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{{short description|2015 film by Ramesh Aravind}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2015}}
{{Use Indian English|date=November 2015}}
{{Infobox film
{{Infobox film
| name = Utthama Villain
| name = {{Lang|ta-latn|Uttama Villain}}
| image = Uthama Villain.jpg
| image = Uttama Villain.jpg
| alt = <!-- see WP:ALT -->
| alt = <!-- see WP:ALT -->
| caption = First look poster
| caption = Theatrical release poster
| director = [[Ramesh Aravind]]
| director = [[Ramesh Aravind]]
| producer = [[N. Lingusamy]]<br>[[Kamal Haasan]]
| writer = [[Kamal Haasan]]
| writer = Kamal Haasan<br>[[Crazy Mohan]]
| producer = {{plainlist|
| starring = Kamal Haasan
* [[Kamal Haasan]]
* [[N. Lingusamy]]
| music = [[M. Ghibran]]
* [[Chandrahasan]]
| cinematography = Shyam Dutt
* N. Subash Chandrabose
}}
| starring = {{plainlist|
* [[Kamal Haasan]]
* [[K. Balachander]]
* [[K. Viswanath]]
* [[Urvashi (actress)|Urvashi]]
* [[Jayaram]]
* [[Andrea Jeremiah]]
* [[Pooja Kumar]]
* [[Parvathy Thiruvothu]]
* [[Nassar (actor)|Nassar]]
}}
| cinematography = [[Shamdat|Shamdat Sainudeen]]
| editing = Vijay Shankar
| editing = Vijay Shankar
| music = [[Ghibran]]
| studio = [[Thirrupathi Brothers]]<br>[[Raaj Kamal Films International|Raaj Kamal Films]]
| studio = {{ubl|[[Raaj Kamal Films International]]|[[Thirrupathi Brothers|Thirupathi Brothers Film Media]]}}
| distributor =
| distributor = {{ubl|[[Eros International]] {{small|(Overseas)}}|[[Studio Green]] {{small|(Tamil Nadu)}}|[[Lotus Five Star]] {{small|(Malaysia)}}}}
| released =
| runtime =
| released = {{Film date|2015|05|2|df=y}}
| runtime = 171 minutes<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbfc.co.uk/releases/uttama-villain-film|title=Uttama Villain at BBFC|website=[[BBFC]]|access-date=26 April 2017}}</ref>
| country = India
| country = India
| language = Tamil
| language = Tamil
| budget = <!-- Add with a Reliable source -->
| budget = <!--Must cite a reliable published source with a reputation for fact-checking. No blogs, no IMDb. no fan-sites.-->
| gross = {{estimated}} {{INR|link=yes}}100 [[crore]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Times of India {{INR}}15crore|url=https://timesofindia.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/vikram-kamal-haasans-last-five-movies-box-office-stats/photostory/91988285.cms}}</ref>
| facebook = https://www.facebook.com/MOVIE.UTHAMAVILLAIN

}}
}}
'''''Utthama Villain''''' (English: ''Optimal Villain'') is an upcoming Tamil comedy film directed by [[Ramesh Aravind]] and produced by [[N. Lingusamy]]. The film is co-written and co-produced by [[Kamal Haasan]], who himself stars in the lead role. [[Crazy Mohan]] writes the film's dialogues while [[M. Ghibran]] composes the film's music. The film will be released in late 2014.


'''{{Lang|ta-latn|Uttama Villain}}''' ({{translation|The Righteous Villain}}) is a 2015 Indian Tamil-language [[comedy drama]] film directed by [[Ramesh Aravind]] and written by [[Kamal Haasan]]. The film was presented by [[N. Lingusamy]] in association with Kamal Haasan and produced by S. Chandrahasan for [[Raaj Kamal Films International]] and [[Thirupathi Brothers|N. Subash Chandrabose]] for [[Thirrupathi Brothers|Thirupathi Brothers Film Media]]. It features an [[ensemble cast]] that includes Kamal Hassan, [[K. Viswanath]], [[K. Balachander]], [[Jayaram]], [[Andrea Jeremiah]], [[Pooja Kumar]], [[Nassar (actor)|Nassar]], [[Parvathy Thiruvothu]] and [[Urvashi (actress)|Urvashi]] in prominent roles. This is the posthumous film of actor and director, K. Balachander following his death in December 2014.
==Cast==

*[[Kamal Haasan]]
It follows Superstar Manoranjan (Kamal Haasan), who is affected by a [[Brain tumor|brain tumour]], learns that he has only a short time to live and approaches his mentor, director Margadarisi (K. Balachander) to direct his next project — a folklore-ish comedy about a man who keeps cheating death and his role in saving a kingdom. Meanwhile, he has to sort out his personal life, which involves an estranged son, and a daughter from the love of his life.
*[[K. Balachander]]

*[[Anant Mahadevan]]
The project materialised in late 2013, and the film's principal photography commenced on 3 March 2014. The filming which took place in [[Chennai]], [[Bangalore|Bengaluru]] and [[Turkey]] was completed on 9 August 2014. The cinematography was handled by [[Shamdat]] and Vijay Shankar did the editing work. The music is composed by [[Ghibran]], in his first collaboration with Kamal Haasan, the soundtrack album received high praise upon its release.

{{Lang|ta-latn|Uttama Villain}}, after many delays, was scheduled to release on 1 May 2015, but was released a day later on 2 May, after the disputes between financiers and producers were sorted out.<ref name="dispute">{{cite news|title=Uttama Villain to release today|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/uttama-villain-shows-cancelled-may-release-on-saturday/article7164071.ece|access-date=25 April 2017|work=[[The Hindu]]|agency=[[Press Trust of India|PTI]]|date=2 May 2015}}</ref> The film received outstanding reviews from critics and several awards from International Film Festivals<ref name=":4">{{cite web|last1=Sundar|first1=Mrinalini|date=17 November 2015|title=International film festival awards for Uttama Villain|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/International-film-festival-awards-for-Uttama-Villain/articleshow/49802267.cms|access-date=17 November 2015|website=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref>

== Plot ==
Manoranjan is a leading film star who is immensely popular among his fans but is beset with several personal problems. Twenty-five years ago, he had been forced to marry Varalakshmi, the daughter of noted film director Poornachandra Rao, despite being in a relationship with a woman named Yamini (not shown on-screen). His relationship with his son with Varalakshmi, Manohar, is troubled. Besides, he comes to realise that he has a daughter Manonmani, who was born out of wedlock, during his relationship with Yamini, and was raised by Yamini's husband Jacob Zachariah, after Yamini's death. Furthermore, he is recently diagnosed with [[cancer staging|advanced stage]] [[brain cancer]] and has only a few more months to live, a fact which is unknown to his own family. He is treated by his family doctor Dr. Arpana, with whom he has an extramarital affair.

After these revelations come to him in a flood, Manoranjan decides to withdraw from a film produced by Poornachandra Rao and instead act in a film produced by himself and directed by Margadarsi, who was his mentor. The two directors had fallen out when Manoranjan married Varalakshmi and started acting in films directed and produced by Poornachandra Rao, who is Margadarsi's rival. Despite the personal differences between the directors, Manoranjan wishes for Margadarsi to be the director of his last film before he dies. Margadarsi initially refuses to direct Manoranjan, but when he hears from Arpana about Manoranjan's terminal illness, he is visibly moved and accepts to direct Manoranjan. When Poornachandra Rao and Varalakshmi find out about Manoranjan's plan, they become enraged and leave his house along with Manohar. Undaunted, Manoranjan proceeds with his film.

Manoranjan's film with Margadarsi is titled {{Lang|ta-latn|Uttama Villain}}. It is a fantasy comedy film which tells the story of a street artist named Uttaman, who has dodged death several times and is hence believed to be immortal. With the help of a princess named Karpagavalli, he works to defeat the evil king Muttharasan, who is obsessed about gaining Karpagavalli and the whole Theeyam empire. During the shooting of the film, Manoranjan's condition worsens, and he is hospitalised several times. Margadarsi convinces Manoranjan to inform his family about his condition. This leads to his rapprochement with Poornachandra Rao (and also between Margadarsi and Poornachandra Rao) and the growth of a bond with his son Manohar. Varalakshmi, on the other hand, suffers a heart attack on hearing the news, though she soon recovers. She apologises to Manoranjan for her actions to forcibly separate him from Yamini, so that she could marry him. Later, Manoranjan finds out that a letter he had written to Yamini shortly after they had separated, had not been delivered to her. When Manonmani reads this letter, which tells about Manoranjan's support for Yamini's decision to not undergo an [[abortion]] despite being pregnant out of wedlock, her hatred towards her biological father turns to love and she finally accepts him as her father.

After completing the shooting of {{Lang|ta-latn|Uttama Villain}}, Manoranjan becomes very sick, suffering from [[delirium]] as well as slurred speech and movement, and faints. He is immediately rushed to the hospital. Margadarsi completes editing the film and plays it in the hospital. The people present in the hospital, including all the loved ones of Manoranjan, enjoy the film, which ends with Uttaman killing Muttharasan in a stage drama (Iraniya Naadagam), thus dodging death yet again. However, in real life, Arpana informs Manohar and Manonmani that Manoranjan had died.

The film ends with a screening of {{Lang|ta-latn|Uttama Villain}} in a theatre, which is enjoyed by the audience and becomes a hit.

== Cast ==
{{colbegin}}
* [[Kamal Haasan]] as Manoranjan, a popular actor in Tamil Nadu (plays Uthaman)
* [[K. Balachander]] as Margadarisi, reputed film director and Manoranjan's guru
* [[K. Viswanath]] as Poornachandra Rao, Manoranjan's father-in-law
* [[Jayaram (actor)|Jayaram]] as Jacob Zachariah, Yamini's husband and Manonmani's father
* [[M. S. Bhaskar]] as Chokkalingam Chettiar (Chokku), Manoranjan's personal assistant
* [[Urvashi (actress)|Urvashi]] as Varalakshmi
* [[Andrea Jeremiah]] as Dr Arpana
* [[Pooja Kumar]] as Parveen (plays Karpagavalli) ([[Voice-over|Voice dubbed]] by [[Abhirami (actress)|Abhirami]])
* [[Parvathy Thiruvothu]] in a dual role as
**Manonmani, Manoranjan and Yamini's daughter
**Yamini (seen in photos)
* [[Nassar (actor)|Nassar]] as Nassar, an actor (plays Muttharasan)
* [[Shanmugarajan]] as Shanmugarajan (plays Sudalaimuthu)
* [[G. Gnanasambandam]] as Kaakapusundar
* [[Vaiyapuri]] as Snake charmer
* [[Chitra Lakshmanan]] as PRO Lakshmanan
* [[Ajay Rathnam]] as King Sadayavarman
* [[Dheepa Ramanujam]] as Queen
* Ashwin Arvind as Manohar, Manoranjan's son
* [[Parvathy Nair]] as Indira
* Ajay Raj as Parthi
* [[Bhargavi Narayan]] as Dhanalakshmi
* [[Prakash Belawadi]] as Dr. D. S. ([[Neurosurgeon]]) (cameo appearance)
{{colend}}
[[Ghibran]], Subbu Arumugam, Shamdat and Vijai Shankar make cameo appearances as themselves, working as technicians on the film in the film. [[Rajesh Selva|Rajesh M. Selva]], the first assistant director, appears as a spy in the film.

== Production ==
=== Development ===
In early 2013, director-producer [[N. Lingusamy]] made an official statement confirming that Kamal Haasan had agreed to direct and feature in a film to be produced by the production house, [[Thirrupathi Brothers]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/lingusamy-confirms-kamal-film-news-tamil-nfylFbdfifa.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130608000616/http://www.sify.com/movies/lingusamy-confirms-kamal-film-news-tamil-nfylFbdfifa.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=8 June 2013|title=Lingusamy confirms Kamal film!|website=[[Sify]]|date=25 April 2013|access-date=15 March 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Lingusamy confirms Kamal Haasan's film|url=https://www.moviecrow.com/News/2283/lingusamy-confirms-kamal-haasans-film|access-date=2021-07-15|website=www.moviecrow.com}}</ref> The actor had handed Lingusamy three scripts with the pair chose the most commercially viable option, with the early working title of the film being ''Bitter Chocolate''. In June 2013, the project was retitled {{Lang|ta-latn|Uttama Villain}}, with Kamal Haasan himself writing the script for the film, while [[Crazy Mohan]] was involved in early discussions for the film's dialogues.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/kamal-haasan-writing-script-for-ramesh-aravind-s-movie-113100800540_1.html|title=Kamal Haasan writing script for Ramesh Aravind's movie|newspaper=[[Business Standard]]|date=8 October 2013|access-date=28 August 2014}}</ref> Eventually, Kamal Haasan wanted to do {{Lang|ta-latn|Uttama Villain}} as a full-fledged [[comedy film]] after the production of ''[[Vishwaroopam]]'' (2013), due to Haasan's commitments of acting in comedy films soon after he finishes an experimental film,<ref>{{Cite news|last1=Naig|first1=Udhav|last2=Yamunan|first2=Sruthisagar|date=2014-08-22|title=Kamal has two in the bag, another in the making|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/tinsel-town-kamal-has-two-in-the-bag-another-in-the-making/article6339396.ece|access-date=2021-07-15|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> with the [[Controversies related to Vishwaroopam|controversies he faced during the release of ''Vishwaroopam'']] being added as one of the factors.<ref>{{Cite web|title='Vishwaroopam' controversy: who said what|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/vishwaroopam-controversy-who-said-what-511830|access-date=2021-07-15|website=NDTV.com}}</ref>

[[Yuvan Shankar Raja]] was signed on to compose the film's music,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/yuvan-to-compose-for-kamal-haasan-news-tamil-ngylEKgaicg.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130625020516/http://www.sify.com/movies/yuvan-to-compose-for-kamal-haasan-news-tamil-ngylEKgaicg.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=25 June 2013|title=Yuvan to compose for Kamal Haasan!|website=[[Sify]]|date=24 June 2013|access-date=15 March 2014}}</ref> after being the first choice for Haasan's Vishwaroopam, when Selvaraghavan handled the direction duties for the film.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Kamal Hits The Gym For Selva|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/feb-11-02/selvaraghavan-kamal-haasan-11-02-11.html|access-date=2021-07-15|website=www.behindwoods.com}}</ref> Reports also incorrectly suggested that [[M. Rajesh|Rajesh]] was added to the scripting team for the film.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-13/m-rajesh-will-not-be-writing-the-dialogues-for-kamal-haasans-uthama-villain.html|title=M Rajesh will not be writing the dialogues for Kamal Haasan's 'Uttama Villain'|website=Behindwoods|date=9 November 2013|access-date=15 March 2014}}</ref> In July 2013, [[Ramesh Aravind]] took over the task of directing the film from Kamal Haasan, for whom the film became his directorial debut in [[Tamil Nadu|Tamil]], after previously directed films in [[Kannada]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/kamal-haasan-to-be-directed-by-ramesh-aravind-news-tamil-nhiliCeihga.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130710194843/http://www.sify.com/movies/kamal-haasan-to-be-directed-by-ramesh-aravind-news-tamil-nhiliCeihga.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=10 July 2013|title=Kamal Haasan to be directed by Ramesh Aravind|website=[[Sify]]|date=8 July 2013|access-date=15 March 2014}}</ref> However, it was not being the first film; his proposed directorial debut was titled ''[[Kamal Haasan's unrealized projects|KG]]'' (2004) with Haasan which was shelved after Haasan's commitments with ''[[Mumbai Xpress]]'' (2005).<ref>{{cite web|title=Kamal Hassan can't afford Madhuri Dixit!|url=http://sify.com/movies/bollywood/fullstory.php?id=13528167|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090711161137/http://sify.com/movies/bollywood/fullstory.php?id=13528167|archive-date=2009-07-11|access-date=2021-07-15|website=[[Sify]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Ramesh Arvind likes the director's cap|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2006/mar/22ramesh.htm|access-date=2021-07-15|website=Rediff}}</ref> In February 2014, [[Ghibran]] was announced as the film's music composer instead of [[Yuvan Shankar Raja]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/music/Ghibran-to-compose-for-Uthama-Villain/articleshow/29814748.cms|title=Ghibran to compose for 'Uttama Villain'|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=3 February 2014|access-date=15 March 2014}}</ref> [[Sanu John Varghese]] and [[Mahesh Narayanan]] was initially reported to be the film's cinematographer and editor respectively after working with Haasan in ''Vishwaroopam''.<ref>{{Cite news|last=M|first=Athira|date=2012-06-28|title=The BIG picture|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/the-big-picture/article3581274.ece|access-date=2021-07-15|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> However, Haasan chose [[Shamdat|Shamdat Sainudeen]] and Vijay Shankar as the director of photography and editor of the project respectively<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/kamal-s-utama-villain-first-look-revealed-news-tamil-odbrGfgijjd.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140302035129/http://www.sify.com/movies/kamal-s-utama-villain-first-look-revealed-news-tamil-odbrGfgijjd.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2 March 2014|title=Kamal's 'Uttama Villain' first look revealed|website=[[Sify]]|date=1 March 2014|access-date=15 March 2014}}</ref> and [[Gautami]] was selected to handle the costume designing for the film.<ref>Ramchander (17 March 2014). {{cite web|url=http://www.filmibeat.com/tamil/news/2014/gauthami-designs-costumes-andrea-uthama-villain-134369.html|title=Gauthami Designs Costumes For Andrea In 'Uttama Villain'|date=17 March 2014|publisher=[[Oneindia.in|Oneindia Entertainment]]|access-date=20 August 2014}}</ref> According to Ramesh Aravind, Kamal Haasan wrote the majority of the dialogue and that [[Crazy Mohan]]'s input and suggestions were recorded.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ianslive.in/index.php?param=news/Dialogues_in_Uttama_Villain_penned_by_Kamal_Haasan_Director-442088/ENTERTAINMENT/15|title=Dialogues in 'Uttama Villain' penned by Kamal Haasan: Director|publisher=[[Indo-Asian News Service|IANS]]|date=5 September 2014|access-date=5 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140930123238/http://ianslive.in/index.php?param=news%2FDialogues_in_Uttama_Villain_penned_by_Kamal_Haasan_Director-442088%2FENTERTAINMENT%2F15|archive-date=30 September 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Kamal Haasan writing script for Ramesh Aravind's Uthama Villain|url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/kamal-haasan-writing-script-for-ramesh-aravinds-uthama-villain-635650|access-date=2021-07-15|website=NDTV.com}}</ref>

=== Casting ===
[[Kamal Haasan]] was reported to play two roles for the film: one being a 21st-century cinema superstar named Manoranjan and an 8th-century drama actor named Uthaman.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Kamal Haasan to play dual role in Uttama Villain|url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/kamal-haasan-to-play-dual-role-in-uttama-villain-638003|access-date=2021-07-15|website=NDTV.com}}</ref> [[Kajal Aggarwal]] was initially reported to have signed on to play the lead female role,<ref>{{Cite news|title=Kajal Agarwal opposite Kamal Haasan?|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/kajal-agarwal-opposite-kamal-haasan/articleshow/24774550.cms|access-date=2021-07-15|website=The Times of India|language=en|last1=Talukdar |first1=Taniya }}</ref> though her manager later confirmed that she was not approached and that her dates were already allotted for other projects.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-13/kajal-agarwal-hasnt-signed-on-for-the-kamal-haasan-film-uthama-villain-according-to-her-manager.html|title=Kajal Agarwal hasn't signed on for the Kamal Haasan film 'Uttama Villain'|website=Behindwoods|date=24 October 2013|access-date=15 March 2014}}</ref> Similarly, [[Santhanam (actor)|Santhanam]] was also reported to play comedian in the film but the actor denied such claims.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Kamal, Santhanam come together for Ramesh Aravind|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/kamal-santhanam-come-together-for-ramesh-aravind/articleshow/25553766.cms|access-date=2021-07-15|website=The Times of India|language=en|last1=Muthanna |first1=Anjali }}</ref><ref>Kumar, S. R. Ashok (11 August 2013). {{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-columns/shotcuts-kamal-haasans-next/article5329722.ece|title=Shotcuts: Kamal Haasan's next|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=15 March 2014}}</ref> [[Asin]] and [[Deepika Padukone]] were also reported by the media to be cast in the lead female role, though neither reports materialised.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/93090.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130428012901/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/93090.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=28 April 2013|title=Kamal Hassan – Deepika Padukone movie on the cards|website=IndiaGlitz|date=25 April 2013|access-date=15 March 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/kamal-hassans-next-to-be-asins-comeback-film/articleshow/21955144.cms|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021070754/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-08-21/news-interviews/41432635_1_comeback-film-asin-viswaroopam-2|url-status=live|archive-date=21 October 2013|title=Kamal Hassan's next to be Asin's comeback film|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=21 August 2013|access-date=15 March 2014}}</ref> The team later held discussions with actresses [[Divya Spandana]] and [[Lekha Washington]] for roles in the film, though neither were signed.<ref>Prasad, Shiva (14 June 2013). {{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/tamil/news-interviews/Divya-Spandana-confirms-call-for-Kamal-flick/articleshow/20587290.cms|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130627062858/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-06-14/news-interviews/39975630_1_divya-spandana-kamal-haasan-kajal-aggarwal|url-status=live|archive-date=27 June 2013|title=Divya Spandana confirms call for Kamal flick|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=15 March 2014}}</ref> A month prior to shoot, three female lead characters were touted to appear in the film, with the names of Kajal Aggarwal (who initially refused the film), [[Tamannaah]] and [[Trisha Krishnan]] were surfaced.<ref>V. Lakshmi (12 February 2014). {{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news-interviews/Three-heroines-for-Kamal-Haasan/articleshow/30223727.cms|title=Three heroines for Kamal Haasan|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=15 March 2014}}</ref>

In a turn of events, the team chose [[Pooja Kumar (model)|Pooja Kumar]] and [[Andrea Jeremiah]] as the female leads, whom earlier worked with Haasan in ''Vishwaroopam'',<ref>{{Cite news|last=Naig|first=Udhav|date=2014-06-29|title=From Viswaroopam to Uthama Villain: sparkling through|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/from-viswaroopam-to-uthama-villain-sparkling-through/article6158411.ece|access-date=2021-07-15|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> and [[Parvathy Thiruvothu]] was also offered for the third female lead role.<ref>Balachandran, Logesh (3 March 2014). {{cite news|url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/node/104183|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140304142801/http://deccanchronicle.com/node/104183|url-status=dead|archive-date=4 March 2014|title=Maryan girl for 'UV'|newspaper=[[Deccan Chronicle]]|access-date=15 March 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Parvathy Menon in Kamal Haasan's 'Uttama Villain'|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2014/mar/13/parvathy-menon-in-kamal-haasans-uttama-villain-585856.html|access-date=2021-07-15|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref> Pooja played the role of a non-Tamil-speaking modern-day actress, who was offered a character that spoke classical Tamil. Pooja also performed 3 song sequences in the film, unlike in ''[[Vishwaroopam]]'' (2013), where she had no song sequences.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-14/uttama-villain-promises-a-treat-for-kamal-haasan-fans.html|title=Kamal Haasan fans are in for a treat ...|website=Behindwoods|date=29 June 2014|access-date=20 August 2014}}</ref> Kamal Haasan's daughter [[Shruti Haasan]] was considered for the role of his on-screen daughter in the film but her unavailability meant that the team chose to pick a new actress instead.<ref>[[Subhash K. Jha|K. Jha, Subhash]] (13 January 2014). {{cite news|url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movies/features/type/view/id/6020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140116065257/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movies/features/type/view/id/6020|url-status=dead|archive-date=16 January 2014|title=Kamal Haasan speaks on his daughter Shruti|work=[[Bollywood Hungama]]|access-date=15 March 2014}}</ref> Another actress [[Parvathy Nair]] was added to the cast after impressing the team in an audition and was select to be paired opposite Ashwin, a debutant who plays Kamal Haasan's son in the film.<ref>Ramanujam, Srinivasa (19 April 2014). {{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/from-fan-to-costar/article5928789.ece|title=From fan to co-star|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=29 April 2014}}</ref> Actors [[Sarath Kumar]] and [[Vivek (actor)|Vivek]] were reported to have been added to the preliminary cast, but the actors later noted the news as untrue.<ref>{{cite web|date=1 October 2013|title=Latest Addition to Kamal's Next|url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/latest-addition-to-kamals-next-tamil-news-98164|access-date=15 March 2014|website=IndiaGlitz}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|date=11 June 2013|title=Kamal and Vivek to pair up finally?|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/tamil/news-interviews/Kamal-and-Vivek-to-pair-up-finally/articleshow/20537557.cms|url-status=live|access-date=15 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130615090830/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-06-11/news-interviews/39897666_1_kamal-haasan-actor-vivek-viswaroopam-2|archive-date=15 June 2013}}</ref>

In January 2014, noted director [[K. Balachander]] was selected to play a pivotal role in the film and sported a beard for his character.<ref>Subramanian, Anupama (17 January 2014). {{cite news|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/140117/entertainment-kollywood/article/utthama-villain-kamal-hassan%E2%80%99s-next|title='Uttama Villain' is Kamal Hassan's next|newspaper=[[Deccan Chronicle]]|access-date=15 March 2014}}</ref> He was reported to play Manoranjan's mentor Margadarshi, who guided him to this status of superstardom, ironically Balachander was also Haasan's real-life mentor.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Ramesh Aravind directs KB in Uttama Villain|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/ramesh-aravind-directs-kb-in-uttama-villain/articleshow/32660700.cms|access-date=2021-07-15|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> Producer Lingusamy himself was reported to be playing a role in the venture, after being seen sporting a new look during the making of his directorial project ''[[Anjaan (2014 film)|Anjaan]]'' (2014).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-14/kamal-haasans-uthama-villain-apparently-features-lingusamy-as-an-actor.html|title=Kamal Haasan's 'Uttama Villain' apparently features Lingusamy as an actor|website=Behindwoods|date=8 January 2014|access-date=15 March 2014}}</ref> Director [[K. Viswanath]] also joined the film's cast as did [[Jayaram]], and the pair began filming scenes in March 2014.<ref>Soman, Deepa (13 March 2014). {{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news-and-interviews/Kamal-Haasan-ropes-in-Jayaram-for-Uthama-Villain/articleshow/31899798.cms|title=Kamal Haasan ropes in Jayaram for 'Uttama Villain'|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=15 March 2014}}</ref> [[Anant Mahadevan]], who featured in ''[[Vishwaroopam]]'' (2013), was given the role of the manager of Kamal Haasan's character in the film. More details about the film were shown in mid-March with a detailed cast and character list released to the media.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news-interviews/Kamal-plays-a-dual-role-in-Uthama-Villain/articleshow/32063484.cms|title=Kamal plays a dual role in 'Uttama Villain'|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=15 March 2014|access-date=15 March 2014}}</ref> In May 2014, actor [[Nassar (actor)|Nassar]] was signed for a supporting role.<ref>Ravi, Nandita (26 May 2014). {{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Nasser-joins-Uttama-Villain-shoot/articleshow/35604951.cms?|title=Nasser joins 'Uttama Villain' shoot|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=15 June 2014}}</ref> In July 2014, director [[Chitra Lakshmanan]] joined the team to play a small role in the film.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-14/uthama-villain-is-almost-ready.html|title=Kamal's former director joins 'Uttama Villain' cast|website=Behindwoods|date=16 July 2014|access-date=9 August 2014}}</ref> Actress [[Abhirami (actress)|Abhirami]] was selected to dub for Pooja Kumar in the film.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiawest.com/entertainment/south_indian/abirami-to-lend-her-voice-to-pooja-kumar-in-vishwaroopam/article_03b58312-0ca1-11e4-bd32-001a4bcf887a.html|title=Abirami to Lend Her Voice to Pooja Kumar in 'Vishwaroopam 2' and 'Uttama Villain'|publisher=India-West|date=16 July 2014|access-date=9 August 2014}}</ref> Ramesh Aravind himself was to make a cameo appearance in the film, but the director did not reveal much about it and kept his decision under wraps.<ref>Ravi, Nandita (1 June 2014). {{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Ramesh-Aravind-to-do-a-cameo-in-Uttama-Villain/articleshow/35842951.cms?|title=Ramesh Aravind to do a cameo in 'Uttama Villain'?|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=10 August 2014}}</ref> Following the death of K. Balachander, the team released the film as a homage to the late director.<ref>{{Cite web|title=How Kamal Haasan Convinced K Balachander for Uttama Villain|url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/how-kamal-haasan-convinced-k-balachander-for-uttama-villain-749470|access-date=2021-07-15|website=NDTV.com}}</ref>

=== Filming ===
In mid-February 2014, the team carried out make up tests involving Kamal Haasan in [[Bangalore]] with a photo shoot being held with the actor.<ref>Christopher, Kavya (22 February 2014). {{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news-interviews/5-hour-makeup-routine-for-Kamal-Haasans-Kannada-film/articleshow/30841978.cms|title=5 hour makeup routine for Kamal Haasan's film|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=15 March 2014}}</ref> Following this, the first teaser of the film unveiled on 1 March 2014 with the title and logo design.<ref name=":6" /> A series of posters were also unveiled by the film's team on the following days and the [[principal photography]] began on 3 March 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/uthama-villain-to-start-from-march-first-week-news-tamil-oc2jwOjeeiasi.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140810200919/http://www.sify.com/movies/uthama-villain-to-start-from-march-first-week-news-tamil-oc2jwOjeeiasi.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=10 August 2014|title='Uttama Villain' to start from March first week|website=[[Sify]]|date=28 February 2014|access-date=9 August 2014}}</ref> The team then shot for two weeks in Bangalore, before moving on to film sequences in [[Chennai]] with [[Gautami]] joining the team as a costume designer.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/andrea-and-gouthami-bond-news-tamil-odtk0Rcjbff.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140319140252/http://www.sify.com/movies/andrea-and-gouthami-bond-news-tamil-odtk0Rcjbff.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=19 March 2014|title=Andrea and Gouthami bond!|website=[[Sify]]|date=19 March 2014|access-date=19 March 2014}}</ref> In early April, parts of the film were shot in [[Madhya Pradesh]] before the team returned to Bangalore to film scenes involving Parvathy Nair and Ashwin.<ref>Soman, Deepa (11 June 2014). {{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/malayalam/news-and-interviews/I-contemplated-going-in-for-a-name-change-Parvathy-Nair/articleshow/36375993.cms|title=I contemplated going in for a name change: Parvathy Nair|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=17 June 2014}}</ref> Further scenes involving Kamal Haasan in the role of a star actor were filmed at a shopping mall in Bangalore, with several hundred onlookers used as extras. Posters from a fictional film in the plot, ''Veera Vilaiyaatu'', were put up around the mall by the film's art direction team.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/uttama-villain-makes-brisk-progress-in-bangalore-news-tamil-oexl0Kheafj.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140423123857/http://www.sify.com/movies/uttama-villain-makes-brisk-progress-in-bangalore-news-tamil-oexl0Kheafj.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=23 April 2014|title='Uttama Villain' makes brisk progress in Bangalore|website=[[Sify]]|date=23 April 2014|access-date=23 April 2014}}</ref>

After initially planning a trip to [[Australia]] to film the songs from the soundtrack for a week, the team later opted to fly to [[Turkey]] instead.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Uttama Villain team to shoot in Australia|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/uttama-villain-shoot-in-australia/articleshow/34042100.cms|access-date=2021-07-15|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref><ref name="UVKH">{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/Uttama-Villian-Shoot-over-dubbing-starts/articleshow/38791449.cms|title='Uttama Villain': Shoot over, dubbing starts|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=21 July 2014|access-date=30 July 2014}}</ref> Many scenes in the film, including a song featuring Kamal Haasan and Pooja Kumar was consequently shot in [[Istanbul]].<ref>C. R. Sharanya (28 April 2014). {{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news-interviews/Kamal-Haasan-opts-for-Turkey-not-Australia/articleshow/34319765.cms|title=Kamal Haasan opts for Turkey, not Australia|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=29 April 2014}}</ref> The cast performed night rehearsals to perfect their expressions and dialogues.<ref>Boruah, Maitreyee (7 May 2014). {{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news-interviews/Ramesh-Aravind-captures-fabulous-character-of-Istanbul-in-Uttama-Villian/articleshow/34736290.cms|title=Ramesh Aravind captures 'fabulous character' of Istanbul in 'Uttama Villain'|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=10 May 2014}}</ref> The portions featuring Kamal Haasan as an aging superstar were completed with the shoot of the song,<ref>Sharadhaa A. (21 May 2014). {{cite news|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/I-Havent-Seen-Kamal-Rest-Even-for-a-Single-Day/2014/05/21/article2233777.ece|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140531104949/http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/I-Havent-Seen-Kamal-Rest-Even-for-a-Single-Day/2014/05/21/article2233777.ece|url-status=dead|archive-date=31 May 2014|title=I Haven't Seen Kamal Rest Even for a Single Day|newspaper=[[The New Indian Express]]|access-date=27 May 2014}}</ref> followed by the 21st century portions which were completed by mid-May 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-14/ramesh-arvind-talks-about-uttama-villain.html|title=What is pending in 'Uttama Villain' now?|website=Behindwoods|date=21 May 2014|access-date=27 May 2014}}</ref> In between, Kamal Haasan took a break from the shoot to attend the [[2014 Cannes Film Festival]] and to inaugurate the Indian Pavilion there.<ref>K. R. Manigandan (20 May 2014). {{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Kamal-joins-Uttama-Villain-in-Chennai-after-Cannes-appearance/articleshow/35345515.cms?|title=Kamal joins 'Uttama Villain' in Chennai after Cannes appearance|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=10 August 2014}}</ref> Another schedule was started on 21 May 2014 in [[Madhya Pradesh]] and then at a private studio in [[Chennai]], with the team filming scenes that take place in the 8th century.<ref>Sharadhaa A. (21 May 2014). {{cite news|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/reviews/Ramesh-and-Kamal-Go-Back-to-the-Eighth-Century/2014/05/21/article2231966.ece1|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140531105843/http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/reviews/Ramesh-and-Kamal-Go-Back-to-the-Eighth-Century/2014/05/21/article2231966.ece1|url-status=dead|archive-date=31 May 2014|title=Ramesh and Kamal Go Back to the Eighth Century|newspaper=[[The New Indian Express]]|access-date=27 May 2014}}</ref><ref>C. R. Sharanya (3 July 2014). {{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/tamil/news-and-interviews/When-Parvathy-slipped-in-front-of-Kamal/articleshow/37640825.cms|title=When Parvathy slipped in front of Kamal|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=3 July 2014}}</ref> Actor Nasser joined the film playing the antagonist and also has a dual role in the film.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2014-05-26|title=Nasser turns up for Kamal Haasan's Uttama Villain shooting!|url=https://www.bollywoodlife.com/south-gossip/nasser-turns-up-for-kamal-haasans-uttama-villain-shooting-351352/|access-date=2021-07-15|website=Bollywood Life|language=en}}</ref> In early June 2014, Andrea had completed her portions in the film.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/108365.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140604042053/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/108365.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=4 June 2014|title=Andrea's part for 'Uttama Villain' is over|website=IndiaGlitz|date=2 June 2014|access-date=9 August 2014}}</ref>

Kamal Haasan sustained a small muscle pull during the film's shooting and was advised a day's rest.<ref>Karthik, Janani (7 July 2014). {{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news-interviews/Kamal-sustains-injury-on-Uttama-Villain-set/articleshow/37906957.cms|title=Kamal sustains injury on 'Uttama Villain' set|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=9 August 2014}}</ref> However, he attended an award ceremony following his commitments to be a part of it and the makers released the teaser of the film on the same event.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2014-07-07|title=Kamal Haasan injures leg during Uttama Villain shoot!|url=https://www.bollywoodlife.com/south-gossip/kamal-haasan-injures-leg-during-uttama-villain-shoot-369086/|access-date=2021-07-15|website=Bollywood Life|language=en}}</ref> The majority of the film's portions were shot by the end of July, with only patchwork and dubbing left.<ref name="UVKH" /> A 10-minute climax sequence of the film was shot during the schedule which was touted to be a "spellbinding experience for moviegoers".<ref>{{Cite web|date=2014-08-06|title=Spellbinding 10 minute climax scene in Uttama Villain|url=https://www.sify.com/kamal-haasan-spellbinding-10-minute-climax-scene-in-uttama-villain/|access-date=2021-07-15|website=[[Sify]]|language=en-US}}{{dead link|date=September 2022|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Know who has revealed the climax of Uttama Villain|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/know-who-has-revealed-uttama-villains-climax/articleshow/40045897.cms|access-date=2021-07-15|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> On 9 August 2014, Ramesh Aravind confirmed on his [[Twitter]] account that the shooting of the film had been completed at the Chennai Film Institute with a song sequence which would feature in the 8th century segment of the film.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/shoot-of-kamal-haasan-s-uttama-villain-set-to-wrap-up-114080900120_1.html|title=Shoot of Kamal Haasan's 'Uttama Villain' set to wrap up|newspaper=[[Business Standard]]|date=9 August 2014|access-date=9 August 2014}}</ref><ref>C. R. Sharanya (10 August 2014). {{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Entertainment/Tamil/Movies/News/Uttama-Villain-shoot-ends-with-a-song/articleshow/39991739.cms|title='Uttama Villain' shoot ends with a song|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=12 August 2014}}</ref>

== Music ==
{{Main|Uttama Villain (soundtrack)}}
The soundtrack and [[film score]] was composed by [[Ghibran]] in his maiden collaboration with [[Kamal Haasan]]. Ghibran signed the project along with Haasan's ''[[Vishwaroopam II]]'', but as the film's production was delayed, he has signed for the actor's other two projects: ''[[Papanasam (film)|Papanasam]]'' and ''[[Thoongaa Vanam]]''. Kamal Hassan bought musical instruments from [[Bali]], [[Indonesia]] for recording songs in a mythical segment in the film because the instruments sounded both Indian and exotic and both Ghibran and Hassan wanted the music to be creative. According to Ghibran, traditional tunes were mixed with orchestral symphony backgrounds and were fused with [[Villu Paatu]] and [[Theyyam]].<ref name="TOI" /> Ghibran also said that he and Kamal Haasan decided to not use instruments traditionally used in period films such as [[tabla]], [[ghatam]] and [[dholak]].<ref name="ghibran">{{Cite news|last=Rangan|first=Baradwaj|date=2015-03-02|title=Music that takes you far, far away from Tamil cinema|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/music-that-takes-you-far-far-away-from-tamil-cinema/article6949887.ece|access-date=2021-07-11|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> The composer further told that Kamal Hassan had sung in three songs and might sing in a few more.<ref name="TOI">M. Suganth (21 June 2014). {{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/music/Kamal-Haasan-uses-Malay-musical-instruments-for-Uttama-Villain/articleshow/36893235.cms|title=Kamal Haasan uses Malay musical instruments for 'Uttama Villain'|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=28 July 2014}}</ref> Ghibran had spent a year-and-a-half on the score.<ref name="ghibran" />

The music album of {{Lang|ta-latn|Uttama Villain}} was released on 1 March 2015 after multiple postponements.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/music/Kamal-confirms-Uttama-Villain-audio-launch/articleshow/46199128.cms|title=Kamal confirms Uttama Villain audio launch|website=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=2020-03-12}}</ref> The album which featured 17 tracks including seven themes from the score, with lyrics written by Haasan, [[Viveka]] and Subbu Arumugam,<ref>{{Cite web|last=V.P|first=Nicy|date=2015-02-28|title=Ghibran Composes 17 Tracks for Kamal Haasan's 'Uthama Villain'|url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/ghibran-composes-17-tracks-kamal-haasans-uthama-villain-624840|access-date=2021-07-11|website=www.ibtimes.co.in|language=en}}</ref> was released on a mobile application instead of conventional CDs, as a first-of-its-kind approach.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web|title=Kamal App-loads Uthama Villain Audio|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2015/mar/02/kamal-app-loads-uthama-villain-audio-723705.html|access-date=2021-07-11|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref> The soundtrack release coincided with a promotional launch event held at [[Chennai Trade Centre]] on 1 March 2015, with prominent celebrities along with the film's cast and crew being present.<ref name=":5" /> The audio launch of the film took place on 29 March 2015.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/music/Uttama-Villains-music-to-be-launched-on-March-29/articleshow/46757791.cms|title=Uttama Villain's music to be launched on March 29|website=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=2020-03-12}}</ref>

The soundtrack received high critical acclaim and Ghibran won accolades for his work in the film.<ref>{{Cite web|last=V.P|first=Nicy|date=2015-03-02|title='Uthama Villain' Music Review Roundup: Kamal Haasan and Ghibran Bring Out Magnificent Album|url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/uthama-villain-music-review-roundup-kamal-haasan-ghibran-bring-out-magnificent-album-624940|access-date=2021-07-15|website=www.ibtimes.co.in|language=en}}</ref> Siddharth K. of ''[[Sify]]'' rated it 4.5 out of 5 and wrote, "Ghibran has grown leaps and bounds with this album and has indeed delivered his career-best...If anyone has any problems in recognizing the effort that has gone into this album, they need to get their musical buds examined. {{Lang|ta-latn|Uttama Villain}} is an album to be cherished by film buffs and is not for the typical frontbenchers".<ref name="sify.com">{{Cite web|title='Uttama Villain' audio rocks - Review|url=https://www.sify.com/movies/uttama-villain-audio-rocks---review-news-tamil-pdcjSQhddbccf.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150526233937/http://www.sify.com/movies/uttama-villain-audio-rocks---review-news-tamil-pdcjSQhddbccf.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=26 May 2015|access-date=2021-07-11|website=[[Sify]]|language=en}}</ref> M. Suganth of ''[[The Times of India]]'' wrote, "{{Lang|ta-latn|Uttama Villain}} is that rare Tamil film album which doesn't merely push the envelope but has managed to create a new, different envelope".<ref name="timesofindia.indiatimes.com">{{Cite news|title=Music Review: Uttama Villain|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/music/music-review-uttama-villain/articleshow/47036696.cms|access-date=2021-07-15|website=The Times of India|language=en|last1=Suganth |first1=M. }}</ref> Vipin Nair of ''Music Aloud'' gave it a score of 9 out of 10, calling it "one hell of a soundtrack".<ref name="musicaloud.com">[http://www.musicaloud.com/2015/03/01/uttama-villain-music-review-tamil-soundtrack/ Uttama Villain – Music Review (Tamil Soundtrack)] MusicAloud – 1 March 2015</ref> A reviewer from ''Behindwoods'' gave it 3.75 out of 5 and stated it was "one of its kind gems in Tamil cinema music".<ref name="UTTAMA VILLAIN SONGS REVIEW">[http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/uttama-villain/uttama-villain-songs-review.html UTTAMA VILLAIN SONGS REVIEW] Behindwoods – 1 March 2015</ref> Karthik Srinivasan of ''Milliblog'' called it "one of the most daring and inventive musical attempts in recent Tamil cinema history".<ref name="itwofs.com">[http://itwofs.com/milliblog/2015/03/01/uttama-villain-music-review-tamil-ghibran/ Uttama Villain (Music review), Tamil – Ghibran] Milliblog – 1 March 2015</ref>

<!-- The infobox album and track lists were included in the separate article for the film's soundtrack -->== Release ==
Kamal Haasan revealed that the film would release before ''[[Vishwaroopam 2|Vishwaroopam II]]'', another film which featured him in the lead role.<ref>{{cite web|date=22 August 2014|title='Uttama Villain' to release before 'Vishwaroopam 2'|url=http://www.ianslive.in/index.php?param=news/Uttama_Villain_to_release_before_Vishwaroopam_2-439563/SCIENCE%20/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140930131820/http://www.ianslive.in/index.php?param=news%2FUttama_Villain_to_release_before_Vishwaroopam_2-439563%2FSCIENCE%20%2F|archive-date=30 September 2014|access-date=22 August 2014|publisher=[[Indo-Asian News Service|IANS]]|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>Naig, Udhav; Yamunan, Sruthisagar (22 August 2014). {{cite news|title=Kamal has two in the bag, another in the making|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/tinsel-town-kamal-has-two-in-the-bag-another-in-the-making/article6339396.ece|access-date=26 August 2014}}</ref> The film was initially touted to be released on 2 October 2014, coinciding with [[Gandhi Jayanti|Gandhi Jayanthi]],<ref>{{Cite news|title=Uttama Villain to release on Oct 2?|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Uttama-Villain-to-release-on-Oct-2/articleshow/38977248.cms|access-date=2020-03-12|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> further also clashing with [[Hrithik Roshan]]-starrer ''[[Bang Bang!]]'' and [[Sivakarthikeyan]]'s ''[[Kakki Sattai (2015 film)|Kakki Sattai]]''.<ref>Seshagiri, Sangeetha (25 July 2014). {{cite news|title=Kamal Haasan vs Hrithik vs Sivakarthikeyan: 'Uttama Villain' to Clash with 'Bang Bang' and 'Taana'?|newspaper=[[International Business Times]]|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/kamal-haasan-vs-hrithik-vs-sivakarthikeyan-uttama-villain-clash-bang-bang-taana-605300|access-date=25 July 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Ramesh Aravind talks about 'Uttama Villain'|url=https://www.sify.com/movies/ramesh-aravind-talks-about-uttama-villain-news-tamil-oigjqNdegbejh.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140806120934/http://www.sify.com/movies/ramesh-aravind-talks-about-uttama-villain-news-tamil-oigjqNdegbejh.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=6 August 2014|access-date=2021-07-15|website=[[Sify]]|language=en}}</ref> However, the director Ramesh Aravind clarified that the film involved extensive [[visual effects]] work to be done and that it would be completed in 10 weeks.<ref>Seshagiri, Sangeetha (9 September 2014). {{cite news|title=Kamal Haasan's 'Uttama Villain' May not Clash with Hrithik Roshan's 'Bang Bang'|newspaper=[[International Business Times]]|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/kamal-haasans-uttama-villain-may-not-clash-hrithik-roshans-bang-bang-608690|access-date=9 September 2014}}</ref> Then, the release of 7 November 2014,<ref>{{Cite web|title='Uttama Villain' likely to release on Nov 7th|url=https://www.sify.com/movies/uttama-villain-likely-to-release-on-nov-7th-news-tamil-ojyiARcffdgcc.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140926072913/http://www.sify.com/movies/uttama-villain-likely-to-release-on-nov-7th-news-tamil-ojyiARcffdgcc.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=26 September 2014|access-date=2021-07-15|website=[[Sify]]|language=en}}</ref> which coincides Kamal Haasan's birthday also proved to be untrue.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Kamal Haasan's birthday gift not on time?|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Kamal-Haasans-birthday-gift-not-on-time/articleshow/44798935.cms|access-date=2020-03-12|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> The film was then speculated to release on 20 February 2015, following information from a popular ticket booking website.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Is Uttama Villain releasing on February 20, 2015?|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/trade-news/kannada/is-uttama-villain-releasing-on-february-20-2015/articleshow/45086702.cms|access-date=2021-07-15|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> The release was later pushed to April 2015.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Uttama Villain to release in April?|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Uttama-Villain-to-release-in-April/articleshow/45976589.cms|access-date=2020-03-12|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref>

In February 2015,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Eros to release Uttama Villain|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/eros-to-release-uttama-villain/article6883220.ece|access-date=2021-07-15|website=@businessline|date=11 February 2015 |language=en}}</ref> [[Eros International]] which purchased the worldwide distribution rights of the film announced that the film will be released worldwide on 2 April 2015.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Kumar|first=N. Ravi|date=2015-02-10|title=Eros Intl to release Kamal's Uttama Villain, on April 2|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/eros-intl-to-release-kamals-uttama-villain-on-april-2/article6879075.ece|access-date=2021-07-15|issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=IANS|date=2015-02-11|title=Kamal Haasan's 'Uttama Villain' to release April 2|work=Business Standard India|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/kamal-haasan-s-uttama-villain-to-release-april-2-115021100310_1.html|access-date=2021-07-15}}</ref> [[Thirrupathi Brothers]] acquired the domestic theatrical rights while [[Raaj Kamal Films International|Raajkamal Films International]] handled the distribution for the overseas theatres.<ref name=":0">Subramanian, Anupama (29 September 2014). {{cite news|title=Vijay first and Kamal Haasan next for Soundarya Rajinikanth Ashwin|newspaper=[[Deccan Chronicle]]|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/140929/entertainment-tollywood/article/vijay-first-and-kamal-haasan-next-soundarya-rajinikanth|access-date=3 October 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Naig|first=Udhav|date=2015-02-11|title=Uttama Villain out in April|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/uttama-villain-out-in-april/article6880384.ece|access-date=2021-07-15|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> [[Studio Green]] bought the Tamil Nadu theatrical rights.<ref>{{Cite news|title=C Kalyan buys Kamal's Uttama Villain|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/C-Kalyan-buys-Kamals-Uttama-Villain/articleshow/46561747.cms|access-date=2020-03-12|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> The release was later pushed to 10 April 2015, coinciding the five-day [[Tamil New Year]] weekend; and trade analysts believed about the increase in footfalls, following school examinations which will be completed within the same date.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2015-03-24|title=Kamal Hassan's Uttama Villain to open on April 10|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/kamal-hassan-s-uttama-villain-to-open-on-april-10/story-y22BvaTb9xmsIaQ8IsU8VJ.html|access-date=2021-07-15|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref> However, due to the delay in completion of visual effects, the producers later postponed the film to 24 April and 1 May.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Kamal Haasan's Uttama Villain Release Delayed Due to VFX Work|url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/kamal-haasans-uttama-villain-release-delayed-due-to-vfx-work-752166|access-date=2021-07-15|website=NDTV.com}}</ref> Then the film was scheduled to release on 1 May 2015, which was confirmed by the producers.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Kamal's Uttama Villain on Ajith's b'day!|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Kamals-Uttama-Villain-on-Ajiths-bday/articleshow/46846114.cms|access-date=2020-03-12|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> But, it was released on 2 May after sorting out issues between financiers and producers.<ref name="Dispute">{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/uttama-villain-shows-cancelled-may-release-on-saturday/article7164071.ece|title = Uttama Villain to release today|newspaper = The Hindu|date = 2 May 2015|last1 = Desk|first1 = Internet}}</ref> The entire team attended the film's premiere at the Golden Cinemas in [[Dubai]] on 30 April 2015, a day before the Indian release.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2015-04-30|title=Uttama Villain's premier show is happening on April 30th in Dubai.|url=https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-15/uttama-villains-premier-show-is-happening-on-april-30th-in-dubai.html|access-date=2021-07-15|website=Behindwoods}}</ref>

=== Marketing ===
Before the film's production, the first look and title logo of the film were released on 1 March 2014, depicting a [[Theyyam]] art form sketched on Haasan's face and few more posters were subsequently released.<ref name=":6">{{cite web | url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Uthama-Villains-first-look-Inspiration-or-copy/articleshow/31398126.cms | title='Uttama Villain' – First Look : Inspiration or copy? | work=[[The Times of India]] | date=4 March 2014 | access-date=15 March 2014}}</ref> [[Thirrupathi Brothers]] attached the [[teaser trailer]] for the film along with [[Suriya]] starrer ''[[Anjaan (2014 film)|Anjaan]]'' (another film produced by the studio), at the [[8th Vijay Awards]] held on 5 July 2014,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Confirmed-Uttama-Villain-teaser-release-today/articleshow/37829921.cms|title=Confirmed: Uttama Villain teaser release today|website=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=2020-03-12}}</ref> and was simultaneously uploaded to [[YouTube]].<ref>[http://www.ibtimes.co.in/teasers-kamal-haasans-uthama-villain-suriyas-anjaan-be-released-vijay-awards-603739 "Teasers of Kamal Haasan's 'Uttama Villain' and Suriya's 'Anjaan' to be Released at Vijay Awards"]. ''[[International Business Times|IBTimes]]''. 5 July 2014. Retrieved 5 July 2014.</ref> The film's trailer was supposed to be released on [[Pongal (festival)|Pongal]], but after being unofficially leaked through the internet on 13 January 2015,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Kamal-Haasans-Uttama-Villan-trailer-leaked/articleshow/45860942.cms|title=Kamal Haasan's 'Uttama Villan' trailer leaked|website=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=2020-03-12}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Upadhyaya|first=Prakash|date=2015-01-13|title='Uttama Villain' (Uthama Villain) Trailer Leaked?|url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/uttama-villain-uthama-villain-trailer-leaked-620155|access-date=2021-07-15|website=www.ibtimes.co.in|language=en}}</ref> the trailer was launched the next day morning by the makers.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Uttama-Villain-official-trailer/articleshow/45866143.cms|title='Uttama Villain' official trailer|website=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=2020-03-12}}</ref> The second trailer of the film was released at the film's audio launch event on 1 March 2015,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Uttama-Villain-Trailer-2/articleshow/46426718.cms|title='Uttama Villain' Trailer 2|website=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=2020-03-12}}</ref> and the third trailer was unveiled on 29 March 2015.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Kamal-Haasans-Uttama-Villain-trailer-3/articleshow/47066383.cms|title=Kamal Haasan's Uttama Villain trailer 3|website=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=2020-03-12}}</ref> Few more trailers were released, ahead of the film's release. Shortly after the film's release, the makers unveiled six deleted scenes of the film, which was well received.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/6-deleted-scenes-Kamals-Uttama-Villain/articleshow/47454660.cms|title=6 deleted scenes: Kamal's 'Uttama Villain'|website=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=2020-03-12}}</ref>

== Home media ==
Herotalkies.com (VS Ecommerce Ventures) legally released the film for audiences outside India in June 2015.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Kamal's Uttama Villain officially released online|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Kamals-Uttama-Villain-officially-released-online/articleshow/47563743.cms|access-date=2020-03-12|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> Initially, the satellite rights were acquired by [[Jaya TV]], but it was later sold to [[Zee Tamil]].<ref>{{Cite web|title='Uttama Villain' and 'Rajini Murugan' satellite rights sold|url=https://www.sify.com/movies/uttama-villain-and-rajini-murugan-satellite-rights-sold-news-tamil-pdnkI3fafedjg.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150313135046/http://www.sify.com/movies/uttama-villain-and-rajini-murugan-satellite-rights-sold-news-tamil-pdnkI3fafedjg.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=13 March 2015|access-date=2021-07-15|website=[[Sify]]|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-15/the-satellite-rights-of-kamal-haasans-uttama-villain-and-siva-karthikeyans-rajini-murugan-go-to-zee-tamizh.html|title=KAMAL HAASAN AND SIVA KARTHIKEYAN GO TO THE SAME HANDS|date=29 April 2015 }}</ref>

== Controversies ==
=== Plagiarism on Poster allegations ===
There was speculation that the first look of the film was inspired from a photograph taken by French photographer Eric Lafforgue, but Kamal Hassan denied the allegations by saying, "[[Theyyam]] is more than a 1000-year-old art. The make-up was done by a good artist who is probably a third-generation practitioner of this art. My film has a Theyyam dance fusion with Tamil Nadu's Kooththu tradition". Admitting that the lighting might have had a few similarities to the photograph of the French photographer, he said that comparing the photo with his first look poster was like saying two lovers leaning on one another's chest looking in the same direction is a copy of the ''[[Ek Duje Ke Liye]]'' poster. He also stated that the poster did not depict a mask, but make-up painted on his face and that it took four hours to paint it.<ref>[[Subhash K. Jha|K. Jha, Subhash]] (12 March 2014). {{cite news|title=Kamal Haasan slams plagiarism allegations|work=[[Bollywood Hungama]]|url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/2442826/Kamal-Haasan-slams-plagiarism-allegations|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140315050209/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/2442826/Kamal-Haasan-slams-plagiarism-allegations|url-status=dead|archive-date=15 March 2014|access-date=9 August 2014}}</ref>

=== Protests by Vishva Hindu Parishad ===
[[Vishva Hindu Parishad]]'s (VHP) Tamil Nadu wing called for banning the film's release, as they alleged that the lyrics of a song in the film had belittled a conversation between [[Prahlada|Prahalada]] and [[Hiranyakashipu]], which offend the religious sentiments of Hindu people.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/VHP-calls-for-ban-on-Uttama-Villain/articleshow/46835832.cms|title=VHP calls for ban on 'Uttama Villain'|website=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=2020-03-12}}</ref> They also criticised the makers for the objectionable portrayal of Lord Vishnu in a song.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2015-04-10|title=VHP says portrayal of Lord Vishnu objectionable in Uttama Villain|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/vhp-says-portrayal-of-lord-vishnu-objectionable-in-uttama-villain/story-C4fFaeX1ADpbtyZM12ZXoJ.html|access-date=2021-07-15|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref> Furthermore, the [[Indian National League]], a Muslim organisation also protested against the film citing that it may hurt religious sentiments.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2015-04-11|title=Muslim body lends support to VHP against Kamal Haasan's 'Uttama Villain'|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/regional/muslim-body-lends-support-to-vhp-against-uttama-villain/|access-date=2021-07-15|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref>

=== Financial allegations ===
Lingusamy sold the film's distribution rights to [[Eros International]], in order to overcome the losses suffered by the failure of Suriya-starrer ''[[Anjaan (2014 film)|Anjaan]]'', and [[Studio Green]] agreed to market the film in Tamil Nadu.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news|last=Pillai|first=Sreedhar|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/uttama-villain-release-controversies/article7164723.ece|title=Trouble in Kollywood|date=2015-05-02|work=The Hindu|access-date=2020-03-12|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> A few days before the film's release, producer and distributor R. Thangaraj of Thangam Cinemas, filed a petition to stay the release of the film, as producer has to pay {{INRConvert|2|c}}, to settle down the losses.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Plea-seeks-stay-on-release-of-Uttama-Villain/articleshow/47045010.cms|title=Plea seeks stay on release of Uttama Villain|website=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=2020-03-12}}</ref> Thirrupathi Brothers had also borrowed from various local financiers, promising them films distribution areas. As per sources, the film was in deficit to the tune of nearly {{INRConvert|20|c}} at the time of release. The financiers were unwilling to waive a part of the loan for a smooth release. The overseas release of the film happened as the rights for the overseas territory belonged to Raaj Kamal, while the Indian theatrical rights were with Thirrupathi Brothers.<ref name=":1" />

Due to the disputes between financiers and producers, the film's release date, which was scheduled for 1 May 2015, was stalled. Theatres across TN had sold tickets in advance for the opening day, but most of the shows were cancelled, which led to outrage and dismay with the film union and producers. [[Kamal Haasan]], after the Dubai premiere on 30 April, flew back to India late on Friday, to sort out the issue along with trade bodies like [[Tamil Film Producers Council]] and [[Nadigar Sangam]]. After the dispute was settled, the film opened in India on 2 May 2015.<ref name="Dispute" />

== Reception ==

=== Critical response ===
M. Suganth, editor-in-chief of [[Times of India|''The Times of India'']] rated the film three-and-a-half out of five, lauding it as one of the "rare films with a meta-narrative where the line between the real and the reel becomes hard to distinguish and further called it as glorious showcase for Kamal the writer as he superbly blends subtlety with slapstick and the emotional moments never descend into full-blown melodrama that turns all eyes misty throughout the film".<ref>{{Cite web|date=2 May 2015|title=Uttama Villain Review|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movie-reviews/Uttama-Villain/articleshow/47132803.cms|access-date=9 May 2015|publisher=timesofindia}}</ref> A critic from ''Behindwoods'' also rated the film three-and-a-half out of five and felt it was an "excellent cinematic viewing experience" appreciating its "unique narrative".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/uttama-villain/uttama-villain-review.html|title=Uttama Villain Movie Review|date=1 May 2015|access-date = 1 May 2015|website=Behindwoods}}</ref> Siddharth K of ''[[Sify]]'' gave {{Lang|ta-latn|Uttama Villain}} four out of five stars and called it "a courageous film which breaks away from being a routine fare", describing it as "emotional as well as gripping". They also felt that "The sheer thrill of watching a film and not knowing what will happen next is one of the great pleasures offered by director Ramesh Aravind", summing it up as "a good example of an entertaining commercial film that didn't need to be lazy or senseless".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/uttama-villain-review-tamil-pfbouwhihjiij.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150502104308/http://www.sify.com/movies/uttama-villain-review-tamil-pfbouwhihjiij.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2 May 2015|title=Uttama Villain – Review|date=1 May 2015|access-date = 2 May 2015|website=[[Sify]]}}</ref> Karthik Keramalu of ''[[IBN Live]]'' appreciated {{Lang|ta-latn|Uttama Villain}} majorly for three particular conversations that they placed among the best in Tamil cinema, concluding that it is "a film worthy of a eulogy speech and the grandeur is not spoilt in the name of commercialization".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/uttama-villain-review-kamal-haasans-film-offering-several-memorable-moments-is-a-must-watch/543434-71-180.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150506002941/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/uttama-villain-review-kamal-haasans-film-offering-several-memorable-moments-is-a-must-watch/543434-71-180.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=6 May 2015|title=Uttama Villain Review: Kamal Haasan's film offering several memorable moments is a must watch|date=3 May 2015|access-date = 4 May 2015|publisher=IBN Live}}</ref>

S. Saraswathi of ''[[Rediff.com]]'' appreciated director Ramesh Aravind for the narrative "that skilfully alternates between fake and real which is seemingly similar situations is ingenious" and lauded the brilliance of Kamal Haasan, "the master performer for essaying two totally contrasting characters amazingly". They wrote that the film may not appeal to all due to its almost three hours length and slow screenplay, but still judged that it is "a film worth watching for stunning music and performance" and rating it three out of five.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/review-uttama-villain-is-for-hardcore-kamal-haasan-fans/20150504.htm|title=Review: Uttama Villain is for hardcore Kamal Haasan fans|date=4 May 2015|access-date = 4 May 2015|publisher=rediff}}</ref> [[Saibal Chatterjee]] of [[NDTV 24x7|''NDTV'']] lauded {{Lang|ta-latn|Uttama Villain}} as a "terrific take on superstardom and mortality, feeling it is a satire in parts when Manoranjan, played by Kamal Haasan comes to know that he has only a few days to live, so he decides to make a film in which he's immortal".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://movies.ndtv.com/movie-reviews/uttama-villain-movie-review-1123|title=Uttama Villain Review-Spoilers Ahead|date=3 May 2015|access-date = 4 May 2015|publisher=NDTV 24x7}}</ref> Anupama Subramanian of ''[[Deccan Chronicle]]'' wrote that the movie lived up to expectations partially as the first half drags, but post interval picks up the momentum summing up as a Kamal show all the way, sparkling as an ego bloated Manoranjan and the simpleton Uttaman, concluding, "There are few shortcomings. Nevertheless Kamals' amazing screen presence pulls an otherwise bit dragging film with a runtime of 2 hours and 52 minutes".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/150501/entertainment-movie-review/article/movie-review-%E2%80%98uttama-villain%E2%80%99-kamal%E2%80%99s-screen-presence|title=Movie review 'Uttama Villain': Kamal's screen presence pulls off otherwise bit dragging film|date=2 May 2015|access-date = 8 May 2015|newspaper=Deccan Chronicle}}</ref> [[Baradwaj Rangan]] in his review for ''[[The Hindu]]'' wrote, "Kamal Haasan's writing is so dense and allusive and overstuffed and layered and indulgent that it's always a question whether even the best actors and directors in the world can come up with the kind of wit and timing needed to fully make the transition from page to screen — in other words, the best Kamal Haasan movies are probably locked up inside his head, where they reside in the most perfect possible manner. But with some of the lightweight cast and crew, he's been working with of late, this material doesn't stand a chance".<ref>{{Cite news|last=Rangan|first=Baradwaj|date=2015-05-02|title=Uttama Villain: A superb core let down by lacklustre filmmaking|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/uttama-villain-a-superb-core-let-down-by-lacklustre-filmmaking/article7164505.ece|access-date=2021-07-15|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

===Box office===
The film collected ₹85,39,514 from 170 shows in [[Chennai]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/uttama-villain/uttama-villain-box-office-may-03.html|title=Chennai Box Office Rankings – Uttama Villain|date=3 May 2015|access-date = 8 May 2015|website=Behindwoods}}</ref>


Delayed release had impacted the film's box office as reported by the Indian Express.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2015-05-17|title=Delayed release impacts Kamal Haasan's 'Uttama Villain' at box office|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/regional/delayed-release-impacts-kamal-haasans-uttama-villain-at-box-office/|access-date=2021-07-15|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref>
==Production==
===Development===
In early 2013, director-producer [[N. Lingusamy]] made an official statement confirming that Kamal Haasan had agreed to direct and feature in a film to be produced by the production house, [[Thirrupathi Brothers]].<ref>http://www.sify.com/movies/lingusamy-confirms-kamal-film-news-tamil-nfylFbdfifa.html</ref> The actor had handed Lingusamy three scripts and the pair chose the most commercially viable option, with early working title of the film being ''Bitter Chocolate''. The project was eventually titled in June 2013 as ''Utthama Villain'', with [[Crazy Mohan]] signed on to work on the comedy script and the film's dialogues. [[Yuvan Shankar Raja]] was signed on to compose the film's music,<ref>http://www.sify.com/movies/yuvan-to-compose-for-kamal-haasan-news-tamil-ngylEKgaicg.html</ref> while reports also incorrectly suggested that [[M. Rajesh|Rajesh]] was added to the scripting team for the film.<ref>http://behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-13/m-rajesh-will-not-be-writing-the-dialogues-for-kamal-haasans-uthama-villain.html</ref> In July 2013, Kamal Haasan revealed he would not direct the project any more, and that actor [[Ramesh Aravind]] would take over duties instead.<ref>http://www.sify.com/movies/kamal-haasan-to-be-directed-by-ramesh-aravind-news-tamil-nhiliCeihga.html</ref> It was later announced that [[M. Ghibran]], who had worked with Kamal Haasan in ''[[Vishwaroopam II]]'', would compose music for the film instead of Yuvan Shankar Raja.<ref>http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/music/Ghibran-to-compose-for-Uthama-Villain/articleshow/29814748.cms</ref> Shyam Dutt and Vijay Shankar were also subsequently announced as cinematographer and editor of the project.<ref>http://www.sify.com/movies/kamal-s-utama-villain-first-look-revealed-news-tamil-odbrGfgijjd.html</ref>


== Awards and nominations ==
===Casting===
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable"
[[Kajal Aggarwal]] was reported to have signed on to play the lead female role, though her manager later confirmed that she was not approached and that her dates were already allotted for other projects.<ref>http://behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-13/kajal-agarwal-hasnt-signed-on-for-the-kamal-haasan-film-uthama-villain-according-to-her-manager.html</ref> [[Asin]] and [[Deepika Padukone]] were also reported by the media to be cast in the lead female role, though neither reports materialised.<ref>http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/93090.html</ref><ref>http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-08-21/news-interviews/41432635_1_comeback-film-asin-viswaroopam-2</ref> The team later held discussions with actresses [[Divya Spandana]] and [[Lekha Washington]] for roles in the film, though neither were signed.<ref>http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-06-14/news-interviews/39975630_1_divya-spandana-kamal-haasan-kajal-aggarwal</ref> A month prior to shoot, it was revealed that three female lead characters would appear in the film with Kajal Aggarwal, [[Tamannaah]] and [[Trisha Krishnan]] being actively considered for the three roles.<ref>http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news-interviews/Three-heroines-for-Kamal-Haasan/articleshow/30223727.cms</ref> Reports then later suggested that [[Pooja Kumar (model)|Pooja Kumar]], [[Andrea Jeremiah]] and [[Parvathi (actress)|Parvathi]] had been selected to portray roles in the film instead.<ref>http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news-interviews/Kamal-gets-Andrea-and-Pooja-for-the-third-time/articleshow/31170593.cms</ref> Kamal Haasan's daughter [[Shruti Haasan]] was considered for the role of his on screen daughter in the film but her unavailability meant that the team chose to pick a new actress instead.<ref>http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movies/features/type/view/id/6020</ref> Actors [[Sarath Kumar]] and [[Vivek (actor)|Vivek]] were also reported to have been added to the preliminary cast, though the actors later noted this was untrue.<ref>http://www.indiaglitz.com/latest-addition-to-kamals-next-tamil-news-98164</ref><ref>http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-06-11/news-interviews/39897666_1_kamal-haasan-actor-vivek-viswaroopam-2</ref> It was also suggested that comedian [[N. Santhanam|Santhanam]] had been signed on to star in the film in December 2013.<ref>http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-columns/shotcuts-kamal-haasans-next/article5329722.ece</ref> Rumours which suggested that [[Mammootty]], [[Vijay Sethupathi]] and [[Shanthanu Bhagyaraj]] would play other characters in the film proved to be untrue.
! scope="col" | Award
! scope="col" | Date of ceremony{{efn|Date is linked to the article about the awards held that year, wherever possible.}}
! scope="col" | Category
! scope="col" | Recipient(s)
! scope="col" | Result
! scope="col" class="unsortable" | {{Refh}}
|-
! rowspan="3" scope="row" |Behindwoods Gold Medal
| rowspan="3" |25 July 2016
|Best Music Director
|[[Ghibran]]
|{{won}}
| rowspan="3" style="text-align:center;" |<ref>{{Cite web|date=2016-07-26|title=List of winners of Behindwoods Gold Medals 2015|url=https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-16/list-of-winners-of-behindwoods-gold-medal-2015.html|access-date=2021-07-15|website=Behindwoods}}</ref>
|-
|Best Female Playback Singer
|[[Padmalatha]]
|{{won}}
|-
|Best Choreography
|[[Kamal Haasan]], Jayachandra Palazhy
|{{won}}
|-
! rowspan="2" scope="row" |[[IIFA Utsavam]]
| rowspan="2" |[[1st IIFA Utsavam|24–25 January 2016]]
|Best Performance In A Leading Role&nbsp;— Male
|[[Kamal Haasan]]
|{{nom}}
| rowspan="2" style="text-align:center;" |<ref>{{cite web|title=IIFA Utsavam 2015 Nominees&nbsp;— Tamil|url=http://www.iifautsavam.com/nominees-tam.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170522080647/http://www.iifautsavam.com/nominees-tam.html|archive-date=22 May 2017|access-date=22 May 2017|publisher=[[IIFA Utsavam]]}}</ref>
|-
|Best Performance In A Negative Role
|[[Nassar (actor)|Nassar]]
|{{nom}}
|-
! rowspan="7" scope="row" |[[Los Angeles Independent Film Festival]]
| rowspan="7" |14 November 2015
|Best Picture
|{{Lang|ta-latn|Uttama Villain}}
|{{won}}
| rowspan="7" style="text-align:center;" |<ref>{{Cite magazine|date=November 16, 2015 |title=Kamal Haasan's Uttama Villain bags awards at Los Angeles Independent Film Festival|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/kamal-haasans-uttama-villain-bags-awards-in-los-angeles-international-film-festival-awards-272851-2015-11-15|access-date=2021-07-15|magazine=India Today|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2015-11-25|title=Kamal Haasan's Uttam Villain wins best film at Los Angeles Independent Film Festival|url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/kamal-hassans-uttam-villain-wins-best-film-at-los-angeles-independent-film-festival-2520944.html|access-date=2021-07-15|website=Firstpost}}</ref>
|-
|Best Produced Screenplay
|[[Kamal Haasan]]
|{{won}}
|-
|Best Actor
|[[Kamal Haasan]]
|{{won}}
|-
|Best Original Music/Score
|[[Ghibran]]
|{{won}}
|-
|Best Original Song
|''Iraniyan Naadagam''
|{{won}}
|-
|Best Sound Design
|Kunal Rajan
|{{won}}
|-
|Best Foreign Feature
|{{Lang|ta-latn|Uttama Villain}}
|{{nom}}
|-
! rowspan="3" scope="row" |International Independent Film Awards
| rowspan="3" |29 January 2016
| rowspan="2" |Diamond Award for Best Original Song
|"Iraniyan Naadagam"
|{{won}}
| rowspan="3" style="text-align:center;" |<ref name=":7">{{Cite web|url=http://iifilmawards.com/Platinum_Award.html|title = Platinum Award}}</ref><ref name="iifilmawards.com">{{Cite web|url=http://iifilmawards.com/Diamond_Award.html|title=Diamond Award}}</ref>
|-
|"Kadhalam Kadavul Mun"
|{{won}}
|-
|Platinum Award for Best Original Score
|Ghibran
|{{won}}
|-
! rowspan="2" scope="row" |Prestige Music Award
| rowspan="2" |18 December 2015
| rowspan="2" |World Music Category
|"Kaadhalam Kadavul Mun"
|{{won}} (Gold Winner)
| rowspan="2" style="text-align:center;" |<ref name="prestigemusicaward.com">{{cite web |url=http://prestigemusicaward.com/ |title=www.prestigemusicaward.com |website=prestigemusicaward.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101113031317/http://www.prestigemusicaward.com/ |archive-date=2010-11-13}}</ref>
|-
|"Iraniyan Naadagam"
|{{won}} (Silver Winner)
|-
! scope="row" |Russian International Film Festival
|15 November 2015
|Best Original Music
|[[Ghibran]]
|{{won}}
|style="text-align:center;" |<ref name=":4" />
|-
! rowspan="2" scope="row" |[[South Indian International Movie Awards]]
| rowspan="2" |[[5th South Indian International Movie Awards|30 June–1 July 2016]]
|Best Actor in a Supporting Role&nbsp;— Tamil
|[[Nassar (actor)|Nasser]]
|{{nom}}
| rowspan="2" style="text-align:center;" |<ref>{{cite web|title=SIIMA Awards: 2015 Winners|url=http://siima.in/2016/winners.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20170515120215/http://siima.in/2016/winners.html|archive-date=15 May 2017|access-date=15 May 2017|publisher=[[South Indian International Movie Awards]]}}</ref>
|-
|Best Music Director&nbsp;– Tamil
|[[Ghibran]]
|{{nom}}
|}


== Notes ==
In January 2014, Kamal Haasan revealed that his mentor and noted director [[K. Balachander]] was selected to play a pivotal role in the film and would sport a beard for his character.<ref>http://www.deccanchronicle.com/140117/entertainment-kollywood/article/utthama-villain-kamal-hassan%E2%80%99s-next</ref> Producer Lingusamy himself was also reported to be playing a role in the venture, after being seen sporting a new look during the making of his directorial project ''[[Anjaan (film)|Anjaan]]''.<ref>http://behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-14/kamal-haasans-uthama-villain-apparently-features-lingusamy-as-an-actor.html</ref> [[Anant Mahadevan]], who featured in the ''[[Vishwaroopam]]'' series, was also given the role of the manager of Kamal Haasan's character in the film.
{{notelist}}


===Filming===
==References==
{{Reflist}}
In mid February 2014, the team carried out make up tests involving Kamal Haasan in Bangalore with a photo shoot being held with the actor.<ref>http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news-interviews/5-hour-makeup-routine-for-Kamal-Haasans-Kannada-film/articleshow/30841978.cms</ref> The first look poster and logo of the film were released on 1 March 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://moviegalleri.net/2014/03/kamal-uthama-villain-movie-logo-first-look-wallpapers-posters.html?pid=673536|title=Uthama Villain Movie Logo First Look|work=''moviegalleri.net|accessdate=1 March 2014}}</ref>


== References ==
==External links==
{{reflist|2}}
* {{IMDb title|3681422}}
* {{YouTube|rGl3hztoOTQ|''Uttama Villain&nbsp;— Official Teaser''}}


{{Raaj Kamal Films International}}
{{N. Lingusamy}}
{{Kamal Haasan}}
{{Kamal Haasan}}
{{Ramesh Aravind}}


[[Category:Indian films]]
[[Category:2015 films]]
[[Category:Tamil-language films]]
[[Category:2010s dance films]]
[[Category:Upcoming films]]
[[Category:Films about actors]]
[[Category:2015 comedy-drama films]]
[[Category:Indian dance films]]
[[Category:2010s Tamil-language films]]
[[Category:2010s Indian films]]
[[Category:Films with screenplays by Kamal Haasan]]
[[Category:Films scored by Ghibran Vaibodha]]
[[Category:Indian comedy-drama films]]
[[Category:Films shot in Bengaluru]]
[[Category:Films shot in Chennai]]
[[Category:Films shot in Madhya Pradesh]]
[[Category:Films shot in Istanbul]]
[[Category:Indian nonlinear narrative films]]

Latest revision as of 00:31, 30 November 2024

Uttama Villain
Theatrical release poster
Directed byRamesh Aravind
Written byKamal Haasan
Produced by
Starring
CinematographyShamdat Sainudeen
Edited byVijay Shankar
Music byGhibran
Production
companies
Distributed by
Release date
  • 2 May 2015 (2015-05-02)
Running time
171 minutes[1]
CountryIndia
LanguageTamil
Box officeest. 100 crore[2]

Uttama Villain (transl. The Righteous Villain) is a 2015 Indian Tamil-language comedy drama film directed by Ramesh Aravind and written by Kamal Haasan. The film was presented by N. Lingusamy in association with Kamal Haasan and produced by S. Chandrahasan for Raaj Kamal Films International and N. Subash Chandrabose for Thirupathi Brothers Film Media. It features an ensemble cast that includes Kamal Hassan, K. Viswanath, K. Balachander, Jayaram, Andrea Jeremiah, Pooja Kumar, Nassar, Parvathy Thiruvothu and Urvashi in prominent roles. This is the posthumous film of actor and director, K. Balachander following his death in December 2014.

It follows Superstar Manoranjan (Kamal Haasan), who is affected by a brain tumour, learns that he has only a short time to live and approaches his mentor, director Margadarisi (K. Balachander) to direct his next project — a folklore-ish comedy about a man who keeps cheating death and his role in saving a kingdom. Meanwhile, he has to sort out his personal life, which involves an estranged son, and a daughter from the love of his life.

The project materialised in late 2013, and the film's principal photography commenced on 3 March 2014. The filming which took place in Chennai, Bengaluru and Turkey was completed on 9 August 2014. The cinematography was handled by Shamdat and Vijay Shankar did the editing work. The music is composed by Ghibran, in his first collaboration with Kamal Haasan, the soundtrack album received high praise upon its release.

Uttama Villain, after many delays, was scheduled to release on 1 May 2015, but was released a day later on 2 May, after the disputes between financiers and producers were sorted out.[3] The film received outstanding reviews from critics and several awards from International Film Festivals[4]

Plot

[edit]

Manoranjan is a leading film star who is immensely popular among his fans but is beset with several personal problems. Twenty-five years ago, he had been forced to marry Varalakshmi, the daughter of noted film director Poornachandra Rao, despite being in a relationship with a woman named Yamini (not shown on-screen). His relationship with his son with Varalakshmi, Manohar, is troubled. Besides, he comes to realise that he has a daughter Manonmani, who was born out of wedlock, during his relationship with Yamini, and was raised by Yamini's husband Jacob Zachariah, after Yamini's death. Furthermore, he is recently diagnosed with advanced stage brain cancer and has only a few more months to live, a fact which is unknown to his own family. He is treated by his family doctor Dr. Arpana, with whom he has an extramarital affair.

After these revelations come to him in a flood, Manoranjan decides to withdraw from a film produced by Poornachandra Rao and instead act in a film produced by himself and directed by Margadarsi, who was his mentor. The two directors had fallen out when Manoranjan married Varalakshmi and started acting in films directed and produced by Poornachandra Rao, who is Margadarsi's rival. Despite the personal differences between the directors, Manoranjan wishes for Margadarsi to be the director of his last film before he dies. Margadarsi initially refuses to direct Manoranjan, but when he hears from Arpana about Manoranjan's terminal illness, he is visibly moved and accepts to direct Manoranjan. When Poornachandra Rao and Varalakshmi find out about Manoranjan's plan, they become enraged and leave his house along with Manohar. Undaunted, Manoranjan proceeds with his film.

Manoranjan's film with Margadarsi is titled Uttama Villain. It is a fantasy comedy film which tells the story of a street artist named Uttaman, who has dodged death several times and is hence believed to be immortal. With the help of a princess named Karpagavalli, he works to defeat the evil king Muttharasan, who is obsessed about gaining Karpagavalli and the whole Theeyam empire. During the shooting of the film, Manoranjan's condition worsens, and he is hospitalised several times. Margadarsi convinces Manoranjan to inform his family about his condition. This leads to his rapprochement with Poornachandra Rao (and also between Margadarsi and Poornachandra Rao) and the growth of a bond with his son Manohar. Varalakshmi, on the other hand, suffers a heart attack on hearing the news, though she soon recovers. She apologises to Manoranjan for her actions to forcibly separate him from Yamini, so that she could marry him. Later, Manoranjan finds out that a letter he had written to Yamini shortly after they had separated, had not been delivered to her. When Manonmani reads this letter, which tells about Manoranjan's support for Yamini's decision to not undergo an abortion despite being pregnant out of wedlock, her hatred towards her biological father turns to love and she finally accepts him as her father.

After completing the shooting of Uttama Villain, Manoranjan becomes very sick, suffering from delirium as well as slurred speech and movement, and faints. He is immediately rushed to the hospital. Margadarsi completes editing the film and plays it in the hospital. The people present in the hospital, including all the loved ones of Manoranjan, enjoy the film, which ends with Uttaman killing Muttharasan in a stage drama (Iraniya Naadagam), thus dodging death yet again. However, in real life, Arpana informs Manohar and Manonmani that Manoranjan had died.

The film ends with a screening of Uttama Villain in a theatre, which is enjoyed by the audience and becomes a hit.

Cast

[edit]

Ghibran, Subbu Arumugam, Shamdat and Vijai Shankar make cameo appearances as themselves, working as technicians on the film in the film. Rajesh M. Selva, the first assistant director, appears as a spy in the film.

Production

[edit]

Development

[edit]

In early 2013, director-producer N. Lingusamy made an official statement confirming that Kamal Haasan had agreed to direct and feature in a film to be produced by the production house, Thirrupathi Brothers.[5][6] The actor had handed Lingusamy three scripts with the pair chose the most commercially viable option, with the early working title of the film being Bitter Chocolate. In June 2013, the project was retitled Uttama Villain, with Kamal Haasan himself writing the script for the film, while Crazy Mohan was involved in early discussions for the film's dialogues.[7] Eventually, Kamal Haasan wanted to do Uttama Villain as a full-fledged comedy film after the production of Vishwaroopam (2013), due to Haasan's commitments of acting in comedy films soon after he finishes an experimental film,[8] with the controversies he faced during the release of Vishwaroopam being added as one of the factors.[9]

Yuvan Shankar Raja was signed on to compose the film's music,[10] after being the first choice for Haasan's Vishwaroopam, when Selvaraghavan handled the direction duties for the film.[11] Reports also incorrectly suggested that Rajesh was added to the scripting team for the film.[12] In July 2013, Ramesh Aravind took over the task of directing the film from Kamal Haasan, for whom the film became his directorial debut in Tamil, after previously directed films in Kannada.[13] However, it was not being the first film; his proposed directorial debut was titled KG (2004) with Haasan which was shelved after Haasan's commitments with Mumbai Xpress (2005).[14][15] In February 2014, Ghibran was announced as the film's music composer instead of Yuvan Shankar Raja.[16] Sanu John Varghese and Mahesh Narayanan was initially reported to be the film's cinematographer and editor respectively after working with Haasan in Vishwaroopam.[17] However, Haasan chose Shamdat Sainudeen and Vijay Shankar as the director of photography and editor of the project respectively[18] and Gautami was selected to handle the costume designing for the film.[19] According to Ramesh Aravind, Kamal Haasan wrote the majority of the dialogue and that Crazy Mohan's input and suggestions were recorded.[20][21]

Casting

[edit]

Kamal Haasan was reported to play two roles for the film: one being a 21st-century cinema superstar named Manoranjan and an 8th-century drama actor named Uthaman.[22] Kajal Aggarwal was initially reported to have signed on to play the lead female role,[23] though her manager later confirmed that she was not approached and that her dates were already allotted for other projects.[24] Similarly, Santhanam was also reported to play comedian in the film but the actor denied such claims.[25][26] Asin and Deepika Padukone were also reported by the media to be cast in the lead female role, though neither reports materialised.[27][28] The team later held discussions with actresses Divya Spandana and Lekha Washington for roles in the film, though neither were signed.[29] A month prior to shoot, three female lead characters were touted to appear in the film, with the names of Kajal Aggarwal (who initially refused the film), Tamannaah and Trisha Krishnan were surfaced.[30]

In a turn of events, the team chose Pooja Kumar and Andrea Jeremiah as the female leads, whom earlier worked with Haasan in Vishwaroopam,[31] and Parvathy Thiruvothu was also offered for the third female lead role.[32][33] Pooja played the role of a non-Tamil-speaking modern-day actress, who was offered a character that spoke classical Tamil. Pooja also performed 3 song sequences in the film, unlike in Vishwaroopam (2013), where she had no song sequences.[34] Kamal Haasan's daughter Shruti Haasan was considered for the role of his on-screen daughter in the film but her unavailability meant that the team chose to pick a new actress instead.[35] Another actress Parvathy Nair was added to the cast after impressing the team in an audition and was select to be paired opposite Ashwin, a debutant who plays Kamal Haasan's son in the film.[36] Actors Sarath Kumar and Vivek were reported to have been added to the preliminary cast, but the actors later noted the news as untrue.[37][38]

In January 2014, noted director K. Balachander was selected to play a pivotal role in the film and sported a beard for his character.[39] He was reported to play Manoranjan's mentor Margadarshi, who guided him to this status of superstardom, ironically Balachander was also Haasan's real-life mentor.[40] Producer Lingusamy himself was reported to be playing a role in the venture, after being seen sporting a new look during the making of his directorial project Anjaan (2014).[41] Director K. Viswanath also joined the film's cast as did Jayaram, and the pair began filming scenes in March 2014.[42] Anant Mahadevan, who featured in Vishwaroopam (2013), was given the role of the manager of Kamal Haasan's character in the film. More details about the film were shown in mid-March with a detailed cast and character list released to the media.[43] In May 2014, actor Nassar was signed for a supporting role.[44] In July 2014, director Chitra Lakshmanan joined the team to play a small role in the film.[45] Actress Abhirami was selected to dub for Pooja Kumar in the film.[46] Ramesh Aravind himself was to make a cameo appearance in the film, but the director did not reveal much about it and kept his decision under wraps.[47] Following the death of K. Balachander, the team released the film as a homage to the late director.[48]

Filming

[edit]

In mid-February 2014, the team carried out make up tests involving Kamal Haasan in Bangalore with a photo shoot being held with the actor.[49] Following this, the first teaser of the film unveiled on 1 March 2014 with the title and logo design.[50] A series of posters were also unveiled by the film's team on the following days and the principal photography began on 3 March 2014.[51] The team then shot for two weeks in Bangalore, before moving on to film sequences in Chennai with Gautami joining the team as a costume designer.[52] In early April, parts of the film were shot in Madhya Pradesh before the team returned to Bangalore to film scenes involving Parvathy Nair and Ashwin.[53] Further scenes involving Kamal Haasan in the role of a star actor were filmed at a shopping mall in Bangalore, with several hundred onlookers used as extras. Posters from a fictional film in the plot, Veera Vilaiyaatu, were put up around the mall by the film's art direction team.[54]

After initially planning a trip to Australia to film the songs from the soundtrack for a week, the team later opted to fly to Turkey instead.[55][56] Many scenes in the film, including a song featuring Kamal Haasan and Pooja Kumar was consequently shot in Istanbul.[57] The cast performed night rehearsals to perfect their expressions and dialogues.[58] The portions featuring Kamal Haasan as an aging superstar were completed with the shoot of the song,[59] followed by the 21st century portions which were completed by mid-May 2014.[60] In between, Kamal Haasan took a break from the shoot to attend the 2014 Cannes Film Festival and to inaugurate the Indian Pavilion there.[61] Another schedule was started on 21 May 2014 in Madhya Pradesh and then at a private studio in Chennai, with the team filming scenes that take place in the 8th century.[62][63] Actor Nasser joined the film playing the antagonist and also has a dual role in the film.[64] In early June 2014, Andrea had completed her portions in the film.[65]

Kamal Haasan sustained a small muscle pull during the film's shooting and was advised a day's rest.[66] However, he attended an award ceremony following his commitments to be a part of it and the makers released the teaser of the film on the same event.[67] The majority of the film's portions were shot by the end of July, with only patchwork and dubbing left.[56] A 10-minute climax sequence of the film was shot during the schedule which was touted to be a "spellbinding experience for moviegoers".[68][69] On 9 August 2014, Ramesh Aravind confirmed on his Twitter account that the shooting of the film had been completed at the Chennai Film Institute with a song sequence which would feature in the 8th century segment of the film.[70][71]

Music

[edit]

The soundtrack and film score was composed by Ghibran in his maiden collaboration with Kamal Haasan. Ghibran signed the project along with Haasan's Vishwaroopam II, but as the film's production was delayed, he has signed for the actor's other two projects: Papanasam and Thoongaa Vanam. Kamal Hassan bought musical instruments from Bali, Indonesia for recording songs in a mythical segment in the film because the instruments sounded both Indian and exotic and both Ghibran and Hassan wanted the music to be creative. According to Ghibran, traditional tunes were mixed with orchestral symphony backgrounds and were fused with Villu Paatu and Theyyam.[72] Ghibran also said that he and Kamal Haasan decided to not use instruments traditionally used in period films such as tabla, ghatam and dholak.[73] The composer further told that Kamal Hassan had sung in three songs and might sing in a few more.[72] Ghibran had spent a year-and-a-half on the score.[73]

The music album of Uttama Villain was released on 1 March 2015 after multiple postponements.[74] The album which featured 17 tracks including seven themes from the score, with lyrics written by Haasan, Viveka and Subbu Arumugam,[75] was released on a mobile application instead of conventional CDs, as a first-of-its-kind approach.[76] The soundtrack release coincided with a promotional launch event held at Chennai Trade Centre on 1 March 2015, with prominent celebrities along with the film's cast and crew being present.[76] The audio launch of the film took place on 29 March 2015.[77]

The soundtrack received high critical acclaim and Ghibran won accolades for his work in the film.[78] Siddharth K. of Sify rated it 4.5 out of 5 and wrote, "Ghibran has grown leaps and bounds with this album and has indeed delivered his career-best...If anyone has any problems in recognizing the effort that has gone into this album, they need to get their musical buds examined. Uttama Villain is an album to be cherished by film buffs and is not for the typical frontbenchers".[79] M. Suganth of The Times of India wrote, "Uttama Villain is that rare Tamil film album which doesn't merely push the envelope but has managed to create a new, different envelope".[80] Vipin Nair of Music Aloud gave it a score of 9 out of 10, calling it "one hell of a soundtrack".[81] A reviewer from Behindwoods gave it 3.75 out of 5 and stated it was "one of its kind gems in Tamil cinema music".[82] Karthik Srinivasan of Milliblog called it "one of the most daring and inventive musical attempts in recent Tamil cinema history".[83]

Release

Kamal Haasan revealed that the film would release before Vishwaroopam II, another film which featured him in the lead role.[84][85] The film was initially touted to be released on 2 October 2014, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanthi,[86] further also clashing with Hrithik Roshan-starrer Bang Bang! and Sivakarthikeyan's Kakki Sattai.[87][88] However, the director Ramesh Aravind clarified that the film involved extensive visual effects work to be done and that it would be completed in 10 weeks.[89] Then, the release of 7 November 2014,[90] which coincides Kamal Haasan's birthday also proved to be untrue.[91] The film was then speculated to release on 20 February 2015, following information from a popular ticket booking website.[92] The release was later pushed to April 2015.[93]

In February 2015,[94] Eros International which purchased the worldwide distribution rights of the film announced that the film will be released worldwide on 2 April 2015.[95][96] Thirrupathi Brothers acquired the domestic theatrical rights while Raajkamal Films International handled the distribution for the overseas theatres.[97][98] Studio Green bought the Tamil Nadu theatrical rights.[99] The release was later pushed to 10 April 2015, coinciding the five-day Tamil New Year weekend; and trade analysts believed about the increase in footfalls, following school examinations which will be completed within the same date.[100] However, due to the delay in completion of visual effects, the producers later postponed the film to 24 April and 1 May.[101] Then the film was scheduled to release on 1 May 2015, which was confirmed by the producers.[102] But, it was released on 2 May after sorting out issues between financiers and producers.[103] The entire team attended the film's premiere at the Golden Cinemas in Dubai on 30 April 2015, a day before the Indian release.[104]

Marketing

[edit]

Before the film's production, the first look and title logo of the film were released on 1 March 2014, depicting a Theyyam art form sketched on Haasan's face and few more posters were subsequently released.[50] Thirrupathi Brothers attached the teaser trailer for the film along with Suriya starrer Anjaan (another film produced by the studio), at the 8th Vijay Awards held on 5 July 2014,[105] and was simultaneously uploaded to YouTube.[106] The film's trailer was supposed to be released on Pongal, but after being unofficially leaked through the internet on 13 January 2015,[107][108] the trailer was launched the next day morning by the makers.[109] The second trailer of the film was released at the film's audio launch event on 1 March 2015,[110] and the third trailer was unveiled on 29 March 2015.[111] Few more trailers were released, ahead of the film's release. Shortly after the film's release, the makers unveiled six deleted scenes of the film, which was well received.[112]

Home media

[edit]

Herotalkies.com (VS Ecommerce Ventures) legally released the film for audiences outside India in June 2015.[113] Initially, the satellite rights were acquired by Jaya TV, but it was later sold to Zee Tamil.[114][115]

Controversies

[edit]

Plagiarism on Poster allegations

[edit]

There was speculation that the first look of the film was inspired from a photograph taken by French photographer Eric Lafforgue, but Kamal Hassan denied the allegations by saying, "Theyyam is more than a 1000-year-old art. The make-up was done by a good artist who is probably a third-generation practitioner of this art. My film has a Theyyam dance fusion with Tamil Nadu's Kooththu tradition". Admitting that the lighting might have had a few similarities to the photograph of the French photographer, he said that comparing the photo with his first look poster was like saying two lovers leaning on one another's chest looking in the same direction is a copy of the Ek Duje Ke Liye poster. He also stated that the poster did not depict a mask, but make-up painted on his face and that it took four hours to paint it.[116]

Protests by Vishva Hindu Parishad

[edit]

Vishva Hindu Parishad's (VHP) Tamil Nadu wing called for banning the film's release, as they alleged that the lyrics of a song in the film had belittled a conversation between Prahalada and Hiranyakashipu, which offend the religious sentiments of Hindu people.[117] They also criticised the makers for the objectionable portrayal of Lord Vishnu in a song.[118] Furthermore, the Indian National League, a Muslim organisation also protested against the film citing that it may hurt religious sentiments.[119]

Financial allegations

[edit]

Lingusamy sold the film's distribution rights to Eros International, in order to overcome the losses suffered by the failure of Suriya-starrer Anjaan, and Studio Green agreed to market the film in Tamil Nadu.[120] A few days before the film's release, producer and distributor R. Thangaraj of Thangam Cinemas, filed a petition to stay the release of the film, as producer has to pay 2 crore (US$230,000), to settle down the losses.[121] Thirrupathi Brothers had also borrowed from various local financiers, promising them films distribution areas. As per sources, the film was in deficit to the tune of nearly 20 crore (US$2.3 million) at the time of release. The financiers were unwilling to waive a part of the loan for a smooth release. The overseas release of the film happened as the rights for the overseas territory belonged to Raaj Kamal, while the Indian theatrical rights were with Thirrupathi Brothers.[120]

Due to the disputes between financiers and producers, the film's release date, which was scheduled for 1 May 2015, was stalled. Theatres across TN had sold tickets in advance for the opening day, but most of the shows were cancelled, which led to outrage and dismay with the film union and producers. Kamal Haasan, after the Dubai premiere on 30 April, flew back to India late on Friday, to sort out the issue along with trade bodies like Tamil Film Producers Council and Nadigar Sangam. After the dispute was settled, the film opened in India on 2 May 2015.[103]

Reception

[edit]

Critical response

[edit]

M. Suganth, editor-in-chief of The Times of India rated the film three-and-a-half out of five, lauding it as one of the "rare films with a meta-narrative where the line between the real and the reel becomes hard to distinguish and further called it as glorious showcase for Kamal the writer as he superbly blends subtlety with slapstick and the emotional moments never descend into full-blown melodrama that turns all eyes misty throughout the film".[122] A critic from Behindwoods also rated the film three-and-a-half out of five and felt it was an "excellent cinematic viewing experience" appreciating its "unique narrative".[123] Siddharth K of Sify gave Uttama Villain four out of five stars and called it "a courageous film which breaks away from being a routine fare", describing it as "emotional as well as gripping". They also felt that "The sheer thrill of watching a film and not knowing what will happen next is one of the great pleasures offered by director Ramesh Aravind", summing it up as "a good example of an entertaining commercial film that didn't need to be lazy or senseless".[124] Karthik Keramalu of IBN Live appreciated Uttama Villain majorly for three particular conversations that they placed among the best in Tamil cinema, concluding that it is "a film worthy of a eulogy speech and the grandeur is not spoilt in the name of commercialization".[125]

S. Saraswathi of Rediff.com appreciated director Ramesh Aravind for the narrative "that skilfully alternates between fake and real which is seemingly similar situations is ingenious" and lauded the brilliance of Kamal Haasan, "the master performer for essaying two totally contrasting characters amazingly". They wrote that the film may not appeal to all due to its almost three hours length and slow screenplay, but still judged that it is "a film worth watching for stunning music and performance" and rating it three out of five.[126] Saibal Chatterjee of NDTV lauded Uttama Villain as a "terrific take on superstardom and mortality, feeling it is a satire in parts when Manoranjan, played by Kamal Haasan comes to know that he has only a few days to live, so he decides to make a film in which he's immortal".[127] Anupama Subramanian of Deccan Chronicle wrote that the movie lived up to expectations partially as the first half drags, but post interval picks up the momentum summing up as a Kamal show all the way, sparkling as an ego bloated Manoranjan and the simpleton Uttaman, concluding, "There are few shortcomings. Nevertheless Kamals' amazing screen presence pulls an otherwise bit dragging film with a runtime of 2 hours and 52 minutes".[128] Baradwaj Rangan in his review for The Hindu wrote, "Kamal Haasan's writing is so dense and allusive and overstuffed and layered and indulgent that it's always a question whether even the best actors and directors in the world can come up with the kind of wit and timing needed to fully make the transition from page to screen — in other words, the best Kamal Haasan movies are probably locked up inside his head, where they reside in the most perfect possible manner. But with some of the lightweight cast and crew, he's been working with of late, this material doesn't stand a chance".[129]

Box office

[edit]

The film collected ₹85,39,514 from 170 shows in Chennai.[130]

Delayed release had impacted the film's box office as reported by the Indian Express.[131]

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Award Date of ceremony[a] Category Recipient(s) Result Ref.
Behindwoods Gold Medal 25 July 2016 Best Music Director Ghibran Won [132]
Best Female Playback Singer Padmalatha Won
Best Choreography Kamal Haasan, Jayachandra Palazhy Won
IIFA Utsavam 24–25 January 2016 Best Performance In A Leading Role — Male Kamal Haasan Nominated [133]
Best Performance In A Negative Role Nassar Nominated
Los Angeles Independent Film Festival 14 November 2015 Best Picture Uttama Villain Won [134][135]
Best Produced Screenplay Kamal Haasan Won
Best Actor Kamal Haasan Won
Best Original Music/Score Ghibran Won
Best Original Song Iraniyan Naadagam Won
Best Sound Design Kunal Rajan Won
Best Foreign Feature Uttama Villain Nominated
International Independent Film Awards 29 January 2016 Diamond Award for Best Original Song "Iraniyan Naadagam" Won [136][137]
"Kadhalam Kadavul Mun" Won
Platinum Award for Best Original Score Ghibran Won
Prestige Music Award 18 December 2015 World Music Category "Kaadhalam Kadavul Mun" Won (Gold Winner) [138]
"Iraniyan Naadagam" Won (Silver Winner)
Russian International Film Festival 15 November 2015 Best Original Music Ghibran Won [4]
South Indian International Movie Awards 30 June–1 July 2016 Best Actor in a Supporting Role — Tamil Nasser Nominated [139]
Best Music Director – Tamil Ghibran Nominated

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ Date is linked to the article about the awards held that year, wherever possible.

References

[edit]
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