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Payanam (2011 film)

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

Payanam (transl. Journey) is a 2011 Indian action thriller film that was written and directed by Radha Mohan. It was simultaneously filmed in Tamil and Telugu languages, the latter being titled Gaganam (transl. Sky). The film's plot is based on a flight hijacking incident. The film stars Nagarjuna, Prakash Raj, Poonam Kaur, Sana Khan, Rishi, Brahmanandam and Thalaivaasal Vijay. Payanam and Gaganam was produced by Raj and Dil Raju, respectively. The film was released on 11 February 2011 to positive reception.

Plot

[edit]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cast and characters

[edit]

Main cast

[edit]

Flight crew and passengers

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


Flight passengers

Supporting cast

[edit]
  • Brahmanandam as Film Director Rajesh Kapur
  • Harsha Vardhan as Reporter Srinivas
  • Sricharan as Ranganath (also Yusuf Khan in the climax)[1]
  • Dr. Bharath Reddy as Captain Nawaz Khan
  • Laxmi Ratten as Krishnamurthy, National Security Advisor
  • Melkote as S. K. Sharma, Spl. Secretary – Internal Security
  • Kovai Krishnan as M. G. Menon, Joint Secretary - Kashmir
  • G. Srinivasan, Chennai Airport Director
  • Satyam Rajesh as Airport Passenger (Telugu)

Production

[edit]

Development, cast and crew

[edit]

Radha Mohan, after directing the family-oriented romance and drama films Azhagiya Theeye, Mozhi and Abhiyum Naanum, decided to produce an action thriller about an aircraft hijacking. He approached his close friend actor-producer Prakash Raj, who produced all his earlier films. Raj agreed to fund this film after reading Flight Into Fear by Devi Sharan, marking the pair's fourth collaboration.[2] Raj renamed his Duet Movies banner Silent Movies, the logo and name of which Radha Mohan had designed.[3] Mohan also decided to make the film simultaneously in both Tamil and Telugu languages, and was able to persuade Telugu film producer Dil Raju to produce the Telugu version, titled Gaganam,[3][4] whilst engaging actor Nagarjuna, who is well-known in both film industries, to play the lead role of a National Security Guards commando. Nagarjuna said Payanam was "one of the easiest" he had worked on because he did not have to prepare much for the role since Mohan and Raj had done "so much research", spoken to army officers and had "everything about the role on paper – how commandos behave and dress".[5] Nagarjuna chose the title for the Telugu version himself.[6]

Nagarjuna, starring in his first direct Tamil film in 13 years, was part of an ensemble cast that includes around 45 actors from both Tamil and Telugu industries, the cast being retained for both versions.[3] This was Nagarjuna's first film without a love interest for his character.[7] Nagarjuna found it difficult to mouth Tamil dialogues due to his lack of fluency in the language.[8] His Tamil voice was dubbed by Sekar.[9] Prakash Raj, who had starred in all of Mohan's earlier films, was cast in a main role.[10] He considered Babloo Prithiveeraj's character Chandrakanth, a superstar, to represent "all falsehood in our cinema".[11] Sana Khan played a passenger that was held hostage.[12] To prepare for his role of a priest in the film, M. S. Bhaskar observed the diction and gait of priests at churches.[13] Narayan played a drug addict.[14] After sending his application for the film's casting, Sricharan received the opportunity to play dual roles: a terrorist named Yusuf Khan and a junior artist named Ranganath.[1] Mohan had already had Sricharan in mind for the dual role after seeing his performance in M3V (2008).[15]

Filming and post-production

[edit]

Despite widespread reports Payanam is based on the 1999 hijacking of the Indian Airlines Flight 814,[16] Raj has denied these reports, making clear it is about a hijack that takes place at Tirupati Airport.[17] Art director Kathir erected a grand set resembling Tirupati airport at Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad.[3] The airport set was constructed within one month and cost ₹3 crore.[3] The film was also shot at Chennai and Kullu-Manali.[18] Both of the versions had different runtimes to suit the local audiences' sensibilities with the Telugu version being shorter than the Tamil version.[19]

The release of Payanam and Gaganam was postponed several times despite being ready for release in September 2010: the release of Brindavanam (2010) in October, several high-key Tamil films in November, and Nagavalli (2010) and Ragada (2010) in December further delayed both versions of the film's release. The post-production of Gaganam was delayed by the strike in the Telugu film industry in January 2010. Dil Raju talked with the producers of Katha Screenplay Darsakatvam Appalaraju (2011) and helped secure the 11 February release date for Gaganam.[19]

Themes and influences

[edit]

According to film critic Baradwaj Rangan, "You could call Payanam a cross between a disaster movie (say, Airport) and a Mouli stage play. There's such an air of bonhomous familiarity to those who grew up in the seventies and the eighties".[20] Unlike American hijack films like Executive Decision (1996) which are supposed to be suspenseful throughout, Payanam also included comedic sequences.[21]

Music

[edit]

Pravin Mani was assigned as the film composer and worked on the film's background score. The film would include only one solo song, which was composed by Pravin and was written by Vairamuthu's son Madhan Karky.[3] According to the director: Payanam is a different film, a very character-oriented film with no songs".[18] Nagarjuna attributed the film's lack of songs to Indian cinema's attempt to replicate Hollywood.[6]

Tamil Tracklist[22]
No.TitleLyricsSinger(s)Length
1."Payanam"Madhan KarkyPravin Mani, Pradeep, Suvi Suresh3:15
Total length:3:15
Telugu Tracklist[23]
No.TitleLyricsSinger(s)Length
1."Gaganam"Suddala Ashok TejaVijay Prakash3:17
Total length:3:17

Reception

[edit]

Tamil version

[edit]

Pavithra Srinivasan of Rediff.com rated Payanam 3.5 out of 5 and stated; "The sequences are logical, even while allowing for dashes of humour, soul-searching, and feel-good factors; the whole setting has a realistic feel that draws you in".[24] Rangan wrote, "The film is brisk and never boring. But its biggest achievement may be in proving that it is possible to sneak various genres past the barbed-wire boundaries of Tamil cinema".[20] A critic from Sify.com stated: "The film's supporting cast is what makes it work. On the whole, Radha Mohan's Payanam is an enjoyable ride."[25] Chennai Online praised the attempt to insert comedy in the action sequences, saying; "A big plus is a comedy in the script with the various characters from all backgrounds from a star to an astrologer, all thrown together in the aircraft".[26] The Hindu noted; "The film grabs audience attention from the word go – you're worried about the plight of the passengers one minute, chuckling the very next at the wry humour, and before long, gripped by the suspense". The reviewer also praised the art director, stating: "The aircraft and airport are apparently a set. Really? Art director Kathir, take a bow!" and also said; "As the end credits roll, you only wish there had been a Major Raveendran who had his way in December 1999 at Amritsar".[27] A critic from The Times of India gave a score of 2.5 out of 5 and said; "Radhamohan's Payanam would have been a more engaging watch only if the journey was a littler shorter".[28] A critic from The New Indian Express wrote, "Rarely has a flight-hijack drama been presented on the Indian screen. There are rare ones like the recent Malayalam release Khandahar inspired by a real-life incident. So, Payanam a bilingual (Tamil, Telugu) centered on a hijack-plot, comes as a welcome change".[21]

Telugu version

[edit]

Radhika Rajamani of Rediff.com wrote: "Director Radhamohan has crafted a brilliant hijack drama in Gaganam. The film is filled with suspense and thrills and laced occasionally with humour."[29] Jeevi of Idlebrain.com called Gaganam "a decent film which should be watched with an open mind".[30] A critic from The New Indian Express called Gaganam "a must watch".[31]

Accolades

[edit]
Award Category Recipient(s) and nominee(s) Result Ref.
Norway Tamil Film Festival Awards Best Director Radha Mohan Won [32]
People's Choice Payanam Won
Tamil Nadu State Film Awards Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Script Writer Radha Mohan Won [33]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "People think I'm crazy: Sricharan". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 17 November 2021. Retrieved 25 June 2024.
  2. ^ "Prakash's Payanam". Bangalore Mirror. 22 November 2009. Retrieved 13 May 2025.
  3. ^ a b c d e f "Payanam trailer launched". Sify. 14 January 2011. Archived from the original on 17 January 2011. Retrieved 25 October 2011.
  4. ^ "Gaganam on 4 February". Idlebrain.com. 5 January 2011. Retrieved 25 October 2011.
  5. ^ "Nagarjuna: Can't shift to Chennai". The Times of India. 18 January 2011. Archived from the original on 21 January 2011. Retrieved 25 October 2011.
  6. ^ a b Rajamani, Radhika (10 February 2011). "Meet Nagarjuna, the commando!". Rediff.com. Hyderabad. Retrieved 13 May 2025.
  7. ^ "I need not think about heroines: Nag". The Times of India. 27 January 2011. Archived from the original on 28 September 2023. Retrieved 24 August 2023.
  8. ^ "Gaganam in November 2nd week". Idlebrain.com. 12 October 2010. Retrieved 4 May 2025.
  9. ^ "அமரேந்திர பாகுபலியாகிய நான் - சேகர்" [I am Amarendra Baahubali - Sekar] (in Tamil). Cinema Vikatan. 1 May 2017. Archived from the original on 26 May 2019. Retrieved 26 May 2019.
  10. ^ "Payanam trailer launch on Jan 14". Sify. 11 January 2011. Archived from the original on 14 January 2011. Retrieved 25 October 2011.
  11. ^ "Hats off to Radha Mohan: Prakash Raj". The Times of India. 14 February 2011. Archived from the original on 20 April 2018. Retrieved 20 April 2018.
  12. ^ "'I was not endorsing smoking'". The New Indian Express. 16 May 2012. Retrieved 13 May 2025.
  13. ^ Suganth, M. (17 August 2015). "There's no spontaneity in acting; every actor needs to do homework". The Times of India. Retrieved 13 May 2025.
  14. ^ Raghavan, Nikhil (13 July 2013). "Etcetera: A steady climb up". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 21 February 2023. Retrieved 21 February 2023.
  15. ^ "Dream come true". The Hindu. 4 April 2013. Archived from the original on 9 April 2013. Retrieved 13 May 2025.
  16. ^ "Nagarjuna explores Kandahar hijacking in new film". NDTV. 12 January 2011. Archived from the original on 16 January 2011. Retrieved 25 October 2011.
  17. ^ "Prakash Raj confirms Payanam on Dec 3". Sify. 3 November 2010. Archived from the original on 6 November 2010. Retrieved 25 October 2011.
  18. ^ a b Rajamani, Radhika (28 September 2010). "First look: Nagarjuna's Gaganam". Rediff.com. Hyderabad. Retrieved 13 May 2025.
  19. ^ a b Jeevi (7 February 2011). "Interview with Dil Raju". Idlebrain.com. Retrieved 4 May 2025.
  20. ^ a b Rangan, Baradwaj (19 February 2011). "Bullet-point Report: Payanam / Nadunisi Naaigal « Baradwaj Rangan". Baradwajrangan.wordpress.com. Archived from the original on 12 August 2011. Retrieved 25 October 2011.
  21. ^ a b "Payanam". The New Indian Express. 15 February 2011. Retrieved 13 May 2025.
  22. ^ "Payanam - Single". Apple Music. 2011. Retrieved 14 May 2025.
  23. ^ "Gaganam". JioSaavn. 2011. Retrieved 14 May 2025.
  24. ^ Srinivasan, Pavithra (11 February 2011). "Review: Nagarjuna's Payanam works!". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 10 August 2011. Retrieved 25 October 2011.
  25. ^ "Movie Review:Payanam". Sify. Archived from the original on 16 March 2013. Retrieved 25 October 2011.
  26. ^ "Movie Review: 'Payanam'". ChennaiOnline. Archived from the original on 28 November 2011. Retrieved 25 October 2011.
  27. ^ Subha J. Rao (12 February 2011). "Arts / Cinema : Suspense in the air". The Hindu. India. Archived from the original on 15 February 2011. Retrieved 25 October 2011.
  28. ^ "Payanam". The Times of India. 13 February 2011. Archived from the original on 19 February 2011. Retrieved 19 May 2011.
  29. ^ Rajamani, Radhika (1 February 2011). "Review: Gaganam is a must-watch". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 22 March 2023. Retrieved 21 February 2023.
  30. ^ Jeevi (11 February 2011). "Telugu Movie review - Gaganam". Idlebrain.com. Archived from the original on 21 February 2023. Retrieved 21 February 2023.
  31. ^ "Gaganam". The New Indian Express. 14 February 2011. Archived from the original on 17 August 2023. Retrieved 17 August 2023.
  32. ^ "Gaganam bags two awards in Norway Film Fest". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 18 November 2021. Retrieved 17 November 2021.
  33. ^ "TN Govt. announces Tamil Film Awards for six years". The Hindu. 14 July 2017. Archived from the original on 11 June 2020. Retrieved 17 November 2021.
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