ABOUT THE MOVIE (BIGIL)
"Bigil" is a 2019 Indian Tamil-language sports action film directed by Atlee Kumar and produced by AGS Entertainment. The film features Vijay, one of Tamil cinema’s biggest stars, in a dual role as both the protagonist and a supporting character. "Bigil" is notable for its engaging storyline, energetic sports sequences, and powerful social messages.
Plot Summary:
The film centers around Michael Rayappan, popularly known as Bigil (played by Vijay), a former footballer who dreams of nurturing young football talent. The story unfolds as Bigil, who was once a talented goalkeeper, becomes a coach to a women's football team. The narrative explores themes of gender equality, overcoming societal barriers, and the importance of sports in empowering women.
Bigil's journey begins with his personal struggles and aspirations to help his team win. The team comprises young women from different backgrounds, each facing their own social and personal challenges. Through his mentorship, Bigil aims to transform their lives and lead them to victory, both on and off the field.
Cast:
- Vijay in a dual role as:
- Michael Rayappan a.k.a Bigil, a former footballer turned gangster ended up as coach of the Tamil Nadu women's football team.
- Rayappan, Michael's father, a crime boss
- Nayanthara as Dr. Angel Aasirvatham, Michael's love interest and a physiotherapist who later becomes the team's official Physiotherapist (Voice dubbed by Deepa Venkat)
- Jackie Shroff as J.K. Sharma, All India Football Federation president (Voice dubbed by Nizhalgal Ravi)
- Kathir as Kathir, Michael's teammate
- Vivek as Nessi
- Daniel Balaji as Daniel, a drug-dealer and gangster
- Munishkanth as Kailasam
- Anandaraj as Anand
- Yogi Babu as Donald
- I. M. Vijayan as Alex, Daniel's father
- Indhuja Ravichandran as Vembu
- Amritha Aiyer as Thendral, the Tamil Nadu women's team captain
- Reba Monica John as Anitha
- Varsha Bollamma as Gayathri Sudarshan
- Indraja Shankar as Pandiyamma
- Gayathri Reddy as Maari
- Aadhirai Soundarajan as Minnoli
- Kanimozhi as Kanimozhi
- Shobana as Shobana
- Vinaya Seshan as Thamarai
- Riddhi Ramesh as Selvi
- Devadarshini as Elizabeth, Michael's sister
- Rohini as Anitha's mother
- G. Gnanasambandam as Aasirvatham, Angel's father
- Rama as Mrs. Aasirvatham, Angel's mother
- Namo Narayana as Parthasarathi
- Sai Dheena as Dheena, Michael's friend
- Manobala as Angel's professor
- Soundararaja as Guna, a police officer and Michael's friend
- Abi Saravanan as John
- Ajay Raj as Raghav
- Sreejith Ravi as Damodaran
- Prajuna Sarah as Mary, Elizabeth's daughter
- T. M. Karthik as Sharma's assistant
- George Maryan as the church father
- Mathew Varghese as a police inspector
- Anish Kuruvilla as Inspector Ravi Kottarakka
- Tanvie Hans as Hemam, captain of Manipur women's team
- Arun Venugopal as a commentator
- Raman Vijayan as a commentator
- Sahithya Jagannathan as a commentator
- RJ Balaji as a commentator
- Arun Alexander as a minister[13]
- Bigil Siva as Sudharshan, Gayathri's husband
- RJ Ananthi as a commentator
- Aathma Patrick as Michael's friend
- Nithyaraj as Michael's friend
- TSR Srinivasan as Michael's friend
- Gana Balachander as himself and as a kuthu rapper in Rayappan's area
- Amoolya Kamal as a Tamil Nadu women's football team player[14]
- Leo Thomas as a football player[15]
- Munivel as a football player[16]
Cameo appearances
- Arjan Bajwa as Samar, Coach of Manipur Women's Football Team and rival of Michael
- Poovaiyar as himself in the song "Verithanam"
- A. R. Rahman as himself in the song "Singappenney"
- Atlee as himself in the song "Singappenney"
Themes and Messages:
"Bigil" emphasizes the importance of women’s sports and advocates for gender equality. It showcases the struggles faced by women athletes in a male-dominated society and highlights their resilience and talent. The film also promotes unity, perseverance, and the idea that sports can be a catalyst for social change.
Music and Technical Aspects:
The soundtrack, composed by A.R. Rahman, played a significant role in elevating the film’s emotional and energetic moments. Songs like "Verithanam" and "Aalaporaan Thamizhan" became hits, resonating with audiences for their motivational lyrics and catchy tunes.
The cinematography by G. K. Vishnu captures the vibrant sports sequences and urban settings effectively. The editing and choreography contribute to the high-energy feel of the film, especially during the football matches.
Reception:
"Bigil" was released on October 25, 2019, coinciding with Diwali, and received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. It was praised for Vijay’s charismatic performance, the inspiring story, and the lively soundtrack. The film was a commercial success, grossing over 300 crore INR worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing Tamil films of 2019.
Impact and Cultural Significance:
Beyond entertainment, "Bigil" sparked conversations about women’s sports and gender issues in India. It motivated many young women to pursue sports and challenged societal stereotypes about female athletes.
In Summary:
"Bigil" is a compelling sports drama that combines action, emotion, and social messaging. With Vijay’s compelling performance and Atlee’s engaging direction, it stands out as a film that celebrates sportsmanship, gender equality, and perseverance, leaving a lasting impact on its viewers.
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