Paiyaa

Shiva is a carefree young man who stays in Bangalore in search of a job and has a loyal group of friends.

One day, Shiva sees a beautiful woman named Charulatha "Charu," who is also looking for a job. Shiva is immediately attracted to Charu and subsequently spots her on various occasions and follows her. Shiva waits at the railway station to pick up a friend and the owner of a Mitsubishi Lancer. Shiva is confronted by a tense Charu, along with a Telugu-speaking man. They assume that Shiva is a cab driver and ask him to take them to Chennai. An excited Shiva accepts the offer and takes them.

While stopping to refuel the car, Charu suddenly requests Shiva to drive, leaving the man behind; Shiva does as she wishes and takes off. After unsuccessful efforts to reach the airport and railway station, Charu asks Shiva to take her to Mumbai. Shiva instantly agrees. He tries to get into a conversation with Charu, who initially refuses to talk, but eventually gives in and tells him about her background. It comes to light that Charu's mother, who had always supported her daughter, died after a violent altercation with her father. Since then, her father has tried to force Charu to marry an unknown man of his choice. Not willing to bow to her father's wishes, Charu had escaped from home, but was later found by her father's business partner named Jayaraman. He was about to take her to register the marriage arranged by her father when Charu tried to escape, leaving him behind at the filling station.

Charu wants to leave for Mumbai to stay at her grandmother's home. However, Charu is being followed by a gang, led by a furious Telugu-speaking lady. Shiva manages to lose the pursuers and decides to change the route, but encounters a second gang. Shiva realises that this gang is not following Charu, but himself as they are the henchmen of a Mumbai-based gangster, Baali. Shiva recalls an incident that happened some years ago in Mumbai, when he stayed there at his friend Poochi's house. Shiva had beaten one of Baali's men, who had attacked him, and later Baali himself, not knowing about him and his reputation in the city, and returned to Bangalore. Both gangs are following the couple to achieve their own ends.

After reaching Mumbai and experiencing a series of events, they end up at Poochi's house. Poochi finds out where the grandmother lives, and Shiva brings Charu there. Unable to bear the thought that the journey is complete, Shiva leaves silently, only to find Charu on the road. After hesitation, Charu reveals that her relatives had spoken ill about her parents, which prompted her to leave. While in a state of doubt, they are attacked by Baali's gang, who have teamed up with Jayaraman. Shiva saves Charu from the goons. While on their way back to Bangalore, Shiva's friends arrive to meet him. Priya, whom Shiva has called often, tells Charu of his feelings for her. Charu reciprocates Shiva's love, as she too has fallen for him during the journey.

{{Cast listing|

• Karthi as Shiva
• Tamannaah Bhatia as Charulatha "Charu"
• Milind Soman as Baali, a gangster based in Mumbai
• Jagan as Poochi, a young simpleton and friend of Shiva, who lives in Mumbai
• Sonia Deepti as Priya, Shiva's best friend
• Jasper as the head goon of the Telugu gang
• Omar Lateef as Siddharth, Shiva's friend
• Darshan Jariwala as Charulatha's uncle in Mumbai
• Sujata Kumar as Sharadha, Charulatha's grandmother
• Puneet Tejwani as Mahesh Vinayak, a man who asks for a lift
• Arpit Ranka as Baali's henchman
• Rajkumar Kanojia as Baali's henchman
• Daniel Annie Pope as a Telugu gang member
• Babu as a Telugu gang member

}}

In September 2007, while working on Bheemaa, a film starring Vikram, Lingusamy announced that Karthi would star in his next venture to be launched in January 2008.{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/33488.html |title=Karthi in Lingusamy's film – Tamil Movie News |website=IndiaGlitz.com |access-date=9 January 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120709140048/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/33488.html |archive-date= 9 July 2012 }} He said that he had written a story "suitable for Karthi", further adding that it would be "an action oriented film".{{cite web|title=Karthi in Lingusamy Film|url=http://www.kollywoodtoday.com/news/karthi-in-lingusamy-film/|publisher=kollywoodtoday.com|access-date=18 May 2009|archive-date=14 June 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090614064835/http://www.kollywoodtoday.com/news/karthi-in-lingusamy-film/|url-status=live}} The following month, sources suggested that he was planning a bilingual project, filming simultaneously in Tamil and Telugu with Karthi and Ram Charan, respectively.{{cite web|title=Lingusamy brings Starlets Together |url=http://www.kollywoodtoday.com/news/lingusamy-brings-starlets-together/ |publisher=kollywoodtoday.com |access-date=18 May 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090210004526/http://www.kollywoodtoday.com/news/lingusamy-brings-starlets-together/ |archive-date=10 February 2009 }}{{cite web|title=Lingusamy's Tamil-Telugu film |url=http://www.cinesouth.com/masala/hotnews/new/24102007-6.shtml |website=Cinesouth |access-date=18 May 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100201000448/http://cinesouth.com/masala/hotnews/new/24102007-6.shtml |archive-date= 1 February 2010 }} However, in early November, reports claimed that Vishal would portray the protagonist after Lingusamy had considered Jayam Ravi for the lead character.{{cite web|title=Lingusamy Joins Vishal for the 2nd Time |url=http://www.kollywoodtoday.com/news/lingusamy-joins-vishal-for-the-2nd-time/ |publisher=kollywoodtoday.com |access-date=18 May 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071107080028/http://www.kollywoodtoday.com/news/lingusamy-joins-vishal-for-the-2nd-time/ |archive-date= 7 November 2007 }}{{cite web|title=Vishal to be directed by Lingusamy |url=http://www.cinesouth.com/masala/hotnews/new/03112007-5.shtml |website=Cinesouth |access-date=18 May 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100131144214/http://cinesouth.com/masala/hotnews/new/03112007-5.shtml |archive-date=31 January 2010 }} The reports proved to be false and Karthi was confirmed as the lead actor of the film.{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/34618.html |title=Karthi in Lingusamy's film |website=IndiaGlitz.com |access-date=9 January 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080616032011/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/34618.html |archive-date=16 June 2008 }}

The film failed to begin production in January 2008, with sources reporting in March that Lingusamy was still working on the script. The film was yet to be titled. It was to feature the main crew members of Bheemaa, including music director Harris Jayaraj, cinematographer R. D. Rajasekhar and editor Anthony.{{cite web|title=Lingusamy's next |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/37321.html |website=IndiaGlitz.com |access-date=17 May 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080608021527/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/37321.html |archive-date= 8 June 2008 }} Lingusamy later announced the film with an entirely new crew; Yuvan Shankar Raja replaced Jayaraj as the film's music composer,{{cite web|title=Lingusamy ready for fresh innings |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/38295.html |website=IndiaGlitz.com |access-date=11 January 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080616155222/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/38295.html |archive-date=16 June 2008 }} and R. Madhi was selected as the cinematographer, after Rajasekhar had opted out of the project as he was busy working on Jaggubhai.{{cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/aug-08-01/lingusamy-07-08-08.html |title=Changes in Karthi, Lingusamy project |website=Behindwoods.com |access-date=11 January 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100815060648/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/aug-08-01/lingusamy-07-08-08.html |archive-date=15 August 2010 }} Lingusamy chose Priya Manikandan, wife of cinematographer V. Manikandan, as the chief costume designer, for whom Paiyaa would be her first film project.{{cite web|last=Krishnan |first=Shilpa |url=http://newindianexpress.com/entertainment/fashion/article272410.ece |title=Celluloid Fashion |publisher=The New Indian Express |access-date=11 January 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140822122737/http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/fashion/article272410.ece |archive-date=22 August 2014 }} Lingusamy further revealed that the film would be produced by his home production studio Thirrupathi Brothers and denied that it was a remake of a Telugu film.{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/39340.html |title=We are not keen on a remake: Lingusamy – Tamil Movie News |website=IndiaGlitz.com |access-date=9 January 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131227075215/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/39340.html |archive-date=27 December 2013 }} Lingusamy disclosed later that he had written two scripts, out of which Karthi eventually chose Paiyaa,{{cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/dec-08-04/payya-27-12-08.html |title=Lingusamy on Payya, Nayan and more |website=Behindwoods.com |access-date=29 January 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090319081213/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/dec-08-04/payya-27-12-08.html |archive-date=19 March 2009 }} because he wanted to do an "urban love story" after two successive roles as a ruffian.{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/nayanthara-is-my-favourite-actress-lingusamy-news-tamil-kkfs5Tfafij.html?ref=false |title=Nayanthara is my favourite actress: Lingusamy |website=Sify |date=28 December 2008 |access-date=9 January 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903133259/http://www.sify.com/movies/nayanthara-is-my-favourite-actress-lingusamy-news-tamil-kkfs5Tfafij.html?ref=false |archive-date= 3 September 2014 }} Initially titled as Kuthirai, it was later renamed as Paiyaa,{{cite web|title=Suggest title, get paid for Karthi – Nayan project |url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/oct-08-04/lingusamy-22-10-08.html |website=Behindwoods |access-date=4 December 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081206011039/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/oct-08-04/lingusamy-22-10-08.html |archive-date= 6 December 2008 }} which was considered a tentative, working title only.{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/43303.html |title=Karthi and Nayantara in 'Paiya' |website=IndiaGlitz.com |access-date=29 January 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100107025228/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/43303.html |archive-date= 7 January 2010 }} Karthi said he was " ... dying to start shooting for Paiyaa " and to " ... wear good clothes ... and he accepted the film because he " ... desperately wanted to play a cool dude on screen.{{cite web|url=http://movies.rediff.com/slide-show/2010/mar/31/slide-show-1-south-interview-with-karthi-sivakumar.htm |title='I never got any female attention when I was a student' |website=Rediff.com |date=31 March 2010 |access-date=8 November 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121114045451/http://movies.rediff.com/slide-show/2010/mar/31/slide-show-1-south-interview-with-karthi-sivakumar.htm |archive-date=14 November 2012 }}{{cite news| url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-04-07/news-interviews/28136029_1_film-aayirathil-oruvan-tamannaah | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104201427/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-04-07/news-interviews/28136029_1_film-aayirathil-oruvan-tamannaah | url-status=dead | archive-date=4 November 2012 | work=The Times of India | title=Karthi: On road to superstardom | date=7 April 2010}}

The filming was supposed to begin in August 2008.{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/39806.html |title=Karthi – Man to watch out for – Tamil Movie News |website=IndiaGlitz.com |access-date=9 January 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081024230629/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/39806.html |archive-date=24 October 2008 }} However, due to the slow progress of Karthi's ongoing project, Aayirathil Oruvan, Paiyaa was postponed several times,{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/karthi-goes-to-bangkok-news-tamil-kkfsIfcahgj.html?ref=false |title=Karthi goes to Bangkok! |work=Sify |date=28 October 2008 |access-date=9 January 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160419034144/http://www.sify.com/movies/karthi-goes-to-bangkok-news-tamil-kkfsIfcahgj.html?ref=false |archive-date=19 April 2016 }} since Karthi needed to maintain the continuity of his looks for his role in Aayirathil Oruvan. Its producer Ravindran complained at the Tamil Film Producers Council that Karthi was trying to change his look and move on to Paiyaa before finishing his commitments, which forced Lingusamy to readjust the schedules.{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/karthi-to-shave-or-not-to-shave-news-tamil-kkfsBrjeech.html?ref=false |title=Karthi- To shave or not to shave! |website=Sify |date=27 November 2008 |access-date=9 January 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160419040426/http://www.sify.com/movies/karthi-to-shave-or-not-to-shave-news-tamil-kkfsBrjeech.html?ref=false |archive-date=19 April 2016 }} The shooting finally began in December 2008. The film's music was released in November 2009 along with the trailer. In late 2009, after finishing the filming of Paiyaa, Lingusamy disclosed his plans of remaking the film in Telugu and Hindi as well.{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/53401.html |title=Will 'Paiyaa' become 'Bhaiya'? |website=IndiaGlitz.com |access-date=29 January 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100114103511/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/53401.html |archive-date=14 January 2010 }} Later, as Yuganikki Okkadu, the Telugu dubbed version of Karthi's Aayirathil Oruvan, emerged as successful in Andhra Pradesh,{{cite web|url=http://sify.com/movies/tamil/fullstory.php?id=14930771 |title=AO is a super hit in Telugu! |website=Sify |access-date=20 March 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100212190258/http://sify.com/movies/tamil/fullstory.php?id=14930771 |archive-date=12 February 2010 }} the team instead decided to dub and release the film as Awara in Telugu to cash in on Karthi's new-found popularity in the state.{{cite web|url=http://www.idlebrain.com/news/functions/pressmeet-awara.html |title=Awara press meet |publisher=idlebrain.com |access-date=20 March 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100315135057/http://www.idlebrain.com/news/functions/pressmeet-awara.html |archive-date=15 March 2010 }} In March 2010, the film's distribution rights were acquired by Dayanidhi Azhagiri's Cloud Nine Movies.{{cite web|author=Moviebuzz|url=http://sify.com/movies/fullstory.php?id=14934288|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130104221015/http://sify.com/movies/fullstory.php?id=14934288|url-status=dead|archive-date=4 January 2013|title=Paiyya – Big summer release!|website=Sify|year=2010|access-date=7 March 2010}}

In July 2008, actress Nayanthara was signed for the female lead role in Paiyaa for a record salary of ₹1 crore. Speaking about the issue, the director admitted that she was one of his favourite actress and he liked her performance in Yaaradi Nee Mohini. He also quoted: "The way her career graph shot up is intriguing. Unlike others her career progressed in reverse gear. She paired up with the superstar during the early years of her career and started accepting roles with heroes of next generation." She also expressed her interest to work in the project.{{cite news|url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/tamil/news/2007/nayantara-karthi-linguswamy-161107.html |title=Karthi, Nayantara in Lingusamy film |publisher=entertainment.oneindia.in |work=Oneindia |access-date=7 January 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140307094835/http://entertainment.oneindia.in/tamil/news/2007/nayantara-karthi-linguswamy-161107.html |archive-date= 7 March 2014 }} However, plans were made to trim the film's budget due to the recession, and discussions were held with Nayanthara to reduce her salary. The talks resulted in failure and Nayanthara left the project in December 2008.{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/43919.html |title=Lingusamy opens up on Nayantara episode |website=IndiaGlitz.com |access-date=29 January 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090212230224/http://indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/43919.html |archive-date=12 February 2009 }} Later, she was accused of cheating the director by refusing to return an advance of ₹15 lakh she had taken before commencement, after walking out of the film. The director filed a complaint with the Tamil Film Producers Council, which decided to ban the actress.{{cite news|url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/tamil/news/2008/red-card-nayantara-231208.html |title=Red Card for Nayantara? |publisher=Oneindia.in |access-date=7 January 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140307094418/http://entertainment.oneindia.in/tamil/news/2008/red-card-nayantara-231208.html |archive-date= 7 March 2014 }} Subsequently, Trisha Krishnan was reported to have won the role,{{cite web|author=Moviebuzz |year=2008 |title=Nayanthara will not be a part of Paiyya |url=http://sify.com/movies/tamil/fullstory.php?id=14812052 |website=Sify |access-date=4 December 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081207064317/http://sify.com/movies/tamil/fullstory.php?id=14812052 |archive-date= 7 December 2008 }} before Tamannaah Bhatia was finalised as the female lead, who was signed for ₹80 lakh.{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/43522.html |title='Paiya' is ready to take off with Tamanna |website=IndiaGlitz.com |access-date=29 January 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100119052532/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/43522.html |archive-date=19 January 2010 }} Later in December 2008, Milind Soman, who had last appeared in Pachaikili Muthucharam, was signed up for the main antagonist's role, a Mumbai-based don,{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/43887.html |title=Milind Soman in 'Paiya' |website=IndiaGlitz.com |access-date=20 March 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090206033041/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/43887.html |archive-date= 6 February 2009 }} with other minor antagonists numbering up to 18.{{cite web|url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/tamil/exclusive/2009/karthi-baddies-paiya-061009.html|title=Karthi tackles 18 baddies hand-to-hand|publisher=entertainment.oneindia.in|work=Oneindia|access-date=29 January 2010|archive-date=8 July 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120708033016/http://entertainment.oneindia.in/tamil/exclusive/2009/karthi-baddies-paiya-061009.html|url-status=live}}

After Karthi had completed his film Aayirathil Oruvan, the principal photography for Paiyaa began on 24 December 2008 at a highway near Bangalore.{{cite web|title=Payya on the road |url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/dec-08-04/payya-24-12-08.html |website=Behindwoods |access-date=24 December 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081226223822/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/dec-08-04/payya-24-12-08.html |archive-date=26 December 2008 }} Shooting carried on in and around Bangalore in the following weeks. The film's main portions were extensively shot across some major highways, where the story plays, whilst the climax was filmed in Mumbai, where the journey would also end. The filming also took place in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh.

In May 2009, a street fight was filmed near the Chembarambakkam Lake in Chennai.{{cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/may-09-01/paiyya-02-05-09.html |title=Paiyya's fight with a difference |website=Behindwoods.com |access-date=29 January 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100205021513/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/may-09-01/paiyya-02-05-09.html |archive-date= 5 February 2010 }} Later that month, a song ("Suthudhe Suthudhe Boomi"), choreographed by Sabeena Khan, was shot at Prasad Studios in Chennai, where a set had been erected by art director Rajeevan. The song was said to have featured computer graphics and visual effects with which forests and mountain ranges were created.{{cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/may-09-05/payya-27-05-09.html |title=Lingusamy's plans for Payya |website=Behindwoods.com |access-date=28 May 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110112235715/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/may-09-05/payya-27-05-09.html |archive-date=12 January 2011 }} In June 2009, after nearly six months of shooting, more than sixty-five percent of the project was completed, with a song and the climax sequences being the remaining parts to be filmed. A twenty-five-day schedule was to be held in Mumbai and Pune,{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/47480.html |title=Paiya team heading to Mumbai |website=IndiaGlitz.com |access-date=29 January 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090826082533/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/47480.html |archive-date=26 August 2009 }} but the shooting got halted in July due to heavy rains.{{cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/july-09-03/payya-17-07-09.html |title=Payya shooting halted |website=Behindwoods |access-date=29 January 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707222358/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/july-09-03/payya-17-07-09.html |archive-date= 7 July 2011 }} In October 2009, the final action scenes of the climax involving Karthi and Milind Soman were filmed in Mumbai and its suburbs in a ten-day schedule,{{cite web|author=Moviebuzz |year=2009 |url=http://sify.com/movies/tamil/fullstory.php?id=14915824 |title=Karthi and Tammu in Mumbai |website=Sify |access-date=29 January 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100406014716/http://sify.com/movies/tamil/fullstory.php?id=14915824 |archive-date= 6 April 2010 }} following which a rain song ("Adada Mazhaida"), featuring Karthi and Tamannaah, was shot at the Athirappilly waterfalls in Kerala.{{cite web|author=Moviebuzz |year=2009 |url=http://sify.com/movies/tamil/fullstory.php?id=14917483 |title=Udayanidhi to buy Paiyya? |website=Sify |access-date=30 October 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091102011934/http://sify.com/movies/tamil/fullstory.php?id=14917483 |archive-date= 2 November 2009 }}

{{Main article|Paiyaa (soundtrack)}}

The soundtrack for Paiyaa was scored by Yuvan Shankar Raja, collaborating with Lingusamy again after Sandakozhi (2005).{{cite web|title='Paiya' music making its way…|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/51837.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091121081626/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/51837.html|archive-date=21 November 2009|access-date=8 February 2010|website=IndiaGlitz.com}} The audio launch function was held on 12 February 2010 at the Sathyam Cinemas, Chennai which was attended by many prominent film personalities; director S. Shankar released the soundtrack.{{cite web|date=12 February 2010|title=Shankar launches 'Paiya' audio|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/51939.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100106183127/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/51939.html|archive-date=6 January 2010|access-date=17 February 2010|website=IndiaGlitz.com}}{{cite web|title=10 years for Suriya, 2 for Karthi|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/nov-09-04/payya-karthi-suriya-tamannah-23-11-09.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100123143023/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/nov-09-04/payya-karthi-suriya-tamannah-23-11-09.html|archive-date=23 January 2010|access-date=13 February 2010|website=Behindwoods.com}} The album originally features five songs with vocals by singers Karthik, Benny Dayal, Haricharan, Rahul Nambiar and composer Yuvan Shankar Raja himself. Three songs were reportedly composed and recorded in Singapore. The lyrics were provided by Na. Muthukumar. The album received highly positive reviews and responses from critics and audiences alike and the songs were considered to have played an important role for the film's success.{{cite web|last=Srinivasan |first=Pavithra |date=23 June 2010 |title=Half-yearly BO report: Suriya rules Tamil |publisher=rediff.com |work=Rediff |access-date=22 August 2010 |url=http://movies.rediff.com/slide-show/2010/jun/23/slide-show-1-south-half-year-report-of-tamil-cinema.htm#contentTop |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100831000627/http://movies.rediff.com/slide-show/2010/jun/23/slide-show-1-south-half-year-report-of-tamil-cinema.htm |archive-date=31 August 2010 }}

Paiyaa was initially scheduled for a late 2009 release, but was pushed to 14 January 2010 coinciding with the Pongal. Karthi's second film Aayirathil Oruvan, which was in production for nearly three years, was also planned to release on the same day. According to the Tamil Film Producers Council, two films starring the same actor could not be released on the same day, so Aayirathil Oruvan was given priority, whilst Paiyaa was postponed for 30 days. The release was postponed again for some reasons, before finally hitting the screens on 2 April 2010.{{cite news|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/aayirathil-oruvan-v-s-paiyaa-deadlock-news-tamil-kkfrl7ijiib.html?ref=false |title=Aayirathil Oruvan v/s Paiyaa deadlock |website=Sify |access-date=7 January 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140123082026/http://www.sify.com/movies/aayirathil-oruvan-v-s-paiyaa-deadlock-news-tamil-kkfrl7ijiib.html?ref=false |archive-date=23 January 2014 }} The film had its premiere at the Sathyam Cinemas, Chennai.{{cite news|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/events/21632.html |title=Paiyaa Premiere Show |website=IndiaGlitz.com |access-date=7 January 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113153953/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/events/21632.html |archive-date=13 November 2013 }} A Telugu dubbed version of the film titled Awara was released on 21 May 2010 in Andhra Pradesh and also received positive response.{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/karthis-awara-to-release-in-april-news-telugu-kkfqMibifdfsi.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151006190549/http://www.sify.com/movies/karthis-awara-to-release-in-april-news-telugu-kkfqMibifdfsi.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=6 October 2015|title=Karthi's Awara to release in April|date=13 March 2010|work=Sify|access-date=23 April 2018}} The film was also dubbed into Hindi as Aakhri Baazi in 2013 for direct telecast on Zee Cinema.

Paiyaa got a solo release on 2 April 2010, coinciding with Good Friday. It earned ₹71 lakh in the opening weekend across Chennai with an average occupancy of 90%.{{cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-slide-shows/movie-4/top-ten-movies-apr-5/tamil-cinema-topten-movie-paiyaa.html |title=April 02nd 2010 to April 04th 2010 |website=Behindwoods |access-date=7 January 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610232910/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-slide-shows/movie-4/top-ten-movies-apr-5/tamil-cinema-topten-movie-paiyaa.html |archive-date=10 June 2011 }} The film grossed ₹3 crore in the first three days and was declared a commercial success within a few days.{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/telugu/article/55930.html |title=Awara's record collections – Telugu Movie News |website=IndiaGlitz.com |access-date=9 August 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110808095115/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/telugu/article/55930.html |archive-date= 8 August 2011 }}{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/55918.html |title='Paiyaa' at peak – Tamil Movie News |website=IndiaGlitz.com |access-date=9 August 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110808095127/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/55918.html |archive-date= 8 August 2011 }} In the United Kingdom the film was distributed by B4U and was released across six screens, grossing £21,021 in the opening weekend, opening at the 23rd place.{{cite web |url=http://www.ukfilmcouncil.org.uk/article/16703/UK-Box-Office-2---4-April-2010 |title=UK Box Office: 2–4 April 2010 |publisher=UK Film Council |access-date=9 August 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110609214048/http://www.ukfilmcouncil.org.uk/article/16703/UK-Box-Office-2---4-April-2010 |archive-date=9 June 2011 }} Furthermore, in Malaysia, the film opened across 34 screens and collected $349,368 after the second week.{{cite web|url=https://boxofficemojo.com/intl/malaysia/?yr=2010&wk=15&p=.htm |title=Malaysia Box Office, April 8–11, 2010 |publisher=boxofficemojo.com |access-date=9 August 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629212126/http://boxofficemojo.com/intl/malaysia/?yr=2010&wk=15&p=.htm |archive-date=29 June 2011 }} In Tamil Nadu, it netted ₹13 crore from 300 screens in two weeks.{{cite news|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/lingusamy-s-paiyaa-is-a-super-hit-news-tamil-kkfqDHfgied.html |title=Lingusamy's Paiyaa is a super hit! |website=Sify |access-date=7 January 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101121125713/http://sify.com/movies/lingusamy-s-paiyaa-is-a-super-hit-news-tamil-kkfqDHfgied.html |archive-date=21 November 2010 }}

Upon release, the film generally received positive reviews, with most critics calling the film "summer entertainer" and lauding its technical aspects. Sify described the film as a "road movie laced with mass elements and extraordinary songs", adding that it is a "jolly good ride".{{cite web|url=http://sify.com/movies/tamil/review.php?id=14937207&ctid=5&cid=2429 |title=Movie Review:Paiyaa |website=Sify |access-date=9 August 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110811164459/http://www.sify.com/movies/tamil/review.php?id=14937207&ctid=5&cid=2429 |archive-date=11 August 2011 }} The reviewer praised the "loveable lead pair" for their "credible performance, which makes up for the plot holes". He said that technically the film was N. Lingusamy's best, with R. Madhi's "eye-catching camera work", Antony's "crisp editing", Rajeevan's "exotic set designs", and praised composer Yuvan Shankar Raja, whose "foot-tapping" songs "scorch just like the desert sun" and were all "rocking", while his background score was a "perfect co-ordination with the narration". A reviewer from The Times of India, Bhama Devi Ravi, gave the film 3 out of 5 stars, writing that "the story is not earth-shatteringly new, but what pulls you into the movie is the different spin that Lingusamy gives to the familiar story".{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/tamil/movie-reviews/Paiyaa/movie-review/5763073.cms |publisher=timesofindia.indiatimes.com |work=The Times of India |title=Paiyaa |date=5 April 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130706122121/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/tamil/movie-reviews/Paiyaa/movie-review/5763073.cms |archive-date= 6 July 2013 }} She praised the lead pair's performance, particularly Karthi, who "comes up with an enjoyable performance", as well as the film's technical values, describing the camera work as "mind-blowing", Brinda Sarathy's dialogues as "thoroughly enjoyable" and Yuvan Shankar Raja's songs as "a real treat". Indiaglitz described the film as a "racy action-adventure" and "undeniably an entertainer this summer", writing that Lingusamy has brought out "a classy entertainer" and Karthi and Tamannaah's performances are "absolutely great".{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/review/10754.html |title=Paiyaa Tamil Movie Review – cinema preview stills gallery trailer video clips showtimes |website=IndiaGlitz.com |date=2 April 2010 |access-date=9 August 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110809032533/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/review/10754.html |archive-date= 9 August 2011 }} Regarding the technical crew, the reviewer cited that the camera work was "immaculate", while editor Anthony and stunt coordinator Kanal Kannan had done "an incredible and marvellous job". The music, in particular, was described as "the greatest strength of the movie" and his background score as "excellent".

Behindwoods gave the film 2.5 out of 5 stars, describing the film as "a stylish, light-hearted family entertainer for the summer" and a "Pacy road show with a few humps on a straight run".{{cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-reviews/reviews-2/paiyaa-karthi-tamannah.html |title=Paiyaa – Tamil Movie Reviews – Paiyaa | Karthi | Tamannah | Lingusamy | Yuvan Shankar Raja | Thirupathi Brothers |website=Behindwoods.com |access-date=9 August 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110814065921/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-reviews/reviews-2/paiyaa-karthi-tamannah.html |archive-date=14 August 2011 }} It too, like the other reviewers, cited that Karthi had brought out an "enjoyable performance", whilst describing Yuvan Shankar Raja as "the major backbone of Paiya". Moreover, he cited that Brinda Sarathy's dialogues "evoke laughter", the car chasing sequence is "absolutely brilliant", the cinematographer "needs plaudits" and the "crisp editing" by Anthony as a "major plus point." In contrast, Rediff's Pavithra Srinivasan cited that there was "[n]othing entertaining about Paiyya" and that film was worth a watch only for Karthi's screen presence, "pretty" Tamannaah and Yuvan's songs, despite giving 2.5 out of 5 stars.{{cite web|url=http://movies.rediff.com/report/2010/apr/02/review-south-give-paiyaa-a-miss.htm |title=Nothing entertaining about this Paiyya – Rediff.com Movies |publisher=movies.rediff.com |work=Rediff |date=2 April 2010 |access-date=9 August 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110805221108/http://movies.rediff.com/report/2010/apr/02/review-south-give-paiyaa-a-miss.htm |archive-date= 5 August 2011 }} She criticised Lingusamy's script as the film's "biggest minus", adding that the film "starts out so very promisingly", describing the first half was "racy, peppy and enthusiastic, only to fizzle out with no appreciable sequences in the second half."

Paiyaa was remade in Bengali in 2012 as Jaaneman, starring Soham Chakraborty and Koel Mallick,{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/bengali/movie-reviews/Jaaneman/movie-review/13844275.cms|title=Jaaneman – The Times of India|work=The Times Of India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120623030907/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/bengali/movie-reviews/Jaaneman/movie-review/13844275.cms|archive-date=23 June 2012|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.washingtonbanglaradio.com/content/54383712-jaaneman-2012-wbri-bangla-film-review-road-movie-soham-and-koyel-mullick|title=JAANEMAN (2012) WBRi Bangla Film Review - A Road Movie with Soham and Koyel Mullick|date=30 May 2012|publisher=Washingtonbanglaradio.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121207130541/http://www.washingtonbanglaradio.com/content/54383712-jaaneman-2012-wbri-bangla-film-review-road-movie-soham-and-koyel-mullick|archive-date=7 December 2012|url-status=usurped|access-date=8 November 2012}} and in Kannada in 2014 as Ajith, with Chiranjeevi Sarja playing the male lead.{{cite web|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-01-16/news-interviews/36373106_1_mahesh-babu-prem-adda-ajith|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140110091059/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-01-16/news-interviews/36373106_1_mahesh-babu-prem-adda-ajith|url-status=dead|archive-date=10 January 2014|title=Mahesh Babu to direct the film Ajith|date=16 January 2013|work=The Times of India|access-date=17 September 2013}}

{{reflist|3}}

• {{Official website|http://www.paiyaathemovie.com/}}
• {{IMDb title|1496832}}
• {{rotten-tomatoes|id=paiyaa|title=Paiyaa}}

{{N. Lingusamy|state=collapsed}}

Category:2010 films

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