Discription
KANTHASWAMY (2009)
Summary:
Kanthaswamy (titled Mallanna in Telugu and Temper 2 in Hindi) is a 2009 Tamil-language action thriller and vigilante film directed by Susi Ganeshan. The film follows Kanthaswamy (Vikram), a high-ranking CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) officer who operates a highly elaborate secret identity as the masked vigilante Kanthaswamy, known only to the public as a mythological, Robin Hood-esque figure—a 'fox' who steals from the rich and corrupt and gives to the poor. His primary target is the ruthless businessman P. P. K. (Ashish Vidyarthi) and his daughter Subbulakshmi (Shriya Saran), who use their wealth and influence to exploit society. The plot features Kanthaswamy attempting to expose and neutralize P. P. K.'s massive black money network, all while Subbulakshmi, initially seeking revenge for the theft, finds herself falling in love with the CBI officer. The film is known for its stylish action sequences, complex dual-identity narrative, and socially relevant themes about wealth distribution. Keywords: Kanthaswamy 2009, Vikram, Vigilante Action, CBI Officer, Robin Hood, Black Money.
Plot:
The story introduces Kanthaswamy (Vikram) as a highly intelligent, sharp, and disciplined officer in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). However, Kanthaswamy leads a dangerous and secretive double life as a masked vigilante who uses the pseudonym of a mythical Fox God.
The Vigilante Operation: Kanthaswamy and his trusted, small team of colleagues use their deep knowledge of financial crime and CBI procedure to execute audacious, untraceable heists against the most corrupt and wealthiest individuals in the country. Their targets are those who have amassed vast fortunes through illegal means, particularly through the hoarding of "black money." They operate with military precision, employing advanced technology, intricate disguises, and psychological warfare. After each successful operation, the stolen funds are anonymously channeled to the poor and needy via carefully chosen, untraceable methods, turning Kanthaswamy into a modern-day folk hero—a Robin Hood figure who is revered by the impoverished masses and simultaneously hunted by the law and the underworld.
The Targets: The film's main antagonist is P. P. K. (Ashish Vidyarthi), an immensely powerful and corrupt businessman. P. P. K.'s network is a nexus of black money laundering, tax evasion, and massive corporate fraud. P. P. K.'s daughter, Subbulakshmi (Shriya Saran), is equally ruthless and sophisticated, actively participating in her father's empire. Kanthaswamy targets P. P. K.'s black money stash, executing a highly publicized theft that financially cripples the businessman and publicly humiliates him.
The Love and Revenge Plot: Furious and seeking revenge, P. P. K. and Subbulakshmi vow to expose the Fox God. Subbulakshmi takes on the mission personally, using her beauty, cunning, and resources to get close to the CBI team investigating the thefts. She encounters Kanthaswamy in his CBI officer persona and, mistaking him for a potential ally or weak link, attempts to manipulate him. The two engage in a sophisticated game of cat-and-mouse: Kanthaswamy, the officer, is supposed to be catching the vigilante, while Subbulakshmi, the target's daughter, is trying to catch Kanthaswamy. Ironically, as she spends time with the charismatic CBI officer, Subbulakshmi finds herself genuinely falling in love with Kanthaswamy, unaware that he is the very Fox God she is sworn to destroy.
The Climax and Revelation: The film reaches its peak when Kanthaswamy, still operating as the Fox God, prepares for his final, decisive strike against P. P. K.'s entire empire. The investigation into the vigilante finally closes in, with Inspector Rajasekhar (Prabhu), Kanthaswamy's superior, beginning to suspect Kanthaswamy himself. During the final raid, Kanthaswamy is forced to reveal his dual identity to Subbulakshmi, a revelation that shatters her world. She is torn between her love for him and her loyalty to her father and her own shattered pride.
In the final confrontation, Kanthaswamy successfully exposes P. P. K.'s massive fraud network, leading to the businessman's downfall and arrest. While the legal system takes its course against the corrupt elements, Kanthaswamy’s identity as the vigilante is either confirmed or strongly implied to the public, depending on the cut, but his actions are vindicated by the social good they achieved. The ending sees Kanthaswamy and Subbulakshmi ultimately reconciling, with Subbulakshmi choosing to align with Kanthaswamy's moral stance, suggesting a reform of her own character, and hinting that Kanthaswamy's mission to clean up society is far from over.
Cast (Lead Roles):
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Vikram as Kanthaswamy (CBI Officer / The Fox God Vigilante)
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Shriya Saran as Subbulakshmi (P. P. K.'s Daughter)
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Ashish Vidyarthi as P. P. K. (The Corrupt Businessman)
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Prabhu as Inspector Rajasekhar (Kanthaswamy's Superior)
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Krishna as Krishna (One of Kanthaswamy's teammates)
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Vadivelu as Thennarasu (Comedic relief in the CBI team)
Crew:
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Director: Susi Ganeshan
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Screenplay: Susi Ganeshan
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Producer: Kalaipuli S. Dhanu
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Music Director: Devi Sri Prasad
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Cinematography: N. K. Ekambaram
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Editor: Kasi Viswanathan
Release Info
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Original Release Date: August 21, 2009
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Language: Tamil (Kanthaswamy). Released in Telugu as Mallanna and in Hindi as Temper 2.
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Genre: Action, Thriller, Vigilante
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Running Time: 2 Hours 45 Minutes (165 Minutes)
