Jilla

{{Short description|2014 Indian action drama film}}

{{use Indian English|date=May 2014}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2015}}

{{Infobox film

| name = Jilla

| image = Jilla poster.jpg

| caption = Theatrical release poster

| director = R. T. Neason

| producer = R. B. Choudary

| writer = R. T. Neason
N. Baskaran (Dialogues)

| screenplay =

| story =

| based_on =

| starring = Mohanlal
Vijay
Kajal Aggarwal

| narrator =

| music = D. Imman

| cinematography = Ganesh Rajavelu{{Cite web |date=6 November 2013 |title=Crew of Jilla shoots song sequences in Japan |url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/crew-of-jilla-shoots-song-sequences-in-japan-tamil-news-99524.html |access-date=1 November 2015 |website=IndiaGlitz |archive-date=21 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161121043555/http://www.indiaglitz.com/crew-of-jilla-shoots-song-sequences-in-japan-tamil-news-99524.html |url-status=live }}

| editing = Don Max

| studio = Super Good Films

| distributor = Maxlab Entertainments
Ayngaran International

| released = {{Film date|2014|01|09|France, Singapore and Canada|2014|01|10|Worldwide|df=y}}

| runtime = 176 minutes{{Cite web |title=Central Board of Film Certificate scan copy of Jilla |url=https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BdivyUYCUAE9tHD.jpg:large |publisher=Central Board of Film Certificate |access-date=10 January 2014 |archive-date=21 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140121070643/https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BdivyUYCUAE9tHD.jpg:large |url-status=live }}[http://www.metromasti.com/kollywood/news/Jilla-movie-joins100-crore-club-box-office-collections-worldwide/37073 Jilla movie joins100 crore club box office collections worldwide | News] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140121062241/http://www.metromasti.com/kollywood/news/Jilla-movie-joins100-crore-club-box-office-collections-worldwide/37073 |date=21 January 2014 }}. Metromasti.com. Retrieved 17 April 2014.

| country = India

| language = Tamil

| budget = {{INR}}50 crore{{Cite web |date=15 January 2014 |title=First Day Box Office Collections of Vijay and Mohanlal 'Jilla' and Ajith's 'Veeram' |url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/140111/entertainment-kollywood/article/first-day-box-office-collections-mohanlal-vijay-jilla-and-ajit-veeram |website=Deccan Chronicle |access-date=25 January 2014 |archive-date=6 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006104616/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/140111/entertainment-kollywood/article/first-day-box-office-collections-jilla-and-veeram |url-status=dead }}

| gross = {{Estimation}} {{INR}}85 crore

}}

Jilla ({{translation|District}}) is a 2014 Indian Tamil-language action drama film{{Cite web|last=BBFC|title=Jilla|url=https://www.bbfc.co.uk/release/jilla-film-qxnzzxq6vlgtoduynzm5|access-date=2022-01-04|website=www.bbfc.co.uk|language=en|archive-date=4 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220104112409/https://www.bbfc.co.uk/release/jilla-film-qxnzzxq6vlgtoduynzm5|url-status=live}} written and directed by R. T. Neason and produced by R. B. Choudary through the company Super Good Films.{{Cite web |title=It's challenging to work with Mohanlal, Vijay, in 'Jilla', says Nesan |url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/its-challenging-to-work-with-mohanlal-vijay-in-jilla-says-nesan/378806-71-180.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130619172050/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/its-challenging-to-work-with-mohanlal-vijay-in-jilla-says-nesan/378806-71-180.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=19 June 2013 |access-date=24 March 2013 |publisher=IBN Live}} Starring Mohanlal and Vijay the film revolves around the conflict between crime boss and his adopted son, a police officer whose life and approach towards law change after a violent incident. The film co-stars Kajal Aggarwal, Soori, Mahat, Nivetha Thomas, Sampath Raj and Pradeep Rawat.{{Cite web |title=Mohanlal-Vijay team up for Tamil film 'Jilla' to be directed by Nesan |url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/mohanlalvijay-team-up-for-tamil-film-jilla-to-be-directed-by-nesan/377813-71-180.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130315121454/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/mohanlalvijay-team-up-for-tamil-film-jilla-to-be-directed-by-nesan/377813-71-180.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=15 March 2013 |access-date=24 March 2013 |publisher=IBN Live}} The film features soundtrack composed by D. Imman, with Ganesh Rajavelu and Don Max handling cinematography and editing respectively.

The film released on 10 January 2014 and received generally positive reviews from critics and audience.{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/mohanlal's-Jilla-trimmed/articleshow/28675050.cms|title=Mohanlal 's Jilla trimmed|website=The Times of India|access-date=15 January 2017|archive-date=9 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171109140731/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/mohanlal's-Jilla-trimmed/articleshow/28675050.cms|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.sify.com/movies/jilla-trimmed-by-10-minutes-news-tamil-oblmdKehjbgsi.html|title=Jilla trimmed by 10 minutes!|website=Sify|access-date=11 January 2014}}{{dead link|date=September 2022|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} Jilla completed a 100-day theatrical run on 19 April 2014.{{Cite web |title=Siva and Sakthi do it together! |url=http://behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-14/100-days-of-jilla.html |access-date=19 April 2014 |website=Behindwoods |archive-date=19 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140419082010/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-14/100-days-of-jilla.html |url-status=live }}[http://behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-14/box-office-vijay-at-no1-and-ajith-at-no3.html Box-office – Vijay at No.1 and Ajith at No.3] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150323043506/http://behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-14/box-office-vijay-at-no1-and-ajith-at-no3.html |date=23 March 2015 }}. Behindwoods.com (11 November 2014). Retrieved on 2015-05-31. The film had earned {{INR}}85 crore in its entire run at the box office.[http://m.ibtimes.co.in/jilla-box-office-collection-mohanlal-vijay-starrer-wins-bo-battle-537429 'Jilla' Box Office Collection: Mohanlal-Vijay Starrer Wins BO Battle] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150415215516/http://m.ibtimes.co.in/jilla-box-office-collection-mohanlal-vijay-starrer-wins-bo-battle-537429 |date=15 April 2015 }}. M.ibtimes.co.in (5 February 2014). Retrieved on 2015-05-31. The film performed commercially better than its competitor Veeram.{{Cite news |last=Seshagiri |first=Sangeetha |title=Box Office Collection: Mohanlal and Vijay's 'Jilla' Outperforms Ajith's 'Veeram' at Worldwide BO |language=en |work=International Business Times, India Edition |url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/box-office-collection-vijay039s-039jilla039-outperforms-ajith039s-039veeram039-at-worldwide-bo-534906 |access-date=2018-01-26 |archive-date=25 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180225041943/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/box-office-collection-vijay039s-039jilla039-outperforms-ajith039s-039veeram039-at-worldwide-bo-534906 |url-status=live }} The film was remade in Odia as Bajrangi (2017).[https://www.facebook.com/915267161905306/photos/a.915268998571789/1516199791812037/?type=3 Facebook post] {{better source needed|date=March 2024}}

Plot

Shakthi is the adopted son of a Madurai-based crime boss, Sivan and is also his right-hand man, bodyguard and driver. Sivan lives happily with his wife, Shakthi, his son, Vignesh, and his daughter, Mahalakshmi. Shakthi hates the police force due to a police officer killing his father, who was Sivan's driver, in his childhood. His hatred is such that he hates the khaki colour (which is worn by police in India). Shakthi doesn't let Sivan's watchman wear his Khaki watchman uniform, constantly teases his friend Gopal, who gets selected as a constable, and even loses romantic interest in a woman named Shanthi after he finds out that she is an Inspector.

When Sivan is insulted by Ajay Rathore, a newly appointed police commissioner of Madurai, who wants to wipe the criminal system of Madurai, Sivan forces Shakthi to become an IPS officer to save his crime syndicate and prove the commissioner's words wrong. Reluctantly taking charge as ACP of Madurai City East, Shakthi gives free rein to Sivan and his henchmen, who wreak havoc over Madurai, until one of their activities inadvertently causes a gas leak which destroys a school and some nearby buildings, killing several people, including women and children. The incident, along with the assault of a woman by Sivan's henchmen when she had come to the police station to lodge a complaint against Sivan for killing her husband, shocks Shakthi emotionally and causes him to follow the path of an honest police officer.

Shakti, donning the khaki uniform for the first time, thrashes Sivan's henchmen who assaulted the woman. Sivan does not like Shakthi's new person and after a heated argument between the two. A cat-and-mouse game begins between Sivan and Shakthi, with Sivan and his henchmen determined to humiliate Shakthi at every opportunity. Shakthi, assisted by Shanthi and Gopal, tries to rid Sivan's influence in Madurai. Shakthi is soon promoted to the rank of DCP for his success in arresting most of Sivan's gang members and beneficiaries within one night. Later, Shakthi finds out that Sivan's other adopted son, minister Aadhi Kesavan, is plotting to kill Sivan in revenge for Sivan killing his police officer father (the same police officer who killed Shakthi's father) in his childhood.

Since Shakthi had inadvertently thwarted his earlier plans to kill Sivan, he also plans to get Sivan to kill Shakthi by killing Sivan's son Vignesh and putting the blame on Shakthi for Vignesh's death. Unfortunately for Aadhi, Sivan learns about his plan and reconciles with Shakti, where they fight Aadhi's henchmen and Aadhi. Shakthi beats up Aadhi and gives him to Sivan to kill. Sivan gives Aadhi a choice to kill himself. Aadhi takes up the choice and slits his throat, thereby killing him. The next day, at Sivan's house, as per Sivan's request, the police came to arrest Sivan. Shakti hesitantly arrests him, and they both walk out of the house in a manner reminiscent of their walking style.

Cast

{{cast listing|

}}

= Special appearances =

{{cast listing|

  • Jiiva as Special appearance in "Paatu Onnu"
  • Jithan Ramesh as Special appearance in "Paatu Onnu"
  • R. T. Neason as special appearance in "Yeppa Mama Treat"
  • Sridhar as special appearance in "Yeppa Mama Treat"
  • Scarlett Mellish Wilson a dance number "Jingunamani"
  • Hazel Crowney as a dance number "Jingunamani"
  • Raveena Daha as Special appearance as student (Uncredited)

}}

Themes and influences

The film was reported to be similar to the basic plot of the Telugu movie Prasthanam (2010), with some twists removed, the senior character dumbed down, and have a Ulle Veliye (1993) Parthiban style police twist.{{Cite web|url=https://medium.com/sylvianism/movie-review-jilla-the-180-minutes-of-torture-6529cbf8c48d|title=Movie Review: Jilla — The 180 Minutes of Torture|date=11 January 2014|work=Medium.com|first=Sylvian|last=Patrick}}

Production

= Casting =

Upon the completion of Velayudham (2011), Vijay announced his next project to be with R. T. Neason, who had worked in Velayudham as an assistant to director Jayam Raja. The project however commenced only two years later, after Vijay completed three other films. Neason described Jilla as a "Madurai-based movie" and also revealed that right from 2009, he had this story line about two powerful characters and their emotional interaction,[http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/power-play/article5553518.ece Power play] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140109150502/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/power-play/article5553518.ece |date=9 January 2014 }}. The Hindu (8 January 2014). Retrieved 17 April 2014. making it his second directorial after Muruga (2007).{{Cite news |title=Mohanlal and Vijay's Jilla gets rolling |work=New Indian Express |url=http://newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/article1497479.ece |access-date=24 March 2013 |archive-date=15 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130315010300/http://newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/article1497479.ece |url-status=dead }} Vijay who had several collaborations with R. B. Choudary decided to produce the film.{{Cite web |title=Vijay next film with R.B.Choudary? |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/movietrailer/17786.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130723183917/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/movietrailer/17786.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=23 July 2013 |access-date=19 October 2012 |website=IndiaGlitz}} Vairamuthu was chosen to pen the lyrics for a song in Jilla,{{Cite web |title=Kaviperarasu Vairamuthu will be penning a song for Vijays Jilla |url=http://behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-10/kaviperarasu-vairamuthu-will-be-penning-a-song-for-vijays-jilla.html |access-date=23 September 2013 |website=Behindwoods |archive-date=26 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130926063455/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-10/kaviperarasu-vairamuthu-will-be-penning-a-song-for-mohanlal-vijays-jilla.html |url-status=live }} who would be writing a song for Vijay after 12 years.{{Cite web |title=Imman ropes in Vairamuthu for Vijay |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-09-23/news-interviews/42322555_1_nesan-thambi-ramaiyya-vijay |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130926084927/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-09-23/news-interviews/42322555_1_nesan-thambi-ramaiyya-vijay |url-status=dead |archive-date=26 September 2013 |website=The Times of India |access-date=23 September 2013 }} Malayalam Superstar Mohanlal plays the other leading role when he liked the script and accepted the film.{{Cite web |title=Mohanlal plays a Godfather in upcoming Tamil film 'Jilla' |url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/mohanlal-plays-a-godfather-in-upcoming-tamil-film-jilla/379011-71-180.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130621092902/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/mohanlal-plays-a-godfather-in-upcoming-tamil-film-jilla/379011-71-180.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=21 June 2013 |access-date=24 March 2013 |publisher=IBN Live}}{{Cite web |title=Mohanlal as Godfather in Jilla |url=http://keralaonlinenews.com/malayalam-superstars-mohanlal-and-vijay-coming-together-in-jilla-malayalam-news-28289.html/ |access-date=18 March 2013 |publisher=KeralaOnlineNews |archive-date=20 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130320103128/http://keralaonlinenews.com/malayalam-superstars-mohanlal-and-vijay-coming-together-in-jilla-malayalam-news-28289.html/ |url-status=live }}[http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news-interviews/Mohanlal-first-Vijay-next-in-Jilla/articleshow/27914832.cms Mohanlal first, Vijay next in Jilla!] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131226051706/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news-interviews/Mohanlal-first-Vijay-next-in-Jilla/articleshow/27914832.cms |date=26 December 2013 }}. The Times of India. (26 December 2013). Retrieved 17 April 2014. Raju Sundaram will be choreographing the dance sequences in the film.{{Cite web |title=Vairamuthu and Raju Sundaram for Jilla |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/99631.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109092712/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/99631.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=9 November 2013 |access-date=9 November 2013 |website=IndiaGlitz}}

Nisha Agarwal was rumored to be performing in the film, but she denied these rumors on Twitter, stating that she had not been approached for a film role.{{Cite web |title=Nisha Agarwal not part of Jilla |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-03-20/news-interviews/37871737_1_jilla-vtv-ganesh-nesan |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130323225018/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-03-20/news-interviews/37871737_1_jilla-vtv-ganesh-nesan |url-status=dead |archive-date=23 March 2013 |website=The Times of India |access-date=24 March 2013 }} Kajal Aggarwal and Poornima Bhagyaraj were also slated to perform in the film. Gautam Kurup was signed up as the second antagonist.[http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/new-baddie-in-tinsel-town/article4588149.ece New baddie in tinsel town] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130520010054/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/new-baddie-in-tinsel-town/article4588149.ece |date=20 May 2013 }}. The Hindu (6 April 2013). Retrieved 17 April 2014. Niveda Thomas said that she would be playing the daughter of Mohanlal's character and sister of Vijay's character.{{Cite web |title=Niveda Thomas in Mohanlal-Vijay's 'Jilla' |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-05-04/news-and-interviews/39026637_1_director-nesan-mollywood-superstar-mohanlal-jilla |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130507134213/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-05-04/news-and-interviews/39026637_1_director-nesan-mollywood-superstar-mohanlal-jilla |url-status=dead |archive-date=7 May 2013 |website=The Times of India |access-date=3 May 2013 }} Due to clash of dates, cinematographer Natty Subramaniam was replaced by R. Ganesh.{{Cite web |title=Mohanlal and Vijay's Jilla undergoes a major change |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-05-07/news-interviews/39089870_1_jilla-raanjhanaa-dhanush |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130605022116/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-05-07/news-interviews/39089870_1_jilla-raanjhanaa-dhanush |url-status=dead |archive-date=5 June 2013 |website=The Times of India |access-date=10 May 2013 }} During a photoshoot with the main cast, Nesan announced that filming would take place in Madurai, Chennai and Andhra Pradesh, while songs would be filmed overseas.{{Cite web |title=Vijay-Kajal Aggarwal join Jilla photoshoot |url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/tamil/news/2013/vijay-kajal-aggarwal-jilla-photoshoot-109085.html |access-date=10 May 2013 |work=OneIndia |date=6 May 2013 |archive-date=8 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130508211957/http://entertainment.oneindia.in/tamil/news/2013/vijay-kajal-aggarwal-jilla-photoshoot-109085.html |url-status=dead }}

= Filming =

The opening ceremony for the film was held on 11 March 2013 at R. B. Choudary's Chennai office.{{Cite web |title=Mohanlal and Vijay's Jilla launched |date=11 March 2013 |url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/tamil/news/2013/pics-mohanlal-vijay-jilla-launched-105048.html |access-date=24 March 2013 |publisher=One India |archive-date=21 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130521114311/http://entertainment.oneindia.in/tamil/news/2013/pics-vijay-jilla-launched-105048.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=9 March 2013 |title='Jilla' pooja |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/91641.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130312015619/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/91641.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=12 March 2013 |website=IndiaGlitz}} The first schedule of film shooting took off on 13 May in Madurai and Karaikudi with Mohanlal and Poornima Bhagyaraj. Vijay was reported to join by the end of the month, but this didn't materialise.{{Cite web |date=10 May 2013 |title=A late entry from Vijay |url=http://behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-10/vijay-will-join-a-bit-late-vijay-jilla-10-05-13.html |access-date=10 May 2013 |website=Behindwoods |archive-date=7 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130607072357/http://behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-10/vijay-will-join-a-bit-late-vijay-jilla-10-05-13.html |url-status=live }} For the next schedule the film crew shifted to a Chennai-based studio where large sets resembling the city of Madurai were built up for the film. In September 2013, it was reported that Vijay and Kajal Aggarwal would be playing police officers in the film.[http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/tamil/news-interviews/Both-Vijay-and-Kajal-play-cops-in-Jilla/articleshow/22369525.cms Both Vijay and Kajal play cops in Jilla] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130907062509/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/tamil/news-interviews/Both-Vijay-and-Kajal-play-cops-in-Jilla/articleshow/22369525.cms |date=7 September 2013 }}. The Times of India. (7 September 2013). Retrieved 17 April 2014.

The fourth schedule of the film was supposed to start on 14 August. However, the shooting got cancelled due to heavy rain.{{Cite web |date=14 August 2013 |title=Jilla shooting cancelled |url=http://www.iflickz.com/2013/08/jilla-shooting-cancelled.html |publisher=iFlickz |access-date=14 August 2013 |archive-date=16 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130816161801/http://www.iflickz.com/2013/08/jilla-shooting-cancelled.html |url-status=live }} In October it was reported that 80% of the film had been completed with only the song sequences remaining.[http://behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-10/vijays-jilla-is-80-complete-and-song-sequences-remain.html Mohanlal and Vijay's Jilla is 80% complete and song sequences remain] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131018051833/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-10/mohanlal-vijays-jilla-is-80-complete-and-song-sequences-remain.html |date=18 October 2013 }}. Behindwoods.com (15 October 2013). Retrieved 17 April 2014.

Soundtrack

{{Main|Jilla (soundtrack)}}

Release

Jilla was released on 9 January 2014 in France, Singapore and Canada, and worldwide on 10 January 2014. The satellite rights of the film were purchased by Sun TV for a record price of {{INRConvert|16|c}}.Kanchana Devi (6 February 2014) [https://web.archive.org/web/20140208033622/http://truthdive.com/2014/02/06/jilla-is-the-biggest-winner-box-office-collection-report-reveals.html Jilla is the biggest winner, box office collection report reveals]. truthdive.com[https://www.indiaglitz.com/sun-tv-acquires-satellite-rights-of-veeram-and-jilla-tamil-news-99848 Sun TV acquires satellite rights of Veeram and Jilla – Tamil Movie News] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220126040858/https://www.indiaglitz.com/sun-tv-acquires-satellite-rights-of-veeram-and-jilla-tamil-news-99848 |date=26 January 2022 }}. Indiaglitz.com (14 November 2013). Retrieved 2 June 2014.

= Critical reception =

Jilla received generally positive reviews from critics and audience who praised the cast performances (particularly Mohanlal and Vijay), background score and action sequences, while the length was criticized and consequently trimmed by ten minutes.{{Cite web |date=11 January 2014 |title='Jilla' Review Roundup: Vijay, Mohanlal Hold Film with Impressive Performances |url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/articles/533865/20140111/jilla-review-vijay-mohanlal-positive-response-boxoffice.htm |access-date=17 April 2014 |website=International Business Times |quote=Vijay-Mohanlal's latest release "Jilla" has received positive reviews from critics [...] According to critics, "Jilla" is an out-and-out mass, masala entertainer that is sure to impress Mohanlal and Vijay fans. |archive-date=15 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140115180340/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/articles/533865/20140111/jilla-review-vijay-mohanlal-positive-response-boxoffice.htm |url-status=live }}

Sify stated that the film is a "Mass Masala Entertainer" and wrote, "Jilla is masala entertainment and a full course meal that leaves you with a smile on your face", calling it "a perfect outing with your family this festival season and rated 4/5".[https://web.archive.org/web/20140110160740/http://www.sify.com/movies/jilla-review-tamil-15046942.html Movie Review : Jilla]. Sify.com. Retrieved 17 April 2014. The Times of India gave 3.5 stars out of 5 and stated "As far as commercial films are concerned, Jilla is definitely assured filmmaking", while adding, "the main issue with Jilla is that it is overlong. Neason, probably in an effort to make it a wholesome entertainer, keeps packing in scenes oblivious to the running time.[http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/jilla/movie-review/28650403.cms Jilla movie review] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140111160739/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/jilla/movie-review/28650403.cms |date=11 January 2014 }}. The Times of India. Retrieved 17 April 2014. Ananda Vikatan rated the film 41 out of 100.{{Cite web |last=சார்லஸ் |first=தேவன் |date=22 June 2021 |title=பீஸ்ட் : 'நாளைய தீர்ப்பு' டு 'மாஸ்டர்'... விஜய்க்கு விகடனின் மார்க்கும், விமர்சனமும் என்ன? #Beast |url=https://cinema.vikatan.com/tamil-cinema/how-vijay-movies-scored-in-vikatan-reviews |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211008100344/https://cinema.vikatan.com/amp/story/tamil-cinema/how-vijay-movies-scored-in-vikatan-reviews |archive-date=8 October 2021 |access-date=7 December 2021 |website=Ananda Vikatan |language=ta}}

Bangalore Mirror gave 3.5 out of 5 and called it "a perfect festival film that has all the trappings of a blockbuster"[https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/reviews/Movie-review-Jilla/articleshow/28648850.cms Movie review: Jilla] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210924095751/https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/reviews/Movie-review-Jilla/articleshow/28648850.cms |date=24 September 2021 }}. Bangalore Mirror (10 January 2014). Retrieved 17 April 2014. Gautaman Bhaskaran of Hindustan Times gave the film 3/5 stars and stated, Mohanlal and "Vijay captivating style and powerful performance makes the movie a solid family entertainer".[http://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/regional/movie-review-watch-jilla-for-mohanlal-s-performance-vijay-s-charisma/article1-1171625.aspx Movie review: Watch Jilla for Mohanlal's performance, Vijay's charisma] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140928064439/http://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/regional/movie-review-watch-jilla-for-mohanlal-s-performance-vijay-s-charisma/article1-1171625.aspx |date=28 September 2014 }}. Hindustan Times (11 January 2014). S Saraswathi of Rediff gave 3.5/5 and wrote, Mohanlal and "Vijay easily keep the audience entertained with their powerful performances, both equally confident and secure in their own ability, undoubtedly making the film a solid commercial entertainer for the masses."[http://www.rediff.com/movies/review/review-jilla-is-a-commercial-entertainer/20140111.htm Jilla is a commercial entertainer] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903200959/http://www.rediff.com/movies/review/review-jilla-is-a-commercial-entertainer/20140111.htm |date=3 September 2014 }}. Rediff (11 January 2014).

= Box office =

Jilla's opening netted around {{INRConvert|10|m}} in Tamil Nadu alone.[http://www.deccanchronicle.com/140111/entertainment-kollywood/article/first-day-box-office-collections-jilla-and-veeram "First Day Box Office Collections of 'Jilla' and 'Veeram'"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006104616/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/140111/entertainment-kollywood/article/first-day-box-office-collections-jilla-and-veeram |date=6 October 2014 }}. Deccan Chronicle. IB Times stated it opened well in Kerala too.[http://www.ibtimes.co.in/box-office-collection-ajith039s-039veeram039-vijay039s-039jilla039-4-week-worldwide-figures-538005 "Box Office Collection: Ajith's 'Veeram', Mohanlal and Vijay's 'Jilla' 4-Week Worldwide Figures"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150627185757/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/box-office-collection-ajith039s-039veeram039-vijay039s-039jilla039-4-week-worldwide-figures-538005 |date=27 June 2015 }}. International Business Times. 10 February 2014. It grossed around {{INRConvert|25|m}} worldwide on its opening day and {{INRConvert|70|m}} worldwide in its extended five-day weekend.[https://web.archive.org/web/20150815184643/http://www.sify.com/movies/jilla-and-veeram-make-merry-at-bo-news-tamil-obpmu9ahdfhsi.html "`Jilla` and `Veeram` make merry at BO"]. Sify.[http://m.ibtimes.co.in/box-office-collection039jilla039-039veeram039-beat-suryas-singam-2-1st-week-record-534868 "Box Office Collection: 'Jilla', 'Veeram' Beat Surya's 'Singam 2' 1st Week Record"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402121032/http://m.ibtimes.co.in/box-office-collection039jilla039-039veeram039-beat-suryas-singam-2-1st-week-record-534868 |date=2 April 2015 }}. International Business Times. In Chennai city alone, the film netted {{INRConvert|3.24|m}}in the first week with an average theater occupancy of 97% and stood first for the weekend.[http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/jilla/jilla-box-office-jan-12.html "Jilla box office collection"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402132131/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/jilla/jilla-box-office-jan-12.html |date=2 April 2015 }}. behindwoods.com. The second week had an occupancy of 85-90% in the city and netted around {{INRConvert|3.60|m}}[http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/jilla/jilla-box-office-jan-19.html "Jilla box office collection"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150310071607/http://behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/jilla/jilla-box-office-jan-19.html |date=10 March 2015 }}. behindwoods.com. The film still stood at the number ten position in Chennai by the third week resulting in a total collection of {{INRConvert|5.98|m}}.[http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/jilla/jilla-box-office-jan-26.html "Jilla box office collection"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141022141105/http://behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/jilla/jilla-box-office-jan-26.html |date=22 October 2014 }}. behindwoods.com Jilla grossed around {{INRConvert|5|m}} by the fourth week in Kerala.[http://behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-14/100-days-of-jilla.html "100 days of Jilla"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140419082010/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-14/100-days-of-jilla.html |date=19 April 2014 }}. behindwoods.com. After 8 weeks at the Chennai box office, the film netted around {{INRConvert|5.8|m}}.[http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/jilla/jilla-box-office-feb-23.html "Jilla box office collection"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150103083441/http://behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/jilla/jilla-box-office-feb-23.html |date=3 January 2015 }}. behindwoods.com.

Jilla released at 44 screens in UK.[http://www.ibtimes.co.in/box-office-collection-039veeram039-039jilla039-fare-well-in-overseas-markets-surpass-039dhoom-3039-figures-in-malaysia-534440 "Box Office Collection: 'Veeram', 'Jilla' Fare Well in Overseas Markets; Surpass 'Dhoom 3' Figures in Malaysia"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150201111352/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/box-office-collection-039veeram039-039jilla039-fare-well-in-overseas-markets-surpass-039dhoom-3039-figures-in-malaysia-534440 |date=1 February 2015 }}. International Business Times. 29 November −0001. The film collected {{INRConvert|1.54|c}} [https://www.deccanchronicle.com/140115/entertainment-kollywood/article/box-office-collections-vijay%E2%80%99s-jilla-and-ajith%E2%80%99s-veeram "Box Office Collections of Mohanlal and Vijay's 'Jilla' and Ajith's 'Veeram'"] . Deccan Chronicle. 16 January 2014 Jilla has grossed £4,815 from five screens in its third weekend at the UK box office. It had a collection of £243,029 ({{INRConvert|2.54|c}}) in 17 days. In Australia. The film has grossed a total of A$43,899 {{INRConvert|24.06|l}} in 17 days at the Australian box office.[http://www.ibtimes.co.in/box-office-vijay039s-039jilla039-ajith039s-039veeram039-17-day-collections-in-overseas-markets-536346 "Box Office: Mohanlal and Vijay's 'Jilla', Ajith's 'Veeram' 17-Day Collections in Overseas Markets"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714205201/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/box-office-vijay039s-039jilla039-ajith039s-039veeram039-17-day-collections-in-overseas-markets-536346 |date=14 July 2014 }}. International Business Times. 29 January 2014. Jilla opened at Number 2 in Malaysian Box Office and was released in 69 screens. Mohanlal's Jilla has made {{INRConvert|24.06|l}} from 36 screens in the first weekend.[http://www.filmibeat.com/tamil/news/2014/jilla-box-office-collections-vijay-100-crore-satellite-rights-129816.html "Jilla Box Office & Other Collections: Mohanlal and Vijay's Flick Reaches 100 Crore Mark"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141021183850/http://www.filmibeat.com/tamil/news/2014/jilla-box-office-collections-vijay-100-crore-satellite-rights-129816.html |date=21 October 2014 }}. www.filmibeat.com. 17 January 2014

Remake plans

In a meeting with his fans' association at Srikakulam in January 2014, Chiranjeevi announced that he wants V. V. Vinayak to direct the remake of Jilla (2014) starring himself and his son Ram Charan after the 2014 Indian general elections. It was supposed to be Chiranjeevi's 150th film as an actor.{{Cite news |date=13 January 2014 |title=Chiru missing the arc lights? |work=Deccan Chronicle |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/140113/entertainment-tollywood/article/chiru-missing-arc-lights |access-date=4 June 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150604054222/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/140113/entertainment-tollywood/article/chiru-missing-arc-lights |archive-date=4 June 2015}} Chiranjeevi opted to choose a script that would reflect the sentiments of Telugu people and walked out from the remake.{{Cite news |last=S. S. |first=Kamal |date=18 March 2014 |title=Jilla remake in Telugu soon |work=Bangalore Mirror |url=https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/south-masala/Jilla-remake-in-Telugu-soon/articleshow/32254574.cms |url-status=live |access-date=4 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150604054223/http://www.bangaloremirror.com/entertainment/south-masala/Jilla-remake-in-Telugu-soon/articleshow/32254574.cms |archive-date=4 June 2015}} Charan felt uncomfortable to reprise a role where he has to oppose his father and being dissatisfied with the story, he dropped the remake's proposal.{{Cite news |date=4 March 2015 |title=Venkatesh, Ravi Teja in Jilla remake |work=Bangalore Mirror |url=https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/south-masala/Venkatesh-Ravi-Teja-in-Jilla-remake/articleshow/46458550.cms |url-status=live |access-date=4 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150604054226/http://www.bangaloremirror.com/entertainment/south-masala/Venkatesh-Ravi-Teja-in-Jilla-remake/articleshow/46458550.cms |archive-date=4 June 2015}}

In late March 2014, R. T. Neason, the director of the original, wanted to direct the Telugu remake bankrolled by Super Good Films. Neason wanted Nandamuri Balakrishna and N. T. Rama Rao Jr. to reprise the roles played by Mohanlal and Vijay in the original respectively.{{Cite web |date=25 March 2014 |title=Who gets to be Shiva and Shakthi in Round 2? |url=http://behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-14/details-about-jillas-telugu-version.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150604054504/http://behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-14/details-about-jillas-telugu-version.html |archive-date=4 June 2015 |access-date=4 June 2015 |website=Behindwoods}} Its possibility was doubtful because of the strained relationship between Balakrishna and Rama Rao Jr. in the past few years.{{Cite web |date=25 March 2014 |title=Neason wants Balakrishna and NTR in 'Jilla' remake |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/neason-wants-balakrishna-and-ntr-in-jilla-remake-telugu-news-105264 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150604054542/http://www.indiaglitz.com/neason-wants-balakrishna-and-ntr-in-jilla-remake-telugu-news-105264 |archive-date=4 June 2015 |access-date=4 June 2015 |website=IndiaGlitz}} After the release of Gopala Gopala (2015), its co-producer Sharat Marar acquired the remake rights of Jilla and approached Daggubati Venkatesh and Ravi Teja with the proposal of its remake to be directed by Veeru Potla.{{Cite news |last=IANS |date=5 March 2015 |title=Venkatesh, Ravi Teja in Jilla remake |work=The Times of India |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Venkatesh-Ravi-Teja-in-Jilla-remake/articleshow/46467115.cms |url-status=dead |access-date=4 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150604054502/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Venkatesh-Ravi-Teja-in-Jilla-remake/articleshow/46467115.cms |archive-date=4 June 2015}}

In the past, Potla approached both Venkatesh and Ravi Teja with a storyline in July 2014 which upon their consent was developed into a script,{{Cite news |last=A. S. |first=Sashidhar |date=18 July 2014 |title=Venkatesh – Ravi Teja multi-starrer on the cards |work=The Times of India |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Venkatesh-Ravi-Teja-multi-starrer-on-the-cards/articleshow/38614352.cms |access-date=4 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150604054722/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Venkatesh-Ravi-Teja-multi-starrer-on-the-cards/articleshow/38614352.cms |archive-date=4 June 2015}} which remained in scripting stage according to Ravi Teja as of late September 2014.{{Cite news |last=A. S. |first=Sashidhar |date=29 September 2014 |title=I'm actually a little shy: Ravi Teja |work=The Times of India |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Im-actually-a-little-shy-Ravi-Teja/articleshow/43814047.cms |url-status=dead |access-date=4 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150604054721/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Im-actually-a-little-shy-Ravi-Teja/articleshow/43814047.cms |archive-date=4 June 2015}} Kona Venkat was reported to pen the remake's screenplay. Ravi Teja evinced interest to be a part of the remake and the film's production was expected to begin in April 2015.{{Cite news |last=IANS |date=6 March 2015 |title=Telugu remake of 'Jilla' set to roll |work=The Times of India |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Telugu-remake-of-Jilla-set-to-roll/articleshow/46474493.cms |url-status=dead |access-date=4 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150604054719/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Telugu-remake-of-Jilla-set-to-roll/articleshow/46474493.cms |archive-date=4 June 2015}} However, there were reports stating that Jilla would be dubbed into Telugu with a duration of 140 minutes including a separate comedy track on Brahmanandam with Vijay.{{Cite web |date=4 March 2015 |title=Jilla returns ... this summer |url=http://behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-15/vijays-jilla-returns-this-summer.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150604055008/http://behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-15/vijays-jilla-returns-this-summer.html |archive-date=4 June 2015 |access-date=4 June 2015 |website=Behindwoods}} Also, Rama Rao Jr.'s elder brother Nandamuri Kalyan Ram planned to remake Jilla in Telugu with Balakrishna after arranging a special screening for the latter.{{Cite news |last=Prakash |first=B. V. S. |date=6 March 2015 |title=Balakrishna, Kalyanram to remake Jilla? |work=The Times of India |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Balakrishna-Kalyanram-to-remake-Jilla/articleshow/46476300.cms |url-status=dead |access-date=4 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150604055007/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Balakrishna-Kalyanram-to-remake-Jilla/articleshow/46476300.cms |archive-date=4 June 2015}}

The Telugu dubbed version was confirmed in mid April 2015. Tamatam Kumar Reddy and Prasad Sannidhi of Sri Obuleswara Productions acquired the Telugu dubbing rights while R. B. Chowdary was announced to present the film. The deleted track that was shot with Mohanlal, Vijay and Brahmanandam in Tamil was kept in the Telugu version.{{cite news | url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/telugu-dubbed-version-of-jilla-ready-for-release/article7157547.ece | title=Telugu version of 'Jilla' ready for release | newspaper=The Hindu | date=30 April 2015 | access-date=19 March 2022 | archive-date=19 March 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220319112703/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/telugu-dubbed-version-of-jilla-ready-for-release/article7157547.ece | url-status=live }} Shashank Vennelakanti penned the dialogues for the Telugu dubbed version.{{Cite web |date=14 April 2015 |title=No Jilla remake in Telugu |url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/no-jilla-remake-in-telugu-telugu-news-130337.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150604055005/http://www.indiaglitz.com/no-jilla-remake-in-telugu-telugu-news-130337.html |archive-date=4 June 2015 |access-date=4 June 2015 |website=IndiaGlitz}} After considering many other titles, Jilla was retained for the Telugu dubbed version.{{Cite web |date=28 April 2015 |title=Vijay's Jilla releasing in Telugu with the same title |url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/vijays-jilla-releasing-in-telugu-with-the-same-title-telugu-news-131435.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150604055004/http://www.indiaglitz.com/vijays-jilla-releasing-in-telugu-with-the-same-title-telugu-news-131435.html |archive-date=4 June 2015 |access-date=4 June 2015 |website=IndiaGlitz}}

References