you never know when you might become a convert and embrace newer genres. And ''Gaganam'' is your best bet this month!"<ref>{{Cite web |date=11 February 2011 |title=Gaganam: Edge of the seat thriller. Go watch it! |url=https://www.123telugu.com/reviews/G/Gaganam/Gaganam_Review.html |website=[[123telugu]] |access-date=17 August 2023 |archive-date=12 February 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110212085234/https://www.123telugu.com/reviews/G/Gaganam/Gaganam_Review.html |url-status=live }}</ref> A critic from ''[[The New Indian Express]]'' called ''Gaganam'' "a must watch".<ref>{{Cite web |date=14 February 2011 |title=Gaganam |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/review/2011/feb/14/gaganam-227504.html |website=[[The New Indian Express]] |access-date=17 August 2023 |archive-date=17 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230817211656/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/review/2011/feb/14/gaganam-227504.html |url-status=live }}</ref> A critic from ''Full Hyderabad'' said the film is "Uncluttered, brief (with a runtime of about 2 hours) and edgy", and said; "if that's all you'd like out of your Telugu movie this weekend, head for ''Gaganam''".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Garimella |first=Deepa |title=Gaganam Review |url=https://movies.fullhyderabad.com/gaganam/telugu/gaganam-movie-reviews-4061-2.html |website=Full Hyderabad |access-date=17 August 2023 |archive-date=17 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230817211652/https://movies.fullhyderabad.com/gaganam/telugu/gaganam-movie-reviews-4061-2.html |url-status=live }}</ref>


=== Box office ===
=== Box office ===
The film collected {{INRConvert|99|l}} in Chennai in the first week and had an average opening.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-slide-shows/movie-4/top-ten-movies-feb-21/tamil-cinema-topten-movie-payanam.html |title=Payanam&nbsp;– Behindwoods.com&nbsp;– Tamil Top Ten Movies |publisher=Behindwoods.com |access-date=25 October 2011}}</ref>
''Payanam'' collected {{INRConvert|99|l}} in Chennai in the first week and had an average opening.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Payanam&nbsp;– Behindwoods.com&nbsp;– Tamil Top Ten Movies |url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-slide-shows/movie-4/top-ten-movies-feb-21/tamil-cinema-topten-movie-payanam.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121017130920/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-slide-shows/movie-4/top-ten-movies-feb-21/tamil-cinema-topten-movie-payanam.html |archive-date=17 October 2012 |access-date=25 October 2011 |website=Behindwoods.com}}</ref>


== Awards and nominations ==
== Accolades ==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
{| class="wikitable sortable"
!Award
!Award
Line 102: Line 123:
| [[Radha Mohan]]
| [[Radha Mohan]]
| {{won}}
| {{won}}
|style="text-align:center;" rowspan="2"|<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/movie-details/news-interviews/gaganam-bags-two-awards-in-norway-film-fest/articleshow/8098250.cms|title=Gaganam bags two awards in Norway Film Fest |newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=17 November 2021}}</ref>
|style="text-align:center;" rowspan="2"|<ref>{{Cite news |title=Gaganam bags two awards in Norway Film Fest |work=[[The Times of India]] |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/movie-details/news-interviews/gaganam-bags-two-awards-in-norway-film-fest/articleshow/8098250.cms |url-status=live |access-date=17 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211118034300/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/movie-details/news-interviews/gaganam-bags-two-awards-in-norway-film-fest/articleshow/8098250.cms |archive-date=18 November 2021}}</ref>
|-
|-
| People's Choice
| People's Choice
Line 112: Line 133:
| Radha Mohan
| Radha Mohan
| {{won}}
| {{won}}
|style="text-align:center;" |<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/tn-govt-announces-tamil-film-awards-for-six-years/article19273078.ece|title=TN Govt. announces Tamil Film Awards for six years|date=14 July 2017|access-date=17 November 2021|website=Thehindu.com}}</ref>
|style="text-align:center;" |<ref>{{Cite web |date=14 July 2017 |title=TN Govt. announces Tamil Film Awards for six years |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/tn-govt-announces-tamil-film-awards-for-six-years/article19273078.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200611072058/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/tn-govt-announces-tamil-film-awards-for-six-years/article19273078.ece |archive-date=11 June 2020 |access-date=17 November 2021 |website=The Hindu}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="2"| [[6th Vijay Awards]]
| [[Vijay Award for Best Art Director|Best Art Director]]
| Kathir
| {{nominated}}
|style="text-align:center;" rowspan="2"|<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.ibnlive.com/news/india/6th-annual-vijay-awards-complete-list-of-winners-483185.html | title=6th Annual Vijay Awards: Complete list of winners | publisher=[[CNN-IBN|IBNLive]] | date=19 June 2012 | access-date=18 February 2020}}</ref>
|-
| Best Dialogues
| ''Payanam''
| {{nominated}}
|-
| [[59th Filmfare Awards South]]
| [[Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress – Telugu|Best Supporting Actress – Telugu]]
| [[Poonam Kaur]]
| {{nominated}}
|style="text-align:center;" |
|}
|}


== See also ==
==Notes==
{{noteslist}}
*[[Kandahar (2010 film)|''Kandahar'' (2010 film)]], a [[Malayalam]] film also dealing with a [[Aircraft hijacking|flight hijacking incident]], but a different story.


== References ==
== References ==
Line 145: Line 150:
{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:2011 films]]
[[Category:2000 millennium attack plots]]
[[Category:Indian films]]
[[Category:2010s Indian films]]
[[Category:2010s Tamil-language films]]
[[Category:2010s Telugu-language films]]
[[Category:2010s Telugu-language films]]
[[Category:Indian multilingual films]]
[[Category:Indian aviation films]]
[[Category:Indian action thriller films]]
[[Category:2011 action thriller films]]
[[Category:2011 action thriller films]]
[[Category:Films set on airplanes]]
[[Category:2011 films]]
[[Category:2010s Tamil-language films]]
[[Category:2011 multilingual films]]
[[Category:Fictional portrayals of the Jammu Kashmir Police]]
[[Category:Films about aircraft hijackings]]
[[Category:Films about aircraft hijackings]]
[[Category:Films about aviation accidents or incidents]]
[[Category:Films about aviation accidents or incidents]]
[[Category:2011 multilingual films]]
[[Category:Films about Islamic terrorism in India]]
[[Category:Films about jihadism]]
[[Category:Films directed by Radha Mohan]]
[[Category:Films directed by Radha Mohan]]
[[Category:Films set on airplanes]]
[[Category:Films shot in Srinagar]]
[[Category:Indian action thriller films]]
[[Category:Indian Army in films]]
[[Category:Indian aviation films]]
[[Category:Indian films based on actual events]]
[[Category:Indian multilingual films]]
[[Category:Kashmir conflict in films]]
[[Category:Sri Venkateswara Creations films]]
[[Category:Sri Venkateswara Creations films]]

Latest revision as of 05:14, 21 December 2024

Payanam
Theatrical release poster
Directed byRadha Mohan
Written byRadha Mohan
T. J. Gnanavel
(Tamil dialogues)
Anuradha Umarji
(Telugu dialogues)
Produced byPrakash Raj
Dil Raju
Starring
CinematographyK. V. Guhan
Edited byKishore Te
(Tamil version)
Marthand K. Venkatesh
(Telugu version)
Music byPravin Mani
Production
companies
Prakash Raj Productions (Tamil version)
Matinee Entertainment (Telugu version)
Distributed byAGS Entertainment
(Tamil version)
Sri Venkateswara Creations
(Telugu version)
Release date
  • 11 February 2011 (2011-02-11)
Running time
131 minutes (Tamil)
120 minutes (Telugu)
CountryIndia
Languages
  • Tamil
  • Telugu

Payanam (transl. Journey) is a 2011 Indian action thriller film that was written and directed by Radha Mohan. It was simultaneously filmed in Tamil and Telugu languages, the latter being titled Gaganam (transl. Sky). The film's plot is based on a flight hijacking incident.[1][2] Payanam's cast includes Nagarjuna, Prakash Raj, Poonam Kaur, Sana Khan, Rishi, Brahmanandam and Thalaivasal Vijay. The film was co-produced by Raj and Dil Raju, and was released on 11 February 2011 to critical and commercial success.

Plot

[edit]

On a flight from Chennai to Delhi, five passengers retrieve weapons from the toilet and use them to hijack the aircraft. During a struggle with the pilots to divert the plane to Rawalpindi, an engine is damaged so they make an emergency landing at Tirupati Airport. Government authorities arrive. The hijackers demand ₹100 crore (c. US $22,000,000), the release of their imprisoned leader Yusuf Khan, and a fresh aircraft for their escape.

A team is put together, led by Home Secretary K Vishwanath (Prakash Raj), to tackle the situation. National Security Guard Major N. Raveendra "Ravi" (Nagarjuna), who captured Yusuf Khan, recalls the death of a colleague at the shootout and regrets not killing Khan at the time. He urges the Government of India to allow a Special Forces commando operation but officials fear risking passengers' lives and do not trust Raveendra's team. Ravi is frustrated when the government vacillates, and it seems Khan might be released.

Inside the aircraft, the passengers gather in groups to discuss their past lives and religion. One of the terrorists becomes sentimentally attached to Afshana, a young girl who is returning to Karachi after a heart operation. The terrorist's associates, however, warn him not to become too attached to the girl because his main duty is to carry out the operation, which includes killing the passengers. Another passenger, who is Jagadheesh (Thalaivasal Vijay), a retired army colonel, frequently irritates the terrorists with questions about their motives. Tensions rise until Praveen (Narayan), one of the passengers who is a drug addict, attempts an escape but is shot by a terrorist, who warns the authorities to act quickly.

Raveendra's colleague Nawaz Khan (Bharath Reddy) discovers Tamil Nadu Police have identified a missing cleaner who prepared the toilet of the flight before its departure. Ravi and Nawaz go to find the cleaner, hoping to get information about the nature of the weapons that were left for the hijackers. After a chase in Red Hills, they capture the cleaner, who admits his involvement in the plot and gives vague information about the size of the weapon he placed in the toilet. Ravi and Nawaz deduce the weapon is a plastic explosive.

On his return, Ravi is told the government has decided to release Khan but while being transported to the airport, Khan dies in an accident. Ravi asks officials to be very confident about this information so they can plan an assault without the terrorists' knowledge. A reporter disguises himself as an assistant to a senior police official; he closely approaches the aircraft, records video of the aircraft using a pen camera and overhears two officials in a restroom discussing Khan's accident. The terrorists become alarmed. Despite attempts to contain the news, the media leak it. One of the terrorists kills a passenger named Subash (Kumaravel), and threatens to kill one passenger every 30 minutes unless it is proved Khan is alive. Ravi arranges for actor Ranganathan (Sricharan), who portrayed Khan in a film Bharat Maata, to make the terrorists believe Khan is alive and being treated at a hospital.

Ravi plans an operation to rescue the victims and names it Operation Garuda. Through a female cleaner, he secretly sends a mobile phone hidden in a food packet onto the plane so he can exchange information with Colonel Jagadheesh. Ravi plans to shoot the hijackers while they transit to a new flight by asking the passengers to bend down when they get a signal. The plan succeeds, and four of the five hijackers are killed. The last terrorist is killed with the help of two passengers. The plastic explosive is found in Afshana's bag. Ravi throws it away and the bag explodes. The operation ends, the Prime Minister appreciates Ravi and the passengers continue to their destination.

The passengers happily leave the flight, farewell each other and agree to meet again. The terrorists' names are revealed to be Yasin (the leader), Munna, Omar, Anwar and Abdul.

Cast and characters

[edit]

Main cast

[edit]

Flight crew and passengers

[edit]
Flight crew
Terrorists
  • Iqbal Yaqub as Yasin
  • Balaji K. Mohan as Anwar
  • Nitish, Prince, and Sahil as members of the terrorist gang


Flight passengers

Supporting cast

[edit]
  • Brahmanandam as Film Director Rajesh Kapur
  • Harsha Vardhan as Reporter Srinivas
  • Sricharan as Ranganath (also Yusuf Khan in climax) and real terrorist Yusuf Khan (Dual Role)[4]
  • Dr. Bharath Reddy as Captain Nawaz Khan
  • Laxmi Ratten as Krishnamurthy, National Security Advisor
  • Melkote as S. K. Sharma, Spl. Secretary – Internal Security
  • Kovai Krishnan as M. G. Menon, Joint Secretary - Kashmir
  • G. Srinivasan, Chennai Airport Director
  • Satyam Rajesh as Airport Passenger (Telugu)

Production

[edit]

Radha Mohan, after directing the family-oriented romance and drama films Azhagiya Theeye, Mozhi and Abhiyum Naanum, decided to produce an action thriller about an aircraft hijacking. He approached his close friend actor-producer Prakash Raj, who produced all his earlier films. Raj agreed to fund this film, marking the pair's fourth collaboration. Prakash Raj renamed his Duet Movies banner Silent Movies, the logo and name of which Radha Mohan had designed.[5] Mohan also decided to make the film simultaneously in both Tamil and Telugu languages, and was able to persuade Telugu film producer Dil Raju to produce the Telugu version, titled Gaganam,[5][6] whilst engaging actor Nagarjuna, who is well-known in both film industries, to play the lead role of a National Security Guards commando. Nagarjuna said Payanam was "one of the easiest" he had worked on because he did not have to prepare much for the role since Mohan and Raj had done "so much research", spoken to army officers and had "everything about the role on paper – how commandos behave and dress".[7]

Nagarjuna, starring in his first direct Tamil film in 13 years, was part of an ensemble cast that includes around 45 actors from both Tamil and Telugu industries, the cast being retained for both versions.[5] This was Nagarjuna's first film without a love interest for his character.[8] Nagarjuna's Tamil voice was dubbed by Sekar.[9] Prakash Raj, who had starred in all of Mohan's earlier films, was cast in a main role.[10] He considered Babloo Prithiveeraj's character Chandrakanth, a superstar, to represent "all falsehood in our cinema".[11]

Despite widespread reports Payanam iss based on the 1999 hijacking of the Indian Airlines Flight 814,[12][13][14] Raj has denied these reports, making clear it is about a hijack that takes place at Tirupati Airport.[15] Art director Kathir erected a grand set resembling Tirupati airport at Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh.[5][16] The airport set was constructed within one month and cost ₹3 crore,[5] which was almost 20% of the film's entire budget; the set included a runway, traffic, an air traffic control (ATC) room and two aeroplanes with "perfect interiors".[17] The film was shot using the RED camera and was handled by cinematographer K. V. Guhan.[6]

Pravin Mani was assigned as the film composer and worked on the film's background score. The film would include only one solo song, which was composed by Pravin and was written by Vairamuthu's son Madhan Karky.[5] According to the director: "We did not have songs in the film because there are no situations in the film which warranted songs. Hence we decided to do away with songs in the film."[18] The film's trailer was released on 14 January 2011.[19]

Reception

[edit]

Tamil version

[edit]

Rediff.com rated Payanam 3.5 out of 5 and stated; "The sequences are logical, even while allowing for dashes of humour, soul-searching, and feel-good factors; the whole setting has a realistic feel that draws you in".[20] Nowrunning.com also gave 3.5 out of 5 and wrote: "Payanam has come out as something new for Tamil cinema. It's worth watching."[21] Southdreamz said Payanam "can be watched for a different experience".[22] Indiaglitz praised the film, giving "Kudos to Payanam for a great successful journey".[23] Another review website gave Payanam 3.5 out of 5 and stated the film " has the necessary elements which can be called the director's touch".[24]

According to Indian film critic Baradwaj Rangan: "You could call Payanam a cross between a disaster movie (say, Airport) and a Mouli stage play. There's such an air of bonhomous familiarity to those who grew up in the seventies and the eighties, reading Vikatan jokes about actresses named Kalasri."[25] Sify.com stated: "The film's supporting cast is what makes it work. On the whole, Radha Mohan's Payanam is an enjoyable ride."[26] Chennai Online praised the attempt to insert comedy in the action sequences, saying; "A big plus is a comedy in the script with the various characters from all backgrounds from a star to an astrologer, all thrown together in the aircraft".[27] The Hindu noted; "The film grabs audience attention from the word go – you're worried about the plight of the passengers one minute, chuckling the very next at the wry humour, and before long, gripped by the suspense". The reviewer also praised the art director, stating: "The aircraft and airport are apparently a set. Really? Art director Kathir, take a bow!" and also said; "As the end credits roll, you only wish there had been a Major Raveendran who had his way in December 1999 at Amritsar".[28]

Payanam also received mixed and negative reviews. A critic from The Times of India gave a score of 2.5 out of 5 and said; "Radhamohan's Payanam would have been a more engaging watch only if the journey was a littler shorter".[29] Behindwoods gave it 2 out of 5 and said; "Although humour shares equal space with action and suspense, a slight swaying on the lighter side dilutes the serious effect a wee bit which could have been taken care of".[30] Oneindia commented; "The film appears a little nagging and boring because the audiences continue to expect a big action scenes but the film continues to roll without any such incident".[31]

Telugu version

[edit]

A critic from Rediff.com wrote: "Director Radhamohan has crafted a brilliant hijack drama in Gaganam. The film is filled with suspense and thrills and laced occasionally with humour."[32] Jeevi of Idlebrain.com called Gaganam "a decent film which should be watched with an open mind".[33] A critic from 123telugu awarded "two big thumbs up for the film ... go watch it", and said: "Even if you are an ardent follower of commercial cinema, you never know when you might become a convert and embrace newer genres. And Gaganam is your best bet this month!"[34] A critic from The New Indian Express called Gaganam "a must watch".[35] A critic from Full Hyderabad said the film is "Uncluttered, brief (with a runtime of about 2 hours) and edgy", and said; "if that's all you'd like out of your Telugu movie this weekend, head for Gaganam".[36]

Box office

[edit]

Payanam collected ₹99 lakh (US$120,000) in Chennai in the first week and had an average opening.[37]

Accolades

[edit]
Award Category Recipient(s) and nominee(s) Result Ref.
Norway Tamil Film Festival Awards Best Director Radha Mohan Won [38]
People's Choice Payanam Won
Tamil Nadu State Film Awards Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Script Writer Radha Mohan Won [39]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ Full name only mentioned in Telugu version.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Payanam". The Times of India. 28 January 2011. Archived from the original on 7 January 2012. Retrieved 25 October 2011.
  2. ^ "Get ready for 'Payanam'". IndiaGlitz. 13 November 2010. Archived from the original on 15 November 2010. Retrieved 25 October 2011.
  3. ^ Raghavan, Nikhil (13 July 2013). "Etcetera: A steady climb up". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 21 February 2023. Retrieved 21 February 2023.
  4. ^ "People think I'm crazy: Sricharan". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 17 November 2021. Retrieved 25 June 2024.
  5. ^ a b c d e f "Payanam trailer launched". Sify. 14 January 2011. Archived from the original on 17 January 2011. Retrieved 25 October 2011.
  6. ^ a b "'Gaganam' decided for Nag-Dil Raju's movie". IndiaGlitz. 24 July 2010. Archived from the original on 24 July 2010. Retrieved 25 October 2011.
  7. ^ "Nagarjuna: Can't shift to Chennai". The Times of India. 18 January 2011. Archived from the original on 21 January 2011. Retrieved 25 October 2011.
  8. ^ "I need not think about heroines: Nag". The Times of India. 27 January 2011. Archived from the original on 28 September 2023. Retrieved 24 August 2023.
  9. ^ "அமரேந்திர பாகுபலியாகிய நான் - சேகர்" [I am Amarendra Baahubali - Sekar] (in Tamil). Cinema Vikatan. 1 May 2017. Archived from the original on 26 May 2019. Retrieved 26 May 2019.
  10. ^ "Payanam trailer launch on Jan 14". Sify. 11 January 2011. Archived from the original on 14 January 2011. Retrieved 25 October 2011.
  11. ^ "Hats off to Radha Mohan: Prakash Raj". The Times of India. 14 February 2011. Archived from the original on 20 April 2018. Retrieved 20 April 2018.
  12. ^ "Events – 'Payanam' Exclusive". IndiaGlitz. 14 January 2011. Archived from the original on 14 January 2011. Retrieved 25 October 2011.
  13. ^ "Nagarjuna explores Kandahar hijacking in new film". NDTV. 12 January 2011. Archived from the original on 16 January 2011. Retrieved 25 October 2011.
  14. ^ "Prakash Raj's Pongal Payanam". Behindwoods.com. 11 January 2011. Archived from the original on 22 February 2011. Retrieved 25 October 2011.
  15. ^ "Prakash Raj confirms Payanam on Dec 3". Sify. 3 November 2010. Archived from the original on 6 November 2010. Retrieved 25 October 2011.
  16. ^ "Prakash Raj re-constructs Thirupathi airport". Behindwoods. 13 January 2011. Archived from the original on 6 October 2011. Retrieved 25 October 2011.
  17. ^ "Airport for 'Payanam'". IndiaGlitz. 9 January 2010. Archived from the original on 14 January 2010. Retrieved 25 October 2011.
  18. ^ Bhavanishankar, Jyothsna. "Radha Mohan Interview". Behindwoods. Archived from the original on 8 February 2011. Retrieved 11 June 2013.
  19. ^ "Trailer launch of Payanam". The Times of India. 15 January 2011. Archived from the original on 26 January 2011. Retrieved 25 October 2011.
  20. ^ "Review: Nagarjuna's Payanam works!". Rediff.com. 11 February 2011. Archived from the original on 10 August 2011. Retrieved 25 October 2011.
  21. ^ Aravindan DI (12 February 2011). "Payanam Review". Nowrunning.com. Archived from the original on 2 March 2012. Retrieved 25 October 2011.
  22. ^ "Payanam Movie Review". Southdreamz.com. 13 February 2011. Archived from the original on 9 October 2011. Retrieved 25 October 2011.
  23. ^ "Payanam Tamil Movie Review". IndiaGlitz. 11 February 2011. Archived from the original on 19 January 2011. Retrieved 25 October 2011.
  24. ^ "Payanam Tamil Movie Review". Reviews.in.88db.com. Archived from the original on 12 March 2012. Retrieved 25 October 2011.
  25. ^ "Bullet-point Report: Payanam / Nadunisi Naaigal « Baradwaj Rangan". Baradwajrangan.wordpress.com. 19 February 2011. Archived from the original on 12 August 2011. Retrieved 25 October 2011.
  26. ^ "Movie Review:Payanam". Sify. Archived from the original on 16 March 2013. Retrieved 25 October 2011.
  27. ^ "Movie Review: 'Payanam'". ChennaiOnline. Archived from the original on 28 November 2011. Retrieved 25 October 2011.
  28. ^ Subha J. Rao (12 February 2011). "Arts / Cinema : Suspense in the air". The Hindu. India. Archived from the original on 15 February 2011. Retrieved 25 October 2011.
  29. ^ "Payanam". The Times of India. 13 February 2011. Archived from the original on 19 February 2011. Retrieved 19 May 2011.
  30. ^ "Payanam Movie Review". Behindwoods. Archived from the original on 15 October 2011. Retrieved 25 October 2011.
  31. ^ "Payanam gets thumbs up from critics". Entertainment.oneindia.in. 14 February 2011. Archived from the original on 2 June 2021. Retrieved 25 October 2011.
  32. ^ Rajamani, Radhika (1 February 2011). "Review: Gaganam is a must-watch". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 22 March 2023. Retrieved 21 February 2023.
  33. ^ Jeevi (11 February 2011). "Telugu Movie review - Gaganam". Idlebrain.com. Archived from the original on 21 February 2023. Retrieved 21 February 2023.
  34. ^ "Gaganam: Edge of the seat thriller. Go watch it!". 123telugu. 11 February 2011. Archived from the original on 12 February 2011. Retrieved 17 August 2023.
  35. ^ "Gaganam". The New Indian Express. 14 February 2011. Archived from the original on 17 August 2023. Retrieved 17 August 2023.
  36. ^ Garimella, Deepa. "Gaganam Review". Full Hyderabad. Archived from the original on 17 August 2023. Retrieved 17 August 2023.
  37. ^ "Payanam – Behindwoods.com – Tamil Top Ten Movies". Behindwoods.com. Archived from the original on 17 October 2012. Retrieved 25 October 2011.
  38. ^ "Gaganam bags two awards in Norway Film Fest". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 18 November 2021. Retrieved 17 November 2021.
  39. ^ "TN Govt. announces Tamil Film Awards for six years". The Hindu. 14 July 2017. Archived from the original on 11 June 2020. Retrieved 17 November 2021.
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Payanam_(2011_film)&oldid=1264238527"