Samasthanam
Samasthanam is a 2002 Indian Tamil-language action drama film directed by Raj Kapoor.[1] The story centers on two inseparable friends, Thiru (played by R. Sarathkumar) and Surya (played by Suresh Gopi), whose deep bond endures various challenges until a rift develops between their wives, ultimately straining their friendship.[2] Released on 27 September 2002, the film explores themes of loyalty, marital conflict, and reconciliation within the context of close male camaraderie.[2] The supporting cast includes Devayani as Divya, Surya's wife, and Abhirami as Aishwarya, Thiru's wife, alongside notable actors such as Goundamani, Senthil, Manivannan, and Ashish Vidyarthi in key roles.[3] The music was composed by Deva, featuring songs like "Kothamalli Kothamalli" sung by Silambarasan TR and Sujatha.[4] Produced by M. Kajamydeen and K. Ayisha under the Roja Combines banner, Samasthanam (translating to "Throne") received a mixed reception from audiences and critics, with an IMDb user rating of 6.5 out of 10 based on over 1,000 votes.[5][6] The film is available for streaming on platforms like Sun NXT.[7]Overview
Plot
Thiru, portrayed by R. Sarathkumar, and Surya, portrayed by Suresh Gopi, are lifelong friends whose unbreakable bond, originating from their grandfathers and fathers, has endured numerous challenges, including each selecting the bride for the other in a demonstration of profound trust. Their friendship forms the core of the narrative, beginning with scenes of their unwavering loyalty during shared adventures and mutual support. Thiru and his wife Divya remain childless, leading Thiru to raise Surya's daughter as his own. The rising action introduces conflicts after their marriages, where misunderstandings fueled by their wives lead to a deepening rift between the two men. Surya's sister becomes pregnant from a love affair with Shankara's brother, and on the eve of her wedding, Thiru's wife Divya intervenes to help her elope with her lover, escalating tensions and causing accusations of betrayal that strain the friends' relationship to the breaking point. These marital-induced disputes are manipulated by the antagonist Shankara, who exploits old family grievances—stemming from the killing of his father Easwaramoorthy by Thiru's father Vetrishwaran—to sow discord and seek revenge. Flashbacks interspersed throughout reveal the historical enmity between the families, providing context for Shankara's schemes and highlighting how past wrongs continue to influence the present. As betrayals accumulate and the friends turn against each other, engaging in confrontations that test their loyalty, the narrative builds toward reconciliation. Upon uncovering Shankara's manipulations, Thiru and Surya reunite, overcoming the orchestrated divisions through renewed understanding and shared resolve. The climax features an intense confrontation where the duo defeats Shankara, restoring their friendship and emphasizing themes of enduring loyalty in the face of adversity.Cast
The principal cast of Samasthanam includes R. Sarathkumar in a dual role as Thiru, the loyal friend whose life becomes entangled in family revenge, and as Thiru's father, Inspector Vetrishwaran. Suresh Gopi portrays Surya, Thiru's inseparable companion and the central figure navigating themes of friendship and conflict. Devayani plays Divya, Thiru's wife who plays a key role in the familial dynamics. Abhirami depicts Aishwarya, Surya's wife whose presence adds emotional depth to the central relationships. In supporting roles, Goundamani appears as Selvam, providing comic relief amid the tension. Senthil portrays Mani, another comedic ally in the ensemble. Manivannan contributes as a character enhancing the narrative's interpersonal layers. Ashish Vidyarthi plays Shankara, the scheming antagonist driving much of the conflict. Additional cast members include Rishi in a minor role, alongside Sabitha Anand as Parama's wife and Chandrasekhar as Sundarapandian, Surya's father.[8] Sarathkumar's dual performance marks a notable aspect of the casting, showcasing his versatility in embodying both ally and historical authority figure.Production
Development
The development of Samasthanam originated with director Raj Kapoor, who conceived the project and penned the screenplay, drawing on narrative elements centered around friendship, betrayal, and family dynamics.[5] Kapoor's script incorporated dual roles for the lead character, emphasizing emotional conflicts within interpersonal relationships.[5] The production team was assembled under the Roja Combines banner, with M. Kajamydeen and K. Ayisha serving as producers, marking their collaboration on this action-drama venture.[6] Key crew members included cinematographer B. Balamurugan, responsible for visual planning, and editor V. T. Vijayan.[8] Lead actors R. Sarathkumar and Suresh Gopi were attached early in the process, with Sarathkumar taking on the central dual roles to anchor the story's thematic depth.[5] Pre-production efforts culminated in preparations for principal photography, leading to the film's release in 2002, though specific details on budgeting or exact timelines remain undocumented in available records.[6]Filming
The principal photography of Samasthanam was handled by cinematographer B. Balamurugan.[8] Some key drama scenes, including an emotional confrontation where Thiru slaps Surya and a lighter sequence involving a marriage proposal, were filmed in Pollachi, Tamil Nadu, utilizing the area's rural landscapes for authenticity.[9]Soundtrack
Track listing
The soundtrack of Samasthanam consists of five songs composed by Deva, all with lyrics by Pa. Vijay, and was released in 2002 by Saai Media with a total runtime of 30 minutes and 13 seconds.[4]| No. | Title | Singer(s) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Kothamalli Kothamalli" | Silambarasan TR, Sujatha | 6:10 |
| 2 | "Oru Kurinji Poo" | Krishna Raj, Harini, Anuradha Sriram | 6:16 |
| 3 | "Eswara Eswara" | Tippu, Krishna Raj | 5:45 |
| 4 | "Stella Maris" | Silambarasan TR, chorus | 5:39 |
| 5 | "Penne Penne" | P. Unnikrishnan, Tippu, Ganga, Harini | 6:23 |