Watch Tenaliraman

Tenaliraman is a 2014 Indian Tamil-language historical comedy film directed by Yuvaraj Dhayalan. Starring Vadivelu in the lead role, the film is set in the kingdom of Vijayanagara during the reign of King Krishnadevaraya. Meenakshi Dixit plays the female lead while Radha Ravi plays the antagonist. The film revolves around the legendary character of Tenali Ramakrishna, a court jester and poet who lived in the 16th century. The story begins with the arrival of Tenaliraman at the court of King Krishnadevaraya, who is known for his wit and intelligence. Tenaliraman, who is equally cunning and smart, impresses the king with his ability to outsmart the other courtiers in a game of chess.

As Tenaliraman becomes a regular fixture at the court, he wins the hearts of the people with his humorous and insightful tales. However, the new minister of the court, who is jealous of Tenaliraman's growing popularity, plots to eliminate him. Meanwhile, a neighbouring kingdom threatens to wage war against Vijayanagara, and Tenaliraman comes up with a plan to save the kingdom and win the hearts of the people.

Throughout the film, Vadivelu's brilliant comedic timing and delivery bring Tenaliraman to life, making viewers laugh while also conveying the character's intelligence and cunning. Meenakshi Dixit, as the princess of a neighbouring kingdom, offers a refreshing change of pace from the male-dominated court scenes. Her chemistry with Vadivelu in their scenes together is enjoyable and adds an element of romance to the film.

Radha Ravi's portrayal of the villainous minister is also notable. He brings a level of gravitas to the role, making his character's sinister machinations all the more believable.

The film's production design and cinematography are also noteworthy. The sets and costumes transport viewers back to the 16th century, while the camera work captures the grandeur of the Vijayanagara empire. The visual effects used in a few key scenes are impressive for a film of this budget.

Overall, Tenaliraman is a thoroughly enjoyable ride that combines history, comedy, and drama in a delightful package. Vadivelu's performance as Tenaliraman is undoubtedly the highlight of the film, but the supporting cast and technical aspects of the production are also top-notch. The film's message of using intelligence and wit to overcome adversity is both timeless and relevant, making it a film that can be enjoyed by viewers of all ages.

Tenaliraman is a 2014 comedy with a runtime of 2 hours and 26 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.4.