Dharala Prabhu
{{Short description|2020 film by Krishna Marimuthu}}
{{Use dmy dates|date = March 2020}}
{{Use Indian English|date = March 2020}}
{{Infobox film
| name = Dharala Prabhu
| image = Dharala Prabhu.jpg
| caption = Theatrical release poster
| director = Krishna Marimuthu
| producer =
| screenplay = Sudharshan Narasimhan
| based_on = {{Based on|Vicky Donor|Juhi Chaturvedi}}
| starring = Harish Kalyan
Vivek
Tanya Hope
| music = Anirudh Ravichander
Sean Roldan
Vivek-Mervin
Inno Genga
Madley Blues
Bharath Shankar
Kaber Vasuki
Oorka
| cinematography = Selvakumar S. K.
| editing = Kripakaran
| studio = Screen Scene Media Entertainment
| distributor = Screen Scene Media Entertainment
| runtime = 138 minutes
| country = India
| language = Tamil
| budget =
| gross =
}}
Dharala Prabhu ({{Translation|Generous Lord}}) is a 2020 Indian Tamil-language romantic comedy film written and directed by Krishna Marimuthu in his directorial debut. A remake of the 2012 Hindi film Vicky Donor, the film stars Harish Kalyan, Tanya Hope and Vivek.{{Cite web|url=https://www.sify.com/movies/dharala-prabhu-is-an-official-remake-of-vicky-donorkrishna-marimuthu--news-tamil-udfehLihcdhig.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200305115231/https://www.sify.com/movies/dharala-prabhu-is-an-official-remake-of-vicky-donorkrishna-marimuthu--news-tamil-udfehLihcdhig.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=5 March 2020|title='Dharala Prabhu' is an official remake of 'Vicky Donor':Krishna Marimuthu|website=Sify|language=en|access-date=2020-03-13}}{{Cite web|url=https://gulfnews.com/entertainment/south-indian/dharala-prabhu-a-tamil-remake-of-bollywood-film-vicky-donor-1.70304881|title='Dharala Prabhu', a Tamil remake of Bollywood film 'Vicky Donor'|website=gulfnews.com|date=11 March 2020|language=en|access-date=2020-03-13|archive-date=12 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200312061720/https://gulfnews.com/entertainment/south-indian/dharala-prabhu-a-tamil-remake-of-bollywood-film-vicky-donor-1.70304881|url-status=live}} The film's concept is set against the backdrop of sperm donation and infertility, with Prabhu (Harish Kalyan) approached by Kannadasan (Vivek), the owner of a fertility clinic, to become a sperm donor for which he eventually agrees.
The film was initially reported for a Tamil remake in early 2012, with a project starring Siddharth in the lead role eventually fails to materialise despite its announcements. Eight years later in May 2019, Screen Scene Media Entertainment acquired the remake rights with Harish Kalyan being hired for the film and the project started the following month. The cinematography was handled by Selvakumar S. K. and edited by Kripakaran, the film features a soundtrack album composed by Anirudh Ravichander, Sean Roldan, Vivek-Mervin, Inno Genga, Madley Blues, Bharath Shankar, Kaber Vasuki and Oorka.
Dharala Prabhu was released theatrically on 13 March 2020. With theatres being shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic, affecting its collections, the film was made available for streaming via Amazon Prime Video, less than a month after its release. Nevertheless, the film opened to positive reviews from critics and became a breakthrough film for Harish Kalyan and ended up as a decent hit by its other revenue. The film also marked Vivek's final release before his death.
Plot
Dr. Kannadasan MBBS is a fertility doctor who runs and manages a fertility clinic in Chennai with the help of his assistant, Kaamu. He promises high-quality sperm for his patients but is frustrated at his lack of success due to his inability to find a healthy sperm donor. Through his contact at the Employment Exchange Department, he reviews the employment applications filed under the sports category, finding a suitable person in the name of Prabhu Govind.
Prabhu, a happy-go-lucky young man with an outstanding flair for playing football, aspires to gain his dream job under the sports quota in order to support his mother Vaanathi and his grandmother, both of whom run a beauty spa. One day, while making a delivery at a mall on the behest of his mother, Prabhu meets Nidhi Mandhana, an employee and divorcee, and is instantly smitten by her. He later notices Kannadasan following him and corners him. Kannadasan, in a friendly manner, requests Prabhu to make a sperm donation, to which the latter rejects outright, out of disgust. Undeterred, Kannadasan follows Prabhu everywhere, determined to gain his sperm. Meanwhile, Prabhu regularly visits Nidhi at the mall and the two grow close.
Later, after witnessing his football coach lamenting about his inability to have a child with his late wife, Prabhu has a change of heart and approaches Kannadasan. He regularly makes donations to Kannadasan, who in turn pays him for every donation he makes. Prabhu lavishly spends the money and lives happily. He maintains his donations a secret from his family. However, upon discovering that Kannadasan had repeatedly sabotaged his numerous attempts at gaining employment in order to remain in business, Prabhu leaves him and decides to marry Nidhi. Guilty, Kannadasan makes up for Prabhu by securing him his dream job and settling the rift between his family and Nidhi's, resulting in them getting happily married. Prabhu, now reconciled with Kannadasan, makes one final donation to him (albeit at his nudging). Kannadasan uses Prabu's sperm to covertly provide a Kid for a State minister, and gets a huge amount as settlement.
Nidhi yearns to have a child with Prabhu but is unable to have one. Three years pass, but the couple is unable to bear a child. Kannadasan later explains that Nidhi is infertile, leaving Prabhu devastated. Despite Kannadasan's request to conceive a child through surrogacy, Prabhu and Nidhi decide to adopt a child. They adopt Kavya, a three-year-old girl, whose parents had died in a car accident. Later, at home, Prabhu discovers that Kavya is actually his biological child, conceived through one of his donations, leaving him horrified. He confronts Kannadasan, who admits the truth. He urges Prabhu to raise Kavya with love and care. Despite this shock, Prabhu softens up to Kavya and raises her as his own child, also maintaining her true origins as a secret from his family. Prabhu's family grows close to Kavya, but are unaware of her true origins.
Later, the Income Tax Department arrests Prabhu on the charges of handling black money, and Kannadasan comes to his aid. With no other record, Kannadasan is forced to reveal the truth to the police, and they both escape prosecution using the influence of the Minister. Disgusted with the truth, Nidhi leaves Prabhu. Prabhu reconciles with Kannadasan and begs to Nidhi for forgiveness. Kannadasan later invites Prabhu, Nidhi, and Kavya to a function held at an orphanage. He explains to Nidhi that although Prabhu keeping his actions a secret from her was wrong, he urges her to look at the good intentions behind them and reveals to her the happiness that Prabhu gave to numerous families through his donations. He further reveals that 49 children were conceived through Prabhu's donations. With a change of heart, Nidhi reconciles with Prabhu. Prabhu, Nidhi, Kavya, Kannadasan, and other families (whose children were conceived via Prabhu) celebrate.
Cast
{{cast listing|
- Harish Kalyan as Prabhu Govind
- Vivek as Dr. Kannadasan
- Tanya Hope as Nidhi Mandanna
- Baby Nikhitha as Kavya
- Anupama Kumar as Vaanathi, Prabhu's mother
- Sachu as Kundhavai, Prabhu's grandmother
- R. S. Shivaji as Kaamu, Kannadasan's assistant
- Akalya Venkatesan as Latha
- Haresh Vikram as himself
- Ravindra Vijay as Coach Manoj Kumar
- Siddharth Venkataraman as Kavya's father
- Nanditha Sreekumar as Kavya's mother
- Subha as Manoj Kumar's wife
- Namo Narayana as Minister Kaathavarayan
- Ravi Bhatt as Prasad, Nidhi's father
- Madhuvanti Arun as Prema, Nidhi's aunt
- Meera Krishnamurthi as Amudha
- RJ Ananthi as Kalpana
- Lallu as Satish
- Cell Murugan as Vanangamudi
- Gayathri as Chandra
- Latha as a Fertility doctor
- Raja Thirumugan as Paneerselvam
- Nanditha as Kavya's mother
- Siddharth as Kavya's father
}}
Production
After the success of Vicky Donor, a Tamil remake of the film was reported to be produced by Siddharth who acquired the remake rights of the film under his banner Etaki Entertainment.{{Cite news |date=4 May 2012 |title=Siddharth bagged Vicky Donor remake rights |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/siddharth-bagged-vicky-donor-remake-rights/articleshow/12995416.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230920051143/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/siddharth-bagged-vicky-donor-remake-rights/articleshow/12995416.cms |archive-date=20 September 2023 |access-date=2021-02-13 |website=The Times of India |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2012-05-07 |title=Siddharth bags remake rights of Vicky Donor |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/entertainment-others/siddharth-bags-remake-rights-of-vicky-donor/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160413062914/http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/entertainment-others/siddharth-bags-remake-rights-of-vicky-donor/ |archive-date=13 April 2016 |access-date=2021-02-13 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}} Later YNOT Studios also interested in the film's production, collaborating with the actor for the second time after Kadhalil Sodhappuvadhu Yeppadi,{{Cite news |date=10 May 2012 |title='Vicky Donor' to be remade in Tamil and Telugu |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/vicky-donor-to-be-remade-in-tamil-and-telugu/articleshow/13079763.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230920051144/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/vicky-donor-to-be-remade-in-tamil-and-telugu/articleshow/13079763.cms |archive-date=20 September 2023 |access-date=2021-02-13 |website=The Times of India |language=en}} and was reported to be made as a bilingual in Tamil and Telugu.{{Cite news |date=8 May 2012 |title=Vicky Donor to be remade in Tamil |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/vicky-donor-to-be-remade-in-tamil/articleshow/13034736.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230920051148/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/vicky-donor-to-be-remade-in-tamil/articleshow/13034736.cms |archive-date=20 September 2023 |access-date=2021-02-13 |website=The Times of India |language=en}} But no developments had been made further despite its initial announcement.{{Cite web|date=2012-05-09|title='Vicky Donor' to be remade in Tamil and Telugu|url=https://www.bollywoodlife.com/south-gossip/vicky-donor-to-be-remade-in-tamil-and-telugu-103321/|access-date=2021-02-13|website=Bollywood Life|language=en|archive-date=31 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210731164651/https://www.bollywoodlife.com/south-gossip/vicky-donor-to-be-remade-in-tamil-and-telugu-103321/|url-status=live}} The same year, another Telugu film titled Eenade Edho Ayyindi, starring Brahmanandam's son Raja Gautham in the lead role was reported to be the remake film, but the claims were refuted by its director Madhura Sreedhar.{{Cite news|title=Film with Gautham is not a Vicky Donor remake: Madhura Sreedhar|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/film-with-gautham-is-not-a-vicky-donor-remake-madhura-sreedhar/articleshow/15076264.cms|access-date=2021-02-13|website=The Times of India|date=14 January 2017|language=en|archive-date=19 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719122849/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Film-with-Gautham-is-not-a-Vicky-Donor-remake-Madhura-Sreedhar/articleshow/15076264.cms|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|title=Gautham's new movie is titled Eenade Edho Ayyindi|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/gauthams-new-movie-is-titled-eenade-edho-ayyindi/articleshow/15161377.cms|access-date=2021-02-13|website=The Times of India|date=14 January 2017|language=en|archive-date=20 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230920051231/https://gum.criteo.com/syncframe?origin=publishertag&topUrl=timesofindia.indiatimes.com|url-status=live}} The film which was later made in Telugu as Naruda Donoruda was released in November 2016.{{Cite news|title=Naruda Donoruda|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/previews/naruda-donoruda/articleshow/55181371.cms|access-date=2021-02-13|website=The Times of India|date=November 2016|language=en|archive-date=20 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230920051144/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/previews/naruda-donoruda/articleshow/55181371.cms|url-status=live}}
In May 2019, Screen Scene Media Entertainment which acquired the remake rights of the film announced that Harish Kalyan and Tanya Hope will play the lead role reprising Ayushmann Khurrana's and Yami Gautam's role in the original version.{{Cite web|title=Harish Kalyan to act in 'Vicky Donor' Tamil remake!|url=https://www.sify.com/movies/harish-kalyan-to-act-in-vicky-donor-tamil-remake-news-tamil-tfqjMVdahbjhb.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190516063401/http://www.sify.com/movies/harish-kalyan-to-act-in-vicky-donor-tamil-remake-news-tamil-tfqjMVdahbjhb.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=16 May 2019|access-date=2021-02-13|website=Sify|language=en}} At the end of the month, it was reported that Krishna Marimuthu who helmed the 2017 Telugu film Yuddham Sharanam was brought on board as the director,{{Cite web|date=2019-05-29|title=Harish Kalyan in Vicky Donor Tamil remake?|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/harish-kalyan-in-vicky-donor-tamil-remake-5754414/|access-date=2021-02-13|website=The Indian Express|language=en|archive-date=4 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190604085950/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/harish-kalyan-in-vicky-donor-tamil-remake-5754414/|url-status=live}} and the film's tentative title Dharala Prabhu was also announced.{{Cite news |date=27 May 2019 |title='Vicky Donor' Tamil remake titled 'Dharala Prabhu' |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/vicky-donor-tamil-remake-titled-dharala-prabhu/articleshow/69514335.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200423060611/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/vicky-donor-tamil-remake-titled-dharala-prabhu/articleshow/69514335.cms |archive-date=23 April 2020 |access-date=2021-02-13 |website=The Times of India |language=en}} In June 2019, Tanya Hope and Vivek were brought on to the film's cast essaying pivotal roles.{{Cite web|date=June 11, 2019|title=Vivekh to reprise Annu Kapoor's role in Tamil remake of Vicky Donor|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/vivekh-to-reprise-annu-kapoor-s-role-in-tamil-remake-of-vicky-donor-1546698-2019-06-11|access-date=2021-02-13|website=India Today|language=en|archive-date=20 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020041652/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/vivekh-to-reprise-annu-kapoor-s-role-in-tamil-remake-of-vicky-donor-1546698-2019-06-11|url-status=live}} Principal photography began the same month with filming taking place across the suburbs of Chennai.{{Cite web|date=2019-06-01|title='Vicky Donor' to be remade in Tamil as 'Dharala Prabhu'|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/vicky-donor-be-remade-tamil-dharala-prabhu-102835|access-date=2021-02-13|website=The News Minute|language=en|archive-date=18 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210318080418/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/vicky-donor-be-remade-tamil-dharala-prabhu-102835|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|title=More than a remake, our movie will be a retelling of Vicky Donor|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/more-than-a-remake-our-movie-will-be-a-retelling-of-vicky-donor/articleshow/73188756.cms|access-date=2021-02-13|website=The Times of India|date=11 January 2020|language=en|archive-date=28 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200428063237/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/more-than-a-remake-our-movie-will-be-a-retelling-of-vicky-donor/articleshow/73188756.cms|url-status=live}} The first look of the film was released in January 2020, with the film's tentative title Dharala Prabhu was finalised as the official title.{{Cite news|title=First look of Harish Kalyan's Dharala Prabhu|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/first-look-of-harish-kalyans-dharala-prabhu/articleshow/73199504.cms|access-date=2021-02-13|website=The Times of India|date=11 January 2020|language=en|archive-date=3 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803213500/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/first-look-of-harish-kalyans-dharala-prabhu/articleshow/73199504.cms|url-status=live}}
Soundtrack
{{Infobox album
| name = Dharala Prabhu
| type = Soundtrack
| artist = Anirudh Ravichander, Sean Roldan, Vivek-Mervin, Inno Genga, Madley Blues, Bharath Shankar, Kaber Vasuki and Oorka
| cover =
| alt =
| released = 6 March 2020
| recorded = 2020
| genre = Feature film soundtrack
| length = 34:27
| language = Tamil
| label = Sony Music India
| producer =
| chronology = Anirudh Ravichander
| prev_title = Darbar
| prev_year = 2020
| next_title = Paava Kadhaigal
| next_year = 2020
| misc ={{Extra chronology
| artist = Sean Roldan
| type = Soundtrack
| prev_title = Raatchasi
| prev_year = 2019
| title = Dharala Prabhu
| year = 2020
| next_title = Kasada Thapara
| next_year = 2021
}}
{{Extra chronology
| artist = Vivek-Mervin
| type = Soundtrack
| prev_title = Pattas
| prev_year = 2020
| title = Dharala Prabhu
| year = 2020
| next_title = Sulthan
| next_year = 2021
}}
{{Extra chronology
| artist = Kaber Vasuki
| type = Soundtrack
| prev_title =
| prev_year =
| title = Dharala Prabhu
| year = 2020
| next_title = Aelay
| next_year = 2021
}}
{{Extra chronology
| artist = Bharath Shankar
| type = Soundtrack
| prev_title =
| prev_year =
| title = Dharala Prabhu
| year = 2020
| next_title = Mandela
| next_year = 2021
}}
{{Singles
| name = Dharala Prabhu
| type = soundtrack
| single1 = Aaha Ooho
| single1date = 5 February 2020
| single2 = Unnaal Penne
| single2date = 17 February 2020
| single3 = Rasa Mavan
| single3date = 28 February 2020
| single4 = Kaadhal Theevey
| single4date = 1 March 2020
| single5 = Dharala Prabhu
| single5date = 4 March 2020
| single6 = Maatra Thendral
| single6date = 3 June 2020
}}
}}
The soundtrack album of Dharala Prabhu, features eight songs composed by eight different composers, which includes Anirudh Ravichander, Sean Roldan, Vivek-Mervin, Inno Genga, Madley Blues, Bharath Shankar, Kaber Vasuki and Oorka.{{Cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2020/jan/23/eight-composers-on-board-for-dharala-prabhu-2093095.html|title=Eight composers on board for 'Dharala Prabhu'|website=The New Indian Express|date=23 January 2020 |access-date=2020-03-16|archive-date=26 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200126081240/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2020/jan/23/eight-composers-on-board-for-dharala-prabhu-2093095.html|url-status=live}} The background score is composed by Bharath Shankar. Lyrics for the songs were written by Vignesh Shivan, Subu, Nixy, Bharath Shankar and Kaber Vasuki. The audio rights were acquired by Sony Music India.{{cite web | url=https://www.hungama.com/album/dharala-prabhu/52513355/ | title=Download Songs | Listen New Hindi, English MP3 Songs Free Online - Hungama | access-date=16 March 2020 | archive-date=19 September 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919033547/https://www.hungama.com/album/dharala-prabhu/52513355/ | url-status=live }}{{Cite web |url=https://gaana.com/album/dharala-prabhu-tamil |title=Dharala Prabhu (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) Songs Download: Play & Listen Dharala Prabhu (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) Tamil MP3 Song by Vivek Siva @Gaana |access-date=16 March 2020 |archive-date=6 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210306182800/https://gaana.com/album/dharala-prabhu-tamil |url-status=live }} Before the album released, five out of eight songs were released as singles.
The first single "Aaha Ooho" composed by the Oorka band,{{Cite news|title=First single from Dharala Prabhu to be released tomorrow|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/music/first-single-from-dharala-prabhu-to-be-released-tomorrow/articleshow/73933610.cms|access-date=2021-02-13|website=The Times of India|date=4 February 2020|language=en|archive-date=22 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200422154413/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/music/first-single-from-dharala-prabhu-to-be-released-tomorrow/articleshow/73933610.cms|url-status=live}} was released on 5 February 2020.{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/Screensceneoffl/status/1224334407009366017|title=#DharalaPrabhu first single #AahaOoho will be out on Feb 5th|date=2020-02-03|website=@Screensceneoffl|language=en|access-date=2020-03-16}} The second single "Unnaal Penne" composed and sung by Inno Genga, with lyrics written by Vignesh Shivan, was released on 17 February 2020.{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/Screensceneoffl/status/1229312596668338177|title=#UnnalaPenne 2nd single from #DharalaPrabhu will be launched by the super talented @Samanthaprabhu2 today at 6PM.|date=2020-02-16|website=@Screensceneoffl|language=en|access-date=2020-03-16}} The third single track "Rasa Mavan" sung by stand-up comedian Alexander Babu and Harish Venkat, with the former making his singing debut,{{Cite news|title=Stand up comedian sings for Harish Kalyan in Dharala Prabhu|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/music/stand-up-comedian-sings-for-harish-kalyan-in-dharala-prabhu/articleshow/74377599.cms|access-date=2021-02-13|website=The Times of India|date=21 April 2020|language=en|archive-date=12 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200512222156/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/music/stand-up-comedian-sings-for-harish-kalyan-in-dharala-prabhu/articleshow/74377599.cms|url-status=live}} was released on 28 February 2020.{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/Screensceneoffl/status/1233029013565669377|title=Thrilled to have the real #RaasaMavan @thisisysr launch our 3rd track tomorrow @ 12PM.|date=2020-02-27|website=@Screensceneoffl|language=en|access-date=2020-03-16|archive-date=27 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200227141338/https://twitter.com/Screensceneoffl/status/1233029013565669377|url-status=live}} The fourth single "Kaadhal Theevey", composed by Sean Roldan and sung by Sid Sriram,{{Cite news|title=Sid Sriram and Sean Roldan join hands|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/music/sid-sriram-and-sean-roldan-join-hands/articleshow/74317736.cms|access-date=2021-02-13|website=The Times of India|date=26 February 2020|language=en|archive-date=28 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200428230356/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/music/sid-sriram-and-sean-roldan-join-hands/articleshow/74317736.cms|url-status=live}} was released on 1 March 2020.{{Cite web|last=Scene|first=Screen|date=2020-03-01|title=#KaadhalTheevey 4th song from #DharalaPrabhu releasing today at 6pm|url=https://twitter.com/Screensceneoffl/status/1235098436724121602|access-date=2020-03-16|website=@Screensceneoffl|language=en|archive-date=4 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200304070627/https://twitter.com/Screensceneoffl/status/1235098436724121602|url-status=live}} The fifth single "Dharala Prabhu Title Track" sung and composed by Anirudh, was released on 4 March 2020.{{Cite web|last=Scene|first=Screen|date=2020-03-03|title=The next single from #DharalaPrabhu titled "Dharala Prabhu" will be out tomorrow @ 6 PM.|url=https://twitter.com/Screensceneoffl/status/1235943641538940929|access-date=2020-03-16|website=@Screensceneoffl|language=en}} The title track was re-used from Nani's Gang Leader (2019). The remaining songs were released on 6 March 2020. Post release a bonus track "Maatra Thendral" was released on 3 June 2020.{{Citation|title=Maatra Thendral (From "Dharala Prabhu") (Full Song) - Maatra Thendral (From "Dharala Prabhu") - Download or Listen Free - JioSaavn|date=3 June 2020|url=https://www.jiosaavn.com/song/maatra-thendral-from-dharala-prabhu/Ew5aSTsDeQY|language=en-US|access-date=2021-02-13|archive-date=20 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230920051710/https://www.jiosaavn.com/song/maatra-thendral-from-dharala-prabhu/Ew5aSTsDeQY|url-status=live}}
{{Track listing
| all_writing =
| music5 = Bharath Shankar
| lyrics3 = Subu
| music3 = Vivek-Mervin
| lyrics4 = Bharath Shankar
| music4 = Oorka
| extra1 = Kaber Vasuki
| extra2 = Sid Sriram
| extra3 = Yazin Nizar
| extra4 = Oorka
| lyrics5 = Nixy
| extra5 = Shakthisree Gopalan
| lyrics2 = Nixy
| lyrics6 = Vignesh Shivan
| music7 = Madley Blues
| music6 = Inno Genga
| extra6 = Inno Genga
| lyrics7 = Subu
| extra7 = Alexander Babu, Harish Venkat
| lyrics8 = Vignesh Shivan
| music8 = Anirudh Ravichander
| extra8 = Anirudh Ravichander
| lyrics9 = Subu
| extra9 = Pradeep Kumar
| music2 = Sean Roldan
| music1 = Kaber Vasuki
| title1 = Manusan
| title6 = Unnaal Penne
| length1 = 3:22
| title2 = Kaadhal Theevey
| length2 = 3:59
| title3 = Pularum
| length3 = 4:40
| title4 = Aaha Ooho
| length4 = 3:38
| title5 = Payanangal
| length5 = 4:23
| length6 = 3:34
| lyrics1 = Kaber Vasuki
| title7 = Rasa Mavan
| length7 = 3:41
| title8 = Dharala Prabhu
| note8 = Title Track
| length8 = 3:19
| title9 = Maatra Thendral
| length9 = 3:50
| title10 =
| length10 =
| total_length = 34:27
| extra_column = Singer(s)
| music9 = Bharath Shankar
| headline = Track listing
}}
Marketing and release
Dharala Prabhu was theatrically released on 13 March 2020.{{Cite news|title=Harish Kalyan's Dharala Prabhu gets a release date|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/harish-kalyans-dharala-prabhu-gets-a-release-date/articleshow/74456453.cms|access-date=2021-02-13|website=The Times of India|date=3 March 2020|language=en|archive-date=6 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200306060525/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/harish-kalyans-dharala-prabhu-gets-a-release-date/articleshow/74456453.cms|url-status=live}} The film was made available for streaming via Amazon Prime Video in April 2020.{{Cite web |date=12 April 2020 |title=Harish Kalyan: Dharala Prabhu is my attempt to break free of my image |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/interviews/2020/apr/12/harish-kalyan-i-wanted-dharala-prabhu-to-be-a-box-office-hit-17986.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809082546/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/interviews/2020/apr/12/harish-kalyan-i-wanted-dharala-prabhu-to-be-a-box-office-hit-17986.html |archive-date=9 August 2020 |access-date=2021-02-13 |website=Cinema Express |language=en}} The film was later re-released in theatres, post Tamil Nadu government granted permission for its reopening with 50% occupancy on 10 November 2020.{{Cite web |date=2020-11-09 |title='Dharala Prabhu' to 'Oh My Kadavule': Five Tamil films which are set for a re-release |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/dharala-prabhu-to-oh-my-kadavule-five-tamil-films-which-are-set-for-a-re-release/photostory/79130184.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201230011502/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/dharala-prabhu-to-oh-my-kadavule-five-tamil-films-which-are-set-for-a-re-release/photostory/79130184.cms |archive-date=30 December 2020 |access-date=2021-02-13 |website=The Times of India |language=en}}
Reception
= Critical reception =
Thinkal Menon of The Times of India gave 3 stars out of 5 and wrote, "A better background score and more effort on the emotional scenes would have made the movie a perfect remake."{{Cite news |title=Dharala Prabhu Movie Review: Director Krishna Marimuthu has succeeded in a fine execution of Vicky Donor remake |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movie-reviews/dharala-prabhu/movie-review/74605584.cms |newspaper=The Times of India |access-date=2020-03-13 |archive-date=13 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200313155703/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movie-reviews/dharala-prabhu/movie-review/74605584.cms |url-status=live }} Pradeep Kumar of The Hindu wrote "Harish Kalyan's film takes aim, but misses its objective of sensitising the Tamil audience to the concept of sperm donation, by quite some distance."{{Cite news |last=Kumar |first=Pradeep |date=13 March 2020 |title='Dharala Prabhu' movie review: Tamil remake of 'Vicky Donor' is a squandered opportunity |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/dharala-prabhu-movie-review-tamil-remake-of-vicky-donor-is-a-squandered-opportunity/article31060333.ece |access-date=13 February 2021 |archive-date=14 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200414002523/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/dharala-prabhu-movie-review-tamil-remake-of-vicky-donor-is-a-squandered-opportunity/article31060333.ece |url-status=live }} S. Subhakeerthana of The Indian Express gave 3 out of 5 and stated "Though Dharala Prabhu ends on a sentimental note, it is fairly entertaining."{{Cite web |date=13 March 2020 |title=Dharala Prabhu movie review: A good time-pass watch |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/dharala-prabhu-movie-review-vivekh-harish-kalyan-6313136/ |access-date=13 February 2021 |website=The Indian Express |archive-date=25 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210425080430/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/dharala-prabhu-movie-review-vivekh-harish-kalyan-6313136/ |url-status=live }} Sreedhar Pillai, for Firstpost, gave 3 out of 5 stating "Dharala Prabhu is an engaging, breezy entertainer which has the perfect blend of comedy and emotions, along with solid performances from its lead actors."{{Cite web |date=13 March 2020 |title=Dharala Prabhu movie review: Harish Kalyan, Vivekh's retelling of Vicky Donor entertains without being didactic |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/dharala-prabhu-movie-review-harish-kalyan-vivekhs-retelling-of-vicky-donor-entertains-without-being-didactic-8149151.html |access-date=13 February 2021 |website=Firstpost |archive-date=6 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210306092028/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/dharala-prabhu-movie-review-harish-kalyan-vivekhs-retelling-of-vicky-donor-entertains-without-being-didactic-8149151.html |url-status=live }} Janani K of India Today gave 2.5 out of 5 and wrote "Dharala Prabhu is a remake with Tamil sentiments. It's good that the film does not dilute the concept of sperm donation."{{Cite web |last=K. |first=Janani |date=13 March 2020 |title=Dharala Prabhu Movie Review: Harish Kalyan's film is Vicky Donor with Tamil sentiments |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/dharala-prabhu-movie-review-harish-kalyan-s-film-is-vicky-donor-with-tamil-sentiments-1655197-2020-03-13 |access-date=13 February 2021 |website=India Today |archive-date=14 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514054233/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/dharala-prabhu-movie-review-harish-kalyan-s-film-is-vicky-donor-with-tamil-sentiments-1655197-2020-03-13 |url-status=live }} Karthik Kumar of Hindustan Times wrote "Dharala Prabhu is not one of those remakes that blindly recreate the original scene by scene. It's evident from the little but crucial changes made to suit Tamil sensibilities that effort has gone into the project to make it appealing."{{Cite web |date=13 March 2020 |title=Dharala Prabhu movie review: A Vicky Donor remake done just right |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/dharala-prabhu-movie-review-a-vicky-donor-remake-done-just-right/story-pXpJokGMeA0m7dq5Ul0IdO.html |access-date=13 February 2021 |website=Hindustan Times |archive-date=24 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210124012623/https://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/dharala-prabhu-movie-review-a-vicky-donor-remake-done-just-right/story-pXpJokGMeA0m7dq5Ul0IdO.html |url-status=live }}
Sify gave 3.5 out of 5 and wrote: "The film takes a light-hearted, optimistic look at infertility and artificial insemination that entertains and enlightens the audiences".{{Cite web |date=13 March 2020 |title=Dharala Prabhu review: Get ready to be pleasantly surprised! |url=https://www.sify.com/movies/dharala-prabhu-review-get-ready-to-be-pleasantly-surprised--review-tamil-udnlw5ggigbbc.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200313071633/https://www.sify.com/movies/dharala-prabhu-review-get-ready-to-be-pleasantly-surprised--review-tamil-udnlw5ggigbbc.html |archive-date=13 March 2020 |access-date=2020-03-13 |website=Sify |language=en}} Behindwoods gave the film 3 out of 5 and stated "The film takes up a noble subject at its core and despite being a remake that comes after eight years, the fresh treatment and good performances keep us invested in the movie. On the whole, Dharala Prabhu is a faithful remake that tickles you throughout, while still touching your sensitive nerves."{{Cite web |date=12 March 2020 |title=Dharala Prabhu (aka) Vicky Donor Remake review |url=https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/dharala-prabhu/dharala-prabhu-review.html |access-date=13 February 2021 |website=Behindwoods |archive-date=22 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022205030/https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/dharala-prabhu/dharala-prabhu-review.html |url-status=live }} Indiaglitz gave the film a rating of 3.25 out of 5 stating "Go for this breezy entertainer that mixes strong humane messages coated with fun."{{Cite web |title=Dharala Prabhu review. Dharala Prabhu Tamil movie review, story, rating |url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/dharala-prabhu-review-tamil-movie-22959 |access-date=13 February 2021 |website=IndiaGlitz.com |archive-date=2 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210302181708/https://www.indiaglitz.com/dharala-prabhu-review-tamil-movie-22959 |url-status=live }} Baradwaj Rangan of Film Companion wrote, "Very deceptively, very casually, Dharala Prabhu addresses a number of issues without making them feel like “issues” (i.e. there are no lectures).... even the central issue is treated with lightness."{{Cite web |date=13 March 2020 |title=Dharala Prabhu Movie Review: Harish Kalyan Plays A Sperm Donor In A Dignified, Beautifully Made Drama |url=https://www.filmcompanion.in/reviews/tamil-review/dharala-prabhu-movie-review-harish-kalyan-plays-a-sperm-donor-in-a-dignified-beautifully-made-drama/ |website=Film Companion |access-date=24 July 2020 |archive-date=27 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727072442/https://www.filmcompanion.in/reviews/tamil-review/dharala-prabhu-movie-review-harish-kalyan-plays-a-sperm-donor-in-a-dignified-beautifully-made-drama/ |url-status=live }}
= Box office =
Dharala Prabhu had a strong opening weekend collecting ₹35.03 lakhs from 123 shows in Chennai box office.{{Cite web |date=16 March 2020 |title=Dharala Prabhu box office collection |url=https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/dharala-prabhu/dharala-prabhu-box-office-mar-15.html |access-date=13 February 2021 |website=Behindwoods |archive-date=8 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200608194031/https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/dharala-prabhu/dharala-prabhu-box-office-mar-15.html |url-status=live }} However the film had a receding occupancy due to the fear of COVID-19 pandemic, as well as theatres being shut down from 16 March 2020 (three days after the film's release) as a precautionary measure in order to control the pandemic situation.{{Cite web |title=Chennai Box-Office: 13–15 March |url=https://www.sify.com/movies/boxoffice/chennai-box-office-march-13-15-udql9kejaegai.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200316095744/https://www.sify.com/movies/boxoffice/chennai-box-office-march-13-15-udql9kejaegai.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=16 March 2020 |access-date=13 February 2021 |website=Sify |language=en}} The film collected ₹3.2 crores from its theatrical premiere across India and ₹3.4 crores worldwide.{{Cite web |last=Upadhyaya |first=Prakash |date=17 March 2020 |title=Harish Kalyan's Dharala Prabhu, Sibiraj's Walter rule Chennai box office |url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/harish-kalyans-dharala-prabhu-sibirajs-walter-rule-chennai-box-office-815315 |access-date=13 February 2021 |website=International Business Times |language=en |archive-date=24 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201224190158/https://www.ibtimes.co.in/harish-kalyans-dharala-prabhu-sibirajs-walter-rule-chennai-box-office-815315 |url-status=live }} The film was made available for viewing on streaming platforms less than a month after its theatrical release due to the COVID-19 lockdown in India.{{Cite news |title=Harish Kalyan: I'd want my films to release in theatres |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/harish-kalyan-id-want-my-films-to-release-in-theatres/articleshow/76840737.cms |access-date=11 July 2020 |website=The Times of India |date=8 July 2020 |archive-date=10 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200710015104/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/harish-kalyan-id-want-my-films-to-release-in-theatres/articleshow/76840737.cms |url-status=live }}
References
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