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{{short description|1999 film by S. J. Surya}}
{{Infobox_Film |
{{Use Indian English|date=November 2024}}
| name = Vaali
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2024}}
| image = Tamil vcd vaali icon.jpg
{{Infobox film
| director = [[S.J. Suryah]]
| image = Vaalee 1999 poster.JPG
| writer = [[S.J. Suryah]]
| caption = Poster
| starring = [[Ajith]]<br />[[Simran (actress) |Simran]]<br />[[Jyothika]]<br />[[Vivek (actor)|Vivek]]<br />Balaji
| director = [[S. J. Suryah]]
| producer =
| writer = S. J. Suryah
| music = [[Deva (music director) |Deva]]
| producer = [[S. S. Chakravarthy]]
| distributor =
| starring = [[Ajith Kumar]]<br />[[Simran (actress)|Simran]]<br />[[Jyothika]]
| released = [[1999]]
| cinematography = [[Jeeva (director)|Jeeva]]<br /> [[M. S. Prabhu]] <small>(additional)</small>
| runtime =
| editing = [[B. Lenin]]<br />[[V. T. Vijayan]]
| language = [[Tamil language|Tamil]]
| music = [[Deva (composer)|Deva]]
| budget =
| studio = NIC Arts
| imdb_id = 0368400
| released = {{film date|df=yes|1999|4|30}}
| runtime = 167 minutes<ref>{{Cite web |title=Vaalee |url=https://www.bbfc.co.uk/release/vaalee-q29sbgvjdglvbjpwwc0zmduxnzm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125173408/https://www.bbfc.co.uk/release/vaalee-q29sbgvjdglvbjpwwc0zmduxnzm |archive-date=25 January 2022 |access-date=25 January 2022 |website=[[British Board of Film Classification]]}}</ref>
| language = Tamil
| country = India
}}
}}


'''''Vaali''''' ([[1999 in film|1999]]) is a [[Tamil language|Tamil]] [[film]] directed by [[S.J. Suryah]]. The film stars [[Ajith]], [[Simran (actress) |Simran]], [[Jyothika]], [[Vivek (actor) |Vivek]] and Balaji. The film's music is composed by the music director, [[Deva (music director) |Deva]]
'''''Vaalee''''' is a 1999 Indian [[Tamil language|Tamil]]-language [[Psychological fiction|psychological]] [[romantic thriller]] film written and directed by [[S. J. Suryah]] in his directorial debut. The film stars [[Ajith Kumar]] in two roles with [[Simran (actress)|Simran]] and [[Jyothika]] in her Tamil debut while [[Vivek (actor)|Vivek]], [[Rajeev (Tamil actor)|Rajeev]], [[Pandu (actor)|Pandu]] and [[Sujitha]] appear in supporting roles. A modern-day adaptation of the story of [[Vali (Ramayana)|Vali]] from the ''[[Ramayana]]'', it revolves around identical twins Shiva and Deva, with Deva being [[deaf-mute]]. When Shiva marries Priya, Deva becomes obsessed with, and lusts for her.


Suryah completed the script for ''Vaalee'' in 60 days, and the project was picked up for production by [[S. S. Chakravarthy]] of NIC Arts. The soundtrack was composed by [[Deva (composer)|Deva]], and the lyrics were written by [[Vairamuthu]]. The cinematography was handled by Jeeva, while the editing was done by the duo [[B. Lenin]] and [[V. T. Vijayan]].
==Plot==
{{spoiler}}
Deva ([[Ajith]]) and Shiva ([[Ajith]]) are the twins. Deva, the elder, is deaf and mute. But he is a genius, an expert at lip-reading and the head of a successful advertising company. Shiva loves and trusts his brother.


''Vaalee'' was released on 30 April 1999 to positive reviews from critics. The film became a commercial success, running for over 270 days in theatres. Ajith won the [[Filmfare Award for Best Actor&nbsp;– Tamil]] and Jyothika won [[Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut&nbsp;– South|Best Female Debut&nbsp;– South]] at the [[47th Filmfare Awards South|same ceremony]]. The film was remade in [[Kannada]] under [[Vaalee (2001 film)|the same title]] in 2001.
Priya ([[Simran (singer) |Simran]]) wants to marry only someone who is an ex-smoker, an ex-drunkard and ditched by a girl but still pining for her. Learning this, Shiva invents an old romance between him and Sona ([[Jyothika]]) and finds his way into Priya's heart.


== Plot ==
Deva meanwhile chances upon Priya and becomes obsessed with attaining her. His obsession continues even after his younger brother gets married to the girl of his dreams and he devises various means of getting close to Priya and keeping Shiva and her separated.
Shiva and Deva are identical twin brothers. Deva, the elder, is [[deaf-mute]]; but he is an expert at [[lip reading]], and the head of a successful advertising company. Shiva loves and trusts his brother. Shiva falls in love with Priya, who wants to marry someone who is an ex-smoker, ex-drunkard, and got ditched by a girl but is pining for her. Learning this, Shiva, with the help of his friend Vicky, invents a romance between him and a certain Sona, and wins Priya's love. Soon Priya realises Shiva's trick and breaks up with him. He tries to tell her that he only cheated and lied to her in the old romance story, but he truly loved her. One day, Priya comes to Shiva's house and slaps him, but eventually she reciprocates his love.


Meanwhile, Deva chances upon Priya and lusts for her. His obsession continues even after his brother marries her and he devises various means of getting close to Priya and keeping Shiva and her apart. Some of the methods Deva uses to woo Priya are masochistic (wounding his hand by the running car engine to stop the couple's [[Consummation|wedding night]]) and psychotic (repeated attempts to murder his brother).
Priya realises the not-so-honorable intentions Deva has towards her but Shiva refuses to believe her and has full faith in his brother. He even goes as far as to take Priya to a psychiatrist. To get away from it all, Shiva and Priya go on a long-delayed honeymoon. But Deva shows up there too leading to the climax.


While Shiva is away at work as a substitute for his injured brother, Priya looks after Deva. Priya soon realises the intentions Deva has towards her, but Shiva refuses to believe her and has complete trust in his brother. He even goes as far as to take Priya to a psychiatrist. To get away from it all, Shiva and Priya go on a long-delayed honeymoon, but Deva shows up there. Shiva watches Deva touching Priya's dress and kissing her photo and he realises that she was right all along. Deva beats up Shiva, packs him in a gunny bag, and throws him into a lorry.
==Cast==

Deva disguises himself as Shiva and tries to seduce Priya. Shiva calls her to warn her that Deva is there but Deva picks up the call. She thinks that Shiva told Deva where they are and the one on the phone is Deva's assistant Sudha who called her to tell that Deva might injure himself to disturb their honeymoon. She takes off the phone's wire so that he will not call them back. Shiva then hastens to the house to save Priya from Deva.

Soon, Priya learns that he is Deva and escapes from him, then shoots him with a revolver. Deva falls into the pool unconscious, and when Shiva comes, she narrates the whole incident to him. He hugs and apologises to her for not believing her earlier, for taking her to the psychiatrist without knowing the truth and for trusting Deva without knowing his intentions towards her. Suddenly, Deva regains consciousness, but Shiva immediately kills him with the revolver. In the afterlife, Deva talks about his inability to express his feelings for Priya because he was mute.

== Cast ==
{{cast listing|
* [[Ajith Kumar]] in a [[dual role]] as Shiva and Deva
* [[Simran (actress)|Simran]] (voice: [[Savitha Radhakrishnan|Savitha]]) as Priya
* [[Jyothika]] as Sona / Meena
* [[J. Livingston|Livingston]] (guest appearance)
* [[Vivek (actor)|Vivek]] as Vicky{{sfn|Dhananjayan|2011|p=208}}
* [[Rajeev (Tamil actor)|Rajeev]] as Uma's husband{{sfn|Dhananjayan|2011|p=209}}
* [[Pandu (actor)|Pandu]] as Velu Nair
* Rathan as Lakshman, Priya's father
* <!-- Thadi -->Balaji as Aadhimoolam, Vicky's patient
* [[Halwa Vasu]] as Roadside shop owner
* Radhabhai as Shiva's and Deva's grandmother
* Indhu as Uma{{sfn|Dhananjayan|2011|p=209}}
* [[Sujitha]] as Sheela{{sfn|Dhananjayan|2011|p=208}}
* [[N. Mathrubootham]] as the psychiatrist (uncredited)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rajitha |date=7 May 2000 |title=What's up, doc? |url=https://m.rediff.com/movies/2000/jun/07spice.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030223044830/https://rediff.com/movies/2000/jun/07spice.htm |archive-date=23 February 2003 |access-date=26 May 2022 |website=[[Rediff.com]]}}</ref>
* [[G. Marimuthu|Marimuthu]] as the [[Kodak]] shop owner (uncredited)<ref>{{Cite web |date=8 September 2023 |title=Actor, director G Marimuthu passes away |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/news/2023/sep/08/actor-and-director-g-marimuthu-passes-away-47430.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230908061847/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/news/2023/sep/08/actor-and-director-g-marimuthu-passes-away-47430.html |archive-date=8 September 2023 |access-date=8 September 2023 |website=[[Cinema Express]]}}</ref>
}}

== Production ==
=== Development ===
[[S. J. Suryah]] had worked as an assistant director in [[Vasanth]]'s ''[[Aasai]]'' (1995) which featured [[Ajith Kumar]] in the main lead as well as working with him during the making of ''[[Ullaasam]]'' (1997). Ajith asked Suryah to prepare a good script and promised he would give him a chance to make his directorial debut. After Suryah completed the script of ''Vaalee'' in 60 days, the pair approached [[S. S. Chakravarthy]] to produce the film.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqvROpDRBbA |title=SJ suryah about Ajith Kumar |date=1 June 2016 |language=ta |publisher=tamilcinemareview |time=0:48 |access-date=1 December 2021 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/lqvROpDRBbA |archive-date=2 December 2021 |url-status=live |via=[[YouTube]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Jeevi |date=12 June 2001 |title=Interview with SJ Surya |url=http://www.idlebrain.com/celeb/interview/interview_sjsurya.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130702064646/http://www.idlebrain.com/celeb/interview/interview_sjsurya.html |archive-date=2 July 2013 |access-date=19 June 2013 |website=[[Idlebrain.com]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Mannath |first=Malini |date=15 May 2000 |title=An interview with&nbsp;– S.J. Surya , film director of ' Vaali ', ' Kushi '. (Part two) |url=http://www.chennaionline.com/interviews/sjsurya1.asp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010520155947/http://www.chennaionline.com/interviews/sjsurya1.asp |archive-date=20 May 2001 |access-date=25 February 2022 |website=Chennai Online}}</ref> The film is a modern-day adaptation of the legend of [[Vali (Ramayana)|Vali]] from the ''[[Ramayana]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rajendran |first=Sowmya |author-link=Sowmya Rajendran |title=When Tamil films did away with annan-thambi paasam |url=https://www.sify.com/movies/when-tamil-films-did-away-with-iannan-thambi-paasami--imagegallery-kollywood-ocgrycbcichsi.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200325035940/https://www.sify.com/movies/when-tamil-films-did-away-with-iannan-thambi-paasami--imagegallery-kollywood-ocgrycbcichsi.html |archive-date=25 March 2020 |access-date=25 March 2020 |website=[[Sify]]}}</ref>

=== Casting ===
[[Keerthi Reddy]] was announced to be the lead actress in the film in December 1997, though she was replaced by [[Simran (actress)|Simran]] before filming began.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1997–98'ன் கோடம்பாக்கக் குஞ்சுகள் |trans-title=1997–98 Kodambakkam babies |url=http://www.indolink.com/tamil/cinema/People/97/Dec/kuttisp1.htm |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303201551/http://indolink.com/tamil/cinema/People/97/Dec/kuttisp1.htm |archive-date=3 March 2016 |access-date=4 September 2011 |website=Indolink}}</ref> [[Roja Selvamani|Roja]] and [[Meena (actress)|Meena]] also were approached to play the female lead but both of them could not allocate the dates.<ref>{{Cite web |date=3 May 2021 |title=Did you know, Simran was not the first choice for Ajith's 'Vaalee'? |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/did-you-know/did-you-know-simran-was-not-the-first-choice-for-ajiths-vaalee/articleshow/82369751.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210606222829/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/did-you-know/did-you-know-simran-was-not-the-first-choice-for-ajiths-vaalee/articleshow/82369751.cms |archive-date=6 June 2021 |access-date=1 December 2021 |website=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref> [[Jyothika]], sister of actress [[Nagma]], made her Tamil debut in the film as an imaginary character, Sona.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Malani |first=Sandeep |date=6 July 1999 |title=Jyothika makes debut in Tamil films |work=[[The Times of India]] |url=http://www.cscsarchive.org:8081/MediaArchive/art.nsf/(docid)/59803B62E9A7D76765256940004BD6D3 |url-status=dead |access-date=20 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120815124949/http://www.cscsarchive.org:8081/MediaArchive/art.nsf/(docid)/59803B62E9A7D76765256940004BD6D3 |archive-date=15 August 2012}}</ref> She said she was initially offered the female lead role, but declined due to scheduling conflicts with ''[[Doli Saja Ke Rakhna]]'' (1998).<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 December 2023 |title='My Debut Film Should Have Been Vaali:' Jyothika Gets Candid On Her Career Choices |url=https://www.news18.com/movies/my-debut-film-should-have-been-vaali-jyothika-gets-candid-on-her-career-choices-8711248.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/zdqTC?wr=false |archive-date=19 November 2024 |access-date=19 November 2024 |website=[[News18]] |language=en}}</ref> [[J. Livingston|Livingston]] made a guest appearance as it was Suryah's wish that he appear in at least one scene.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Interview with Livingstone {{!}} Worked his way to see success. |url=http://www.tamilstar.com/interview/actor/livingstone/index.shtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000115155812/http://www.tamilstar.com/interview/actor/livingstone/index.shtml |archive-date=15 January 2000 |access-date=15 May 2023 |website=Tamil Star}}</ref> This is the first film where Ajith played two characters.{{sfn|Dhananjayan|2011|p=208}}<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 August 2002 |title=I should act only as an action hero! |url=http://ajithkumar.free.fr/filmographie/inter20.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230131054545/http://ajithkumar.free.fr/filmographie/inter20.htm |archive-date=31 January 2023 |access-date=31 January 2023 |website=[[Dinakaran]]}}</ref> Ajith mentioned that ''Vaalee'' "was very close to my heart and I gave it everything I had", adding that he had initially received widespread negative publicity and scepticism for doing a dual role too early in his career.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Warrier |first=Shobha |author-link=Shobha Warrier |date=23 March 2000 |title=Ajith comes a full circle |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/2000/mar/23ajith.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122061544/https://www.rediff.com/movies/2000/mar/23ajith.htm |archive-date=22 January 2021 |access-date=1 December 2021 |website=[[Rediff.com]]}}</ref>

=== Filming ===
<!-- https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/dop-ravi-varman-shares-throwback-picture-of-thala-ajith/articleshow/77574116.cms -->
The scene where one of Ajith's characters answers a phone call was shot at a [[bungalow]] in Boat Club Road, Chennai. According to Suryah, this scene was the first shot he composed and it involved meticulous planning.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lakshmi |first=V |date=6 December 2019 |title=My First Shot: Call it lucky charm, my films have some reference to light, say SJ Suryah |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/my-first-shot-call-it-lucky-charm-my-films-have-some-reference-to-light-say-sj-suryah/articleshow/72384037.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/NkDLx |archive-date=19 November 2024 |access-date=19 November 2024 |work=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref> Another scene was planned to show Deva having shaved his moustache to differentiate from Deva, only to see he has shaved as well. The scene went unfilmed due to Ajith's refusal to shave his moustache which he needed for another film.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rohini |date=23 February 2023 |title='வாலி' படத்தில் இப்படி ஒரு சீனா?.. ச்ச மிஸ் ஆயிடுச்சே!.. எல்லாம் அஜித் செஞ்ச வேலை!.. |url=https://cinereporters.com/sema-scene-in-vaali-movie-it-missed-by-ajith/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/z5wmn |archive-date=19 November 2024 |access-date=19 November 2024 |website=CineReporters |language=Ta}}</ref> Simran's voice was dubbed by [[Savitha Radhakrishnan]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=S A V I T H A . R A D H A K R I S H N A N {{!}} Voice behind the artistes |url=http://www.geocities.ws/ramanathansp/Savitha/Savitha.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140209095144/http://www.geocities.ws/ramanathansp/Savitha/Savitha.html |archive-date=9 February 2014 |access-date=19 January 2022 |website=Geocities.ws}}</ref>

== Soundtrack ==
The soundtrack was composed by [[Deva (composer)|Deva]] and lyrics were written by [[Vairamuthu]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Vaali |url=https://gaana.com/album/vaali-tamil-2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211105170615/https://gaana.com/album/vaali-tamil-2019 |archive-date=5 November 2021 |access-date=1 December 2021 |website=[[Gaana (music streaming service)|Gaana]]}}</ref> The song "Oh Sona" is based on "[[Suzanne (VOF de Kunst song)|Susanna]]" by [[VOF de Kunst]], and "[[(Where Do I Begin?) Love Story|Where Do I Begin?]]", the theme to ''[[Love Story (1970 film)|Love Story]]'' composed by [[Francis Lai]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=1 June 2018 |title=Superhit Tamil songs that were inspired from other songs |url=https://www.suryanfm.in/suryan-stories/superhit-tamilsongs-inspired-from-other-songs/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210123081550/http://www.suryanfm.in/suryan-stories/superhit-tamilsongs-inspired-from-other-songs/ |archive-date=23 January 2021 |access-date=1 December 2021 |website=[[Suryan FM 93.5|Suryan FM]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=S |first=Karthik |author-link=Karthik Srinivasan |title=Deva [Tamil] |url=https://www.itwofs.com/tamil-deva.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240611062412/https://www.itwofs.com/tamil-deva.html |archive-date=11 June 2024 |access-date=18 June 2024 |website=[[ItwoFS]]}}</ref>

{{Track listing
| headline = Track listing
| extra_column = Singer(s)
| total_length = 29:31
| title1 = Oh Sona
| extra1 = [[Hariharan (singer)|Hariharan]], [[Ajith Kumar]], [[Febi Mani]]
| length1 = 6:03
| title2 = Gee Priya
| extra2 = [[S. P. Balasubrahmanyam]], [[Swarnalatha]]
| length2 = 5:28
| title3 = Nilavai Konduva
| extra3 = [[P. Unnikrishnan]], [[Anuradha Sriram]]
| length3 = 6:05
| title4 = Vaanil Kaayuthae
| extra4 = [[Mano (singer)|Mano]], Anuradha Sriram, [[S. J. Suryah]]
| length4 = 6:27
| title5 = April Maathathil
| extra5 = P. Unnikrishnan, [[Harini (singer)|Harini]]
| length5 = 5:28
}}

== Release ==
''Vaalee'' was released on 30 April 1999.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1 May 2021 |title=அஜித் 50ஆம் பிறந்த நாள் ஸ்பெஷல்: 50 அசத்தல் தருணங்கள் |url=https://www.hindutamil.in/news/cinema/tamil-cinema/665925-ajith-50-memorable-moments.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210504151901/https://www.hindutamil.in/news/cinema/tamil-cinema/665925-ajith-50-memorable-moments.html |archive-date=4 May 2021 |access-date=13 December 2021 |website=[[Hindu Tamil Thisai]] |language=ta}}</ref> The film became a huge commercial success, and was also successful in Kerala where it ran for over 100 days in theatres.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rajitha |date=2 July 1999 |title=Tamil storms God's own country |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/1999/jul/02ss.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170926100429/http://www.rediff.com/movies/1999/jul/02ss.htm |archive-date=26 September 2017 |access-date=1 December 2021 |website=[[Rediff.com]]}}</ref> It provided a major breakthrough for Ajith, Simran and Jyothika's careers.<ref>{{Cite web |date=26 July 1999 |title=Vaali's success quadruples |url=http://www.newtamilfilms.com/news/archive/july1999.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010702033533/http://www.newtamilfilms.com/news/archive/july1999.html |archive-date=2 July 2001 |access-date=15 May 2021 |website=New Tamil Films}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Prasad |first=Ayyappa |date=3 December 1999 |title=A dream run at the B-O! |url=http://www.screenindia.com/old/dec03/south.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080310050301/http://www.screenindia.com/old/dec03/south.htm |archive-date=10 March 2008 |access-date=1 December 2021 |website=[[Screen (magazine)|Screen]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=6 July 1999 |title=Thanks to my relationship, I've stopped trusting people |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/1999/jul/06ajit.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110510080114/http://www.rediff.com/movies/1999/jul/06ajit.htm |archive-date=10 May 2011 |access-date=19 June 2013 |website=[[Rediff.com]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Rajitha |date=14 June 2000 |title=Of debut directors and second offerings |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2000/jun/14spice.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160129003006/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2000/jun/14spice.htm |archive-date=29 January 2016 |access-date=19 June 2013 |website=[[Rediff.com]]}}</ref> The film was dubbed and released in Telugu under the same title in October 1999.<ref>{{Cite news |date=15 October 1999 |title=నాటి వాలి సుగ్రీవ కథే నేటి "వాలి" చిత్రం |trans-title=Today's ''Vaalee'' is the story of yesteryear's [[Vali (Ramayana)|Vali]] and [[Sugriva]] |url=http://www.zaminryot.com/pdf/1999/Oct/15-oct-1999.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160913131556/http://www.zaminryot.com/pdf/1999/Oct/15-oct-1999.pdf |archive-date=13 September 2016 |access-date=31 July 2023 |work=[[Zamin Ryot]] |pages=9 |language=te}}</ref>

=== Critical reception ===
''Vaalee'' received positive reviews from critics.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Umashanker |first=Sudha |date=13 August 1999 |title=Back in the reckoning |work=[[The Hindu]] |url=http://www.indiaserver.com/thehindu/1999/08/13/stories/09130222.htm |url-status=dead |access-date=31 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010625002105/http://www.indiaserver.com/thehindu/1999/08/13/stories/09130222.htm |archive-date=25 June 2001}}</ref> Lakshmi of ''[[Deccan Herald]]'' described the film as "definitely worth seeing", saying it "has something for all tastes&nbsp;– a pleasant love angle, some suspense, complex psychological nuances, good acting, pleasing songs" while praising Ajith's performance.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lakshmi |date=31 May 1999 |title=Vaali (Tamil) |work=[[Deccan Herald]] |url=http://www.cscsarchive.org:8081/MediaArchive/art.nsf/(docid)/93D12738A233F61165256941003DC8D0 |url-status=dead |access-date=4 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120322152641/http://www.cscsarchive.org:8081/MediaArchive/art.nsf/(docid)/93D12738A233F61165256941003DC8D0 |archive-date=22 March 2012}}</ref> ''[[The New Indian Express]]'' labelled Simran's portrayal as "outstanding" while mentioning Suryah does a "fairly good job and succeeds".<ref>{{Cite news |date=30 May 1999 |title=Twin Trouble |work=[[The New Indian Express]] |url=http://www.cscsarchive.org:8081/MediaArchive/art.nsf/(docid)/7205BE818081514865256941003DC8E0 |url-status=dead |access-date=4 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120322152727/http://www.cscsarchive.org:8081/MediaArchive/art.nsf/(docid)/7205BE818081514865256941003DC8E0 |archive-date=22 March 2012}}</ref> K. P. S. of ''[[Kalki (magazine)|Kalki]]'' appreciated Deva's music, the performances of Ajith and Simran, and Jeeva's cinematography, adding that Suryah's future as a director seemed bright.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=கே. பி. எஸ். |date=30 May 1999 |title=வாலி |url=https://ibb.co/zxsQ1VM |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230608064844/https://ibb.co/zxsQ1VM |archive-date=8 June 2023 |access-date=8 June 2023 |magazine=[[Kalki (magazine)|Kalki]] |page=81 |language=ta}}</ref>

''[[Ananda Vikatan]]'' appreciated the film by giving 45 marks and mentioned "Director SJ Suryah established his stamp of film-making in his very first film by taking up a straight line story with an engaging screenplay and realistic dialogues. Ajith Kumar has done a fantastic job in dual role and Simran also proved that she can act".{{Sfn|Dhananjayan|2011|page=209}} K. N. Vijiyan of ''[[New Straits Times]]'' wrote, "It is amazing what fresh ideas new directors can come out with [...] Using a simple story, Suryah has come out with a winner".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Vijiyan |first=K. |date=29 May 1999 |title=New director comes up with a winner |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=EucVAAAAIBAJ&sjid=2RQEAAAAIBAJ&pg=2076%2C5374334 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230414183741/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=EucVAAAAIBAJ&sjid=2RQEAAAAIBAJ&pg=2076,5374334 |archive-date=14 April 2023 |access-date=9 June 2020 |work=[[New Straits Times]] |pages=Arts 4 |via=[[Google News Archive]]}}</ref> D. S. Ramanujam of ''[[The Hindu]]'' wrote, "Rich production values, fine performances by Ajit Kumar (playing the dual role of brothers) and Simran, bold and powerful dialogue by S. J. Surya, who has directed the movie based on his story and screenplay, are the major contributing factor[s]" in the film.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ramanujam |first=D. S. |date=14 May 1999 |title=Film Reviews: Rajasthan / Vaalee |url=http://www.webpage.com/hindu/daily/990514/09/09140222.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010407075253/http://www.webpage.com/hindu/daily/990514/09/09140222.htm |archive-date=7 April 2001 |access-date=18 June 2024 |work=[[The Hindu]] |pages=26}}</ref>

=== Accolades ===
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
! Award
|- bgcolor="#CCCCCC"
! Category
! Actor !! Role
! Recipient
!{{Abbr|Ref.|References}}
|-
| rowspan="2" |[[47th Filmfare Awards South]]
| [[Filmfare Award for Best Actor&nbsp;– Tamil|Best Actor&nbsp;– Tamil]]
| [[Ajith Kumar]]
| rowspan="2" style="text-align:center;" |<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ashok Kumar |first=S. R. |date=15 April 2000 |title=Star-spangled show on cards |work=[[The Hindu]] |url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/2000/04/15/stories/09150651.htm |url-status=usurped |access-date=16 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060715231701/http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/2000/04/15/stories/09150651.htm |archive-date=15 July 2006}}</ref><br /><ref>{{Cite web |date=10 July 2014 |title=Best Debutants down the years... |url=http://www.filmfare.com/features/best-debutants-down-the-years-6681.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150701125207/http://www.filmfare.com/features/best-debutants-down-the-years-6681.html |archive-date=1 July 2015 |access-date=23 January 2017 |website=[[Filmfare]]}}</ref>
|-
| [[Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut&nbsp;– South|Best Female Debut&nbsp;– South]]|| [[Jyothika]]
|-
| rowspan="5" | [[Cinema Express Awards]]
| [[Cinema Express Award for Best Actor&nbsp;– Tamil|Best Actor&nbsp;– Tamil]]
| Ajith Kumar
| rowspan="5" style="text-align:center;" |<ref>{{Cite web |title=Recently |url=http://cinematoday2.itgo.com/4Hot%20News%20Just%20for%20U4.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120324015140/http://cinematoday2.itgo.com/4Hot%20News%20Just%20for%20U4.htm |archive-date=24 March 2012 |access-date=13 March 2012 |website=Cinematoday2.itgo.com}}</ref>
|-
|[[Cinema Express Award for Best Actress&nbsp;– Tamil|Best Actress&nbsp;– Tamil]]|| [[Simran (actress)|Simran]]
|-
||[[Cinema Express Award for Best Actress&nbsp;– Tamil|Best Newface Actress of the Year]]||[[Jyothika]]
|-
|-
| [[Ajith]] || Deva/Shiva
|Best Music Director || [[Deva (composer)|Deva]]
|-
|-
|Best Comedian || [[Vivek (actor)|Vivek]]
| [[Simran (actress) |Simran]] || Priya
|-
|-
| rowspan="3" | Dinakaran Film Awards
| [[Jyothika]] || Sona
| Best Actor
| Ajith Kumar
| rowspan="3" style="text-align:center;" |<ref>{{Cite web |title=Awards: "Dinakaran Cinema Awards"--1999 |url=http://www.dinakaran.com/cinema/english/awards/28-1.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080625100834/http://www.dinakaran.com/cinema/english/awards/28-1.htm |archive-date=25 June 2008 |access-date=25 February 2014 |website=[[Dinakaran]] |language=en}}</ref>
|-
|-
| Best Actress
| [[Vivek (actor) |Vivek]] || Deva's friend
| Simran
|-
|-
| Best Debut Actress
| Balaji
| Jyothika
|}
|}


==Soundtrack==
== Remakes ==
''Vaalee'' was remade in [[Kannada]] under [[Vaalee (2001 film)|the same title]] (2001).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nathan |first=Archana |date=21 October 2017 |title='As long as I'm here, I want to entertain': An interview with Kannada star Sudeep |url=https://scroll.in/reel/854387/as-long-as-im-here-i-want-to-entertain-an-interview-with-kannada-star-sudeep |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180125220618/https://scroll.in/reel/854387/as-long-as-im-here-i-want-to-entertain-an-interview-with-kannada-star-sudeep |archive-date=25 January 2018 |access-date=1 December 2021 |website=[[Scroll.in]]}}</ref> [[Boney Kapoor]] entered negotiations with Chakravarthy to acquire the remake rights for [[Hindi]] and other languages. In response, Suryah attempted to block Chakravarthy from selling the remake rights by filing a case to the [[Madras High Court]], but his plea was rejected. Kapoor and Chakravarthy's deal was closed around July/August 2020. In November 2021, Suryah appealed to the [[Supreme Court of India]], using a 2017 verdict by the Madras High Court that only the screenwriter holds the remake rights to his own film,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Biswas |first=Sneha |date=27 November 2021 |title=Boney Kapoor acquires rights to remake Ajith starrer 'Vaalee' |work=[[The Times of India]] |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/boney-kapoor-acquires-rights-to-remake-ajith-starrer-vaalee/articleshow/87943502.cms |url-status=live |access-date=1 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211127051728/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/boney-kapoor-acquires-rights-to-remake-ajith-starrer-vaalee/articleshow/87943502.cms |archive-date=27 November 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Suganth |first=M |date=29 November 2021 |title=Legal battle over Vaalee remake: SJ Suryah to file an appeal in Supreme Court |work=[[The Times of India]] |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/legal-battle-over-vaalee-remake-sj-suryah-to-file-an-appeal-in-supreme-court/articleshow/87965137.cms |url-status=live |access-date=1 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211128194345/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/legal-battle-over-vaalee-remake-sj-suryah-to-file-an-appeal-in-supreme-court/articleshow/87965137.cms |archive-date=28 November 2021}}</ref> but on 25 April 2022, the Supreme Court rejected his plea: "There can be no dispute that in respect of a cinematograph film, it is the producer of the film who is the owner of the copyright in the cinematograph film itself".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kakkar |first=Shruti |date=28 April 2022 |title=Supreme Court Dismisses Director SJ Suryah's Plea For Injunction Against Hindi Remake Of Tamil Film 'Valee' |url=https://www.livelaw.in/top-stories/supreme-court-dismisses-director-sj-suryahs-injunction-hindi-remake-tamil-film-valee-197756 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220428075503/https://www.livelaw.in/top-stories/supreme-court-dismisses-director-sj-suryahs-injunction-hindi-remake-tamil-film-valee-197756 |archive-date=28 April 2022 |access-date=2 May 2022 |website=Live Law}}</ref>
The soundtrack features 6 songs composed by [[Deva (music director) |Deva]]


== References ==
* Gee Priya - [[SP Balasubramanyam]], [[Swarnalatha]]
{{reflist}}
* Nilavai Konduva - [[Unni Krishnan]], [[Anuradha Sriram]]
* Vaanil Kaayuthae - [[Mano (singer)|Mano]] , [[Anuradha Sriram]], Surya
* Apirl Maathathil - [[Unni Krishnan]], [[Harini]]
* Sona Sona - [[Hariharan (singer)|Hariharan]], [[Ajith]]


==Box Office==
== Bibliography ==
* {{Cite book |last=Dhananjayan |first=G. |title=The Best of Tamil Cinema, 1931 to 2010: 1977–2010 |publisher=Galatta Media |year=2011 |oclc=733724281 |author-link=G. Dhananjayan}}
* The film grossed Rs.19 million in the first week of release and ran for 270 days.
* It was later dubbed into Telugu as ''Vaali'' and Hindi as ''Vaalee''.
* After 100 days, the film was pitted against another Ajith release - ''Anandha Poongatrey''. Surprisingly, both films did remarkably well.


== External links ==
== External links ==
* {{imdb title|id=0368400|title=Vaali}}
* {{IMDb title}}
* {{Rotten Tomatoes}}
{{S. J. Suryah}}


[[Category:1990s Indian films]]
[[Category:1990s romantic thriller films]]
[[Category:1990s Tamil-language films]]
[[Category:1999 directorial debut films]]
[[Category:1999 films]]
[[Category:1999 films]]
[[Category:Indian films]]
[[Category:1999 psychological thriller films]]
[[Category:Tamil-language films]]
[[Category:Fiction with unreliable narrators]]
[[Category:Films about deaf people]]
[[Category:Films about siblicide]]
[[Category:Films about twin brothers]]
[[Category:Films directed by S. J. Suryah]]
[[Category:Films scored by Deva (composer)]]
[[Category:Indian psychological thriller films]]
[[Category:Indian romantic thriller films]]
[[Category:Tamil films remade in other languages]]
[[Category:Tamil-language Indian films]]
[[Category:Tamil-language psychological thriller films]]
[[Category:Twins in Indian films]]

Latest revision as of 21:29, 18 December 2024

Vaalee
Poster
Directed byS. J. Suryah
Written byS. J. Suryah
Produced byS. S. Chakravarthy
StarringAjith Kumar
Simran
Jyothika
CinematographyJeeva
M. S. Prabhu (additional)
Edited byB. Lenin
V. T. Vijayan
Music byDeva
Production
company
NIC Arts
Release date
  • 30 April 1999 (1999-04-30)
Running time
167 minutes[1]
CountryIndia
LanguageTamil

Vaalee is a 1999 Indian Tamil-language psychological romantic thriller film written and directed by S. J. Suryah in his directorial debut. The film stars Ajith Kumar in two roles with Simran and Jyothika in her Tamil debut while Vivek, Rajeev, Pandu and Sujitha appear in supporting roles. A modern-day adaptation of the story of Vali from the Ramayana, it revolves around identical twins Shiva and Deva, with Deva being deaf-mute. When Shiva marries Priya, Deva becomes obsessed with, and lusts for her.

Suryah completed the script for Vaalee in 60 days, and the project was picked up for production by S. S. Chakravarthy of NIC Arts. The soundtrack was composed by Deva, and the lyrics were written by Vairamuthu. The cinematography was handled by Jeeva, while the editing was done by the duo B. Lenin and V. T. Vijayan.

Vaalee was released on 30 April 1999 to positive reviews from critics. The film became a commercial success, running for over 270 days in theatres. Ajith won the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil and Jyothika won Best Female Debut – South at the same ceremony. The film was remade in Kannada under the same title in 2001.

Plot

[edit]

Shiva and Deva are identical twin brothers. Deva, the elder, is deaf-mute; but he is an expert at lip reading, and the head of a successful advertising company. Shiva loves and trusts his brother. Shiva falls in love with Priya, who wants to marry someone who is an ex-smoker, ex-drunkard, and got ditched by a girl but is pining for her. Learning this, Shiva, with the help of his friend Vicky, invents a romance between him and a certain Sona, and wins Priya's love. Soon Priya realises Shiva's trick and breaks up with him. He tries to tell her that he only cheated and lied to her in the old romance story, but he truly loved her. One day, Priya comes to Shiva's house and slaps him, but eventually she reciprocates his love.

Meanwhile, Deva chances upon Priya and lusts for her. His obsession continues even after his brother marries her and he devises various means of getting close to Priya and keeping Shiva and her apart. Some of the methods Deva uses to woo Priya are masochistic (wounding his hand by the running car engine to stop the couple's wedding night) and psychotic (repeated attempts to murder his brother).

While Shiva is away at work as a substitute for his injured brother, Priya looks after Deva. Priya soon realises the intentions Deva has towards her, but Shiva refuses to believe her and has complete trust in his brother. He even goes as far as to take Priya to a psychiatrist. To get away from it all, Shiva and Priya go on a long-delayed honeymoon, but Deva shows up there. Shiva watches Deva touching Priya's dress and kissing her photo and he realises that she was right all along. Deva beats up Shiva, packs him in a gunny bag, and throws him into a lorry.

Deva disguises himself as Shiva and tries to seduce Priya. Shiva calls her to warn her that Deva is there but Deva picks up the call. She thinks that Shiva told Deva where they are and the one on the phone is Deva's assistant Sudha who called her to tell that Deva might injure himself to disturb their honeymoon. She takes off the phone's wire so that he will not call them back. Shiva then hastens to the house to save Priya from Deva.

Soon, Priya learns that he is Deva and escapes from him, then shoots him with a revolver. Deva falls into the pool unconscious, and when Shiva comes, she narrates the whole incident to him. He hugs and apologises to her for not believing her earlier, for taking her to the psychiatrist without knowing the truth and for trusting Deva without knowing his intentions towards her. Suddenly, Deva regains consciousness, but Shiva immediately kills him with the revolver. In the afterlife, Deva talks about his inability to express his feelings for Priya because he was mute.

Cast

[edit]

Production

[edit]

Development

[edit]

S. J. Suryah had worked as an assistant director in Vasanth's Aasai (1995) which featured Ajith Kumar in the main lead as well as working with him during the making of Ullaasam (1997). Ajith asked Suryah to prepare a good script and promised he would give him a chance to make his directorial debut. After Suryah completed the script of Vaalee in 60 days, the pair approached S. S. Chakravarthy to produce the film.[6][7][8] The film is a modern-day adaptation of the legend of Vali from the Ramayana.[9]

Casting

[edit]

Keerthi Reddy was announced to be the lead actress in the film in December 1997, though she was replaced by Simran before filming began.[10] Roja and Meena also were approached to play the female lead but both of them could not allocate the dates.[11] Jyothika, sister of actress Nagma, made her Tamil debut in the film as an imaginary character, Sona.[12] She said she was initially offered the female lead role, but declined due to scheduling conflicts with Doli Saja Ke Rakhna (1998).[13] Livingston made a guest appearance as it was Suryah's wish that he appear in at least one scene.[14] This is the first film where Ajith played two characters.[2][15] Ajith mentioned that Vaalee "was very close to my heart and I gave it everything I had", adding that he had initially received widespread negative publicity and scepticism for doing a dual role too early in his career.[16]

Filming

[edit]

The scene where one of Ajith's characters answers a phone call was shot at a bungalow in Boat Club Road, Chennai. According to Suryah, this scene was the first shot he composed and it involved meticulous planning.[17] Another scene was planned to show Deva having shaved his moustache to differentiate from Deva, only to see he has shaved as well. The scene went unfilmed due to Ajith's refusal to shave his moustache which he needed for another film.[18] Simran's voice was dubbed by Savitha Radhakrishnan.[19]

Soundtrack

[edit]

The soundtrack was composed by Deva and lyrics were written by Vairamuthu.[20] The song "Oh Sona" is based on "Susanna" by VOF de Kunst, and "Where Do I Begin?", the theme to Love Story composed by Francis Lai.[21][22]

Track listing
No.TitleSinger(s)Length
1."Oh Sona"Hariharan, Ajith Kumar, Febi Mani6:03
2."Gee Priya"S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, Swarnalatha5:28
3."Nilavai Konduva"P. Unnikrishnan, Anuradha Sriram6:05
4."Vaanil Kaayuthae"Mano, Anuradha Sriram, S. J. Suryah6:27
5."April Maathathil"P. Unnikrishnan, Harini5:28
Total length:29:31

Release

[edit]

Vaalee was released on 30 April 1999.[23] The film became a huge commercial success, and was also successful in Kerala where it ran for over 100 days in theatres.[24] It provided a major breakthrough for Ajith, Simran and Jyothika's careers.[25][26][27][28] The film was dubbed and released in Telugu under the same title in October 1999.[29]

Critical reception

[edit]

Vaalee received positive reviews from critics.[30] Lakshmi of Deccan Herald described the film as "definitely worth seeing", saying it "has something for all tastes – a pleasant love angle, some suspense, complex psychological nuances, good acting, pleasing songs" while praising Ajith's performance.[31] The New Indian Express labelled Simran's portrayal as "outstanding" while mentioning Suryah does a "fairly good job and succeeds".[32] K. P. S. of Kalki appreciated Deva's music, the performances of Ajith and Simran, and Jeeva's cinematography, adding that Suryah's future as a director seemed bright.[33]

Ananda Vikatan appreciated the film by giving 45 marks and mentioned "Director SJ Suryah established his stamp of film-making in his very first film by taking up a straight line story with an engaging screenplay and realistic dialogues. Ajith Kumar has done a fantastic job in dual role and Simran also proved that she can act".[3] K. N. Vijiyan of New Straits Times wrote, "It is amazing what fresh ideas new directors can come out with [...] Using a simple story, Suryah has come out with a winner".[34] D. S. Ramanujam of The Hindu wrote, "Rich production values, fine performances by Ajit Kumar (playing the dual role of brothers) and Simran, bold and powerful dialogue by S. J. Surya, who has directed the movie based on his story and screenplay, are the major contributing factor[s]" in the film.[35]

Accolades

[edit]
Award Category Recipient Ref.
47th Filmfare Awards South Best Actor – Tamil Ajith Kumar [36]
[37]
Best Female Debut – South Jyothika
Cinema Express Awards Best Actor – Tamil Ajith Kumar [38]
Best Actress – Tamil Simran
Best Newface Actress of the Year Jyothika
Best Music Director Deva
Best Comedian Vivek
Dinakaran Film Awards Best Actor Ajith Kumar [39]
Best Actress Simran
Best Debut Actress Jyothika

Remakes

[edit]

Vaalee was remade in Kannada under the same title (2001).[40] Boney Kapoor entered negotiations with Chakravarthy to acquire the remake rights for Hindi and other languages. In response, Suryah attempted to block Chakravarthy from selling the remake rights by filing a case to the Madras High Court, but his plea was rejected. Kapoor and Chakravarthy's deal was closed around July/August 2020. In November 2021, Suryah appealed to the Supreme Court of India, using a 2017 verdict by the Madras High Court that only the screenwriter holds the remake rights to his own film,[41][42] but on 25 April 2022, the Supreme Court rejected his plea: "There can be no dispute that in respect of a cinematograph film, it is the producer of the film who is the owner of the copyright in the cinematograph film itself".[43]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Vaalee". British Board of Film Classification. Archived from the original on 25 January 2022. Retrieved 25 January 2022.
  2. ^ a b c Dhananjayan 2011, p. 208.
  3. ^ a b c Dhananjayan 2011, p. 209.
  4. ^ Rajitha (7 May 2000). "What's up, doc?". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 23 February 2003. Retrieved 26 May 2022.
  5. ^ "Actor, director G Marimuthu passes away". Cinema Express. 8 September 2023. Archived from the original on 8 September 2023. Retrieved 8 September 2023.
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