Jump to content

Dhruva Natchathiram

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Dhruva Natchathiram
Poster with previous release date
Directed byGautham Vasudev Menon
Written by
  • Gautham Vasudev Menon
  • Deepak Venkateshan
Produced byGautham Vasudev Menon
Starring
Cinematography
Edited byAnthony
Music byHarris Jayaraj
Production
companies
Running time
145 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageTamil

Dhruva Natchathiram (transl. Pole Star) also marketed with the subtitle Chapter One – Yuddha Kaandam (transl. War Chapter) is an unreleased Indian Tamil-language spy action thriller film directed and produced by Gautham Vasudev Menon. It stars Vikram leading an ensemble cast consisting of Ritu Varma, R. Parthiban, Radhika Sarathkumar, Simran and Vinayakan. The film features music composed by Harris Jayaraj, whereas cinematography handled by Manoj Paramahamsa, S. R. Kathir and Vishnu Dev, editing done by Anthony.

The film was initially announced with Suriya in 2013, but several months after the announcement, Menon shelved the project citing creative differences with the actor. He revived the project in 2015 and finalised Vikram as the lead actor. The film began production in 2017 and was shot in seven countries, but languished in production hell for years owing to Menon's financial constraints and the COVID-19 pandemic, before concluding in February 2023. Due to lingering financial and legal issues, the film remains unreleased.

Premise

[edit]

John, a covert operative, leads a team of elite professionals called "The Basement", with the intention of taking down terrorist organisations secretly without being bound by law and order.[1]

Cast

[edit]

Production

[edit]

Pre-production

[edit]

Following the successes of Kaakha Kaakha (2003) and Vaaranam Aayiram (2008), director Gautham Vasudev Menon and Suriya began discussions on another project featuring the duo. After rejecting two scripts including films titled Enai Noki Paayum Thota and Thuppariyum Anandhan, Suriya was impressed and accepted to work on the spy-thriller film Dhruva Natchathiram, which Menon hoped to turn into a franchise.[5][6] Revealed to be produced by Menon too,[7] the team released a series of posters in April 2013 indicating that the film would feature 12 pivotal characters.[8][9] The film was officially launched at the director's office in May 2013, with a few test shots also taken during the month.[10]

A. R. Rahman was confirmed as the film's music composer,[11] while Rajeevan and Anthony were announced as the art director and editor respectively.[12] Menon confirmed later in the month that R. Parthiban and Simran had been added to the cast to play supporting roles.[13][14] Actors Arun Vijay and Sudhanshu Pandey, were also signed on to play characters with negative shades.[15][16] Trisha was signed on to play the lead female role in the film, after reports that Asin, Sameera Reddy, Amala Paul and Priya Anand had been considered.[17][18] However, the film's first schedule was repeatedly postponed and ultimately by October 2013, Menon and Suriya parted ways citing creative differences. Suriya released a press note revealing that Menon had been tinkering the script for six months without any such progress and that he could wait no longer as he had committed to other films. He also recalled that the pair had a similar unfruitful experience when making a film titled Chennaiyil Oru Mazhaikaalam in early 2004.[19][20]

Development

[edit]

Following the release of Yennai Arindhaal (2015), Menon revived Dhruva Natchathiram and revealed he was working on the script by March 2015. Vikram was subsequently signed for the lead role,[21] while Nayanthara was also selected to play the leading female role.[22] However, Vikram who signed 10 Endrathukulla and Iru Mugan (2016) opted out of the film, citing date issues.[23] The project failed to find financiers, before he picked up pre-production work on the film again during November 2015, hoping to start the film with Jayam Ravi. Despite progress, the film did not take off as a result of Ravi's busy schedule.[24][25] Menon then narrated the script to producer Kalaipuli S. Thanu, who set up a meeting for Menon to discuss the script with Rajinikanth. The actor liked the idea of the film, but later turned down the offer and chose to work with Thanu on Kabali.[26]

In November 2016, Menon revived the project with Vikram and began working on the script again.[27] Production began in early January 2017 in New York City, with a series of promotional posters released by the team.[28] Harris Jayaraj who has worked on most of Gautham Menon's films, was confirmed as the composer.[29] Anu Emmanuel was added to the cast and also took part in an initial photoshoot.[30] A two-minute teaser was released in the same month; it was shot in fourteen hours around Manhattan, New York City with a Canon 5D SLR camera by cinematographer Jomon T. John.[31][32]

The film was initially produced by Menon's Ondraga Entertainment with Escape Artists Motion Pictures and Kondaaduvom Entertainment.[28] However, as the film languished in production hell, the other two companies dropped their names from the promotional materials.[33] Vels Film International, a production studio led by Ishari K. Ganesh reportedly agreed to distribute and fund the project. However, it did not come into fruition.[34] The film was later jointly produced by Oruoorileoru Film House, with Preethi Srivijayan as the executive producer.[35][36]

Casting

[edit]

The film began production with only Vikram and Anu Emmanuel as confirmed members of the cast in January 2017. In early February 2017, Anu Emmanuel opted out of the film citing scheduling issues following Vikram's decision to alter his schedule, so that he could simultaneously shoot for Sketch (2018).[37] Menon signed on Ritu Varma to replace her, after being impressed by Varma's performance in the Telugu film Pelli Choopulu (2016).[38][39] Aishwarya Rajesh was also then signed to portray another leading female character in the film.[40] The team also re-signed Parthiban to act in the film, with his character tweaked from his role in the original script.[41][42]

Jomon later opted out of the film during March 2017 citing scheduling conflicts and was replaced by Santhana Krishnan Ravichandran as the cinematographer, who also exited the film in June 2017.[43] Manoj Paramahamsa, who collaborated with Menon in Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa (2010) and Nadunisi Naaygal (2011), subsequently replaced Santhana Krishnan as the cinematographer.[44] During the same month, a bevy of supporting actors were signed to portray roles in the film including veteran actresses Radhika Sarathkumar and Simran,[45] while l Dhivyadharshini, was also added to the cast.[46] Three of Menon's former proteges Vamsi Krishna, Salim Baig and Sathish Krishnan also were selected to portray roles, as was Munna Simon.[47][48]

In mid-April 2018, it was revealed that Malayalam actor Vinayakan was a part of the film's cast, playing the leading antagonist in the film.[49][50] Menon also appeared in the film in a prominent character.[1] Arjun Das was reported to be appearing as "Darkman", the character that was introduced in the first two-minute teaser and would be a voice-only role.[51]

Filming

[edit]

Following the shoot of the teaser in New York City, the team moved to Coonoor to begin the first schedule in late January 2017. Following a brief shoot in the town, the team moved to Chennai for a further short schedule.[52][53] After a schedule break, the shoot continued intermittently throughout Chennai in early 2017 as Vikram simultaneously worked around his commitments for his other film Sketch.[54] During the initial schedules, scenes involving Vikram, Aishwarya Rajesh and Ritu Varma were primarily shot.[55][56] The makers planned to shoot two schedules abroad, after a brief break, before wrapping the schedules in Chennai and Coonoor.[57]

Despite initially wanting to film sequences in the US, the team later chose to use Eastern Europe as the main foreign backdrop for the ease of acquiring permission to shoot and sort out visas.[58] The shoot began in Slovenia during mid-June 2017 with Vikram and the ensemble supporting cast,[59] before moving to Bulgaria by the end of the month.[60] After the completion of their work in Bulgaria, the team moved to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates to film scenes in the desert and worked in extremely warm temperatures.[61] Following the end of the schedule in mid-July 2017, Menon revealed that approximately thirty more days of shoot were required.[62] During mid-August 2017, it was reported that Vikram had resumed shooting for the film, with substantial portions being shot in Chennai.[63] In late August 2017, the team travelled to Tbilisi, Georgia, to continue the shoot, with the ensemble cast joining the schedule. After several days of shoot in Georgia, the team were briefly left stranded after being denied permission to enter Turkey as a result of a document oversight.[64] After two days of no shoot, they were granted permission to travel to Istanbul and continued filming.[65][66] Following the schedule in Turkey, they returned to Georgia to continue the shoot for ten days.[67]

The film subsequently experienced production hell owing to Menon's financial constraints, with several other films associated with the director such as Enai Noki Paayum Thota, Naragasooran, Nenjam Marappathillai and the eventually shelved Pon Ondru Kandein also experiencing the same.[68][69] During the period of delay, a second teaser trailer was released on YouTube during June 2018.[70] The very same month, Menon claimed that the film entered its final leg of shooting and will be completed within August 2018,[71] although there was no information about the process.[72] In November 2019, Menon said that the film would resume shooting patchwork sequences after his prior commitments with Joshua Imai Pol Kaakha.[73][74] However, filming was subsequently delayed due to COVID-19 pandemic and Vikram's commitments with Cobra and Mahaan.[75] In August 2022, Menon shared a picture of himself with Vikram through social media indicating that the project was nearing completion.[76][77] In February 2023, Menon resumed filming the patchwork sequences and finished the shoot the very same month.[78] S. R. Kathir and Vishnu Dev filmed the remainder of the portions in this schedule as Paramahamsa was busy with his commitments on other projects.[79]

Post-production

[edit]

On 2 November 2019, Menon said the film had undergone post-production which would be completed within two months,[80] though by March 2021, Vikram had not yet dubbed his lines, one of the few things needed to finish post-production.[75] He began dubbing for his portions the following year.[81] In July 2023, Aishwarya Rajesh's scenes were reported to be cut from the film to reduce the film's duration to its suitable length.[82] In an October 2023 video interaction with the film's cast member Dhivya Dharshini, Menon claimed that he pursued acting for the past few years, so that he could use the renumeration for completing post-production works.[83][84] In September 2023, the film was cleared by the Central Board of Film Certification with the final edit having a runtime of 145 minutes.[85][86]

Music

[edit]

The film's music and background score was composed by Harris Jayaraj in his seventh collaboration with Menon, with Thamarai, Paal Dabba, Monica Perez Castillo and Aira, writing the lyrics. The film features five songs in the soundtrack, with "Oru Manam", the first song recorded for this film, was released on 7 October 2020.[87][88] Later, four songs were recorded after Harris' request on more musical moments in the film.[89] Two of them—"His Name Is John" and "Naracha Mudi"—were released as singles,[90][91] while the full album released on 28 October 2023 through Sony Music India.[92]

Marketing

[edit]

On 22 September 2023, a 41-second teaser credited as the "Trailblazer" by the film's team was released.[93] A video interaction between Menon and actress Dhivyadharshini, who starred in the film, was released on Ondraga Entertainment's YouTube channel on 13 October 2023, with him highlighting the film's production process.[94] The film's trailer was screened along with Leo in theatres from 19 October,[95] and debuted through social media platforms on the occasion of Vijayadashami (24 October 2023).[96][97] PVR INOX announced that they will be distributing special popcorn tubs labelled with stills featuring Vikram, in order to promote the film and has been made available with all of its multiplex chains through Tamil Nadu.[98]

Release

[edit]

The film's promotional posters cited the release of the film scheduled for August 2017,[12] however it was postponed to April 2018 due to delays in the film production.[8][99] Menon eventually cited that the film will release during the occasion of Diwali (6 November 2018), which did not happen.[100] The film further delayed after Menon's financial constraints surrounding its production house affected several other films of the director.[69] Despite claims from Menon that the shoot would be completed and the film would be released on 15 November 2019,[71] the film continued to be delayed throughout 2019.[101]

In July 2020, Menon stated that the film will be scheduled for release in theatres,[102] after multiple films having direct-to-streaming releases as a result of theatres being closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Menon added that the film will be "an event film in bringing back audiences to theatres".[103] In mid-2021, it was reported that Menon had shot about four-and-a-half-hour long footage in the production and has decided to split the film into two-parts.[104] This was partially confirmed in April 2023, as the title was extended to Dhruva Natchathiram: Chapter One – Yuddha Kaandam.[105]

The film was initially planned for a theatrical release on the eve of Christmas (23 December 2022) and later to 19 May 2023, but the delay in the film's completion of post-production works affected its prospects.[106][107] In early-June, the media reported that the film was scheduled for a theatrical release on 14 July 2023, which did not come into fruition.[108] Further, plans of releasing the film on the eve of Dusshera (19 October 2023) and Diwali (10 November 2023) were indicated, but did not happen.[109][110] In September, the production house announced a release date of 24 November 2023.[111] However on 23 November 2023, the film's release was again facing uncertainty due to lingering financial issues, with Menon being asked to deposit 8 crore (US$960,000) in the Madras High Court to ensure a "smooth release" for the film.[112] As a result, the film's release was delayed.[113] Afterwards, it was widely speculated by media that the film would release on 8 December 2023,[114] even though no official announcement had been made concerning that particular date. But on the day before the speculated release date, 7 December, Vijayaraghavendra of All in Pictures moved to the Madras High Court and restrained the film's release for another two weeks. As a result, the film's release was delayed indefinitely.[115] According to producer K. Rajan, the film is in debt of over 60 crore (US$7.2 million).[116] On 19 January 2024, the makers announced a tentative release in February 2024, and expected to resolve all legal and financial matters by then.[117][118] However, that did not come to fruition, and the film remains unreleased.[119]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "'Dhruva Natchathiram' trailer: Dapper Chiyaan Vikram promises a sleek spy-thriller". India Today. 24 October 2023. Archived from the original on 29 October 2023. Retrieved 5 November 2023.
  2. ^ Ramnath, Ambili (31 October 2023). "Bharatanatyam artists Dhananjayan and Shanta Dhananjayan make their presence felt in cinema". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 8 November 2023. Retrieved 24 March 2024.
  3. ^ Dhruva Natchathiram will have Romance too : Interview with Actress Maya | Chiyaan Vikram, Teaser 3 (in Tamil). IndiaGlitz Tamil. 25 December 2017. Archived from the original on 24 March 2024. Retrieved 24 March 2024 – via YouTube.
  4. ^ Rajendran, Gopinath (28 September 2019). "Bigg Boss fame Abhirami Venkatachalam to star in Dhruva Natchathiram". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 6 October 2019. Retrieved 24 March 2024.
  5. ^ "Gautham Menon opens up on Dhruva Natchathiram drop, friendship with Suriya and Thala 55". Cinema Lead. 5 December 2013. Archived from the original on 27 December 2016. Retrieved 12 January 2017.
  6. ^ "Suriya confirms both Gautham, Lingusamy films". The Times of India. 13 April 2013. Archived from the original on 21 February 2021. Retrieved 4 February 2021.
  7. ^ "Dhruva Natchathiram's logo gets ready". The Times of India. 29 April 2013. Archived from the original on 25 January 2022. Retrieved 4 February 2021.
  8. ^ a b "What does Gautham Menon's new poster say?". Behindwoods. 30 April 2013. Archived from the original on 22 April 2017. Retrieved 12 January 2017.
  9. ^ "Dhruva Natchathiram logo unveiled". The Times of India. 30 April 2013. Archived from the original on 4 October 2018. Retrieved 4 February 2021.
  10. ^ "Dhruva Nathachathiram launched". The Times of India. 2 May 2013. Archived from the original on 25 January 2022. Retrieved 4 February 2021.
  11. ^ "AR Rahman for Suriya's Dhuruva Natchathiram?". The Times of India. 18 April 2013. Archived from the original on 25 January 2022. Retrieved 4 February 2021.
  12. ^ a b "Dhruva Natchathiram Kickstarts!". Sify. 2 May 2013. Archived from the original on 10 January 2017. Retrieved 12 January 2017.
  13. ^ "Parthiban and Simran join 'Dhruva Natchathiram'". Sify. 4 May 2013. Archived from the original on 2 August 2017. Retrieved 12 January 2017.
  14. ^ "Simran in Suriya's flick". The Times of India. 4 May 2013. Archived from the original on 13 March 2021. Retrieved 4 February 2021.
  15. ^ Udasi, Harshikaa (23 June 2013). "Gender sensitive". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 28 June 2013. Retrieved 12 January 2017.
  16. ^ CR, Sharanya (25 June 2013). "Sudhanshu's got a new look in Dhruva Natchathiram". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 25 January 2022. Retrieved 4 February 2021.
  17. ^ "Trisha to play Suriya's heroine in 'Dhruva Natchathiram' ?". Sify. 11 June 2013. Archived from the original on 10 January 2017. Retrieved 12 January 2017.
  18. ^ Talukdar, Taniya (22 September 2013). "Sameera Reddy's fashion fiasco". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 11 August 2017. Retrieved 12 January 2017.
  19. ^ "Suriya dumps Gautham Menon". The Times of India. 11 October 2013. Archived from the original on 7 October 2023. Retrieved 27 October 2023.
  20. ^ "Suriya drops Gautham Menon's 'Dhruva Natchathiram'". The New Indian Express. 11 October 2013. Archived from the original on 8 May 2016. Retrieved 12 January 2017.
  21. ^ "Vikram in Gautham's 'Dhruva Natchathiram'?". The Times of India. 13 March 2015. Archived from the original on 23 January 2017. Retrieved 4 February 2021.
  22. ^ "Gautham Menon to revive 'Dhruva Natchathiram' with Vikram?". Sify. 13 March 2015. Archived from the original on 10 January 2017. Retrieved 12 January 2017.
  23. ^ "Gautham Vasudev Menon explains how Vikram came on board for 'Dhruva Natchathiram'". The Times of India. 15 October 2023. Archived from the original on 6 November 2023. Retrieved 5 November 2023.
  24. ^ "Gautham Menon to revive 'Dhruva Natchathiram'?". Sify. 17 November 2015. Archived from the original on 10 January 2017. Retrieved 12 January 2017.
  25. ^ Srinivasan, Sudhir (24 December 2015). "After Thani Oruvan". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 25 January 2022. Retrieved 12 January 2017.
  26. ^ "Gautham Menon: I had pitched 'Dhruva Natchathiram' to Rajinikanth". Sify. 25 June 2018. Archived from the original on 29 June 2018. Retrieved 23 September 2019.
  27. ^ Sundar, Mrinalini (25 November 2016). "Gautham Menon gets Vikram for Dhruva Natchathiram". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 27 November 2016. Retrieved 12 January 2017.
  28. ^ a b "Gearing up for new innings". The New Indian Express. 12 January 2017. Archived from the original on 16 January 2017. Retrieved 10 February 2017.
  29. ^ "Dhruva Natchathiram teaser: Vikram's cool quotient in this spy-thriller is its high point. Watch Video". The Indian Express. 15 January 2017. Archived from the original on 11 February 2017. Retrieved 10 February 2017.
  30. ^ Jyothsna (14 January 2017). "HEROINE FINALIZED FOR VIKRAM?". Behindwoods. Archived from the original on 17 January 2017. Retrieved 10 February 2017.
  31. ^ "Gautham retains Jomon T John for 'Dhruva Natchathiram'". Sify. 17 January 2017. Archived from the original on 22 April 2017. Retrieved 10 February 2017.
  32. ^ "Still stunned by the Dhruva Natchathiram teaser? You won't believe how long it took to shoot it". The News Minute. 19 January 2017. Archived from the original on 31 January 2017. Retrieved 10 February 2017.
  33. ^ "Here's why Gautham Menon's Dhruva Natchathiram is struggling to see the light of day". The Indian Express. 24 November 2023. Archived from the original on 25 November 2023. Retrieved 26 November 2023.
  34. ^ "Vikram's 'Dhruva Natchathiram' to be released in two parts?". The Times of India. 15 July 2021. Archived from the original on 5 November 2023. Retrieved 5 November 2023.
  35. ^ "Makers of Dhruva Natchathiram release new poster on Vikram's birthday". Cinema Express. 17 April 2023. Archived from the original on 5 November 2023. Retrieved 5 November 2023.
  36. ^ "Dhruva Natchathiram: The story of a star-studded film that almost never happened". The Indian Express. 22 March 2023. Archived from the original on 22 July 2023. Retrieved 5 November 2023.
  37. ^ UR, Arya (8 February 2017). "Anu Emmanuel opts out of Gautham Menon's 'Dhruva Natchathiram'". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 19 September 2018. Retrieved 4 February 2021.
  38. ^ "Ritu Varma replaces Anu Emmanuel in 'Dhruva Natchathiram'". Sify. 8 February 2017. Archived from the original on 10 February 2017. Retrieved 10 February 2017.
  39. ^ CR, Sharanya (30 June 2017). "Acting with Vikram sir — a dream come true". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 30 August 2018. Retrieved 4 February 2021.
  40. ^ "Aishwarya Rajesh paired opposite Vikram in Dhruva Natchathiram". India Today. 14 March 2017. Archived from the original on 18 March 2017. Retrieved 22 April 2018.
  41. ^ "Parthiepan: Parthiepan not playing the antagonist in 'Dhruva Natchathiram'". The Times of India. IANS. 16 February 2017. Archived from the original on 16 February 2017. Retrieved 15 February 2017.
  42. ^ "Parthiepan, key to Dhruva Natchathiram". The Hindu. 16 February 2017. Archived from the original on 9 September 2022. Retrieved 22 April 2018.
  43. ^ "Ravi K Chandran's son replaces Jomon as 'Dhruva Natchathiram' cinematographer". The New Indian Express. 13 March 2017. Archived from the original on 19 September 2017. Retrieved 22 April 2018.
  44. ^ Menon, Thinkal (7 July 2018). "Cinematographer's replacement galore: Zooming in on why lensmen opt out of films". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 9 September 2022. Retrieved 4 February 2021.
  45. ^ "Radhika, Simran join Dhruva Natchathiram". The Times of India. 29 June 2017. Archived from the original on 13 March 2021. Retrieved 4 February 2021.
  46. ^ "After Pa Paandi, DD to act in Vikram's Dhruva Natchathiram". The Times of India. 30 June 2017. Archived from the original on 15 April 2019. Retrieved 27 September 2023.
  47. ^ "Radikaa and Simran on board for Vikram's 'Dhruva Natchathiram'". Sify. 29 June 2017. Archived from the original on 20 September 2017. Retrieved 22 April 2018.
  48. ^ "Dhruva Natchathiram gets bigger". Deccan Chronicle. 30 June 2017. Archived from the original on 30 June 2017. Retrieved 22 April 2018.
  49. ^ "Revealed: The main villain in Vikram's 'Dhruva Natchathiram'". The Times of India. 17 April 2018. Archived from the original on 13 October 2018. Retrieved 4 February 2021.
  50. ^ "Vinayakan to lock horns with Vikram in 'Dhruva Natchathiram'". The Times of India. 17 April 2018. Archived from the original on 2 September 2018. Retrieved 4 February 2021.
  51. ^ "Arjun Das to face off Vikram in Gautham Menon's 'Dhruv Natchathiram'". The Times of India. 6 November 2019. Archived from the original on 7 January 2022. Retrieved 7 January 2022.
  52. ^ "Dhruva Natchathiram: Vikram-Gautham resume shoot in Chennai". India Today. 27 January 2017. Archived from the original on 11 February 2017. Retrieved 10 February 2017.
  53. ^ "Vikram to start Vijay Chander film on Feb 10". Sify. 6 February 2017. Archived from the original on 8 February 2017. Retrieved 10 February 2017.
  54. ^ "No rift between Vikram and Gautham Menon". The Times of India. 17 February 2017. Archived from the original on 1 January 2018. Retrieved 4 February 2021.
  55. ^ "Gautham Menon introduces Ragini and Anupama from Vikram's 'Dhruva". Sify. 3 May 2017. Archived from the original on 24 May 2017. Retrieved 22 April 2018.
  56. ^ Dundoo, Sangeetha Devi (17 May 2017). "Beyond tags, Ritu's looking at genres". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 12 November 2020. Retrieved 22 April 2018.
  57. ^ "Here's where Vikram will be shooting for 'Dhruva Natchathiram' next". The Times of India. 4 April 2017. Archived from the original on 13 November 2017. Retrieved 4 February 2021.
  58. ^ "Vikram: Here's where Vikram will be shooting for 'Dhruva Natchathiram' next". The Times of India. 4 April 2017. Archived from the original on 13 November 2017. Retrieved 22 April 2018.
  59. ^ "Slovenia: Slovenia beckons 'Dhruva Natchathiram' team". The Times of India. 18 June 2017. Archived from the original on 6 November 2017. Retrieved 22 April 2018.
  60. ^ "Dhruva Natchathiram: Vikram shoots in Bulgaria, Radikaa and Simran join star cast. See photos". The Indian Express. 29 June 2017. Archived from the original on 19 September 2017. Retrieved 22 April 2018.
  61. ^ "Hot progress for Dhruva Natchathiram". The New Indian Express. 12 July 2017. Archived from the original on 19 September 2017. Retrieved 22 April 2018.
  62. ^ "Thirty days shoot remaining in 'Dhruva Natchathiram'". Sify. 17 July 2017. Archived from the original on 19 September 2017. Retrieved 22 April 2018.
  63. ^ Sundar, Mrinalini (18 August 2017). "Vikram resumes shooting for Dhruva Natchathiram". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 24 August 2017. Retrieved 4 February 2021.
  64. ^ "Vikram starrer 'Dhruva Natchathiram' crew stuck in Turkey". The New Indian Express. 10 September 2017. Archived from the original on 19 September 2017. Retrieved 22 April 2018.
  65. ^ "All is well with team 'Dhruva Natchathiram' in Turkey: Gautham Menon". Sify. 11 September 2017. Archived from the original on 20 September 2017. Retrieved 22 April 2018.
  66. ^ "Gautham Menon's crew lands safely in Istanbul". The Times of India. 11 September 2017. Archived from the original on 10 August 2019. Retrieved 4 February 2021.
  67. ^ "Check out 'Dhruva Natchathiram' poster featuring Ritu Varma". The Times of India. 12 March 2018. Archived from the original on 1 April 2018. Retrieved 31 March 2018.
  68. ^ "Gautham Menon responds to allegations on Naragasooran dues: 'The misunderstanding has been sorted with Karthick'". Firstpost. 29 March 2018. Archived from the original on 9 February 2021. Retrieved 9 December 2018.
  69. ^ a b "'Both 'ENPT' and 'Dhruva Natchathiram' will release this year': Gautham Menon". The News Minute. 18 June 2018. Archived from the original on 28 January 2019. Retrieved 4 February 2021.
  70. ^ "Dhruva Natchathiram teaser: An uber stylish Vikram, brilliant sound mixing and classy visuals". The Indian Express. 6 June 2018. Archived from the original on 10 December 2018. Retrieved 9 December 2018.
  71. ^ a b "Gautham Menon to wrap up 'Dhruva Natchathiram' in August". The Times of India. 28 June 2018. Archived from the original on 11 December 2018. Retrieved 4 February 2021.
  72. ^ "Vikram to wrap up 'Saamy Square' and 'Dhruva Natchathiram' soon". The Times of India. 10 July 2018. Archived from the original on 16 February 2021. Retrieved 4 February 2021.
  73. ^ "Gautham Menon to complete Dhruva Natchathiram shooting post Joshua". The Times of India. 27 November 2019. Archived from the original on 1 December 2019. Retrieved 4 February 2021.
  74. ^ "A refreshing update from Vikram and Gautham Menon's 'Dhruva Natchathiram'". The Times of India. 1 May 2020. Archived from the original on 16 November 2020. Retrieved 4 February 2021.
  75. ^ a b "Here's why Vikram's 'Dhruva Natchathiram' is delayed". The Times of India. 24 March 2021. Archived from the original on 19 May 2021. Retrieved 19 May 2021.
  76. ^ "Director Gautham Menon and Vikram's Latest Pics Suggest Dhruva Natchathiram is On". News18. 3 August 2022. Archived from the original on 9 August 2022. Retrieved 9 August 2022.
  77. ^ "Director Gautham Menon indirectly announces reviving the long-delayed 'Dhruva Natchathiram'". The Times of India. 2 August 2022. Archived from the original on 5 November 2023. Retrieved 5 November 2023.
  78. ^ "Chiyaan Vikram's long pending 'Dhruva Natchathiram' patchwork completed, film to release soon". The Times of India. 7 February 2023. Archived from the original on 12 March 2023. Retrieved 3 March 2023.
  79. ^ "Dhruva Natchathiram trailer: Vikram leads long-delayed action thriller. Watch". Hindustan Times. 24 October 2023. Archived from the original on 5 November 2023. Retrieved 5 November 2023.
  80. ^ @menongautham (2 November 2019). "And The Season doesn't end without this film that's really close to my heart & is hopefully state of the art. Tremendous& positive experience working with THE Chiyaan Vikram! #DN in post-production over the next 60 days and heading towards release. #Johnwillmeetyousoon" (Tweet). Archived from the original on 2 November 2019. Retrieved 2 November 2019 – via Twitter.
  81. ^ "Chiyaan Vikram begins dubbing for 'Dhruva Natchathiram'". The Times of India. 6 March 2022. Archived from the original on 6 March 2022. Retrieved 6 March 2022.
  82. ^ "Aishwarya Rajesh's scenes in 'Dhruva Natchathiram' to be chopped". The Times of India. 22 July 2023. Archived from the original on 25 October 2023. Retrieved 24 October 2023.
  83. ^ "Gautham Menon: 'I started acting only to fund Dhruva Natchathiram and finish it'". The Indian Express. 20 October 2023. Archived from the original on 27 October 2023. Retrieved 5 November 2023.
  84. ^ "Gautham Vasudev Menon reveals he had to pursue acting for the sole reason of finishing 'Dhruva Natchathiram'". The Times of India. 14 October 2023. Archived from the original on 5 November 2023. Retrieved 5 November 2023.
  85. ^ "Dhruva Natchathiram: The Vikram-starrer action drama censored with U/A, major announcement tomorrow". OTTPlay. 22 September 2023. Archived from the original on 5 November 2023. Retrieved 5 November 2023.
  86. ^ "Chiyaan Vikram's 'Dhruva Natchathiram' certified U/A". The Times of India. 22 September 2023. Archived from the original on 4 October 2023. Retrieved 5 November 2023.
  87. ^ "Gautham Menon's update on Oru Manam single from Dhruva Natchathiram". The Times of India. 6 October 2020. Archived from the original on 2 January 2021. Retrieved 4 February 2021.
  88. ^ "'Oru Manam', new song from Vikram's 'Dhruva Natchathiram' is out". The Times of India. 8 October 2020. Archived from the original on 11 October 2020. Retrieved 16 October 2020.
  89. ^ S, Rajasekar (22 November 2023). "Gautham Menon speaks on Dhruva Natchathiram, and on producing love stories". The Federal. Archived from the original on 23 November 2023. Retrieved 30 November 2023.
  90. ^ "'Dhruva Natchathiram': 'His Name Is John' song from Gautham Menon-Vikram's film out". The Hindu. 19 July 2023. Archived from the original on 27 September 2023. Retrieved 5 December 2023.
  91. ^ "Naracha Mudi song from Vikram's Dhruva Natchathiram is here". Cinema Express. 28 October 2023. Archived from the original on 6 November 2023. Retrieved 5 November 2023.
  92. ^ "Dhruva Natchathiram (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)". Apple Music. 28 October 2023. Archived from the original on 5 January 2024. Retrieved 5 December 2023.
  93. ^ "Vikram-starrer Dhruva Natchathiram to release on Nov 24". DT Next. 24 September 2023. Archived from the original on 5 November 2023. Retrieved 5 November 2023.
  94. ^ INT. COFFEE SHOP — DAY | Gautham Vasudev Menon, DD | Dhruva Natchathiram — In cinemas from 24 Nov (in Tamil). Ondraga Entertainment. 13 March 2023. Archived from the original on 5 November 2023. Retrieved 5 November 2023 – via YouTube.
  95. ^ "Dhruva Natchathiram trailer hits theaters with Thalapathy Vijay's Leo; Gautham Menon hints online release date". Pinkvilla. 20 October 2023. Archived from the original on 5 November 2023. Retrieved 5 November 2023.
  96. ^ "Dhruva Natchathiram trailer: Vikram and Gautham Menon promise all the wait will pay off". The Indian Express. 24 October 2023. Archived from the original on 5 November 2023. Retrieved 5 November 2023.
  97. ^ "'Dhruva Natchathiram' trailer: Gautham Menon and Vikram's slick action-fest could be worth the wait after all". The Hindu. 24 October 2023. Archived from the original on 4 November 2023. Retrieved 5 November 2023.
  98. ^ Ondraga Entertainment [@OndragaEnt] (24 October 2023). "Get yourself a taste of #DhruvaNatchathiram with the special popcorn tubs at @_PVRCinemas🍿Stay tuned for the #DhruvaNatchathiramTrailer, dropping at 5PM💥#DhruvaNatchathiramFromNov24" (Tweet). Retrieved 5 November 2023 – via Twitter.
  99. ^ "ENPT and Dhruva Natchathiram will surely release this year: GVM". The Times of India. 17 June 2018. Archived from the original on 22 February 2021. Retrieved 4 February 2021.
  100. ^ "'Dhruva Natchathiram': The Vikram-starrer to join the Diwali race?". The Times of India. 21 June 2018. Archived from the original on 9 September 2022. Retrieved 4 February 2021.
  101. ^ "Gautham Menon to play a negative role in Sibiraj's cop film, Walter". Cinema Express. 28 June 2019. Archived from the original on 29 June 2019. Retrieved 29 June 2019.
  102. ^ Kumar, Pradeep (10 June 2020). "Release work on for Vikram's 'Dhruva Natchathiram', says Gautham Menon". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 13 June 2020. Retrieved 10 June 2020.
  103. ^ Ramanujam, Srinivasa (15 July 2020). "Gautham Menon: 'Dhruva Natchathiram will be an event film bringing audiences back to theatres'". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 19 May 2021. Retrieved 19 May 2021.
  104. ^ "Vikram's long-delayed 'Dhruva Natchathiram' to release in two parts?". Sify. 14 July 2021. Archived from the original on 14 July 2021. Retrieved 14 July 2021.
  105. ^ "Dhruva Natchathiram: New poster out for Vikram's birthday". Moviecrow. 17 April 2023. Archived from the original on 30 July 2023. Retrieved 30 July 2023.
  106. ^ "Gautham Menon says that 'Dhruva Natchathiram' will most likely be 4th release of Vikram in 2022". The Times of India. 25 August 2022. Archived from the original on 5 November 2023. Retrieved 5 November 2023.
  107. ^ "Vikram's Film Dhruva Natchathiram To Release Worldwide On May 19?". News18. 17 March 2023. Archived from the original on 5 November 2023. Retrieved 5 November 2023.
  108. ^ "Chiyaan Vikram's 'Dhruva Natchathiram' to release on July 14; the new trailer to release on June 17th". The Times of India. 8 June 2023. Archived from the original on 10 June 2023. Retrieved 10 June 2023.
  109. ^ "Is Chiyaan Vikram's 'Dhruva Natchathiram' going to clash with Vijay's 'Leo' on October 18? Here's what we know". The Times of India. 21 August 2023. Archived from the original on 22 August 2023. Retrieved 5 November 2023.
  110. ^ "Chiyaan Vikram's 'Dhruva Natchathiram' likely to release for this Diwali". The Times of India. 21 September 2023. Archived from the original on 5 November 2023. Retrieved 5 November 2023.
  111. ^ "Vikram and Gautham Menon's 'Dhruva Natchathiram' release date out". The Hindu. 23 September 2023. Archived from the original on 23 September 2023. Retrieved 23 September 2023.
  112. ^ "Gautham Menon to pay Rs 8 crore at the court for 'Dhruva Natchathiram' release". The Times of India. 23 November 2023. Archived from the original on 23 November 2023. Retrieved 23 November 2023.
  113. ^ "'Dhruva Natchathiram' release issue continues! Chiyaan Vikram starrer to be postponed from November 24 release". The Times of India. 23 November 2023. Archived from the original on 23 November 2023. Retrieved 23 November 2023.
  114. ^ "Check out the NEW release date for Gautham Menon's 'Dhruva Natchathiram'". The Times of India. 28 November 2023. Archived from the original on 28 November 2023. Retrieved 28 November 2023.
  115. ^ "MHC extends interim injunction restraining release of Vikram's 'Dhruva Natchathiram'". DT Next. 7 December 2023. Archived from the original on 11 December 2023. Retrieved 11 December 2023.
  116. ^ "Producer K Rajan Has This To Say About Delay In Dhruva Natachathiram's Release". News18. 2 December 2023. Archived from the original on 11 December 2023. Retrieved 4 June 2024.
  117. ^ "Chiyaan Vikram's Dhruva Natchathiram To Finally Release After 7-Year Delay?". News18. 19 January 2024. Archived from the original on 19 January 2024. Retrieved 19 January 2024.
  118. ^ "Director Gautham Menon's Dhruva Natchathiram to release in February?". The New Indian Express. 18 January 2024. Archived from the original on 19 January 2024. Retrieved 19 January 2024.
  119. ^ Goud, M Priyanka (7 April 2024). "I'm in the most exciting phase of my career: Ritu Varma". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 30 July 2024. Retrieved 30 July 2024.
[edit]