Oopiri

Vikramaditya is a wealthy entrepreneur. A paragliding accident in Paris leaves him a quadriplegic. For the sake of his girlfriend Nandini's happiness, Vikramaditya breaks off contact with her, hoping that she'll find and marry someone else.

Five years later, Vikramaditya leads a spiritless life with his secretary Keerthi, his cook Lakshmi, and a few house attendants. He and Keerthi interview candidates for a caretaker position- someone to help with everyday tasks like eating, getting clothed, and moving around. Many applicants seem obsequious and ingratiating. Seenu, a paroled convict, applies for the job in accordance with his lawyer's (Lingam) advice; the job would prove to the court that Seenu is leading a law-abiding life, closing his case. His mother, a railway clerk, disowns Seenu as she thinks that he is a bad influence on his siblings. He is detested by his mother and his siblings.

Vikramaditya, finding Seenu refreshingly honest and informal, hires him. He defends his decision to Prasad, his longtime friend and legal advisor, saying that Seenu is the right person for the time being since he is the only one who doesn't pity him. Though initially reluctant, Seenu learns to assists Vikramaditya with all his needs. He is attracted to Keerthi, but she often criticizes him for his irreverence.

Seenu learns that Vikramaditya has a purely epistolary relationship with a woman called Priya. Seenu encourages him to meet her, but Vikramaditya opposes it, fearing her reaction when she discovers his disability.

Seenu's younger sister, Swathi, seeks approval from her boyfriend's family for marriage, but they think Swathi's family too poor and irrespectable. While Seenu seeks to intervene on her behalf, Swathi scorns Seenu for landing in trouble and making their family disrespectable. Vikramaditya learns about Swathi's situation, and convinces Kaalidasu / Kaalidasan (through Prasad) to go through with the marriage. The marriage is arranged, and Seenu earns Swathi's respect. Coming to know about this, Seenu tearfully thanks Vikram.

After celebrating his birthday, Vikramaditya becomes ill during the night, having trouble breathing, and is saved by his doctors. Seenu learns about Vikramaditya's adventurous past from Prasad, and suggests a vacation in Paris. Vikramaditya agrees and he, Seenu, and Keerthi leave for Paris. Seenu keeps Vikramaditya happy and boosts his morale, which impresses Keerthi. He makes a bet that he will ask Keerthi out if Vikramaditya impresses Jenny, a French dancer, on a date. Despite his disability, Vikramaditya charms Jenny with his wit and charm. Seenu is then forced to ask out Keerthi, who later accepts.

Seenu secretly arranges for Vikramaditya to meet Nandini, telling her about Vikramaditya's accident and its aftermath. Nandini is glad to see him and brings her husband Abhinav, and their daughter Aadhya to show him that she is happy.

Later, Seenu takes Vikramaditya on a motorcycle ride, and for one of the first times since the accident, Vikramaditya feels free, like the man he used to be.

Seenu's younger brother, Kanna, gets in trouble with a gang, and meets Seenu at Vikramaditya's mansion. Vikramaditya, recognising Seenu's need to support his family by being present, releases him from his obligations and suggests that he may not want to push a wheelchair all his life. Seenu becomes a cab driver and leads a responsible life, this time with his family's love and acceptance, but Vikramaditya becomes unhappy and becomes a recluse.

A worried Prasad contacts Seenu, who arrives and drives Vikramaditya off in a car to Visakhapatnam (Pondicherry in Tamil version). They dress elegantly and visit a restaurant with a beautiful ocean view. Seenu leaves moments before Priya arrives. Vikramaditya looks outside through the window and sees Seenu, who smiles at him and walks away.

{{Cast listing|

• Akkineni Nagarjuna as Vikramaditya
• Karthi as Seenu
• Tamannaah Bhatia as Keerthi
• Jayasudha as Seenu's mother
• Prakash Raj as Prasad
• Sreenivas Sayee as Kanna
• Nikkita Anil as Swathi
• Gabriella Demetriades as Jenny
• Kalpana as Lakshmi
• Ali as Lingam (Telugu)
• Vivek as Lingam (Tamil)
• Tanikella Bharani as Kaalidasu (Telugu) / Kaalidasan (Tamil)
• Manobala as the retirement home warden
• Aadukalam Naren as a traffic police officer (Tamil)
• Raghu Karumanchi as the assistant traffic police officer
• Santhana Bharathi as a police officer (Tamil; deleted scene in Telugu)
• Raja Ravindra as a police officer
• Prabhas Sreenu as a prisoner (Tamil; deleted scene in Telugu)
• Satya Krishnan as a Physiotherapist
• Uma Padmanabhan as Swathi's mother-in-law
• Pujita Ponnada as Gallery Manager
• Praveen as Seenu's friend
• Thagubothu Ramesh as Seenu's friend
• Black Pandi as Seenu's friend
• Bharath Reddy as a doctor
• Ambati Srinu as Seenu's competitor in interview
• Kadambari Kiran as Seenu's interviewer

}}

{{cast listing|

• Shriya Saran as Priya
• Anushka Shetty as Nandini
• Adivi Sesh as Abhinav
• Nora Fatehi as Nemali in the song "Door Number Okati / Door Number One"
• Harsha Vardhan as a traffic police officer (Telugu; uncredited)

}}

Karan Johar and Guneet Monga acquired the Indian remake rights to Éric Toledano and Olivier Nakache{{'s}} French comedy drama film, The Intouchables (2011) in May 2014. They planned a Hindi version, directed by Mohit Suri.{{Cite web |last=Sharma |first=Garima |date=31 May 2014 |title=Karan signs Mohit for the remake of The Intouchables |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Karan-signs-Mohit-for-the-remake-of-The-Intouchables/articleshow/35781367.cms |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160802063156/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Karan-signs-Mohit-for-the-remake-of-The-Intouchables/articleshow/35781367.cms |archive-date=2 August 2016 |access-date=2 August 2016 |website=The Times of India}} Johar and Monga later authorised PVP Cinema to remake the film in regional languages, postponing their previous plans. Vamshi Paidipally was chosen to direct a Telugu film titled Oopiri.{{Cite web |last=Pillai |first=Sreedhar |date=4 April 2016 |title=How 'Oopiri', 'Thozha' got remake formula right, to become major box office hits |url=http://www.firstpost.com/bollywood/how-oopiri-thozha-got-remake-formula-right-to-become-major-box-office-hits-2711126.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160802063625/http://www.firstpost.com/bollywood/how-oopiri-thozha-got-remake-formula-right-to-become-major-box-office-hits-2711126.html |archive-date=2 August 2016 |access-date=2 August 2016 |website=Firstpost}} Oopiri is the first Indian remake of The Intouchables. It was also the first Indian remake of a film produced by Gaumont Film Company.{{Cite web |date=1 April 2016 |title=French producers applaud 'Oopiri' |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/french-producers-applaud-oopiri-news-telugu-qebkaShbahabb.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160407220327/http://www.sify.com/movies/french-producers-applaud-oopiri-news-telugu-qebkaShbahabb.html |archive-date=7 April 2016 |access-date=3 August 2016 |website=Sify}}

N. T. Rama Rao Jr. was signed to play one of the two male leads. At Rama Rao's suggestion, Paidipally forwarded the script to actor and producer Nagarjuna for the other male lead. Nagarjuna asked the director to remove the flashback scenes, opting for a realistic version closer to the original. Paidipally agreed, and the script was reworked in two months.{{Cite web |last=Dundoo |first=Sangeetha Devi |date=17 March 2016 |title=I was their only hope: Nagarjuna on 'Oopiri' |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/nagarjuna-on-his-role-in-oopiri-and-thozha/article8365895.ece |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160802145537/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/nagarjuna-on-his-role-in-oopiri-and-thozha/article8365895.ece |archive-date=2 August 2016 |access-date=2 August 2016 |website=The Hindu}} Production was scheduled to begin in December 2014, when Nagarjuna would be available. In an interview with Deccan Chronicle, the actor said that the film's theme would be similar to Missamma (1955).{{Cite web |last=Kavirayani |first=Suresh |date=28 August 2014 |title=Bhai was like a big slap on my face: Nagarjuna |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/140828/entertainment-tollywood/article/bhai-was-big-slap-my-face-nagarjuna |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150318110551/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/140828/entertainment-tollywood/article/bhai-was-big-slap-my-face-nagarjuna |archive-date=18 March 2015 |access-date=18 March 2015 |website=Deccan Chronicle}} Rama Rao Jr. left the project due to scheduling conflicts with Nannaku Prematho (2016),{{Cite web |date=11 January 2016 |title=When Jr NTR rejected Nagarjuna's movie |url=http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Cinema/2016-01-11/When-Jr-NTR-rejected-Nagarjunas-movie-/199508 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160802150444/http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Cinema/2016-01-11/When-Jr-NTR-rejected-Nagarjunas-movie-/199508 |archive-date=2 August 2016 |access-date=2 August 2016 |website=The Hans India}} and was replaced by Karthi in October 2014.{{Cite web |last=Kavirayani |first=Suresh |date=19 October 2014 |title=Nagarjuna and Karthi starring together |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/141018/entertainment-tollywood/article/nagarjuna-and-karthi-starring-together |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160802150908/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/141018/entertainment-tollywood/article/nagarjuna-and-karthi-starring-together |archive-date=2 August 2016 |access-date=2 August 2016 |website=Deccan Chronicle}} Karthi's inclusion in the film led the makers to make the film as a bilingual titled Thozha in Tamil.

Gopi Sundar was signed as the film's music director, his first collaboration with Paidipally.{{Cite web |last=Kumar |first=Hemanth |date=11 February 2015 |title=Gopi Sunder to score music for Nagarjuna-Karthi's film |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/music/Gopi-Sunder-to-score-music-for-Nagarjuna-Karthis-film/articleshow/46199025.cms |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150318111058/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/music/Gopi-Sunder-to-score-music-for-Nagarjuna-Karthis-film/articleshow/46199025.cms |archive-date=18 March 2015 |access-date=18 March 2015 |website=The Times of India}} Oopiri had two launch ceremonies: the first on 11 February 2015 in Hyderabad{{Cite web |date=12 February 2015 |title=Excited to work with Nagarjuna: Karthi |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Excited-to-work-with-Nagarjuna-Karthi/articleshow/46204323.cms |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150318111056/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Excited-to-work-with-Nagarjuna-Karthi/articleshow/46204323.cms |archive-date=18 March 2015 |access-date=18 March 2015 |website=The Times of India}} and the second on 15 March in Chennai. P. S. Vinod was the film's cinematographer.{{Cite web |date=16 March 2015 |title=Karthi- Nagarjuna bilingual begins with a pooja |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/karthi-nagarjuna-bilingual-begins-with-a-pooja-news-tamil-pdqjN2ceihiei.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150319102534/http://www.sify.com/movies/karthi-nagarjuna-bilingual-begins-with-a-pooja-news-tamil-pdqjN2ceihiei.html |archive-date=19 March 2015 |access-date=19 March 2015 |website=Sify}} Paidipally worked on the screenplay, assisted by Hari and Solomon with the adaptation.{{Cite web |date=15 February 2016 |title=మార్చిలోనే నా(గ్) ఊపిరి ! |trans-title=Nagarjuna's Oopiri to release this March! |url=http://www.suryaa.com/entertainment/article.asp?subCategory=2&ContentId=235863 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240527222315/https://www.webcitation.org/6jTl9hSCc?url=http://www.suryaa.com/entertainment/article.asp%3FsubCategory=2&ContentId=235863 |archive-date=27 May 2024 |access-date=3 August 2016 |website=Suryaa |language=te}} Abburi Ravi wrote the dialogue for Oopiri,{{Cite web |last=Ramachandran |first=Mythily |date=23 March 2016 |title=A French blockbuster gets a Tamil/Telugu remake |url=http://gulfnews.com/life-style/celebrity/desi-news/south-india/a-french-blockbuster-gets-a-tamil-telugu-remake-1.1695927 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160803051050/http://gulfnews.com/life-style/celebrity/desi-news/south-india/a-french-blockbuster-gets-a-tamil-telugu-remake-1.1695927 |archive-date=3 August 2016 |access-date=3 August 2016 |website=Gulf News}} and Karthi asked filmmaker Raju Murugan to do the same for Thozha.{{Cite web |last=Karthik |first=Janani |date=28 February 2016 |title=I want to build KB-Kamal kind of bond with Mani Ratnam |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/I-want-to-build-KB-Kamal-kind-of-bond-with-Mani-Ratnam/articleshow/51167693.cms |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160803053507/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/I-want-to-build-KB-Kamal-kind-of-bond-with-Mani-Ratnam/articleshow/51167693.cms |archive-date=3 August 2016 |access-date=3 August 2016 |website=The Times of India}} Madhu and Praveen K. L. edited the Telugu and Tamil versions, respectively.

{{quote box

| quote = I couldn't use any gestures apart from speech and facial expressions. For a few scenes, they tied my hands beneath my jacket so that, involuntarily, I wouldn't move my limbs. I felt like a Bharatanatyam dancer, having to emote with my eyes.

| source = – Nagarjuna on playing a quadriplegic, in a March 2016 interview with The Hindu

| align = right

| width = 35%

}}

Nagarjuna played the wheelchair-using quadriplegic in the film, and a ₹25 lakh customised wheelchair was imported from Sweden for the role.{{Cite web |last=Jonnalagedda |first=Pranita |date=26 March 2016 |title=Nagarjuna's wheelchair in Oopiri cost Rs 25 lakh! |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Nagarjunas-wheelchair-in-Oopiri-cost-Rs-25-lakh/articleshow/51562502.cms |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160803063959/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Nagarjunas-wheelchair-in-Oopiri-cost-Rs-25-lakh/articleshow/51562502.cms |archive-date=3 August 2016 |access-date=3 August 2016 |website=The Times of India}} An assistant checked to see if the actor moved his limbs during filming, and scenes had to be re-shot a number of times. Nagarjuna found the process "extremely challenging", and his legs sometimes became numb.{{Cite web |date=21 February 2016 |title=Character in 'Oopiri' took toll on me: Nagarjuna |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/regional/character-in-oopiri-took-toll-on-me-nagarjuna/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160803063646/http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/regional/character-in-oopiri-took-toll-on-me-nagarjuna/ |archive-date=3 August 2016 |access-date=3 August 2016 |website=The Indian Express |agency=Indo-Asian News Service}} Oopiri was Karthi's first Telugu film, although he was popular with Telugu-speaking audiences who saw dubbed versions of his Tamil films. Rajeev Kamineni of PVP Cinema told The Hindu that Karthi was cast to combine actors who were audience favourites and had not collaborated before.{{Cite web |last=J Rao |first=Subha |date=24 October 2014 |title=When Nagarjuna meets Karthi |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/when-nagarjuna-meets-karthi/article6527814.ece |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150318111405/http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/when-nagarjuna-meets-karthi/article6527814.ece |archive-date=18 March 2015 |access-date=18 March 2015 |website=The Hindu}}

File:Shruti and Tamannaah Filmfare south 2013.jpg (right) was cast as the female lead when Shruti Haasan (left) left the film due to scheduling conflicts.]]

Karthi played the caretaker, reprising Omar Sy{{'s}} role in the original.{{Cite web |last=Bhaskaran |first=Gautaman |date=19 March 2016 |title=Thozha in Tamil is that fascinating French film, The Intouchables |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/thozha-in-tamil-is-that-fascinating-french-film-the-intouchables/story-voHZPT1yfsulc7ur3c6kKK.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160803152947/http://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/thozha-in-tamil-is-that-fascinating-french-film-the-intouchables/story-voHZPT1yfsulc7ur3c6kKK.html |archive-date=3 August 2016 |access-date=3 August 2016 |website=Hindustan Times}} He called his character "terribly insensitive", but becoming refined at the end.{{Cite web |last=J Rao |first=Subha |date=19 March 2016 |title=Nagarjuna is almost like a brother: Karthi |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/nagarjuna-is-like-my-brother-karthi-on-thozha/article8374571.ece |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160803154409/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/nagarjuna-is-like-my-brother-karthi-on-thozha/article8374571.ece |archive-date=3 August 2016 |access-date=3 August 2016 |website=The Hindu}} Despite his fluency in Telugu, Karthi wanted to practice his dialogue in advance since scenes in both languages would be shot at the same time.{{Cite web |last=Subramanian |first=Anupama |date=4 January 2015 |title=Karthi polishing his Telugu |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/150104/entertainment-tollywood/article/karthi-polishing-his-telugu |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150318111353/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/150104/entertainment-tollywood/article/karthi-polishing-his-telugu |archive-date=18 March 2015 |access-date=18 March 2015 |website=Deccan Chronicle}} He had to be louder in Oopiri, and used local Tamil slang in Thozha.{{Cite web |last=Rajamani |first=Radhika |date=22 March 2016 |title=It was surprising that a Telugu director wanted to do a film with me |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/it-was-surprising-that-a-telugu-director-wanted-to-do-a-film-with-me/20160322.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160803153802/http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/it-was-surprising-that-a-telugu-director-wanted-to-do-a-film-with-me/20160322.htm |archive-date=3 August 2016 |access-date=3 August 2016 |work=Rediff.com}} The actor said that some changes were made in the remake, since some situations in the original "just could not work in the Indian scenario". Shruti Haasan was chosen as the female lead in January 2015.{{Cite web |last=Kumar |first=Hemanth |date=3 January 2015 |title=Shruti confirms acting in Nag-Karthi film |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Shruti-confirms-acting-in-Nag-Karthi-film/articleshow/45739670.cms |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150318111927/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Shruti-confirms-acting-in-Nag-Karthi-film/articleshow/45739670.cms |archive-date=18 March 2015 |access-date=18 March 2015 |website=The Times of India}} After she walked out in March, citing scheduling conflicts, she was replaced by Tamannaah Bhatia.{{Cite web |last=Kavirayani |first=Suresh |date=29 March 2015 |title=Shruti is out and Tamannaah wins |url=http://epaper.deccanchronicle.com/articledetailpage.aspx?id=2446074 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150329100555/http://epaper.deccanchronicle.com/articledetailpage.aspx?id=2446074 |archive-date=29 March 2015 |access-date=29 March 2015 |website=Deccan Chronicle}} Her character, Keerthi, was modelled on the secretary and the caretaker in the original.{{Cite web |last=Dundoo |first=Sangeetha Devi |date=16 March 2016 |title=Tamannaah: I've always wanted to be an actor, not just a heroine |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/tamannaah-ive-always-wanted-to-be-an-actor-not-just-a-heroine/article8360818.ece |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804124832/http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/tamannaah-ive-always-wanted-to-be-an-actor-not-just-a-heroine/article8360818.ece |archive-date=4 August 2016 |access-date=4 August 2016 |website=The Hindu}} The actress had to look corporate for the role, which she called a "bridge of sorts between the protagonists"; she was a "constant spectator to every emotion they go through".{{Cite web |last=Jonnalagedda |first=Pranita |date=21 March 2016 |title=Oopiri is not a film for the 'class' or 'mass'. It has a universal appeal: Tamannaah |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Oopiri-is-not-a-film-for-the-class-or-mass-It-has-a-universal-appeal-Tamannaah/articleshow/51494731.cms |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804125058/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Oopiri-is-not-a-film-for-the-class-or-mass-It-has-a-universal-appeal-Tamannaah/articleshow/51494731.cms |archive-date=4 August 2016 |access-date=4 August 2016 |website=The Times of India}}

After Haasan left the film, PVP Cinema claimed that her scheduled dates (from 10 December 2014 to 8 April 2015) were assigned for her convenience and the actress was civilly and criminally liable. The Nampally city court restricted her from agreeing to any new film and ordered a police investigation.{{Cite web |date=28 March 2015 |title=Shruthi in the soup, can't sign new films |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Shruthi-in-the-soup-cant-sign-new-films/articleshow/46721035.cms |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150328020837/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Shruthi-in-the-soup-cant-sign-new-films/articleshow/46721035.cms |archive-date=28 March 2015 |access-date=28 March 2015 |website=The Times of India}} According to Haasan's spokesperson, neither the actress nor Raaj Kamal Films International were legally notified.{{Cite web |date=27 March 2015 |title=Shruti Haasan denies receiving any legal notice |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/150327/entertainment-kollywood/article/shruti-haasan-denies-receiving-any-legal-notice |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150328062902/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/150327/entertainment-kollywood/article/shruti-haasan-denies-receiving-any-legal-notice |archive-date=28 March 2015 |access-date=28 March 2015 |website=Deccan Chronicle}} Haasan withdrew her defamation suit in April 2015 after R. Sarathkumar and Kalaipuli S. Thanu intervened, and the court dismissed PVP Cinema's case.{{Cite web |date=21 April 2015 |title=Shruti Haasan withdraws defamation claim against the producers |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/150420/entertainment-kollywood/article/cheating-case-against-shruti-haasan-withdrawn |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150421073813/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/150420/entertainment-kollywood/article/cheating-case-against-shruti-haasan-withdrawn |archive-date=21 April 2015 |access-date=21 April 2015 |website=Deccan Chronicle |agency=Press Trust of India}}

Prakash Raj, Ali, Vivek, and Tanikella Bharani were cast in key supporting roles, with Jayasudha and Nikkita Anil playing Karthi's mother and sister.{{Cite web |last=Karthik |first=Janani |date=16 March 2015 |title=Karthi-Nag film goes on floors |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Karthi-Nag-film-goes-on-floors/articleshow/46573088.cms |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150318111925/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Karthi-Nag-film-goes-on-floors/articleshow/46573088.cms |archive-date=18 March 2015 |access-date=18 March 2015 |website=The Times of India}}{{Cite web |date=29 October 2015 |title=Nikkita gets busy in Tamil |url=http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Cinema/2015-10-29/Nikkita-gets-busy-in-Tamil/183135 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160803160827/http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Cinema/2015-10-29/Nikkita-gets-busy-in-Tamil/183135 |archive-date=3 August 2016 |access-date=3 August 2016 |website=The Hans India}} Kalpana made her Telugu-film debut in Oopiri, but she died in her sleep at age 50 during filming in Hyderabad.{{Cite web |last=Krishnamoorthy |first=Suresh |date=26 January 2016 |title=Malayalam actor Kalpana passes away |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/malayalam-actor-kalpana-passes-away/article8153193.ece |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160803161821/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/malayalam-actor-kalpana-passes-away/article8153193.ece |archive-date=3 August 2016 |access-date=3 August 2016 |website=The Hindu}} Anushka Shetty and Adivi Sesh made cameo appearances as a couple;{{Cite web |last=Jonnalagadda |first=Pranitha |date=19 September 2015 |title=Adivi Sesh to play Anushka's hubby in Oopiri |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Adivi-Sesh-to-play-Anushkas-hubby-in-Oopiri/articleshow/49025184.cms |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150920011441/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Adivi-Sesh-to-play-Anushkas-hubby-in-Oopiri/articleshow/49025184.cms |archive-date=20 September 2015 |access-date=20 September 2015 |website=The Times of India}} the former played Nagarjuna's ex-girlfriend in the film.{{Cite web |last=Jonnalagadda |first=Pranitha |date=9 September 2015 |title=Anushka to play Nag's ex flame in The Intouchables remake |url=http://epaperbeta.timesofindia.com/Article.aspx?eid=31809&articlexml=Anushka-to-play-Nags-ex-flame-in-The-09092015101028 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150909023309/http://epaperbeta.timesofindia.com/Article.aspx?eid=31809&articlexml=Anushka-to-play-Nags-ex-flame-in-The-09092015101028 |archive-date=9 September 2015 |access-date=9 September 2015 |website=The Times of India}} Gabriella Demetriades was cast in August 2015 after auditioning with five other international models in Hyderabad,{{Cite web |last=Karthik |first=Janani |date=7 August 2015 |title=Gabriella bags a cameo in Karthi-Nag film |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Gabriella-bags-a-cameo-in-Karthi-Nag-film/articleshow/48375428.cms |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150811141830/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Gabriella-bags-a-cameo-in-Karthi-Nag-film/articleshow/48375428.cms |archive-date=11 August 2015 |access-date=11 August 2015 |website=The Times of India}} and the film was her South Indian acting debut.{{Cite web |date=25 August 2015 |title=Lucky to be working with Akkineni Nagarjuna: Gabriella Demetriades |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/regional/lucky-to-be-working-with-akkineni-nagarjuna-gabriella-demetriades/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804025638/http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/regional/lucky-to-be-working-with-akkineni-nagarjuna-gabriella-demetriades/ |archive-date=4 August 2016 |access-date=4 August 2016 |website=The Indian Express |agency=Indo-Asian News Service}} Nora Fatehi made a special appearance in a song,{{Cite web |last=Jonnalagedda |first=Pranita |date=24 November 2015 |title=Nora Fatehi's item song will add a desi tadka to the Intouchables remake |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Nora-Fatehis-item-song-will-add-a-desi-tadka-to-the-Intouchables-remake/articleshow/49909012.cms |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804030121/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Nora-Fatehis-item-song-will-add-a-desi-tadka-to-the-Intouchables-remake/articleshow/49909012.cms |archive-date=4 August 2016 |access-date=4 August 2016 |website=The Times of India}} and Shriya Saran had a cameo appearance.{{Cite web |last=Rajamani |first=Radhika |date=23 January 2016 |title=Shriya Saran makes a cameo in Oopiri |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/shriya-saran-makes-a-cameo-in-oopiri/20160123.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804030329/http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/shriya-saran-makes-a-cameo-in-oopiri/20160123.htm |archive-date=4 August 2016 |access-date=4 August 2016 |work=Rediff.com}} The Telugu and Tamil versions had a slightly different supporting cast to suit the nativity of both audiences.

File:Belgrade at night.jpg

According to PVP Cinema's Kamineni, a substantial portion of Oopiri would be filmed abroad. Principal photography began in Chennai on 16 March 2015. Scenes with Karthi and Jayasudha were filmed in a purpose-built house set. By the time Haasan left the film, the first shooting schedule had wrapped. After completing schedules in Chennai and Hyderabad, Karthi and Tamannaah joined the film set in Dubai in May; several scenes were filmed in a rented, palatial house.{{Cite web |last=Subramaniam |first=Anupama |date=13 May 2015 |title=Karthi and Tamannaah off to Dubai to shoot Vamsi Paidipally's untitled film |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/150512/entertainment-kollywood/article/karthi-and-tammu-dubai |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804042913/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/150512/entertainment-kollywood/article/karthi-and-tammu-dubai |archive-date=4 August 2016 |access-date=4 August 2016 |website=Deccan Chronicle}} Paidipally, who planned a 25-day shooting schedule in Paris and Lyon beginning in June, left to scout locations.{{Cite web |last=Kumar |first=Hemanth |date=10 May 2015 |title=T-Town celebs flock to Europe |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/T-Town-celebs-flock-to-Europe/articleshow/47251320.cms |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150702040904/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/T-Town-celebs-flock-to-Europe/articleshow/47251320.cms |archive-date=2 July 2015 |access-date=2 July 2015 |website=The Times of India}} A month-long European shooting schedule began in July in Belgrade and Novi Sad, and Oopiri was the first South Indian film made there. After Belgrade and Novi Sad, filming continued in Paris, Lyon and Ljubljana.{{Cite web |date=1 July 2015 |title=Nagarjuna and Karthi to shoot in Europe for next |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Nagarjuna-and-Karthi-toshoot-in-Europe-for-next/articleshow/47895447.cms |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150702040703/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Nagarjuna-and-Karthi-toshoot-in-Europe-for-next/articleshow/47895447.cms |archive-date=2 July 2015 |access-date=2 July 2015 |website=The Times of India}} Key scenes, including a car chase, and some songs were filmed as part of the schedule.

The car-chase scene was filmed over eight nights, due to changes in the weather. It was shot near the Eiffel Tower, which Paidipally called the "obvious choice to show the moment of triumph" in Vikramaditya's life.{{Cite web |last1=Dundoo |first1=Sangeetha Devi |last2=Nadadhur |first2=Srivathsan |date=30 June 2016 |title=Movie moments that linger |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/movie-moments-that-linger-in-telugu-cinema-2016/article8791908.ece |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804044808/http://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/movie-moments-that-linger-in-telugu-cinema-2016/article8791908.ece |archive-date=4 August 2016 |access-date=4 August 2016 |website=The Hindu}} On 1 August, Nagarjuna tweeted that the shooting schedule would wrap in ten days.{{Cite web |date=1 August 2015 |title=Nag, Karthi and Tamannaah in France |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/nag-karthi-and-tamannaah-in-france-news-tamil-pibomchaeaeic.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804044059/http://www.sify.com/movies/nag-karthi-and-tamannaah-in-france-news-tamil-pibomchaeaeic.html |archive-date=4 August 2016 |access-date=4 August 2016 |website=Sify}} A song including Nagarjuna, Karthi, and Fatehi was filmed in November in Hyderabad. Principal photography wrapped in February 2016, and post-production commenced shortly.{{Cite web |date=15 February 2016 |title='Oopiri' wraps up shoot, gears up for release |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/oopiri-wraps-up-shoot-gears-up-for-release-news-telugu-qcpmVMfcgcjhe.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804045540/http://www.sify.com/movies/oopiri-wraps-up-shoot-gears-up-for-release-news-telugu-qcpmVMfcgcjhe.html |archive-date=4 August 2016 |access-date=16 January 2016 |website=Sify}} Thozha{{'s}} filming was delayed due to Nagarjuna's lack of fluency in Tamil, but at Karthi's insistence he delivered his own lines.{{Cite web |date=18 March 2016 |title=King Steps Out of Comfort Zone |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/interviews/King-Steps-Out-of-Comfort-Zone/2016/03/18/article3333971.ece |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804124001/http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/interviews/King-Steps-Out-of-Comfort-Zone/2016/03/18/article3333971.ece |archive-date=4 August 2016 |access-date=4 August 2016 |website=The New Indian Express}} Tamannaah found her dialogue simple and realistic and delivered her own lines in Oopiri, the first Telugu film to include her voice.

{{Further|Oopiri (soundtrack)}}

Gopi Sundar composed the film's score and seven-song soundtrack.{{Cite web |last=Sunder |first=Gopi |author-link=Gopi Sunder |date=14 February 2016 |title=Oopiri (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) |url=https://music.apple.com/in/album/oopiri-original-motion-picture/1087976864 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804132853/https://itunes.apple.com/in/album/oopiri-original-motion-picture/id1087976864 |archive-date=4 August 2016 |access-date=4 August 2016 |publisher=iTunes Store}}{{Cite web |last=Sunder |first=Gopi |date=21 February 2016 |title=Thozha (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) |url=https://music.apple.com/in/album/thozha-original-motion-picture/1087976310 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804133008/https://itunes.apple.com/in/album/thozha-original-motion-picture/id1087976310 |archive-date=4 August 2016 |access-date=4 August 2016 |publisher=iTunes Store}} Ramajogayya and Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry wrote the Telugu version's lyrics, and the lyrics for Thozha{{'s}} soundtrack were by Madhan Karky.{{Cite web |last=Nadadhur |first=Srivathsan |date=7 April 2016 |title=Keeping a song's spirit intact |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/music/lyricists-open-up-on-the-challenges-of-getting-the-essence-of-a-track-right-for-bilingual-films/article8446630.ece |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804133212/http://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/music/lyricists-open-up-on-the-challenges-of-getting-the-essence-of-a-track-right-for-bilingual-films/article8446630.ece |archive-date=4 August 2016 |access-date=4 August 2016 |website=The Hindu}} According to Karky, all the lyrics in Oopiri except "Door Number Okati" had different meanings in Thozha, and Karthi and Paidipally wanted Thozha{{'s}} songs to suit the Tamil audience's sensibilities. The soundtrack of the Telugu version was unveiled on 14 February 2016 (Valentine's Day) at the Hitex Convention Centre in Hyderabad, while the Tamil version was released on 21 February 2016, at St. Bede's School in Chennai amid much fanfare.{{Cite news |title=Thozha audio launched amid much fanfare |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/music/thozha-audio-launched-amid-much-fanfare/articleshow/51166316.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210610063200/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/music/thozha-audio-launched-amid-much-fanfare/articleshow/51166316.cms |archive-date=10 June 2021 |access-date=10 June 2021 |work=The Times of India |language=en}} Both the albums were marketed by Times Music South.

The Times of India gave Oopiri{{'s}} soundtrack four stars, calling it a "winner on all counts" and Sunder is "increasingly becoming a force to be reckon with in [Telugu cinema]".{{Cite web |date=15 February 2016 |title=Music Review: Oopiri |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/music/Music-Review-Oopiri/articleshow/51978514.cms |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804134838/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/music/Music-Review-Oopiri/articleshow/51978514.cms |archive-date=4 August 2016 |access-date=4 August 2016 |website=The Times of India}} Karthik Srinivasan, writing for The Hindu, praised Sunder's usage of solo violin pieces and chorus hooks in Thozha{{'s}} "Pudhidhaa" ("Oka Life" in Oopiri).{{Cite web |last=Srinivasan |first=Karthik |date=25 April 2016 |title=Hitman |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-cinemaplus/hitman/article8318651.ece |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804140316/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-cinemaplus/hitman/article8318651.ece |archive-date=4 August 2016 |access-date=4 August 2016 |website=The Hindu}} Siddharth K of Sify noted that the soundtrack of Thozha has influences of Malayalam film soundtracks in the slow-paced songs despite being designed keeping the Telugu and Tamil sensibilities in mind. He found the songs "Baby Odathey" ("Baby Aagodhu" in Telugu), "Nagarum" ("Eppudu" in Telugu), and "Eiffel Mele" ("Ayyo Ayyo" in Telugu) likeable and gave the soundtrack three stars.{{Cite web |last=Siddharth |first=K |date=24 February 2016 |title='Thozha' audio review |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/thozha-audio-review-news-tamil-qdcjVrejddbdd.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160831021019/http://www.sify.com/movies/thozha-audio-review-news-tamil-qdcjVrejddbdd.html |archive-date=31 August 2016 |access-date=31 August 2016 |website=Sify}}

{{Track listing

| collapsed =

| headline = Oopiri

| extra_column = Singer(s)

| total_length = 27:36

| title1 = Baby Aagodhu

| extra1 = Shankar Mahadevan

| length1 = 2:39

| title2 = Oka Life

| extra2 = Karthik

| length2 = 4:46

| title3 = Ayyo Ayyo

| extra3 = Ranjith, Suchitra

| length3 = 3:48

| title4 = Nevvemicchavo

| extra4 = Vijay Prakash

| length4 = 2:07

| title5 = Podham

| extra5 = Haricharan

| length5 = 4:45

| title6 = Door Number Okati

| extra6 = Geetha Madhuri

| length6 = 4:05

| title7 = Eppudu

| extra7 = Karthik

| length7 = 4:47

| all_lyrics = Ramajogayya Sastry and Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry.

}}

{{Track listing

| collapsed =

| headline = Thozha

| extra_column = Singer(s)

| total_length = 27:36

| all_lyrics = Madhan Karky.

| title1 = Baby Odadhe

| extra1 = Shankar Mahadevan

| length1 = 2:39

| title2 = Pudidha

| extra2 = Karthik

| length2 = 4:46

| title3 = Eiffel Mele

| extra3 = Ranjith, Suchitra

| length3 = 3:48

| title4 = Enadhuyire

| extra4 = Vijay Prakash

| length4 = 2:07

| title5 = Thozha

| extra5 = Anirudh Ravichander, Haricharan

| length5 = 4:45

| title6 = Door Number One

| extra6 = Geetha Madhuri

| length6 = 4:05

| title7 = Nagarum

| extra7 = Karthik

| length7 = 4:47

}}

Oopiri and Thozha were theatrically released worldwide on 25 March 2016.{{cite web |date=13 March 2016 |title=Thozha trailer: Nagarjuna, Karthi's film is cocktail of fun, drama and stunning visuals |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/thozha-trailer-nagarjuna-karthis-film-is-cocktail-of-fun-drama-and-stunning-visuals-313048-2016-03-13 |access-date=2 August 2024 |work=India Today |archive-date=2 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240802071650/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/thozha-trailer-nagarjuna-karthis-film-is-cocktail-of-fun-drama-and-stunning-visuals-313048-2016-03-13 |url-status=live}}

The digital rights of Oopiri and Thozha were purchased by YuppTV, a leading television content provider in South.{{Cite web |title=YuppTV Announces the Digital Premiere of 2016 Blockbusters, Oopiri and Thozha! |url=https://www.indiainfoline.com/article/news-business-wire-advertising/yupptv-announces-the-digital-premiere-of-2016-blockbusters-oopiri-and-thozha-116050300427_1.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210610063201/https://www.indiainfoline.com/article/news-business-wire-advertising/yupptv-announces-the-digital-premiere-of-2016-blockbusters-oopiri-and-thozha-116050300427_1.html |archive-date=10 June 2021 |access-date=10 June 2021 |website=indiainfoline.com |language=en}} The premiere of the film took place on 3 May 2016 after its theatrical run ended.{{Cite web |date=3 May 2016 |title=YuppTV Announces the Digital Premiere of 2016 Blockbusters, Oopiri and Thozha! |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160503005333/en/YuppTV-Announces-the-Digital-Premiere-of-2016-Blockbusters-Oopiri-and-Thozha%21 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210610063200/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160503005333/en/YuppTV-Announces-the-Digital-Premiere-of-2016-Blockbusters-Oopiri-and-Thozha! |archive-date=10 June 2021 |access-date=10 June 2021 |website=businesswire.com |language=en}} The television broadcast rights were acquired by Sun TV Network; and the global television premiere of the Tamil version Thozha was held on 2 October 2016 coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti.{{Cite web |date=28 September 2016 |title=Thozha – Gandhi Jayanthi Spl Premiere Movie Promo |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXMMGICztR0 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170713102029/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXMMGICztR0 |archive-date=13 July 2017 |access-date=29 September 2016 |publisher=SunTV Tamil |via=YouTube}}

{{multiple image

| align = right

| direction = horizontal

| footer = Nagarjuna (left) and Karthi (right) were critically acclaimed for their performances as a quadriplegic billionaire and his caretaker, respectively.

| width =

| image1 = TeachAIDS 2010 India Launch 15.jpg

| width1 = 150

| alt1 = Man standing at a podium in front of two microphones

| caption1 =

| image2 = Karthistudio.jpg

| width2 = 138

| alt2 = Smiling man in a grey shirt

| caption2 =

}}

The films received positive critical reception.{{Cite web |date=30 March 2016 |title=Thozha box office collection: Nagarjuna, Karthi's film opens to a positive response |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/thozha-box-office-collection-nagarjuna-karthis-film-opens-to-a-positive-response-315496-2016-03-30 |access-date=2 August 2024 |work=India Today |archive-date=2 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240802075620/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/thozha-box-office-collection-nagarjuna-karthis-film-opens-to-a-positive-response-315496-2016-03-30 |url-status=live }}

Baradwaj Rangan, writing for The Hindu, found Thozha enjoyable despite its lack of narrative finesse and called it a light, pleasant film comparable to Bangalore Days (2014).{{Cite web |last=Rangan |first=Baradwaj |author-link=Baradwaj Rangan |date=26 March 2016 |title=Thozha: Friends forever |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-reviews/thozha-film-review-friends-forever/article8399160.ece |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805154136/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-reviews/thozha-film-review-friends-forever/article8399160.ece |archive-date=5 August 2016 |access-date=5 August 2016 |website=The Hindu}} Sangeetha Devi Dundoo, also in The Hindu, gave Oopiri four stars and called it a "rare film that justifies its hype". She wrote that Nagarjuna's portrayal of Vikramaditya was "age-defying, graceful and restrained" and praised the rest of the cast, Vinod's cinematography, and Sunder's score.{{Cite web |last=Dundoo |first=Sangeetha Devi |date=25 March 2016 |title=Oopiri: Celebration of life, indeed |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/oopiri-celebration-of-life-indeed/article8396557.ece |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805152145/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/oopiri-celebration-of-life-indeed/article8396557.ece |archive-date=5 August 2016 |access-date=5 August 2016 |website=The Hindu}} Pranita Jonnalagedda of The Times of India gave Oopiri four stars out of five, writing that it "sets a benchmark for adaptations in Telugu cinema" and "paves the way for more exciting genres". She praised the principal cast's performances and the film's climax.{{Cite web |last=Jonnalagedda |first=Pranita |date=25 March 2016 |title=Oopiri Movie Review |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movie-reviews/Oopiri/movie-review/51550999.cms |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805151244/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movie-reviews/Oopiri/movie-review/51550999.cms |archive-date=5 August 2016 |access-date=5 August 2016 |website=The Times of India}}

According to Anupama Subramaniam of Deccan Chronicle, Thozha had an "alluring story" supported by "extraordinary performances, sound technical departments and rich production values". Suresh Kavirayani, also in Deccan Chronicle, found Oopiri a "beautiful and emotional journey". Both gave the film 3.5 stars out of five.{{Cite web |last=Kavirayani |first=Suresh |date=26 March 2016 |title=Oopiri movie review: A beautiful and emotional journey |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/260316/oopiri-movie-review-a-beautiful-and-emotional-journey.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805152911/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/260316/oopiri-movie-review-a-beautiful-and-emotional-journey.html |archive-date=5 August 2016 |access-date=5 August 2016 |website=Deccan Chronicle}}{{Cite web |last=Subramaniam |first=Anupama |date=26 March 2016 |title=Thozha movie review: A film not to be missed! |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/260316/thozha-movie-review-a-film-not-to-be-missed.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805153037/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/260316/thozha-movie-review-a-film-not-to-be-missed.html |archive-date=5 August 2016 |access-date=5 August 2016 |website=Deccan Chronicle}} Writing for India Today, Kirubhakar Purushothaman also gave the film 3.5 stars out of five, calling it a decent remake which "retains the soul of the original" with "the right cast and the perfect team".{{Cite web |last=Purushothaman |first=Kirubhakar |date=26 March 2016 |title=Oopiri/Thozha review: All the right buttons pressed in this Karthi-Nagarjuna film |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/oopiri-thozha-review-all-the-right-buttons-pressed-in-this-karthi-nagarjuna-film/1/627575.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805150554/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/oopiri-thozha-review-all-the-right-buttons-pressed-in-this-karthi-nagarjuna-film/1/627575.html |archive-date=5 August 2016 |access-date=5 August 2016 |website=India Today}} Karthik Keramalu of News18 also gave Oopiri 3.5 stars out of five. Keramalu called it the best of Paidipally's career so far and praised the principal cast's performances.{{Cite web |last=Keramalu |first=Karthik |date=26 March 2016 |title='Oopiri' review: It is a tragicomedy with a spoonful of Hyderabadi dum biryani |url=http://www.news18.com/news/movies/oopiri-review-it-is-a-tragicomedy-with-a-spoonful-of-hyderabadi-dum-biryani-1221343.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805160222/http://www.news18.com/news/movies/oopiri-review-it-is-a-tragicomedy-with-a-spoonful-of-hyderabadi-dum-biryani-1221343.html |archive-date=5 August 2016 |access-date=5 August 2016 |website=News18}}

S. Saraswathi of Rediff.com gave Thozha three stars out of five, praising the film's screenplay, visuals, and performances.{{Cite web |last=Saraswathi |first=S. |date=26 March 2016 |title=Review: Thozha is a fun-filled entertainer |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/review/review-thozha-is-a-fun-filled-entertainer-/20160327.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805154515/http://www.rediff.com/movies/review/review-thozha-is-a-fun-filled-entertainer-/20160327.htm |archive-date=5 August 2016 |access-date=5 August 2016 |work=Rediff.com}} Sify also gave the film three stars out of five and called it a "breezy feel good ride"; its reviewer praised its performances and visuals, but criticised its length.{{Cite web |date=26 March 2016 |title=Thozha review: Breezy feel-good entertainer |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/thozha-review-breezy-feel-good-entertainer-review-tamil-qdzn76bjeeeei.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805160702/http://www.sify.com/movies/thozha-review-breezy-feel-good-entertainer-review-tamil-qdzn76bjeeeei.html |archive-date=5 August 2016 |access-date=5 August 2016 |website=Sify}} Gautaman Bhaskaran, writing for the Hindustan Times, gave Thozha 2.5 stars out of five; Bhaskaran found the film "[u]nduly verbose" and wrote that it "loses its sense of male bonding—particularly after it veers into love stories".{{Cite web |last=Bhaskaran |first=Gautaman |date=25 March 2016 |title=Thozha review: Love stories intrude into this male bonding |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/movie-reviews/thozha-review-love-stories-intrude-into-this-male-bonding/story-ixMQoC5qaZIFJHbFJy3NBL.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805161046/http://www.hindustantimes.com/movie-reviews/thozha-review-love-stories-intrude-into-this-male-bonding/story-ixMQoC5qaZIFJHbFJy3NBL.html |archive-date=5 August 2016 |access-date=5 August 2016 |website=Hindustan Times}}

Oopiri and Thozha grossed ₹20 crore at the box office within four days, as reported by trade analyst Trinath.{{Cite web |date=30 March 2016 |title=Akkineni Nagarjuna, Karthi starrer 'Thozha' strikes gold at the box office |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/regional/thozha-box-office-collections-akkineni-nagarjuna-karthi-starrer-strikes-gold-at-the-box-office/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160806055813/http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/regional/thozha-box-office-collections-akkineni-nagarjuna-karthi-starrer-strikes-gold-at-the-box-office/ |archive-date=6 August 2016 |access-date=6 August 2016 |website=The Indian Express |agency=Indo-Asian News Service}} The film further increased its total gross to ₹27 crore in its first week and earned $1 million in the overseas market during that time, according to Firstpost.{{Cite web |last=Pillai |first=Sreedhar |date=4 April 2016 |title=How 'Oopiri', 'Thozha' got remake formula right, to become major box office hits |url=https://www.firstpost.com/bollywood/how-oopiri-thozha-got-remake-formula-right-to-become-major-box-office-hits-2711126.html |access-date=2 August 2024 |website=Firstpost |archive-date=2 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240802074511/https://www.firstpost.com/bollywood/how-oopiri-thozha-got-remake-formula-right-to-become-major-box-office-hits-2711126.html |url-status=live }}

Inspired by the film, paraplegic television personality Sujatha Barla established the Challengers on Wheels-Celebrating Life community for physically disabled people in April 2016.{{Cite web |last=Nadadhur |first=Srivathsan |date=6 April 2016 |title='Oopiri' inspires Sujatha to find an association |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/oopiri-inspires-sujatha-to-find-an-association/article8441641.ece |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160806131026/http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/oopiri-inspires-sujatha-to-find-an-association/article8441641.ece |archive-date=6 August 2016 |access-date=6 August 2016 |website=The Hindu}} Judge G. Neelima took 60 underprivileged female students in Balasadan, Warangal to a special screening of Oopiri on the eve of Ugadi.{{efn|Ugadi celebrates the new year on the Deccan. It falls on a different day each year because the Hindu calendar is lunisolar.{{Cite web |date=4 April 2005 |title=Ugadi a time to rejoice |url=http://www.thehindu.com/2005/04/04/stories/2005040402650300.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150224160504/http://www.thehindu.com/2005/04/04/stories/2005040402650300.htm |archive-date=24 February 2015 |access-date=24 February 2015 |website=The Hindu}}}}{{Cite web |date=9 April 2016 |title=Balasadan girls get a rare treat |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/balasadan-girls-get-a-rare-treat/article8454201.ece |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160806131427/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/balasadan-girls-get-a-rare-treat/article8454201.ece |archive-date=6 August 2016 |access-date=6 August 2016 |website=The Hindu}}

• List of multilingual Indian films
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{{Vamsi Paidipally}}

Category:2016 films

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