Kalloori

Kalloori (transl. College) is a 2007 Indian Tamil-

language coming-of-age drama film by director Balaji Kalloori
Sakthivel. The film was produced by S. Shankar via S
Pictures. The story, based on a college campus, stars
Akhil, Tamannaah Bhatia, and Bharani alongside an
ensemble cast including Hemalatha, Maya Reddy,
Rajeshwari, Sailatha, Prakaash, Kamakshinathan, and
Thisaigal Arunkumar. The music was scored by Joshua
Sridhar, and lyrics were written by Na. Muthukumar.

Kalloori drew inspiration from a real-life incident in

which three college girls from the Tamil Nadu
Agricultural University were burnt alive in the 2000 Theatrical release poster
Dharmapuri bus burning incident. Released on 7
Directed by Balaji Sakthivel
December 2007,[1] the film became a success and is
recognized as a milestone in Bhatia's career.[2][3][4][5] Written by Balaji Sakthivel
Produced by S. Shankar
Starring Akhil
Plot Tamannaah Bhatia

The film opens with a group of students clearing weeds Bharani

near a roadside tree. Flashing back a few years earlier, Hemalatha
a bus full of college students heads towards Maya Reddy
Government Arts College in a small town. Among Sailatha
them are Muthuchelvan, Ramesh, Kayalvizhi,
Prakaash
Adhilakshmi, Nagarani, Albert, Kamakshinathan,
Kamakshinathan
Salima, and Ayyanar, who have been friends since high
school. Muthu showcases his athletic talent, while Rajeswari
Ramesh is a charismatic flirt and movie enthusiast. Thisaigal Arunkumar
Kayal is determined and independent, adamant about Cinematography Chezhiyan
not falling in love within their friend group.
Edited by G. Sasikumar
Adhilakshmi has a passion for food, while Nagarani,
who speaks Telugu, suffers from fits when frightened. Music by Joshua Sridhar
Albert, a Christian, faces abuse from his alcoholic Production S Pictures
father. Kamakshinathan, although wealthy, struggles company
with shyness, especially when meeting new Distributed by S Pictures
classmates. Salima excels in academics and dance, and Release date 7 December 2007
Ayyanar adds a quirky touch to the group dynamics. As
Country India
they step into college for the first time, their journey
begins. Language Tamil
In a classroom, a strikingly different girl named Shobhana catches the attention of the group. Initially
puzzled by her aloof demeanor, they later discover that she's grieving the recent loss of her mother in an
accident. Sympathizing with her, the group warmly embraces Shobhana, and she becomes an integral part
of their circle. Despite her initial plans to pursue studies in Delhi, she chooses to stay with her newfound
friends during college. As their friendship blossoms, the movie portrays the vibrancy of college life and
the diverse backgrounds of the friends, many of whom hail from impoverished families. Among them is
Muthu, an aspiring athlete with ambitions to uplift his family through sports. Shobhana, coming from a
privileged background, is deeply moved by Muthu's determination and supports him wholeheartedly.
Initially offering encouragement, her feelings gradually evolve into a special connection with Muthu.
Despite their growing affection, they prioritize their friendship with the group and mutually agree to set
aside their romantic feelings for the greater good.

Eventually, the friends take a college trip to Andhra. During a stop at a hotel serving only non-vegetarian
food, Muthu volunteers to fetch vegetarian food for Shobhana. In a heartfelt moment, Shobhana
confesses her love for Muthu to Kayal, who accepts it graciously despite her reservations about romantic
involvement between friends. Adhilakshmi overhears this conversation and shares it with the group,
bringing surprise and joy. However, their plans are disrupted when the hotel is abruptly closed due to a
political incident. As they rush to safety, their bus is stopped by protestors who set it on fire. Amid the
chaos, some students are trapped, and tragically, Kayal, Adhilakshmi, and Shobhana perish while trying
to escape. The last scene flashes back to the beginning of the movie, where the group of people was
clearing the weeds. It has been eight years since the incident, and every year, the group of friends come to
pay respects to their lost friends, and Muthu still keeps Shobhana's handkerchief in remembrance of their
love.

Cast
Akhil as Muthuchelvan
Tamannaah Bhatia as Shobana
Bharani as Ramesh
Hemalatha as Kayalvizhi
Maya Reddy as Saleema
Sailatha as Nagarani
Prakaash as Albert
Kamakshinathan as Kamakshinathan
Rajeswari as Adhilakshmi
Thisaigal Arunkumar as Ayyanar
Mohamed Mufak as Karthi
Balamurugan
Arunkumar
Alex
Vinoth as Iruvar
Sivakumar as Lecturer
Usha Elizabeth as Lecturer
Production
Actor Akhil and art director Mayil Krishnan made their debut with this film. Filming began in May 2007,
and the first schedule was held at Sivaganga and its surrounding areas. By November filming was
complete, and the film was in its "finishing touches".[6]

Soundtrack
The music was composed by Joshua Sridhar, with lyrics by Na. Muthukumar.[7] The audio launch was
held at Green Park Hotel, Chennai in November 2007.[8]

Track listing
No. Title Singer(s) Length
1. "June July Matham" Krish, Rita Thyagarajan 5:55
2. "Sariya Ithu Thavara" Haricharan 5:22
3. "Unnarugil Varugaiyil" Haricharan, Harini Sudhakar 5:29
4. "Kalloori Theme Music" Haricharan 5:23
5. "Vandanam Ayya Vandanam" Thiyagu, Ramesh, Prakash 5:50
Total length: 27:59

Critical reception
Pavithra Srinivasan of [Link] gave the film 3.5/5 stars, stating, "Kalloori might be devoid of action,
item songs and glitzy costumes -- but what it gives you is the real deal." She expressed that the film offers
a refreshing take on college life, focusing on the genuine camaraderie and struggles of a group of friends
in a rural setting. With a naturalistic portrayal of characters and an unexpected storyline, the film
captivates audiences by eschewing clichés and embracing realism.[9] The Times of India, in their review
rated the film 2.5/5 stars and commented that it tells the story of nine close-knit friends from unprivileged
backgrounds at a small-town college, whose lives change with the arrival of Shobana, a wealthy girl from
Bangalore. The film beautifully captures the tender dynamics between Shobana and Muthu but concludes
with an unexpectedly brutal climax, undermining its otherwise heartwarming narrative.[10] Malini
Mannath of Chennai Online wrote "'Kalloori', coming on the lines of 'S' Production's earlier films like
'Kadhal' and 'Veyil', is a film with it's [sic] poignant moments, engaging narration and a wholesome
appeal".[11] Deccan Herald wrote, "The director, casting many newcomers, has elicited the best from
them. Their performances can astound even the best of actors in Tamil cinema. Tamanna could have done
a better job though."[12]

Controversy
After the film was released, Balaji Sakthivel altered the climax following negative reactions to a scene
reminiscent of the 2000 Dharmapuri bus burning in which three girls were killed in a bus.[13][14]
References
1. "Shankar goes against superstition!" ([Link]
[Link]/movies/tamil/[Link]?id=14567748). Sify. 28 November 2007. Archived from the
original ([Link] on 30 November 2007.
Retrieved 3 December 2025.
2. Manigandan, K. R. (17 March 2012). "Cracking the case" ([Link]
s/cinema/cracking-the-case/[Link]). The Hindu. Archived ([Link]
rg/web/20180708104354/[Link]
[Link]) from the original on 8 July 2018. Retrieved 8 July 2018.
3. "South for Stardom" ([Link]
[Link]/india/South-for-Stardom/articleshow/[Link]). The Times of India. 27 April
2008. Archived from the original ([Link]
articleshow/[Link]?) on 15 May 2015. Retrieved 3 November 2015.
4. Rajamani, Radhika (31 December 2007). "I want to make a mark in the South" ([Link]
[Link]/web/20150626115421/[Link]
m). [Link]. Archived from the original ([Link]
[Link]) on 26 June 2015. Retrieved 3 November 2015.
5. "Did You Know Tamannaah Bhatia Started Her Film Career At The Age Of 17?" ([Link]
[Link]/news/movies/did-you-know-tamannaah-bhatia-started-her-film-career-at-the-
[Link]). News18. 21 December 2022. Archived ([Link]
eb/20221222063825/[Link]
[Link]) from the original on 22 December
2022. Retrieved 3 June 2024.
6. "Kalloori - A Roundup" ([Link]
com/masala/hotnews/new/[Link]). Cinesouth. 19 November 2007. Archived
from the original ([Link] on 12
December 2007. Retrieved 10 April 2025.
7. "Kalloori (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) – EP" ([Link]
ori-original-motion-picture-soundtrack-ep/1190088271). Apple Music. 22 October 2007.
Archived ([Link] from the original on 26 June 2026.
Retrieved 18 February 2025.
8. "Kaloori audio launched" ([Link]
tainment/movies/imagegallery/gallery/[Link]?hcategory=13709686&hgallery=1455848
5). Sify. Archived from the original ([Link]
y/[Link]?hcategory=13709686&hgallery=14558485) on 13 November 2007. Retrieved
13 January 2026.
9. Srinivasan, Pavithra (7 December 2007). "Review: Kalloori is realistic" ([Link]
m/movies/review/kal/[Link]). [Link]. Archived ([Link]
40603130802/[Link] from the original on
3 June 2024. Retrieved 3 June 2024.
10. "Kalloori Movie Review" ([Link]
ws/kalloori/movie-review/[Link]). The Times of India. 7 December 2007. Archived (ht
tps://[Link]/web/20240603123555/[Link]
nt/tamil/movie-reviews/kalloori/movie-review/[Link]) from the original on 3 June
2024. Retrieved 3 June 2024.
11. Mannath, Malini (19 December 2007). "Kalloori" ([Link]
048/[Link] Chennai Online.
Archived from the original ([Link]
[Link]) on 23 December 2007. Retrieved 23 August 2024.
12. "Kalloori" ([Link]
[Link]/Content/Dec82007/[Link]). Deccan Herald. 8
December 2007. Archived from the original ([Link]
m/Content/Dec82007/[Link]) on 11 December 2007. Retrieved
29 August 2022.
13. "Kaloori- Climax changed!" ([Link]
vies/tamil/[Link]?id=14578677). Sify. 20 December 2007. Archived from the original (h
ttp://[Link]/movies/tamil/[Link]?id=14578677) on 29 December 2007. Retrieved
12 December 2024.
14. "Priya Prakash Varrier's Oru Adaar Love climax reshot: 5 Tamil films which were changed
after release" ([Link]
e-climax-reshot-5-tamil-films-which-were-changed-after-release-1459639-2019-02-19/5).
India Today. 19 February 2019. Archived ([Link]
s://[Link]/movies/photo/priya-prakash-varrier-s-oru-adaar-love-climax-reshot-5-t
amil-films-which-were-changed-after-release-1459639-2019-02-19/5) from the original on 24
May 2021. Retrieved 24 May 2021.

External links
Kalloori ([Link] at IMDb
Kalloori ([Link] at Rotten Tomatoes

Retrieved from "[Link]