Nenjuku Needhi

Vijaya Raghavan, an IPS officer, gets posted in a rural part of Tamil Nadu, where caste discrimination and untouchability is still in practice. Though Vijaya Raghavan has read about the discrimination in many books, it gets difficult for him to confront these problems in real life. While he is still grappling with the ideologies of the people around him and trying to educate them, a mysterious case of three missing dalit girls, who were employed in the local factory, makes his life more miserable. Two are found dead, but the case gets complicated, as there is no trace of the third one. Who is behind this heinous crime and how Vijaya Raghavan takes this case forward despite pressure from his casteist higher officials forms the rest of the plot.

{{Cast listing|

• Udhayanidhi Stalin as S. Vijaya Raghavan Iyengar IPS
• Aari Arujunan as Kumaran{{Cite web |date=28 April 2021 |title=Aari Arjunan in Udhayanidhi's 'Article 15' remake |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/aari-arjunan-in-udhayanidhis-article-15-remake/articleshow/82286838.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211018080827/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/aari-arjunan-in-udhayanidhis-article-15-remake/articleshow/82286838.cms |archive-date=18 October 2021 |access-date=18 October 2021 |website=The Times of India}}
• Tanya Ravichandran as Adhithi Vijayaraghvan{{Cite web |date=3 May 2021 |title=Tanya pairs up with Udhay in Article 15 Tamil remake |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/tanya-pairs-up-with-udhay-in-article-15-tamil-remake/articleshow/82356781.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211018053339/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/tanya-pairs-up-with-udhay-in-article-15-tamil-remake/articleshow/82356781.cms |archive-date=18 October 2021 |access-date=18 October 2021 |website=The Times of India}}
• Shivani Rajashekar as Kurinji{{Cite web |date=11 May 2021 |title=Rajasekhar's daughter Shivani Rajsekhar joins Udhayanidhi's 'Article 15' remake |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/rajasekhars-daughter-shivani-rajsekhar-joins-udhayanidhis-article-15-remake/articleshow/82544436.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210703055855/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/rajasekhars-daughter-shivani-rajsekhar-joins-udhayanidhis-article-15-remake/articleshow/82544436.cms |archive-date=3 July 2021 |access-date=1 November 2021 |website=The Times of India}}
• Suresh Chakravarthy as Circle Inspector Sundaram Iyer
• Ilavarasu as Sub-Inspector Malaichami(SC)
• Mayilsamy as V. Villalan
• Ramesh Thilak as Venkat
• Sayaji Shinde as CBI Officer
• Pasupathi Raj as Moorthy
• Raahul as Gunasekaran
• Abdool Lee as Vasan SV
• Ratsasan Saravanan as Nataraj
• Yamini Chander as Dr. Anitha
• Hello Kandasamy as Devendran
• Jeeva Ravi as Superintendent of Police
• Ravi Venkatraman as Kesavan, retired SP
• Ashvin Raja as Mechanic Suresh
• Aruvi Bala as Balaji
• Venkat Subha as Party Leader
• Merku Thodarchi Malai Antony as Ravi
• Suhasini Sanjeev as Valli
• Ranganathan as Minister
• S. Saranya Sri as Sathya
• S. Thirukkurali as Suganthi
• B. Harshika Shree as Jaya
• Manikandan as Kailash

}}

In September 2019, it was announced that Boney Kapoor had purchased the Tamil remake rights of the 2019 Hindi film Article 15.{{Cite news |date=4 September 2019 |title=Ajith Kumar to star in remake of Ayushmann Khurrana's 'Article 15'? |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/ajith-kumar-to-star-in-remake-of-ayushmann-khurranas-article-15/article29330886.ece |url-status=live |access-date=31 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531053353/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/ajith-kumar-to-star-in-remake-of-ayushmann-khurranas-article-15/article29330886.ece |archive-date=31 May 2022}} In August 2020, Kapoor confirmed that the remake was in development. It is Arunraja Kamaraj's second film as director after Kanaa (2019). Udhayanidhi Stalin was chosen to play the lead role originally done by Ayushman Khurrana.{{Cite web |last=Dhar |first=Upamanyu |date=24 August 2020 |title=Boney Kapoor to Produce Tamil Remake of Ayushmann's 'Article 15' |url=https://www.thequint.com/entertainment/indian-cinema/boney-kapoor-to-produce-tamil-remake-of-ayushmanns-article-15 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211018053337/https://www.thequint.com/entertainment/indian-cinema/boney-kapoor-to-produce-tamil-remake-of-ayushmanns-article-15 |archive-date=18 October 2021 |access-date=18 October 2021 |website=The Quint}} Principal photography began in April 2021 in Pollachi.{{Cite web |date=20 April 2021 |title=Boney Kapoor, Udhayanidhi Stalin pay tribute to Vivek on sets of Article 15 Tamil remake |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/boney-kapoor-udhayanidhi-stalin-pay-respects-to-vivek-on-sets-of-article-15-tamil-remake-7281340/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211101095726/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/boney-kapoor-udhayanidhi-stalin-pay-respects-to-vivek-on-sets-of-article-15-tamil-remake-7281340/ |archive-date=1 November 2021 |access-date=1 November 2021 |website=The Indian Express}} The title Nenjuku Needhi, named after the autobiography of Udhayanidhi's grandfather M. Karunanidhi, was announced on 16 October 2021.{{Cite web |date=16 October 2021 |title=Tamil remake of Article 15, starring Udhayanidhi, titled Nenjuku Needhi |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/tamil-remake-article-15-starring-udhayanidhi-titled-nenjuku-needhi-156572 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211018053338/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/tamil-remake-article-15-starring-udhayanidhi-titled-nenjuku-needhi-156572 |archive-date=18 October 2021 |access-date=18 October 2021 |website=The News Minute}}{{Cite web |last=CR |first=Sharanya |date=16 October 2021 |title=Udhayanidhi, Arunraja's film titled Nenjuku Needhi |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/udhayanidhi-stalin-arunrajas-film-titled-nenjukku-needhi/articleshow/87062365.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108120719/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/udhayanidhi-stalin-arunrajas-film-titled-nenjukku-needhi/articleshow/87062365.cms |archive-date=8 November 2021 |access-date=8 November 2021 |website=The Times of India}} Principal photography wrapped in mid-December.{{Cite web |date=19 December 2021 |title=Shooting of Nenjukku Needhi comes to a close; Udhayanidhi Stalin begins dubbing |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/news/2021/dec/19/shooting-of-nenjukku-needhi-comes-to-a-closeudhayanidhi-stalin-begins-dubbing-28521.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211223113851/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/news/2021/dec/19/shooting-of-nenjukku-needhi-comes-to-a-closeudhayanidhi-stalin-begins-dubbing-28521.html |archive-date=23 December 2021 |access-date=23 December 2021 |website=Cinema Express}}

The film's music is composed by Dhibu Ninan Thomas{{Cite web |title=Nenjuku Needhi |url=https://www.jiosaavn.com/album/nenjuku-needhi/OWyhsDOvtKE_ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220514163904/https://www.jiosaavn.com/album/nenjuku-needhi/OWyhsDOvtKE_ |archive-date=14 May 2022 |access-date=14 May 2022 |website=JioSaavn|date=19 October 2021 }} in his second collaboration with director Arunraja Kamaraj after Kanaa.

{{Infobox album

| name = Nenjuku Needhi

| type = Soundtrack

| artist = Dhibu Ninan Thomas

| cover =

| alt =

| released = 2022

| recorded =

| venue =

| studio =

| genre = Feature film soundtrack

| length = 9:04

| language = Tamil

| label = Zee Music South

| producer = Dhibu Ninan Thomas

| prev_title = Kombu Vatcha Singamda

| prev_year = 2022

| next_title = Nadhi

| next_year = 2022

}}

{{Track listing

| headline = Track listing

| title1 = Sevakkaattu Seemaiellaam

| length1 = 4:14

| lyrics1 = Yugabharathi

| extra_column = Singer(s)

| extra1 = Guru Ayyadurai

| total_length = 9:04

| title2 = Nenjukku Needhi – Title Track

| lyrics2 = –

| extra2 = Arunraja Kamaraj

| length2 = 0:40

| title3 = Engey Needhi

| lyrics3 = Yugabharathi

| extra3 = Ananya Bhat, Kalyani Nair, Anjana Rajagopalan, Devu Mathew, Sinduri S, Shobi Ashika.C, Shilvi Sharon

| length3 = 4:50

}}

Nenjuku Needhi was released worldwide on 20 May 2022.{{Cite web |date=16 April 2022 |title=Udhayanidhi's Nenjuku Needhi to hit the screens on May 20 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/udhayanidhis-nenjuku-needhi-to-hit-the-screens-on-may-20/articleshow/90881760.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220417041400/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/udhayanidhis-nenjuku-needhi-to-hit-the-screens-on-may-20/articleshow/90881760.cms |archive-date=17 April 2022 |access-date=16 April 2022 |website=The Times of India}} The film's distribution rights in Tamil Nadu are held by Red Giant Movies. It was originally scheduled to release in early March 2022, but then delayed to avoid clash with other films like Etharkkum Thunindhavan and Radhe Shyam.{{Cite web |date=26 February 2022 |title=Release of Udhayanidhi Stalin's Nenjuku Needhi Pushed to Avoid Box Office Clash With... |url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/release-of-udhayanidhi-stalins-nenjuku-needhi-pushed-to-avoid-box-office-clash-with-4813388.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220308071529/https://www.news18.com/news/movies/release-of-udhayanidhi-stalins-nenjuku-needhi-pushed-to-avoid-box-office-clash-with-4813388.html |archive-date=8 March 2022 |access-date=8 March 2022 |website=News18}}

The post-theatrical streaming rights of Nenjuku Needhi were bought by SonyLIV.{{Cite web |date=22 May 2022 |title=Udhayanidhi Stalin's Nenjukku Needhi's digital rights bagged by Sony LIV? |url=https://www.ottplay.com/amp/news/udhayanidhi-stalins-nenjukku-needhis-digital-rights-bagged-by-sony-liv/6d8247f3e8222 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531053358/https://www.ottplay.com/amp/news/udhayanidhi-stalins-nenjukku-needhis-digital-rights-bagged-by-sony-liv/6d8247f3e8222 |archive-date=31 May 2022 |access-date=29 May 2022 |website=OTTplay}} The film began streaming there from 23 June 2022.{{Cite web |date=17 June 2022 |title=Udhayanidhi Stalin's Nenjuku Needhi to make its digital premiere, details inside |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/news/2022/jun/17/udhayanidhi-stalin-starrer-nenjukku-needhi-to-make-its-digital-premiere-details-inside-32156.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220623094700/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/news/2022/jun/17/udhayanidhi-stalin-starrer-nenjukku-needhi-to-make-its-digital-premiere-details-inside-32156.html |archive-date=23 June 2022 |access-date=23 June 2022 |website=Cinema Express}} The satellite rights were sold to Kalaignar TV, where it premiered on 15 August.{{Cite web |date=15 August 2022 |title=Nenjuku Needhi - Independence Day Premier Movie On Kalaignar TV |url=https://www.indiantvinfo.com/nenjuku-needhi-wtp-kalaignar/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221111003236/https://www.indiantvinfo.com/nenjuku-needhi-wtp-kalaignar/ |archive-date=11 November 2022 |access-date=11 November 2022 |website=indiantvinfo.com}}

The Times of India gave a rating of 3.5 out of 5 and wrote, "A deeply-affecting and powerful film on caste disparities and inequality".{{Cite web |last=Balachandran |first=Logesh |date=20 May 2022 |title=Nenjuku Needhi Movie Review : A deeply-affecting and powerful film on caste disparities and inequality |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movie-reviews/nenjuku-needhi/movie-review/91681522.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220520094548/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movie-reviews/nenjuku-needhi/movie-review/91681522.cms |archive-date=20 May 2022 |access-date=20 May 2022 |website=The Times of India}} Puthiya Thalaimurai felt the film would win because it spoke a lot of hard-hitting facts throughout.{{Cite news |last=Subramani |date=20 May 2022 |title=ஒரிஜினலுக்கு நியாயம் செய்த ரீமேக்... 'நெஞ்சுக்கு நீதி' விமர்சனம்..! |url=https://www.puthiyathalaimurai.com/newsview/138760/Nenjuku-Needhi-Review |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220520075218/https://www.puthiyathalaimurai.com/newsview/138760/Nenjuku-Needhi-Review |archive-date=20 May 2022 |access-date=21 May 2022 |website=Puthiya Thalaimurai |language=ta}} ABP Nadu wrote the filmmakers criticised the caste that politicians see and those who make a living by doing politics on the basis of caste; Udhayanidhi could be praised for that.{{Cite web |last=நவநீதகிருஷ்ணன் |first=பா ஸ்டாலின் |date=20 May 2022 |title=Nenjukku Neethi Review: நெஞ்சுக்கு நீதி... 'பன்ச்'க்கு உதயநிதி... எப்படி இருக்கிறது படம்? உள்ளதை சொல்லும் விமர்சனம்! |url=https://tamil.abplive.com/movie-review/entertainment/movie-review-nenjukku-neethi-review-in-tamil-udhayanidhi-stalin-tanya-ravichandran-starring-nenjukku-needhi-movie-review-rating-52872 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220520065854/https://tamil.abplive.com/movie-review/entertainment/movie-review-nenjukku-neethi-review-in-tamil-udhayanidhi-stalin-tanya-ravichandran-starring-nenjukku-needhi-movie-review-rating-52872 |archive-date=20 May 2022 |access-date=21 May 2022 |website=ABP Nadu |language=ta}} Ananda Vikatan wrote that the film speaks of the pain of the oppressed, the guiltless power of the dominant forces, and the role that all of society has in the tyranny of untouchability.{{Cite web |date=20 May 2022 |title=Nenjuku Needhi Review: பிறப்பால் அனைவரும் சமம் என சட்டம் சொல்வதை சமூகம் ஏற்கிறதா? |url=https://cinema.vikatan.com/movie-review/nenjuku-needhi-movie-review |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220520174134/https://cinema.vikatan.com/movie-review/nenjuku-needhi-movie-review |archive-date=20 May 2022 |access-date=21 May 2022 |website=Ananda Vikatan |language=ta}} The New Indian Express gave 3.5 out of 5 stars and wrote "A heartfelt exploration of an important problem".{{Cite web |last=Darshan |first=Navein |date=21 May 2022 |title=A heartfelt exploration of an important problem |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/review/2022/may/21/a-heartfelt-exploration-of-an-important-problem-2456014.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220521132159/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/review/2022/may/21/a-heartfelt-exploration-of-an-important-problem-2456014.html |archive-date=21 May 2022 |access-date=21 May 2022 |website=The New Indian Express}} The Hindu wrote "The remake is well-adapted to suit the social milieu of Tamil Nadu, but doesn't quite immerse you into its world like its original".{{Cite news |last=Sudevan |first=Praveen |date=20 May 2022 |title='Nenjuku Needhi' movie review: Udhayanidhi's film is more political yet less affecting remake of 'Article 15' |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/reviews/nenjuku-needhi-movie-review-udhayanidhi-stalin/article65439511.ece |url-status=live |access-date=21 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220520175139/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/reviews/nenjuku-needhi-movie-review-udhayanidhi-stalin/article65439511.ece |archive-date=20 May 2022}} The News Minute wrote, "Much like the Bollywood original, Nenjuku Needhi turns oppression into spectacle and denies dignity to the very people it claims to represent".{{Cite web |last=Singaravel |first=Bharathy |date=20 May 2022 |title=Nenjuku Needhi review: Kollywood remake of Article 15 is just as tone-deaf |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/nenjuku-needhi-review-kollywood-remake-article-15-just-tone-deaf-164201 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220520145116/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/nenjuku-needhi-review-kollywood-remake-article-15-just-tone-deaf-164201 |archive-date=20 May 2022 |access-date=21 May 2022 |website=The News Minute}} A critic from Firstpost gave 3 out of 5 rating and stated that " Udhayanidhi's presence makes these additions more significant -- the actor's political lineage and career are no secret. But there's also no denying that they are well-done. Udhayanidhi's involvement means we have a few shots of him against the rising sun. But thankfully, the film doesn't indulge in them too much. Udhayanidhi gives an earnest performance and is well-aided by the ensemble of excellent supporting actors."{{Cite web |date=2022-05-20 |title=Nenjukku Needhi movie review: Udhayanidhi's towering presence rules in this solid remake of Anubhav Sinha's Article 15 |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/nenjukku-needhi-movie-review-udhayanidhis-towering-presence-wins-in-this-solid-remake-of-anubhav-sinhas-article-15-10697781.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220731201953/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/nenjukku-needhi-movie-review-udhayanidhis-towering-presence-wins-in-this-solid-remake-of-anubhav-sinhas-article-15-10697781.html |archive-date=31 July 2022 |access-date=2023-03-16 |website=Firstpost}} Aditya Shrikrishna form Mint noted that 'As much as Nenjukku Needhi is well-intentioned, it could have done with embellishments providing cultural and temporal context"{{Cite web |date=2022-05-20 |title=Nenjukku Needhi review: A faithful but blunt remake |url=https://lifestyle.livemint.com//how-to-lounge/movies-tv/nenjukku-needhi-review-a-faithful-but-blunt-remake-111653052207266.html |access-date=2023-03-16 |website=Mintlounge |language=en |archive-date=6 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230306064531/https://lifestyle.livemint.com/how-to-lounge/movies-tv/nenjukku-needhi-review-a-faithful-but-blunt-remake-111653052207266.html |url-status=live }}

However,Maalai Malar critic noted that "A woman who cooks food is ignored and humiliated because she is a scheduled caste, Pollachi rape incidents, Periyar and Ambedkar statues locked in cages, real incidents are shown here and there. He has done a wonderful job between the characters."{{Cite web |date=2022-05-20 |title=நெஞ்சுக்கு நீதி விமர்சனம் |url=https://www.maalaimalar.com/cinema/review/2022/05/20215811/3785199/Nenjuku-needhi-movie-review-in-tamil.vpf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230516115423/https://www.maalaimalar.com/cinema/review/2022/05/20215811/3785199/Nenjuku-needhi-movie-review-in-tamil.vpf |archive-date=16 May 2023 |access-date=2023-03-16 |website=maalaimalar.com |language=ta}}Dinamalar Critic gave 3 rating out of 5 and stated that "This is not a typical masala film.It is a film that talks about the issues of Dalit people and the politics surrounding them...".{{Cite web |date=May 31, 2022 |title=நெஞ்சுக்கு நீதி |url=https://m.dinamalar.com/vimar-detail.php?id=3126 |access-date=2023-03-16 |website=Dinamalar |language=ta |archive-date=5 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221005023418/https://m.dinamalar.com/vimar-detail.php?id=3126 |url-status=dead }}Zee News critic noted that 'This is the 12th film for Udayanidhi. In his 10 years of entering the film industry, he has given a perfect performance in a film that talks about social justice. He makes his mark by giving the signs of a good actor in everything like body language, dialogues and vision. He has progressed in this than his performances in Manithan, Nimir, Kanne Kalaimaane and Psycho."{{Cite web |date=2022-05-20 |title=திரை விமர்சனம்: நெஞ்சுக்கு நீதி - சமூக நீதி பேசும் தரமான சினிமா |url=https://zeenews.india.com/tamil/movies/nenjukku-needhi-movie-review-393648 |access-date=2023-03-16 |website=Zee Hindustan Tamil |language=ta |archive-date=29 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220529173109/https://zeenews.india.com/tamil/movies/nenjukku-needhi-movie-review-393648 |url-status=live }}

{{reflist}}

• {{IMDb title}}

Category:2020s Indian films

Category:2020s political drama films

Category:2020s Tamil-language films

Category:2022 films

Category:Films about the caste system in India

Category:Films produced by Boney Kapoor

Category:Films scored by Dhibu Ninan Thomas

Category:Indian political drama films

Category:Tamil remakes of Hindi films

Category:Tamil-language Indian films

Category:Tamil-language political drama films