Vedalam

The film begins with a police unit being instructed by their officer to capture the trio of brothers who head a French human trafficking ring - Aniket, Abhinay and Rahul. The group is successful in intercepting Rahul in his plane but he holds the families of the officers of the unit hostage with the help of his men thereby turning on to the officer-in-charge and shooting him. Before the officer-in-charge dies, he tells Rahul that he'd be killed by a good man for his deeds.

The story then shifts to Kolkata where a man named Ganesh arrives with his sister Thamizh to enrol her in an arts college, where he becomes friends with "Kolkata" Kaali, who escorts Ganesh and Tamizh to their new house. After enrolling Thamizh, Ganesh works at a taxi company under his boss, Laxmidas, where he gets his first customer, a lawyer named Swetha, who makes Ganesh pose as a fake mute eyewitness in a case in exchange for not paying the fare. Ganesh does so but his phone rings and the judge fires her when Ganesh talks in front of everyone. Swetha tries to kill Ganesh, but Laxmidas saves him, though he is embarrassed by Ganesh. Shwetha and Laxmidas team up to take revenge on Ganesh, but Shwetha later falls for him after she realises her mistake. Ganesh arranges Tamizh's marriage with Swetha's brother Arjun.

Meanwhile, DCP Yashpal calls Ganesh and the other drivers and asks them to report any activities by crime syndicate members who have been causing trouble in the city. Ganesh reports a case of arms trafficking, which leads to Aniket and his men capturing and presenting him before Aniket at his private boatyard. Aniket orders his men to kill Ganesh, but Ganesh surprisingly single-handedly defeats all his men and kills Aniket thereby revealing his true maniac ruthless self. Learning about the death of his brother, Abhinay reaches India and investigates the murder the next day, where he and his technical crew track Ganesh's mobile signal to their own building. Ganesh enters the building, ambushes the entire squad, and kills Abhinay single-handedly. Swetha follows Ganesh and is horrified by his actions. She tells him that she will stop the marriage between Arjun and Thamizh, but Ganesh reveals that Thamizh is not his sister and reveals his past.

Past: Ganesh is a ruthless thug-for-hire called Vedalam who meets Thamizh at the hospital after his enemies stab him. A builder threatens Thamizh and her blind parents to sell their house for a company site, where she and her friend Esther hire Vedalam, who betrays them, having been paid earlier and a higher amount, and the family leaves their home and starts living in Vedalam's home. Vedalam mistakes their innocent activities for their antics and becomes annoyed. However, Thamizh and her parents leave as a sign of gratitude after Vedalam unknowingly saves Thamizh and the other girls from being trafficked by the syndicate. The syndicate finds them vulnerable on the streets. They kill Thamizh's parents and injure her. Vedalam, who has a change of heart, rescues Thamizh (who loses her memory) and states that he is her brother and takes care of her. Ganesh makes sure as to not show his true ruthless self in front of Thamizh and thereby masks a demure identity.

Present: Ganesh requests Swetha not to reveal this to Thamizh, and Shwetha accepts Thamizh's marriage. After learning about his brother's death, Rahul uses an injured victim of Ganesh's assault to find his brother's killer. Rahul coincidentally hires Thamizh to draw forensic sketch. Ganesh comes prepared and takes one of Rahul's henchman's son hostage to ensure Thamizh's freedom. Rahul abducts Thamizh, and Ganesh chases after him through the streets of Kolkata. Ganesh finally tracks Rahul down, as his vehicle is stopped by a Navratri procession and they both fight when an anguished Thamizh urges him to shoot Rahul. Ganesh picks up the gun and shoots in the wrong direction to distract Thamizh and finally kills Rahul. Ganesh and Thamizh return to their home, and Tamizh later gets happily married to Arjun.

{{colbegin}}

• Ajith Kumar as Ganesh a.k.a. Vedalam
• Lakshmi Menon as Thamizharasi a.k.a. Thamizh
• Shruti Haasan as Shweta
• Ashwin Kakumanu as Arjun
• Rahul Dev as Rahul, a dreadful syndicate crime boss
• Kabir Duhan Singh as Abhinay, Rahul's and Ankit's brother
• Aniket Chouhan as Ankit, Rahul's and Abhinay's younger brother
• Soori as Laxmidas
• Rajendran as "Kolkata" Kaali
• Thambi Ramaiah as Thamizh's blind father
• Avinash as Rahul's assistant
• Mansoor Ali Khan as Manimaran
• Sudha as Gomathi
• Mayilswamy as Ganesh's house owner in Kolkata
• Appukutty as Kuzhandai, Vedalam's assistant
• Yogi Babu as Chatterjee, Kaali's henchman
• Kovai Sarala as Maalu
• Raviraj as Shweta's and Arjun's father
• Sriranjani as Shweta's and Arjun's mother
• Vidyullekha Raman as Esther, Thamizh's friend
• Sharmila Thapa as Lakshmi
• Nagineedu as Doctor
• Bala Saravanan as Balu, Swetha's junior
• Swaminathan as Swamy, Swetha's junior
• Ramesh Thilak as phony witness
• Rajkumar as Arjun's friend
• Sreeja Ravi as Nurse
• Tamilselvi as Receptionist
• Meera Krishnan as House Owner's wife
• Kalairani as Victim's mother
• R. N. R. Manohar as corrupt police officer
• D. R. K. Kiran as Bombay gangster
• Amit Tiwari as Aniket's henchman
• Jasper as Manimaran's brother
• Tej Sapru as Abhinay's henchman
• Mukhtar Khan as Yashpal
• Sukran as Sub-Inspector
• Aryan Ashik as Doctor
• Mippu as Ganesh's henchman
• Kannan Ponnaiya as Ganesh's henchman
• Billy Murali as Squad member

{{Colend}}

Following the success of their previous collaboration Veeram (2014), Siva announced that he would direct Ajith Kumar again in May 2014, with the planned venture announced to begin after the completion of Kumar's prior commitments with Yennai Arindhaal.{{cite web|first=Janani|last=Karthik|date=14 July 2014|title=Siruthai Siva to direct Ajith's next|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Siruthai-Siva-to-direct-Ajiths-next/articleshow/38082389.cms|access-date=14 July 2014|work=The Times of India|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151002102808/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Siruthai-Siva-to-direct-Ajiths-next/articleshow/38082389.cms|archivedate=2 October 2015}} Siva worked on the script in Bangalore and approached leading production companies, including PVP Cinema, to produce the film, though A. M. Rathnam announced that he would finance the project in October 2014.{{cite web|title=Director Siva confirms Ajith project|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/director-siva-confirms-ajith-project-news-tamil-ohkoltedaiece.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140711035611/http://www.sify.com/movies/director-siva-confirms-ajith-project-news-tamil-ohkoltedaiece.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=11 July 2014|work=Sify|accessdate=4 November 2015}}{{Cite web|title='Thala 56' will complete a hat-trick with Ajith ...|url=https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-14/thala-56-will-complete-a-hat-trick-with-ajith.html|access-date=2021-07-02|website=www.behindwoods.com|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709182441/https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-14/thala-56-will-complete-a-hat-trick-with-ajith.html|url-status=live}} It was announced that Kumar would romance two heroines in the film.{{Cite web|last=Seshagiri|first=Sangeetha|date=2014-11-10|title=After "Yennai Arindhaal", Ajith to Romance 2 Heroines in 'Thala 56'?|url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/after-yennai-arindhaal-ajith-romance-2-heroines-thala-56-613546|access-date=2021-07-02|website=www.ibtimes.co.in|language=en|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709190017/https://www.ibtimes.co.in/after-yennai-arindhaal-ajith-romance-2-heroines-thala-56-613546|url-status=live}} The makers announced that the film would begin production in the first week of February 2015,{{Cite web|title=Thala 56 to commence from February?|url=https://www.sify.com/movies/thala-56-to-commence-from-february-news-tamil-pbhv3Vacgahbh.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150107215121/http://www.sify.com/movies/thala-56-to-commence-from-february-news-tamil-pbhv3Vacgahbh.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=7 January 2015|access-date=2021-07-02|website=Sify|language=en}}{{Cite web|last=Upadhyaya|first=Prakash|date=2015-01-07|title=No Break for Ajith; 'Thala 56' to Take off in February|url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/no-break-ajith-thala-56-take-off-february-619535|access-date=2021-07-02|website=www.ibtimes.co.in|language=en|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709182234/https://www.ibtimes.co.in/no-break-ajith-thala-56-take-off-february-619535|url-status=live}} but production was delayed because Kumar took a two-month break to spend time with his wife Shalini.{{cite web|date=25 February 2015|title=Ajith's 'Thala 56' Update: GV Prakash Bags Siruthai Siva's Movie|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/ajiths-thala-56-update-gv-prakash-bags-siruthai-sivas-movie-624463|work=International Business Times, India Edition|accessdate=4 November 2015|archive-date=25 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925113752/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/ajiths-thala-56-update-gv-prakash-bags-siruthai-sivas-movie-624463|url-status=live}} In mid-February 2015, Siva reported to the media stating that Kumar would have a new look in the film.{{Cite news|title='Ajith to sport a closely cropped hairstyle in Thala 56'|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/ajith-to-sport-a-closely-cropped-hairstyle-in-thala-56/articleshow/49033816.cms|access-date=2021-07-02|website=The Times of India|date=16 January 2017|language=en|archive-date=10 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210710103141/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/ajith-to-sport-a-closely-cropped-hairstyle-in-thala-56/articleshow/49033816.cms|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last=Upadhyaya|first=Prakash|date=2015-02-18|title=Ajith's 'Thala 56': When will the Project Begin?|url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/ajiths-thala-56-when-will-project-begin-623788|access-date=2021-07-02|website=www.ibtimes.co.in|language=en|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709182832/https://www.ibtimes.co.in/ajiths-thala-56-when-will-project-begin-623788|url-status=live}} Siva scouted locations in March 2015, with Kolkata being served as the primary location.{{Cite web|title=Location hunt for Thala 56|url=https://www.moviecrow.com/News/8510/location-hunt-for-thala-56|access-date=2021-07-02|website=www.moviecrow.com|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709182637/https://www.moviecrow.com/News/8510/location-hunt-for-thala-56|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=2015-02-18|title=Ajith's 'Thala 56' to be a sleek city flick - Kannada News|url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/ajiths-thala-56-to-be-a-sleek-city-flick-kannada-news-125824.html|access-date=2021-07-02|website=IndiaGlitz.com|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709182432/https://www.indiaglitz.com/ajiths-thala-56-to-be-a-sleek-city-flick-kannada-news-125824.html|url-status=live}} The film was developed with the tentative title Thala 56, before it was confirmed that it would be titled as Vedalam in September 2015.{{cite news|title=Ajith's new film titled 'Vedalam'|work=The Hindu|agency=Indo-Asian News Service|url=http://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/ajiths-56th-film-titled-vedalam/article7684654.ece|accessdate=4 November 2015}}

During October 2014, Hansika Motwani, Samantha Akkineni, and Shruti Haasan were reported to play female leads.{{Cite web|last=Upadhyaya|first=Prakash|date=2014-10-16|title=Ajith's 'Thala 56': Hansika, Samantha, Shruti Haasan in Race to Bag the Film|url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/ajiths-thala-56-hansika-samantha-shruti-haasan-race-bag-film-611504|access-date=2021-07-02|website=www.ibtimes.co.in|language=en|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709182718/https://www.ibtimes.co.in/ajiths-thala-56-hansika-samantha-shruti-haasan-race-bag-film-611504|url-status=live}} Motwani denied reports that she had signed on to appear in the film in the same month.{{cite web|title=I am not doing Ajith-Siva film:Hansika|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/i-am-not-doing-ajith-siva-film-hansika-news-tamil-olbliVgcjggbj.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141101152736/http://www.sify.com/movies/i-am-not-doing-ajith-siva-film-hansika-news-tamil-olbliVgcjggbj.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=1 November 2014|work=Sify|accessdate=4 November 2015}} In November 2014, it was reported that Yuvan Shankar Raja, who worked with Kumar in several projects, was speculated to compose the music for the film.{{Cite web|last=Seshagiri|first=Sangeetha|date=2014-11-17|title='Thala 56': Ajith Starrer to Have Music by Yuvan Shankar Raja?|url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/thala-56-ajith-starrer-have-music-by-yuvan-shankar-raja-614187|access-date=2021-07-02|website=www.ibtimes.co.in|language=en|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709182955/https://www.ibtimes.co.in/thala-56-ajith-starrer-have-music-by-yuvan-shankar-raja-614187|url-status=live}} Later G. V. Prakash Kumar was reported to be on board. On 11 March 2015, Anirudh Ravichander was hired to compose the music,{{Cite news|title=Shruti Haasan opposite Ajith in Thala 56?|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Shruti-Haasan-opposite-Ajith-in-Thala-56/articleshow/46526150.cms|access-date=2020-08-06|website=The Times of India|date=16 January 2017|language=en|archive-date=10 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210710073553/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Shruti-Haasan-opposite-Ajith-in-Thala-56/articleshow/46526150.cms|url-status=live}} and it was officially confirmed on 19 March 2015.{{Cite web|title=Anirudh to compose for Thala Ajith Kumar's 56th film|url=https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-15/anirudh-to-compose-for-thala-ajith-kumar-56th-film.html|access-date=2021-07-02|website=www.behindwoods.com|archive-date=1 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301180737/https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-15/anirudh-to-compose-for-thala-ajith-kumar-56th-film.html|url-status=live}} The same day, Shruti Haasan was signed on to the project.{{cite news|title=Shruti Haasan in Ajith's next movie|work=The Hindu|agency=Indo-Asian News Service|url=http://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/shruti-haasan-in-ajiths-next-movie/article7073182.ece|accessdate=4 November 2015}}{{Cite web|title=Shruti Haasan confirmed as the lady lead in Thala 56, Ajith's next film|url=https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-15/shruti-haasan-confirmed-as-the-lady-lead-in-thala-56-ajiths-next-film.html|access-date=2021-07-02|website=www.behindwoods.com|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709183210/https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-15/shruti-haasan-confirmed-as-the-lady-lead-in-thala-56-ajiths-next-film.html|url-status=live}} Vetri, who worked previously with Siva in Veeram, and Ruben were hired. On 1 April 2015, Kabir Duhan Singh was cast as the antagonist. {{Cite web|title=Kabir Singh is the baddie for Thala 56?|url=https://www.sify.com/movies/kabir-singh-is-the-baddie-for-thala-56-news-tamil-pecjSjagahajj.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402175226/http://www.sify.com/movies/kabir-singh-is-the-baddie-for-thala-56-news-tamil-pecjSjagahajj.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2 April 2015|access-date=2021-07-02|website=Sify|language=en}}

The role of Ganesh's sister in the film took considerably longer to finalise, with several actresses having been approached to portray the character. On 6 April 2015, Bindu Madhavi was rumoured to play the second leading role, but she denied the allegations.{{Cite web|last=Upadhyaya|first=Prakash|date=2015-04-04|title=Ajith's 'Thala 56': Bindu Madhavi Not Playing Ajith's Sister|url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/ajiths-thala-56-bindu-madhavi-not-playing-ajiths-sister-628106|access-date=2021-07-02|website=www.ibtimes.co.in|language=en|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709182417/https://www.ibtimes.co.in/ajiths-thala-56-bindu-madhavi-not-playing-ajiths-sister-628106|url-status=live}} Sri Divya and Nithya Menen were considered to play Ganesh's sister,{{Cite web|last=V.P|first=Nicy|date=2015-04-13|title='Thala 56': Nithya Menen, Sri Divya Considered for Ajith's Sister's Role|url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/thala-56-nithya-menen-sri-divya-considered-ajiths-sisters-role-629084|access-date=2021-07-02|website=www.ibtimes.co.in|language=en|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709182929/https://www.ibtimes.co.in/thala-56-nithya-menen-sri-divya-considered-ajiths-sisters-role-629084|url-status=live}} with the latter saying she was only interested in playing the lead actress opposite Kumar.{{cite web|title=Reason why Bindhu Madhavi Rejected 'Thala 56' offer|date=July 2015|url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/reason-why-bindhu-madhavi-rejected-thala-56-offer-tamil-news-136509.html|website=IndiaGlitz.com|accessdate=4 November 2015|archive-date=4 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151204010952/http://www.indiaglitz.com/reason-why-bindhu-madhavi-rejected-thala-56-offer-tamil-news-136509.html|url-status=live}} After further unsuccessful negotiations with Parvathy Nair,{{cite web|title=Ajith Okays "Yennai Arindhaal" Girl for 'Thala 56'?|date=22 April 2015|url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/parvathy-nair-in-ajiths-thala-56-tamil-news-130948.html|website=IndiaGlitz.com|accessdate=4 November 2015|archive-date=14 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150714005143/http://www.indiaglitz.com/parvathy-nair-in-ajiths-thala-56-tamil-news-130948.html|url-status=live}} Lakshmi Menon was cast to play the role of Ganesh's sister in April 2015.{{cite news|title=Meet Ajith's reel sister|work=The Hindu|agency=Indo-Asian News Service|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/meet-ajiths-reel-sister/article7114903.ece|accessdate=4 November 2015|archive-date=17 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211217182106/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/meet-ajiths-reel-sister/article7114903.ece|url-status=live}} Santhanam, who initially signed a comic role in the film,{{Cite web|title=Shruti, Santhanam and Anirudh on board for Thala 56?|url=https://www.sify.com/movies/shruti-santhanam-and-anirudh-on-board-for-thala-56-news-tamil-pdlj4mgjgfjfh.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150311130830/http://www.sify.com/movies/shruti-santhanam-and-anirudh-on-board-for-thala-56-news-tamil-pdlj4mgjgfjfh.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=11 March 2015|access-date=2021-07-02|website=Sify|language=en}} was replaced by Soori after he became busy with his own productions.{{Cite news|title=Soori bags role with Ajith|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Soori-bags-role-with-Ajith/articleshow/47175370.cms|access-date=2020-08-06|website=The Times of India|date=16 January 2017|language=en|archive-date=10 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210710071709/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Soori-bags-role-with-Ajith/articleshow/47175370.cms|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=2015-05-07|title=Comedian Soori replaces Santhanam in Ajith's Thala 56|url=https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-15/soori-replaces-santhanam-in-thala-56.html|access-date=2021-07-02|website=Behindwoods|archive-date=29 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029133533/https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-15/soori-replaces-santhanam-in-thala-56.html|url-status=live}} Ashwin was also added to the cast as a supporting role on 1 June 2015.{{cite web|author=Kaushik L M|title=Ashwin Kakumanu to share the screen space with Thala Ajith in director Siva's Thala 56|url=http://behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-15/ashwin-kakumanu-to-share-the-screen-space-with-thala-ajith-in-director-sivas-thala-56.html|work=Behindwoods|date=31 May 2015|accessdate=4 November 2015|archive-date=10 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150810110305/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-15/ashwin-kakumanu-to-share-the-screen-space-with-thala-ajith-in-director-sivas-thala-56.html|url-status=live}}

Principal photography began on 9 April 2015, with scenes intermittently shot for the rest of the month.{{cite web|title=Ajith's upcoming 'Thala 56' with director Siva begins with a formal pooja on April 9th, 2015|url=http://behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-15/ajiths-upcoming-thala-56-with-director-siva-begins-with-a-formal-pooja-on-april-9th-2015.html|website=Behindwoods.com|accessdate=4 November 2015|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304045501/http://behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-15/ajiths-upcoming-thala-56-with-director-siva-begins-with-a-formal-pooja-on-april-9th-2015.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=Ajith's upcoming 'Thala 56' with director Siva begins with a formal pooja on April 9th, 2015|url=https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-15/ajiths-upcoming-thala-56-with-director-siva-begins-with-a-formal-pooja-on-april-9th-2015.html|access-date=2021-07-02|website=www.behindwoods.com|archive-date=10 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210610112830/https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-15/ajiths-upcoming-thala-56-with-director-siva-begins-with-a-formal-pooja-on-april-9th-2015.html|url-status=live}} The first official schedule began shooting in Navalur, Chennai, with scenes featuring Kumar and Menon entering a college.{{cite web|title='Thala' Ajith spotted in Navalur|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/thala-ajith-spotted-in-navalur-news-tamil-pfsjQvccdegja.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150520001609/http://www.sify.com/movies/thala-ajith-spotted-in-navalur-news-tamil-pfsjQvccdegja.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=20 May 2015|work=Sify|accessdate=4 November 2015}} Subsequent scenes were shot around sets at Binny Mills in Chennai on 7 May 2015, and on 18 May, a song resembling Vinayagar Chathurthi celebration, featuring Kumar, Menon, Mayilswamy, and 150 dancers, was also shot at the same location.{{Cite web|date=2015-05-06|title=Ajith - Siva's 'Thala 56' to begin shoots in Chennai from May 7th onward|url=https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-15/ajith-sivas-thala-56-to-begin-shoots-in-chennai-from-may-7th-onward.html|access-date=2021-07-02|website=Behindwoods|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709182028/https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-15/ajith-sivas-thala-56-to-begin-shoots-in-chennai-from-may-7th-onward.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|author=Kaushik L M|title=Thala 56 intro song with Ajith's stunning dance moves shot recently|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-15/thala-56-intro-song-with-ajiths-stunning-dance-moves-shot-recently.html|work=Behindwoods|date=4 June 2015|accessdate=4 November 2015|archive-date=8 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150908065041/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-15/thala-56-intro-song-with-ajiths-stunning-dance-moves-shot-recently.html|url-status=live}} Sources reported that the song is similar to "Pillayarpatti Hero" from Vaanmathi (1996) and "Maha Ganapathi" from Amarkalam (1999).{{Cite news|title=Another Vinayagar Chathurthi song for Ajith?|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/music/Another-Vinayagar-Chathurthi-song-for-Ajith/articleshow/47512477.cms|access-date=2020-08-06|website=The Times of India|date=13 January 2017|language=en|archive-date=10 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210710121727/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/music/Another-Vinayagar-Chathurthi-song-for-Ajith/articleshow/47512477.cms|url-status=live}} Stills from the song were leaked into the internet.

The team moved to Kolkata and scenes were shot featuring Haasan as a lawyer and Kumar as a taxi driver,{{Cite news|title=Shruti Haasan plays a taxi driver in Thala 56|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Shruti-Haasan-plays-a-taxi-driver-in-Thala-56/articleshow/47479440.cms|access-date=2020-08-06|website=The Times of India|date=16 January 2017|language=en|archive-date=10 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210710085142/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Shruti-Haasan-plays-a-taxi-driver-in-Thala-56/articleshow/47479440.cms|url-status=live}} with images from the shoot leaked on social networking sites.{{cite web|title=Shruti dons a lawyer role in Thala 56?|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/shruti-dons-a-lawyer-role-in-thala-56-news-tamil-phxmMKbahjjei.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150726001354/http://www.sify.com/movies/shruti-dons-a-lawyer-role-in-thala-56-news-tamil-phxmMKbahjjei.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=26 July 2015|work=Sify|accessdate=4 November 2015}} The makers announced that the producers went on location scouting at Dubai with 30% of the shoot being completed.{{Cite web|last=Upadhyaya|first=Prakash|date=2015-06-19|title='Thala 56' Update: Shooting of Ajith-Lakshmi Menon's Sibling Sentiment Scenes Completed|url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/thala-56-update-shooting-ajith-lakshmi-menons-sibling-sentiment-scenes-completed-636406|access-date=2021-07-02|website=www.ibtimes.co.in|language=en|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709182151/https://www.ibtimes.co.in/thala-56-update-shooting-ajith-lakshmi-menons-sibling-sentiment-scenes-completed-636406|url-status=live}} However, the government had denied permission to shoot in Dubai, citing the month-long Ramzan celebrations from mid-June 2015.{{Cite news|title=Thala 56 team takes off to Italy|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/thala-56-team-takes-off-to-italy/articleshow/47944918.cms|access-date=2021-07-02|website=The Times of India|date=16 January 2017|language=en|archive-date=10 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210710104652/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/thala-56-team-takes-off-to-italy/articleshow/47944918.cms|url-status=live}} The unit then moved to shoot few scenes and a song sequence in Milan, Italy featuring Kumar and Haasan.{{Cite news|last=IANS|date=2015-07-05|title=Italy beckons 'Thala 56' team|work=Business Standard India|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/italy-beckons-thala-56-team-115070500140_1.html|access-date=2021-07-02|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709182444/https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/italy-beckons-thala-56-team-115070500140_1.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Shruti is Ajith's 'photo subject'|url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/shruti-is-ajiths-photo-subject/article7417653.ece|work=The Hindu|date=13 July 2015|accessdate=4 November 2015}} The team moved to Kolkata in July 2015.{{Cite web|date=2015-07-18|title='Thala 56' final act in Kolkata? - Tamil News|url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/thala-56-final-act-in-kolkata-tamil-news-137882|access-date=2021-07-02|website=IndiaGlitz.com|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709184042/https://www.indiaglitz.com/thala-56-final-act-in-kolkata-tamil-news-137882|url-status=live}}

The unit returned to Chennai in August 2015 to film in Chennai, and Rahul Dev joined the project.{{Cite web|date=2015-08-20|title=Rahul Dev joins Thala 56 team...|url=https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-15/rahul-dev-joins-thala-56-team.html|access-date=2021-07-02|website=Behindwoods|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709182711/https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-15/rahul-dev-joins-thala-56-team.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=One more villain in 'Thala 56'!|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/one-more-villain-in-thala-56-news-tamil-piurz3jbbfbjh.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150821012058/http://www.sify.com/movies/one-more-villain-in-thala-56-news-tamil-piurz3jbbfbjh.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=21 August 2015|work=Sify|accessdate=4 November 2015}} Scenes were shot at Ramee Mall and a special set was erected at AVM Studios in Vadapalani, Guindy Race Course, and Fortis Malar Hospital, featuring Kumar and Haasan.{{cite web|title=Thala 56 shoot at a popular mall in Chennai!|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/thala-56-shoot-at-a-popular-mall-in-chennai-news-tamil-piylcFfechejj.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150824144649/http://www.sify.com/movies/thala-56-shoot-at-a-popular-mall-in-chennai-news-tamil-piylcFfechejj.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=24 August 2015|work=Sify|accessdate=4 November 2015}} The team also filmed night shots and few climax scenes.{{Cite web|date=2015-08-27|title=Ajith's Thala 56 shoot about to be wrapped|url=https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-15/ajiths-thala-56-shoot-about-to-be-wrapped.html|access-date=2021-07-02|website=Behindwoods|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709182252/https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-15/ajiths-thala-56-shoot-about-to-be-wrapped.html|url-status=live}} The team finished production in mid-October 2015 after making finishing touches on a song. Kumar was injured on the final day of the shoot, causing a minor delay.{{cite web|title=Ajith injured in "Vedhalam" last day shoot!|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/ajith-injured-in-vedhalam-last-day-shoot-news-tamil-pkqjIwaeegajh.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017002303/http://www.sify.com/movies/ajith-injured-in-vedhalam-last-day-shoot-news-tamil-pkqjIwaeegajh.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=17 October 2015|work=Sify|accessdate=4 November 2015}} Despite his injury, Kumar immediately dubbed for the film to ensure that it would release to coincide with Diwali in November 2015.{{cite web|title=Ajith starts dubbing for 'Vedhalam'|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/ajith-starts-dubbing-for-vedhalam-imagegallery-kollywood-pkknLbcadbggg.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151011204702/http://www.sify.com/movies/Ajith-starts-dubbing-for-Vedhalam-imagegallery-Kollywood-pkknLbcadbggg.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=11 October 2015|work=Sify|accessdate=4 November 2015}}

{{Main article| Vedalam (soundtrack)}}

The film's soundtrack was composed by Anirudh Ravichander, collaborating with Ajith Kumar and Siva for the first time. The album featured four songs written by Madhan Karky, Rokesh, Viveka, and Siva, and a theme track, though media falsely reported the film had five songs.{{Cite web|title=Ajith's 'Thala 56' to have 4 songs and 1 theme track by Anirudh Ravichander|url=https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-15/ajiths-thala-56-to-have-5-songs-and-1-theme-track-by-anirudh-ravichander.html|access-date=2021-07-02|website=www.behindwoods.com|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709181957/https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-15/ajiths-thala-56-to-have-5-songs-and-1-theme-track-by-anirudh-ravichander.html|url-status=live}} On 1 May 2015, Anirudh announced on social media that the introduction song and theme music for the film was completed.{{Cite news|title=Thala56 theme music is ready|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/music/Thala56-theme-music-is-ready/articleshow/47119750.cms|access-date=2020-08-06|website=The Times of India|date=13 January 2017|language=en|archive-date=10 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210710034511/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/music/Thala56-theme-music-is-ready/articleshow/47119750.cms|url-status=live}} "Veera Vinayaka", the introductory number is based on the Vinayagar Chathurthi celebrations, and is similar to "Maha Ganapathi" from Amarkalam (1999) and "Pillayarpatti Hero" from Vaanmathi (1996). The theme track of the film is rumoured to be titled "Verithanam" which was disproven.{{Cite news|title=Thala 56 theme revealed to be "verithanam"|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Thala-56-theme-revealed-to-be-verithanam/articleshow/47746780.cms|access-date=2020-08-06|website=The Times of India|date=16 January 2017|language=en|archive-date=10 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210710202654/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Thala-56-theme-revealed-to-be-verithanam/articleshow/47746780.cms|url-status=live}} The album featured songs recorded by Haasan, and Badshah.{{Cite news|title=Anirudh ropes in Punjabi sensation for Vedalam|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/music/Anirudh-ropes-in-Punjabi-sensation-for-Vedalam/articleshow/49348325.cms|access-date=2020-08-06|website=The Times of India|date=14 January 2017|language=en|archive-date=10 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210710041531/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/music/Anirudh-ropes-in-Punjabi-sensation-for-Vedalam/articleshow/49348325.cms|url-status=live}} The audio rights were purchased by Sony Music.{{Cite news|title=Sony bags Thala 56 rights|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/music/Sony-bags-Thala-56-rights/articleshow/47641030.cms|access-date=2020-08-06|website=The Times of India|date=13 January 2017|language=en|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709234901/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/music/Sony-bags-Thala-56-rights/articleshow/47641030.cms|url-status=live}} The film's incomplete track list featuring the song titles was released through Anirudh's Twitter account on 12 October 2015,{{Cite news|title=Anirudh to go mass for Vedalam|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/music/Anirudh-to-go-mass-for-Vedalam/articleshow/49333782.cms|access-date=2020-08-06|website=The Times of India|date=14 January 2017|language=en|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709230346/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/music/Anirudh-to-go-mass-for-Vedalam/articleshow/49333782.cms|url-status=live}} and the official track list was revealed after two days.{{Cite web|date=2015-10-14|title=Vedalam track list is here!|url=https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-15/vedalam-track-list-is-here.html|access-date=2021-07-02|website=Behindwoods|archive-date=1 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301160319/https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-15/vedalam-track-list-is-here.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last=IBTimes|date=2015-10-13|title='Vedalam' audio: Countdown for Ajith's album release begins; track list to be unveiled shortly|url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/vedalam-audio-countdown-ajiths-album-release-begins-track-list-be-unveiled-shortly-650287|access-date=2021-07-02|website=www.ibtimes.co.in|language=en|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709184728/https://www.ibtimes.co.in/vedalam-audio-countdown-ajiths-album-release-begins-track-list-be-unveiled-shortly-650287|url-status=live}} It was reported that the soundtrack album would be released during the composer's birthday on 16 October 2015,{{Cite web|date=2015-09-24|title=The album of Ajith's Vedhalam to release on Anirudh's birthday, the 16th of October.|url=https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-15/the-album-of-ajiths-vedhalam-to-release-on-anirudhs-birthday-the-16th-of-october.html|access-date=2021-07-02|website=Behindwoods|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709183340/https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-15/the-album-of-ajiths-vedhalam-to-release-on-anirudhs-birthday-the-16th-of-october.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=2015-10-12|title=Vedalam audio from 16th of October.|url=https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-15/vedalam-audio-from-1th-of-october.html|access-date=2021-07-02|website=Behindwoods|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709182108/https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-15/vedalam-audio-from-1th-of-october.html|url-status=live}} but it was released on 21 October 2015 instead, coinciding with Dusshera.{{Cite web|last=IBTimes|date=2015-10-21|title='Vedalam' music released: Ajith's audio album gets positive reviews [VIDEO+LYRICS]|url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/vedalam-music-released-ajiths-audio-album-gets-positive-reviews-link-listen-songs-online-650686|access-date=2021-07-02|website=www.ibtimes.co.in|language=en|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709182135/https://www.ibtimes.co.in/vedalam-music-released-ajiths-audio-album-gets-positive-reviews-link-listen-songs-online-650686|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last=IBTimes|date=2015-10-23|title='Vedalam' (Vedhalam) Music Review: Ajith-Anirudh's songs get thumbs up|url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/vedalam-vedhalam-music-review-ajith-anirudhs-songs-get-thumbs-650914|access-date=2021-07-02|website=www.ibtimes.co.in|language=en|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709182610/https://www.ibtimes.co.in/vedalam-vedhalam-music-review-ajith-anirudhs-songs-get-thumbs-650914|url-status=live}}

In May 2015, Rathnam confirmed that the film would be released on Diwali, 10 November 2015.{{Cite web|date=2015-05-28|title=Ajith - Siva's Thala 56 to release for Diwali 2015?|url=https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-15/ajith-sivas-thala-56-to-release-for-diwali.html|access-date=2021-07-02|website=Behindwoods|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709182148/https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-15/ajith-sivas-thala-56-to-release-for-diwali.html|url-status=live}} The film's title was expected to be announced on Independence Day, 15 August 2015.{{Cite web|last=IBTimes|date=2015-08-08|title=Ajith's 'Thala 56' Title to be Announced on 15 August?|url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/ajiths-thala-56-title-be-announced-15-august-642127|access-date=2021-07-02|website=www.ibtimes.co.in|language=en|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709182834/https://www.ibtimes.co.in/ajiths-thala-56-title-be-announced-15-august-642127|url-status=live}} On 23 September 2015, Kumar's manager Suresh Chandraa officially confirmed via Twitter that the title and the first screening would release on midnight, which confirmed the title to be Vedalam.{{Cite news|title=Vedalam's title is inspired by the character Phantom|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Vedalams-title-is-inspired-by-the-character-Phantom/articleshow/49126630.cms|access-date=2020-08-06|website=The Times of India|date=16 January 2017|language=en|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709234910/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Vedalams-title-is-inspired-by-the-character-Phantom/articleshow/49126630.cms|url-status=live}}

The film received a U certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification with a runtime of 157 minutes,{{Cite news|title=Ajith's Vedalam censored with clean "U"|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/ajiths-vedalam-censored-with-clean-u/articleshow/49596420.cms|access-date=2021-07-02|website=The Times of India|date=16 January 2017|language=en|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709214802/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/ajiths-vedalam-censored-with-clean-u/articleshow/49596420.cms|url-status=live}} and also became eligible for entertainment tax exemption.{{Cite web|date=2015-10-30|title=Ajith's Vedalam Censor details are here - Tamil News|url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/ajith-shruthi-haasan-lakshmi-menon-vedalam-gets-u-certificate-from-censors-tamil-news-145833|access-date=2021-07-02|website=IndiaGlitz.com|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709181940/https://www.indiaglitz.com/ajith-shruthi-haasan-lakshmi-menon-vedalam-gets-u-certificate-from-censors-tamil-news-145833|url-status=live}} Prior to the official release, the introductory scenes and songs were leaked onto the Internet.{{Cite news|title=Ajith's "Vedalam" intro and songs leaked|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Ajiths-Vedalam-intro-and-songs-leaked/articleshow/49684602.cms|access-date=2020-08-06|website=The Times of India|date=16 January 2017|language=en|archive-date=11 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711224334/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Ajiths-Vedalam-intro-and-songs-leaked/articleshow/49684602.cms|url-status=live}} The film opened in 62 screens in the UK, being the widest release in the country{{Cite web|title=Vedalam to have a wide release in UK|url=https://www.moviecrow.com/News/10071/vedalam-to-have-a-wide-release-in-uk|access-date=2021-07-02|website=www.moviecrow.com|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709182330/https://www.moviecrow.com/News/10071/vedalam-to-have-a-wide-release-in-uk|url-status=live}} and 80 screens in the United States, on 9 November 2015, a day before release in India.{{Cite web|title=Vedalam USA theater list|url=https://www.moviecrow.com/News/10097/vedalam-usa-theater-list|access-date=2021-07-02|website=www.moviecrow.com|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709183002/https://www.moviecrow.com/News/10097/vedalam-usa-theater-list|url-status=live}} The film released on 10 November 2015, clashing with Thoongavanam.{{Cite web|date=2015-10-31|title=Kamal and Ajith to clash at Box Office|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/151031/entertainment-kollywood/article/kamal-and-ajith-clash-box-office|access-date=2021-07-02|website=Deccan Chronicle|language=en|archive-date=10 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210710084250/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/151031/entertainment-kollywood/article/kamal-and-ajith-clash-box-office|url-status=live}}

The film was sold across India and abroad in September 2015.{{Cite web|last=IBTimes|date=2015-09-08|title=Ajith's 'Thala 56': Entire Distribution Rights Sold|url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/ajiths-thala-56-entire-distribution-rights-sold-645803|access-date=2021-07-02|website=www.ibtimes.co.in|language=en|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709182502/https://www.ibtimes.co.in/ajiths-thala-56-entire-distribution-rights-sold-645803|url-status=live}} In India, Jazz Cinemas and Sushma Cine Arts acquired the Tamil Nadu theatrical rights. The Karnataka rights of the film was bought by Gokulraj of Sri Gokul Films. K.G. Nair of Shenoy films has bought the distribution rights of Kerala. For overseas rights, MM Media acquired the distribution rights for the film in the USA.{{Cite web|title='Vedalam' red hot in the trade|url=https://www.moviecrow.com/News/9703/vedhalam-all-area-rights-sold|access-date=2020-08-06|website=www.moviecrow.com|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709182028/https://www.moviecrow.com/News/9703/vedhalam-all-area-rights-sold|url-status=live}} Ayngaran International has bought the distribution rights in UK & France. Vedalam{{'s}} Tamil Nadu rights were sold to Jazz Cinemas for {{INRConvert|33|c|lk=}}.[https://www.twitter.com/cinema_babu/status/662178568902828032 CB on Twitter: "#Vedalam TN rights bought by Jazz Cinemas for 3cr (excluding P&P). Highest for Ajith. Tax Free Sure"]. Twitter.com (5 November 2015). Retrieved on 2015-11-20.

The teaser trailer of the film was released on the midnight of 7 October 2015.{{Cite web|date=2015-10-06|title=Ajith's Vedalam teaser to be launched at midnight, October 7|url=https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-15/ajiths-vedalam-teaser-to-be-launched-at-midnight-october-8.html|access-date=2021-07-02|website=Behindwoods|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709181821/https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-15/ajiths-vedalam-teaser-to-be-launched-at-midnight-october-8.html|url-status=live}} The producers planned to release the trailer of the film on 22 October 2015 to coincide with Dusshera,{{Cite web|date=2015-10-20|title=Ajith's Vedalam trailer to be unveiled on October 22 at 12 AM!|url=https://www.bollywoodlife.com/news-gossip/ajiths-vedalam-trailer-to-be-unveiled-on-october-22-at-12-am-614156/|access-date=2021-07-02|website=Bollywood Life|language=en|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709181930/https://www.bollywoodlife.com/news-gossip/ajiths-vedalam-trailer-to-be-unveiled-on-october-22-at-12-am-614156/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=2015-10-17|title=When can we expect Ajith's "Vedalam" Trailer? - Tamil News|url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/ajith-shruthi-haasan-lakshmi-menon-vedalam-trailer-to-release-on-october-22-tamil-news-144848|access-date=2021-07-02|website=IndiaGlitz.com|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709182855/https://www.indiaglitz.com/ajith-shruthi-haasan-lakshmi-menon-vedalam-trailer-to-release-on-october-22-tamil-news-144848|url-status=live}} but there was no trailer release; instead, audio teasers of the songs "Aaluma Doluma" and "Veera Vinayaka" were released on 25 and 30 October, respectively.{{Cite news|title=Vedalam - Veera Vinayaka Song Teaser|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/music/Vedalam-Veera-Vinayaka-Song-Teaser/articleshow/49577659.cms|access-date=2020-08-06|website=The Times of India|date=14 January 2017|language=en|archive-date=10 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210710043037/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/music/Vedalam-Veera-Vinayaka-Song-Teaser/articleshow/49577659.cms|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|title=Vedalam Song Teaser: Aaluma Doluma|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/music/Vedalam-Song-Teaser-Aaluma-Doluma/articleshow/49376433.cms|access-date=2020-08-06|website=The Times of India|date=14 January 2017|language=en|archive-date=10 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210710065029/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/music/Vedalam-Song-Teaser-Aaluma-Doluma/articleshow/49376433.cms|url-status=live}}

The satellite rights of the film were sold to Jaya TV.{{cite web|date=15 October 2015|title=VEDALAM SOLD FOR A WHOPPING PRICE!|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-15/jaya-tv-apparently-acquires-the-satellite-rights-for-ajith-kumars-vedalam.html|website=Behindwoods|accessdate=4 November 2015|archive-date=5 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151105063712/http://behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-15/jaya-tv-apparently-acquires-the-satellite-rights-for-ajith-kumars-vedalam.html|url-status=live}} The film's television premiere took place on 5 September 2016, coinciding with Ganesh Chathurthi.{{Cite web|last=Upadhyaya|first=Prakash|date=2016-09-05|title=Ajith's "Vedalam" TV premiere; will TRP be as big as its box office collection?|url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/ajiths-vedalam-tv-premiere-will-trp-be-big-its-box-office-collection-692533|access-date=2020-08-06|website=International Business Times, India Edition|language=english|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709182151/https://www.ibtimes.co.in/ajiths-vedalam-tv-premiere-will-trp-be-big-its-box-office-collection-692533|url-status=live}}

M. Suganth of The Times of India rated the film 3 out of 5 and called it "A packaged mass entertainer for Ajith fans and family audiences".{{cite news|last=Suganth|first=M.|date=11 November 2015|title=Vedalam Movie Review|work=The Times of India|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movie-reviews/Vedalam/movie-review/49744248.cms|accessdate=12 November 2015|archive-date=14 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151114064631/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movie-reviews/Vedalam/movie-review/49744248.cms|url-status=live}} Sify gave a rating of 3 out of 5 and stated, "Vedhalam is Ajith's one man show and it might enthrall his ardent fans for others, it's a formulaic film with few enjoyable moments."[https://web.archive.org/web/20151111085903/http://www.sify.com/movies/vedhalam-review-tamil-pljqKijejhbag.html Review: Vedhalam]. Sify.com. Retrieved on 20 November 2015. Indiaglitz rated the film 3 out of 5, calling it an "enjoyable mass entertainer".[https://www.indiaglitz.com/vedalam-aka-vedhalam-tamil-movie-review-19278.html Vedalam (aka) Vedhalam Tamil movie review, story, rating – IndiaGlitz.com] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230604200606/https://www.indiaglitz.com/vedalam-aka-vedhalam-tamil-movie-review-19278.html |date=4 June 2023 }}. Retrieved on 20 November 2015. Avinash Gopinath from Filmibeat gave the film 3.5 out of 5 stars and concluded, "Though this movie suffers from logical loopholes and melodramatic sequences, it gets saved by Ajith and director Siva's propaganda that puts human values before money, which makes Vedalam watchable."{{cite web|last=Gopinath|first=Avinash|date=10 November 2015|title=Vedalam Movie Review & Rating: The Triumph Of Human Values Over Money!|url=http://www.filmibeat.com/tamil/reviews/2015/vedalam-movie-review-and-rating-a-complete-entertainer-story-and-plot-vedhalam-ajith-204734-pg1.html|publisher=Filmibeat|accessdate=12 November 2015|archive-date=12 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151112021212/http://www.filmibeat.com/tamil/reviews/2015/vedalam-movie-review-and-rating-a-complete-entertainer-story-and-plot-vedhalam-ajith-204734-pg1.html|url-status=live}} Behindwoods rated the film 2.5 out of 5, stating, "Vedalam – Sparks do fly but not frequently enough."[http://behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/vedalam/vedalam-review.html Vedalam (aka) Vedhalam review] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507193157/http://behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/vedalam/vedalam-review.html |date=7 May 2016 }}. Behindwoods.com (10 November 2015). Retrieved on 2015-11-20. Gauthaman Bhaskaran of the Hindustan Times gave 1.5 out of 5 stars and stated "Vedalam is but an Ajith Kumar show (all the way where Menon and Haasan are wasted). The man arrives with a big bang and never tires of bashing up baddies -- but now and then taking a break to cleanse society of minor evils like fooling law courts or cheating on wives. Certainly not for children, who might wonder how Phantom sprung out of their favourite comic books in such a horrifically mutated form."{{Cite web|date=2015-11-11|title=Vedalam review: Ajith turns Phantom, vilely and violent|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/movie-reviews/vedalam-review-ajith-turns-phantom-vilely-and-violent/story-fLy77HnsxkqmNoFNf05QFL.html|access-date=2020-08-06|website=Hindustan Times|language=en|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709183125/https://www.hindustantimes.com/movie-reviews/vedalam-review-ajith-turns-phantom-vilely-and-violent/story-fLy77HnsxkqmNoFNf05QFL.html|url-status=live}} India Today gave the film a rating of 2.5 out of 5 stars and stated "Siruthai Siva has worked the "mass" image of Ajith in Vedalam and the family sentiments to his advantage. In the process, he has not cared much about logic, which goes right out of the window."{{Cite magazine|first=Kirubhakar|last=Purushothaman|date=November 12, 2015|title=Vedalam movie review: Siruthai Siva does justice to the strengths of Ajith in this potboiler|url=https://www.indiatoday.com/movies/regional-cinema/story/vedalam-movie-review-siruthai-siva-does-justice-to-the-strengths-of-ajith-in-this-potboiler-272425-2015-11-11|access-date=2020-08-06|magazine=India Today|language=en}}{{Dead link|date=December 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} News18 gave the film 2 out of 5 and stated "'Vedalam' is another star vehicle that rides with expectations and mutilations."{{Cite web|title='Vedalam' review: Too much sentiment and masala spoil the broth|url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/vedalam-review-too-much-sentiment-and-masala-spoil-the-broth-1163165.html|access-date=2020-08-06|website=News18|date=11 November 2015|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709184608/https://www.news18.com/news/movies/vedalam-review-too-much-sentiment-and-masala-spoil-the-broth-1163165.html|url-status=live}} Sudhir Srinivasan of The Hindu said that "Vedalam needed more inventive storytelling, and seems too forced, too easy, too mawkish".{{Cite news|last=Srinivasan|first=Sudhir|date=2015-11-10|title=Vedalam: Pulsating fight scenes, but predictable otherwise|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-reviews/vedalam-pulsating-fight-scenes-but-predictable-otherwise/article7864955.ece|access-date=2020-08-07|issn=0971-751X|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709182001/https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-reviews/vedalam-pulsating-fight-scenes-but-predictable-otherwise/article7864955.ece|url-status=live}} Anupama Subramanian of Deccan Chronicle gave the film 2 out of 5 stars and stated, "This Ajith starrer largely depends on the mass appeal and star power of the actor with a script sans solid content and logic and just tailor-made by for him. Though the story travels in predictable lines, it has high-octane stunt sequences, bro-sis sentiment, and loads of punch lines, hit songs to satisfy the mass audiences."{{Cite web|last=subramanian|first=anupama|date=2015-11-11|title=Movie Review 'Vedalam': Strictly for Thala Ajith fans|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/151111/entertainment-movie-review/article/movie-review-vedalam-strictly-thala-ajith-fans|access-date=2020-08-07|website=Deccan Chronicle|language=en|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709183032/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/151111/entertainment-movie-review/article/movie-review-vedalam-strictly-thala-ajith-fans|url-status=live}} Daily News and Analysis gave a review stating "Director Siruthai Siva has ensured that there is plenty for Ajith fans and the family audience. Ajith has punch dialogues, high octane action sequences and all the right dance moves. He plays the good and the bad with ease and is a treat to watch on screen. The sister sentiment (the story revolves around Tamizh) and the fact that men need to respect women is a major highlight in the film. The storyline may not be new for Tamil cinema, but the director has tailor-made it for Ajith and the mass audience."{{Cite web|last=Srinivasan|first=Latha|date=2015-11-10|title='Vedalam' review: This Ajith film is an out and out commercial entertainer!|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/review-vedalam-review-this-ajith-film-is-an-out-and-out-commercial-entertainer-2144088|access-date=2020-08-07|website=DNA India|language=en|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709191730/https://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/review-vedalam-review-this-ajith-film-is-an-out-and-out-commercial-entertainer-2144088|url-status=live}}

Vedalam opened to 95% occupancy on Diwali, despite clashing with Thoongavanam.{{citation needed|date=June 2023}} The film opened across 750 screens worldwide, with 500 screens belongs to Tamil Nadu, and set a highest opening of {{INRConvert|15.3|c|lk=}}.{{Cite web |date=Nov 12, 2015 |title=Vedalam Breaks Records to Become Tamil Cinema's Biggest Opener |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/vedalam-breaks-records-to-become-tamil-cinemas-biggest-opener-1242712 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231223150949/https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/vedalam-breaks-records-to-become-tamil-cinemas-biggest-opener-1242712 |archive-date=23 December 2023 |access-date=2021-07-02 |website=NDTV |agency=Indo-Asian News Service}} On the second day, the film had collected {{INRConvert|12|c|lk=}}.{{Cite web |date=12 November 2015 |title=Tamil star Ajith's "Vedalam" creates history by breaking all records at the box office |url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/tamil-star-ajiths-vedalam-creates-history-by-breaking-all-records-at-the-box-office-1163506.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709184626/https://www.news18.com/news/movies/tamil-star-ajiths-vedalam-creates-history-by-breaking-all-records-at-the-box-office-1163506.html |archive-date=9 July 2021 |access-date=2020-08-07 |website=News18}} Within 11 days of its release, the film had collected {{Indian Rupee}}103 crore worldwide.{{Cite web |date=November 20, 2015 |title=Vedalam box office collection: The Ajith-starrer mints Rs 103 crore in 11 days |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/vedalam-box-office-collection-the-ajith-starrer-mints-rs-103-crore-in-11-days-273702-2015-11-20 |website=India Today |language=en |access-date=27 April 2025 |archive-date=25 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241225162330/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/vedalam-box-office-collection-the-ajith-starrer-mints-rs-103-crore-in-11-days-273702-2015-11-20 |url-status=live }} On 18 November 2015, trade analyst Ramesh Bala stated that the film had earned a major revenue of 60% from Tamil Nadu, with 12% from Karnataka, Kerala and rest of India, 10% from Malaysia, and 18% from rest of the overseas.{{Cite tweet |number=666992034830397440 |user=rameshlaus |title=#VedalamFastest100CrTamilFilm - % of Revenue coming from #TN – 60% #KA, #KE & ROI – 12% #Malaysia – 10% Rest of Overseas – 18% |first=Ramesh |last=Bala |access-date=2025-04-27}} At the Chennai box office, the film's performance had been affected due to the 2015 South India floods.{{Cite news |last=Naig |first=Udhav |date=2015-11-10 |title=Rain threatens to hit Kollywood box-office |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/rain-threatens-to-hit-kollywood-boxoffice/article7863381.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709181909/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/rain-threatens-to-hit-kollywood-boxoffice/article7863381.ece |archive-date=9 July 2021 |access-date=2020-08-07 |work=The Hindu |language=en}}

Shortly after the film success, Rathnam wanted to remake the film in Kannada and Telugu,{{Cite web|date=2016-01-09|title=A Kannada remake of Ajith's Vedalam?|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/160109/entertainment-kollywood/article/kannada-remake-ajith%E2%80%99s-vedalam|access-date=2021-07-02|website=Deccan Chronicle|language=en}} with Puneeth Rajkumar and Darshan reprising Kumar's role in the former,{{Cite news|title=Puneeth Rajkumar in Vedalam remake|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/puneeth-rajkumar-in-vedalam-remake/articleshow/50478768.cms|access-date=2021-07-02|website=The Times of India|date=7 January 2016|language=en|archive-date=10 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210710103146/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/puneeth-rajkumar-in-vedalam-remake/articleshow/50478768.cms|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=2018-06-11|title=Darshan in "Vedhalam" Kannada remake|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/darshan-vedhalam-kannada-remake-82853|access-date=2021-07-02|website=The News Minute|language=en|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709190054/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/darshan-vedhalam-kannada-remake-82853|url-status=live}} while the latter had Pawan Kalyan playing the lead role.{{Cite news|title=Pawan Kalyan in Telugu remake of Vedalam!|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/pawan-kalyan-in-telugu-remake-of-vedalam/articleshow/50795512.cms|access-date=2021-07-02|website=The Times of India|date=16 January 2017|language=en|archive-date=10 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210710121735/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/pawan-kalyan-in-telugu-remake-of-vedalam/articleshow/50795512.cms|url-status=live}} Although the Kannada version never finished, the Telugu version had Chiranjeevi playing the lead, replacing Kalyan, and was reported to be directed by Meher Ramesh under the title Bhola Shankar.{{Cite web|date=2020-10-04|title='Vedalam' Telugu remake: Chiranjeevi-starrer to be shot in Kolkata?|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/vedalam-telugu-remake-chiranjeevi-starrer-to-be-shot-in-kolkata-897138.html|access-date=2021-07-02|website=Deccan Herald|language=en|archive-date=8 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220508111017/https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/vedalam-telugu-remake-chiranjeevi-starrer-to-be-shot-in-kolkata-897138.html|url-status=live}} In September 2019, T-Series acquired the Hindi remake rights of Vedalam.{{Cite web|title=John Abraham to play lead in Hindi remake of Ajith-starrer 'Vedalam'|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/hindi/2019/sep/25/john-abraham-to-play-lead-in-hindi-remake-of-ajith-starrer-vedalam-2038588.html|access-date=2020-08-07|website=The New Indian Express|date=25 September 2019 |archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709182235/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/hindi/2019/sep/25/john-abraham-to-play-lead-in-hindi-remake-of-ajith-starrer-vedalam-2038588.html|url-status=live}}

Ajith Kumar's transformation and the following fight scene is parodied in Thamizh Padam 2.{{Cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/tamizh-padam-2/tamizh-padam-2-review.html|title=Tamizh Padam 2 (Aka) Tamil Padam 2 review|date=12 July 2018|access-date=4 December 2018|archive-date=23 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201023170149/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/tamizh-padam-2/tamizh-padam-2-review.html|url-status=live}}

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• {{IMDb title|5178278|Vedhalam}}

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