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Kuselan is a 2008 Indian Tamil-language drama film directed by P. Vasu, starring Rajinikanth and Pasupathy in the lead roles, with Meena, Nayanthara, Vadivelu, and Livingston in supporting roles. The film is a remake of the Malayalam film Kadha Parayumbol (2007) and was simultaneously made in Telugu as Kathanayakudu (2008). The story revolves around the friendship of Balakrishnan (Pasupathy), a poor barber, and superstar actor Ashok Kumar (Rajinikanth), who are childhood friends. Ashok visits his hometown to shoot for his latest film and is surprised to see how much his friend has achieved despite their vastly different financial statuses. Balakrishnan takes this opportunity to introduce Ashok to his village and to his family, wife Kaveri (Meena) and daughter.

The film's plot raises questions about the commercialization of cinema and how filmmakers should approach their craft. It also touches on themes of class and the importance of genuine human connections. The story is told through a series of flashbacks, balancing Ashok's experiences in the present with his past interactions with Balakrishnan.

Rajinikanth delivers a nuanced performance as Ashok, a superstar grappling with the pressure of fame, while Pasupathy charms as the humble and endearing Balakrishnan. Meena brings depth to her character as Balakrishnan's supportive wife. Vadivelu provides comic relief as the village clown, while Livingston gives a convincing portrayal of a greedy film producer.

The film's music, composed by G. V. Prakash Kumar, adds to the emotional weight of the story, with the song "Cinema Cinema" perfectly encapsulating the film's themes. The cinematography by R. Rathnavelu captures the essence of rural India, with its vibrant colors and stunning landscapes.

Kuselan was highly anticipated due to Rajinikanth's involvement, but it received mixed reviews upon release. Some praised the film's powerful message and Rajinikanth's performance, while others criticized the slow pace and lack of action. Nevertheless, it was appreciated for its attempt to bring a socially relevant theme to mainstream cinema.

In conclusion, Kuselan is a heartwarming film about friendship, the movie industry, and human connections. Though it may not satisfy those looking for a typical Rajinikanth action film, it is a refreshing change of pace and showcases the superstar's acting chops. The film's message is more relevant today than ever before, as the world grapples with the impact of commercialization and the importance of empathy and human connections.

Kuselan is a 2008 drama. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.9.