Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Isai

Isai (transl. ) is a 2015 Indian Tamil-language musical film written, directed and scored by . Suryah stars in the lead role alongside and . The film was released on 30 January . The story revolves around the intense rivalry between a music composer Vetriselvan () and his ambitious assistant A. K. (Suryah), whose success sparks jealousy and leads to and . The narrative culminates in a twist revealing much of the events as Shiva's dream.

Synopsis

Plot

Isai centers on Vetriselvan, a once-celebrated whose career has begun to falter after decades of dominance in the , and his ambitious assistant A. K. , a talented young musician eager to make his mark. starts as Vetriselvan's subordinate in the , idolizing his mentor's work, but seizes an opportunity to compose independently for a project when Vetriselvan struggles with creative block. His innovative score, incorporating modern keyboard techniques and everyday sounds, becomes a massive , propelling to stardom as the new "Isai Kadal" and eclipsing Vetriselvan's legacy. Vetriselvan, overwhelmed by and unable to compose himself due to his rage-fueled breakdown—including the of the director who launched —initiates a series of attempts to dismantle Shiva's rising . He spreads damaging rumors about Shiva's abilities, manipulates industry contacts to blacklist him, and sends his daughter Jeni, posing as Shiva's girlfriend, to aid in the sabotage, including actions that lead to a and isolate him emotionally. serves as a key plot driver throughout, with Vetriselvan composing rival tracks to undermine Shiva's work and employing psychological tactics, like staged hallucinations and orchestrated doubts, to erode Shiva's confidence and drive him toward professional ruin. As Shiva records ambient nature sounds for his next album, Vetriselvan's schemes intensify, turning the narrative into a tense psycho-thriller where blurs for the . The climax reveals that the entire rivalry and events were a dream originating from Shiva's mind. Upon waking, Shiva returns to his actual successful life as a renowned , married to , with fans eagerly awaiting his next album, and decides to use the dream as inspiration for a story, thus resolving the imagined conflicts.

Cast

The film Isai features an ensemble led by , who portrays the protagonist A. K. , a talented navigating the competitive . Suryah also appears in a as himself, adding a layer to his multifaceted involvement as , , and . plays Vetriselvan, an aging and established whose legacy shapes the central dynamics. makes her debut as Jeni, Shiva's love interest and secretly Vetriselvan's daughter, bringing a fresh presence to the ensemble. Supporting roles enrich the narrative's exploration of professional rivalries and personal relationships. Nila portrays , A. K. Shiva's wife in reality, providing emotional depth in the resolution. Other notable supporting actors include as the Church Priest, a figure of moral guidance; as Karuppu, a comic sidekick; and N. Azhagamperumal as , representing industry figures like producers and rivals. and Gibran Osman appear in key secondary roles that highlight the cutthroat world of music production. The casting emphasizes Suryah's vision, with his self-insertion across creative roles underscoring the film's autobiographical undertones in the music domain.

Production

Development

S. J. Suryah announced the project Isai in 2004 as his directorial comeback following a after New, with the story inspired by his personal experiences in the music industry. The project faced delays and was shelved after initial announcements, partly due to Suryah's other commitments and changes in music composition plans. Initially, was approached for the music, but he suggested Suryah compose it himself. Suryah wrote the script solo, iterating on multiple versions from 2004 to 2011, before reviving the project in November 2011 with a sharpened focus on elements centered on rivalry among . The revival involved budget adjustments to accommodate Suryah's debut as and the addition of India as co-producer for the soundtrack. The official launch took place in May 2012, marking the start of pre-production.

Casting and filming

The casting for Isai featured S. J. Suryah in the lead role of A. K. Shiva, a young music composer, alongside veteran actor Sathyaraj as the established music director Vetriselvan. Sulagna Panigrahi was chosen for the female lead role of Jenny after Suryah auditioned over 200 new faces, marking her debut in Tamil cinema where she was credited as Savithri. The technical crew included cinematographer S. Soundar Rajan, known for his work in capturing the film's musical sequences with dynamic visuals, and editor K. M. Riyas, who handled the pacing of the thriller elements. Principal photography commenced in May 2012 in , with key sequences shot at studios like Binny Mills, where elaborate sets including artificial waterfalls were constructed for dramatic scenes. Outdoor filming occurred in locations such as to enhance the film's atmospheric musical interludes. The production adopted sync-sound techniques to ensure authenticity in the music-heavy dialogues and songs. The shoot extended from May 2012 to January 2014, facing delays partly due to Suryah's dual responsibilities in directing and composing the score, which led to reshoots for refining the narrative twist in the ending and contributed to budget challenges.

Artistic aspects

Themes and influences

Isai explores the rivalry between generations in the film , where an established composer's dominance is challenged by a rising , leading to intense interpersonal conflicts. The narrative delves into the psychological toll of , portraying how professional erodes personal stability and drives destructive behavior, as seen in the protagonist's descent into and . Ultimately, the film posits through artistic expression, suggesting that true fulfillment arises from reconnecting with one's creative roots amid industry pressures. Music serves as a central for and in the film, representing not only professional achievement but also the characters' internal battles for recognition and immortality in the . Compositions symbolize the clash between and stagnation, with the older musician's reliance on past glories underscoring themes of and self-importance. This symbolic use highlights how artistic creation can both inflate egos and offer a path to preservation. The film's influences draw from real-life composer feuds within the Tamil music scene, alluding to dynamics such as those between and , where generational shifts sparked insecurities and rivalries. Director has cited these as inspirations for depicting the rise and fall of composers, emphasizing the universal struggle for relevance without targeting individuals. Through its storyline, Isai critiques the prioritization of commercial success over artistic integrity, illustrating how market demands can compromise creative authenticity and exacerbate envy among artists. Suryah intended to shed light on the unsung aspects of the industry, such as the hidden battles for survival faced by musicians beyond the spotlight, paying tribute to their overlooked contributions.

Soundtrack

The soundtrack album for Isai features eight tracks, including five songs and three instrumentals, released on 2 2014 by Divo. All compositions were created by in his debut as a full-time music director, with lyrics primarily penned by and additional contributions from Pop Shalini and Georgina Singh for select tracks; Suryah also directed the singing performances. Among the key tracks, "Isai Veesi," a laid-back number sung by Chinmayi with influences, stands out as a melodic duet-style piece. "Nee Poiyyaa," rendered by , delivers a melancholic vibe infused with Carnatic elements. The three instrumentals—"Lip Lock (Theme)," "She Is His Piano (Theme)," and "Baby (Theme)"—emphasize classical fusion through subtle ragas and atmospheric layering.) Suryah's composition process marked his first complete soundtrack effort, drawing from years of preparation starting as early as , and blending traditional Carnatic ragas such as Nata Bhairavi with electronic beats, Western classical touches, and contemporary genres like and ; recording took place in studios between 2013 and 2014. The album generated positive initial buzz for its innovative fusion of styles, earning a 3/5 rating from critics who praised Suryah's bold experimentation, and it performed well on radio stations, contributing to steady digital streams and airplay in the weeks following release.

Release and distribution

Marketing

The marketing campaign for Isai began with the release of its official trailer on , 2014, coinciding with Vinayagar Chathurthi, which showcased the film's musical elements and S. J. Suryah's multifaceted involvement as , , and . Promotional posters featured Suryah in intense, music-centric poses alongside co-stars and Savithri, emphasizing the narrative's focus on professional rivalry in the film industry without revealing key twists. A key partnership with Sun TV facilitated the audio launch event on November 8, 2014, held at a TV studio and telecast on November 16, 2014, to maximize reach among music enthusiasts. The event drew high-profile guests including and , who delivered speeches praising Suryah's vision and past collaborations, such as Kushi, thereby generating significant buzz through celebrity endorsements and live audience engagement. Suryah leveraged his presence, particularly on , to share teaser clips and behind-the-scenes content targeting fans of and music, amplifying pre-release excitement. Promotional strategies highlighted Suryah's triple role to underscore the film's authenticity in depicting a composer's world, with press interactions focusing on the mentor-protégé rivalry central to the story while avoiding spoilers. Limited previews were screened for select critics to foster positive word-of-mouth, positioning Isai as a fresh take on musical intrigue. The served as a core tool, with songs like "Isai Veesi" released alongside the audio event to build anticipation through radio and digital platforms.

Theatrical release

Isai was theatrically released on 30 January 2015 in the . The film received a U/A certification from the (CBFC). Its initial runtime was 190 minutes, which was later trimmed by 7 minutes to 183 minutes following audience feedback after the initial screenings. The release was handled by distributor across more than 300 screens in . The film's release was delayed from its planned 2014 slot due to extended work, with final CBFC certification obtained in January 2015. Although initially considered for production as a bilingual in and , it was ultimately released solely in , with no dubbed versions pursued. A limited international release occurred in and alongside the domestic rollout. The premiere featured a special screening in prior to the wide release.

Box office

Isai opened in second position at the box office during its debut weekend, grossing approximately ₹0.26 across 96 shows. The film's performance declined sharply in the second week, dropping to third position in with total collections of about ₹0.22 , including a weekend gross of ₹0.045 that represented an over 80% decrease from the opening weekend. By the third week, collections further diminished to ₹0.05 , leading to an overall average verdict for the release, which was limited in scale and primarily driven by urban multiplex screenings such as Sathyam Cinemas. The film saw no significant overseas earnings, with just $8,461 reported from . Compared to contemporaries, Isai underperformed relative to major 2015 releases like I, which dominated the that year.

Reception and legacy

Critical response

Upon its release, Isai received mixed-to-positive reviews from critics, who praised its ambitious storytelling and strong performances while critiquing its excessive runtime and occasional melodrama. The film holds an average rating of 3 out of 5 from The Times of India, which described it as "fairly engaging" despite its length, and a user score of 6.4 out of 10 on IMDb based on over 700 ratings. Critics lauded S. J. Suryah's direction for effectively integrating music into the , creating emotional depth in the central between the mentor and protégé, particularly in scenes exploring and . Sathyaraj's portrayal of the aging Vetrichelvan was a standout, with reviewers highlighting his hammy yet charismatic that anchored the film's psychological elements and delivered a shocking in the climax. The and also drew praise for their spectacular execution, enhancing the thriller's musical atmosphere. However, the film's overlong runtime exceeding three hours was a frequent point of , with lengthy dialogue-heavy scenes slowing the pacing, especially in the first half. Some reviewers found parts of the plot predictable and overly melodramatic, while the female characters were underdeveloped, relegated to cheesy romantic subplots that felt out of place. Notable reviews included , which acknowledged the "lots of problems" but noted that the "preposterous plot pulls you through," crediting its bizarre twists for maintaining engagement. Rediff awarded it 3 out of 5 stars, calling it an "ambitious" and "compelling musical thriller" for its blend of visuals and performances. rated the film 43 out of 100.

Accolades

The film Isai garnered no major awards. Ananda Vikatan rated it 43 out of 100.

Cultural impact

Isai contributed to interest in composer-centric narratives within , emphasizing the personal and professional rivalries in the music industry. The film's original soundtrack, composed by , has maintained a legacy, with retrospectives lauding the score's innovative fusion of traditional Carnatic elements with modern orchestration, highlighting its role in advancing experimental film music. Isai's depiction of psychological turmoil, including intense jealousy and its effects on mental well-being within the high-stakes world of music composition, has fueled discussions in Tamil media about the portrayal of mental health issues. Following its theatrical run, Isai received a DVD release and debuted on the OTT platform Sun NXT in 2018, broadening its accessibility to global audiences; streaming metrics for the title saw a marked increase during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdowns, aligning with a broader surge in viewership for regional Tamil content as viewers sought home-based entertainment options.

References

  1. [1]
    Who was Jesse in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org
    Jan 4, 2022 · Jesse in the Bible is father of David and thus an important part of the lineage of Christ, the Son of David (Matthew 22:42).
  2. [2]
    Who Was Jesse in the Bible? | Bible Study Tools
    The Bible tells us in Ruth 4:22 that Jesse was the son of Obed and was also David's father. Outside of this, the Bible does not tell us a lot about who Jesse ...
  3. [3]
  4. [4]
  5. [5]
  6. [6]
    Meaning of the name Isai
    Aug 7, 2025 · The name Isai is predominantly a male name with Hebrew origins. It is the Spanish and Portuguese version of the biblical name Jesse, which means ...
  7. [7]
    What is the meaning of the root of Jesse in the Bible? - Got Questions
    Jul 22, 2024 · The term root of Jesse figuratively stands for the Messiah. The “root” of a family is its progenitor. Jesse was King David's father.
  8. [8]
    Isai Movie Review {3/5}: Critic Review of Isai by Times of India
    Rating 3.0 · Review by M SuganthJan 30, 2015 · Synopsis: Three friends who cannot seem to catch a break decide to make their own ways. Where do their paths lead them?Movie Review: Robert ...Missing: summary | Show results with:summary
  9. [9]
    Movie review 'Isai': Suryah is back with bang! - Deccan Chronicle
    Jan 31, 2015 · To rebound his lost stardom, an ego-centric Vetri hatches a plot to brand Shiva as an inept composer. Whether Shiva overcomes the odds and ...Missing: dream sequence fantasy
  10. [10]
    Review: Isai is a compelling musical thriller - Rediff.com
    Feb 2, 2015 · The film revolves around an aging egoistic music legend and his vicious plan to sabotage the rising career of his extraordinary protégé. The ...Missing: Tamil | Show results with:Tamil
  11. [11]
    Isai: Lots of problems, but the preposterous plot pulls you through
    Jan 30, 2015 · The film tells the story of a famous film-music composer named Isai Vendhan Vetrichelvan (Sathyaraj, having fun hamming it up in his trademark style).Missing: summary | Show results with:summary
  12. [12]
    Isai Movie Review - Behindwoods
    Jan 30, 2015 · To what extent does a musical genius (played by Sathyaraj) go, to stop the growth of his former assistant (SJ Suryah) and also a potential ...Missing: summary | Show results with:summary
  13. [13]
    Isai (2015) - IMDb
    Rating 6.4/10 (763) Isai is more than a film about music-it's about pride, ambition, and the price of genius. While it may occasionally indulge in melodrama, its gripping plot, ...
  14. [14]
    Isai (2015) - Cast & Crew — The Movie Database (TMDB)
    Cast 12 · S. J. Suryah. A. K. Shiva · Savithri. Jenny · Sathyaraj. Vetriselvan · Thambi Ramaiah. Church Priest · N. Azhagamperumal. Gunasekhar · Ganja Karuppu.
  15. [15]
    Isai Cast & Crew | Cast Of Isai Tamil Movie - FilmiBeat
    Cast & Crew · S.J. Surya · Savithri · Sathyaraj · Jayaprakash · Gibran Osman · MS Bhaskar · MS Bhaskar · MS Bhaskar.
  16. [16]
    Isai | Cast and Crew - Rotten Tomatoes
    Credit(s) Director, Actor, Screenwriter, Original Music. Sulagna Panigrahi. Character(s) Jenny. Credit(s) Actor. Sathyaraj. Character(s) Vetriselvan. Credit(s) ...
  17. [17]
    I'd call Karthik Subbaraj a modern-day Mani Ratnam - Times of India
    Jan 16, 2017 · Most of my films like Anbe Aaruyire and Isai are based on my real-life experiences. 'Raunchy' gets branded as 'SJ Suryah kind of film' any ...
  18. [18]
    Isai beckons S J Suryah! | Tamil Movie News - The Times of India
    This story is from November 15, 2011. Isai beckons S J Suryah! TNN / Updated: Jan 14, 2017, 22:53 IST. Isai beckons S J Suryah! After writing, directing ...Missing: revived | Show results with:revived
  19. [19]
    An exclusive sneak about Isai and its important dates ! - Behindwoods
    Aug 25, 2014 · Isai engendhu varudhu ? Remember that comical sequence by Vadivelu? Now S.J.Suryah is giving us the answer. The long-in-the-making Isai, ...
  20. [20]
    Isai inspired by raaja and ARR's lives? | Tamil Movie News
    Jan 15, 2017 · Director-actor S J Suryah has stated that the story of his upcoming Isai is about the rise and fall of a music composer in the industry.
  21. [21]
    Took six months to learn music for 'Isai': Suryah - The Hindu
    Sep 7, 2014 · S.J. Suryah, who acts and directs, has now donned the hat of a composer for his upcoming Tamil directorial “Isai”.
  22. [22]
    Isai Veesi - Isai | Video Song | S J Suryah | Chinmayi | Madhan Karky
    Nov 16, 2014 · Presenting the visuals of the song Isai Veesi from the film Isai Music - S. J. Suryah Lyrics - Madhan Karky Singer - Chinmayi Starring S. J. ...Missing: Reihana Malarvizhi<|control11|><|separator|>
  23. [23]
    SJ Suryah next film Isai | corbeekerala - WordPress.com
    May 24, 2012 · Director-turned-actor SJ Suryah has released the first look of his next film 'Isai' recently ... May 2012 · April 2012 · March 2012 · January 2012 ...
  24. [24]
    Isai Movie Review: SJ Surya Is Back With A Bang! - Filmibeat
    Jan 30, 2015 · SJ Surya becomes the number one musician and also builds his own studio. Meanwhile he falls in love with Sulagna Panigrahi(much before he ...Sj Surya As A Composer · Surya With Sulagna · Isai PhotoshootMissing: summary | Show results with:summary<|control11|><|separator|>
  25. [25]
    Isai (2015) - Full cast & crew - IMDb
    Cast · S.J. Suryah in Iraivi (2016). S.J. Suryah · S.J. Suryah · Sathyaraj · Sathyaraj · Sulagna Panigrahi · Sulagna Panigrahi · Thambi Ramaiah · Thambi Ramaiah · ' ...
  26. [26]
    Tamil film 'Isai' keeps SJ Surja busy in shooting | India News
    Aug 31, 2012 · SJ Surya's 'Isai' is currently being canned at the Binny Mills in Chennai. A set has been erected and it boasts off an artificial waterfalls.
  27. [27]
    SJ Suryah's 'Isai' track list | Tamil Movie News - Times of India
    Jan 13, 2017 · SJ Suryah's 'Isai' track list · 1. HNY Puthandin. Singer: SJ Suryah. Lyrics: Madhan Karky · 2. Isai Veesi. Singer: Chinmayi · 3. Atho Vanile Nila.Missing: 2015 composer reception
  28. [28]
    Isai (aka) Isai songs review - Behindwoods
    Nov 16, 2014 · Isai is an upcoming film featuring S.J.Surya as the hero, writer, music director as well as the director. The film has debutante Savitri as the ...
  29. [29]
    Soundtracks - Isai (2015) - IMDb
    HNY Puthandin. Produced by S.J. Suryah. Written by Madhan Karky · Isai Veesi. Produced by S.J. Suryah · Atho Vanile Nila. Produced by S.J. Suryah · Nee Poiya?
  30. [30]
    SJS completes six songs - The New Indian Express
    May 16, 2012 · ... SJ Suryah is composing music in his upcoming Tamil flick titled Isai. But what is latest is that he has already composed six tracks for the ...
  31. [31]
    Isai Movie Poster & Photos - Tamil - Filmibeat
    Isai Photos & Posters. 1/48. Tamil Actor SJ Surya and Actress Savithri starring Isai Movie. Directed by SJ Surya and Produced by S.Victor Raj Pandian under ...
  32. [32]
    Sun TV to telecast 'Isai' audio launch - Times of India
    Nov 12, 2014 · While Vijay has worked with SJ Suryah in 'Kushi', Dhanush hasn't. The film is a musical drama, which also marks the debut of SJ Surya as music ...Missing: date | Show results with:date
  33. [33]
    Vijay and Dhanush do it for Surya ...
    Nov 9, 2014 · This multitalented actor-director-composer-writer is all set to create magic again. The audio of Isai was launched yesterday in a TV studio, in ...
  34. [34]
    Official trailer of #Isai | S J Suryah - Facebook
    Jan 25, 2015 · Suseenthiran Nallus... 󱢏. Film Director. No photo description available. Gautham Vasudev Menon. Gautham Vasudev ... 󱢏. Artist. No photo ...Missing: psychological thriller elements mental health
  35. [35]
    Suryah satisfies musician in him with 'Isai' - India Forums
    Aug 29, 2014 · The film, which is gearing up for release after a long delay, is the story of rivalry between two music composers, master and his disciple.Missing: scripting industry
  36. [36]
    Vijay's moving speech at Isai audio launch - Only Kollywood
    Nov 17, 2014 · Ilayathalapathy Vijay delivered a moving speech at the audio launch of SJ Suryah's Isai. SJ Suryah, who is known for hits such as Kushi and Valee, is making a ...
  37. [37]
    Isai movie release date | StudioFlicks
    ISAI is produced by SS Productions and distributed by ASA Multimedias. The film got a U/A Certificate by CBFC. Movie was actually planned for Christmas, due to ...Missing: rating | Show results with:rating
  38. [38]
    Isai (2015) - User reviews - IMDb
    The movie was good. It is so interesting and thrilling. The film is so much thrilling. But the climax was not good. It has a good story but it has a bad climax.Missing: limited | Show results with:limited
  39. [39]
    S J Suryah, Sathyaraj, Isai - Tamil Movie Review
    The film was stuck in post production delay and finally saw the light of day this week. The film also marked the musical debut of SJ Suryah. How has Isai come ...
  40. [40]
    What is your review of S.j.suryah - Tamil Movie Director? - Quora
    Jun 29, 2015 · 5. Isai : This movie is an over exaggerated psychological thriller based on the rivalry between music legends Ilayaraaja and AR Rahman. The ...
  41. [41]
    'Isai' to release on 3rd day of May - Tamil News - IndiaGlitz.com
    Jan 25, 2014 · Isai the film being directed by S.J.Suryah after a long gap, is nearing completion ... 'Isai' to release on 3rd day of May. IndiaGlitz ...
  42. [42]
    Isai release date announced.... - Behindwoods
    Jan 24, 2015 · Isai directed and acted by SJ Suryah is all set to release on the 30th of this month, January,2015. When Behindwoods spoke to SJ Suryah, he ...
  43. [43]
    Isai box office collection - Chennai - Behindwoods
    Isai aka Isai is a Tamil movie with production by S Subbaiah, direction by SJ Suryah, cinematography by Soundar Rajan, editing by Anthony. The cast of Isai aka ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  44. [44]
    Isai box office collection - Behindwoods
    Box office collection is calculated taking into account the number of shows and theater occupancy in theaters falling under the Chennai City trade area. These ...
  45. [45]
    Malaysia Yearly Box-Office 2015 - TamilBoxOffice1.Com
    Jan 1, 2015 · 2015 ; I, 98, $918,980 ; Aambala, 40, $143,640 ; Darling, 6, $2,224 ; Isai, 11, $8,461 ...
  46. [46]
    Tamil Nominations for 63rd Britannia Filmfare Awards South 2016
    Jan 16, 2017 · Radhika Sarathkumar. BEST MUSIC. MUSIC DIRECTOR, FILM. Anirudh Ravichander, Maari. Anirudh Ravichander, Naanum Rowdy Dhaan. A R Rahman, I. A R ...
  47. [47]
    Isai (Music review), Tamil – SJ Suryah - Milliblog!
    Nov 15, 2014 · The three largely-musical pieces, featuring Chinmayi's vocals barely pass muster. SJ Suryah tries mighty hard, but his music is rough around the ...
  48. [48]
    Isai(2015) - where to watch movie online? - JustWatch
    Currently you are able to watch "Isai" streaming on Sun Nxt, Tentkotta. There aren't any free streaming options for Isai right now.<|separator|>
  49. [49]
    Year in review: In 2020, OTT platforms came of age in India
    Dec 16, 2020 · Apart from a plethora of original web series, at least 35 movies, across various Indian languages, were released first on the OTT platforms.