kuselan (குசேலன்) is a 2008 tamil film simultaneously made in telugu as Kathanayakudu. Inspired by the malyalam film kadha parayumbul the film is directed by p.vasu and produced by k.balachandar, aswani dutt and G. P. Vijayakumar in two languages. Kuselanstars Pasupathy in the lead role, while Jagapati Babu takes the role in Kathanayakudu, with both actors being paired opposite Meena for their respective versions. Rajinikanth, Prabhu Ganesan and Nayantara appear in extended cameo roles.
The film revolves around a villager, who had shared a strong friendship with a popular cinema actor in their youth. However due to their different pursuit in careers they eventually are forced to part ways, one becoming a national figure, the other, a village barber. Decades later, the actor returns to the village to participate in his film's shooting. Whilst the entire village become excited about the prospect of seeing the actor, the barber fears that his old friend would have forgotten him and would neglect him. The story explores the pressures of friendship.
The film opened to Indian audiences on August 1, 2008, taking the third largest opening for a Tamil film up til the date of release. Despite the film's hype prior to release, the film ended up evoking negative reviews, mainly because the film was termed as a Rajinikanth-starrer, although it was he who had made it clear that it was a guest appearance
Short Narration
Balakrishnan (Pasupathy/Jagapati Babu) is the owner of a barber shop in a remote village. His family consists of his wife Sridevi (Meena) and three children. Balakrishnan struggles to persuade customers to visit his barber shop while his competitor Shanmugham (Vadivelu/Sunil), former worker of Balakrishnan who has his own barber shop across from Balakrishnan's, uses cunning means to make business in haircutting. Balakrishnan's downfall in business also causes him to neglect paying his children's school fees. Although he struggles to make a living, he still enjoys spending time with his family.
Later on, news spreads through the village by Nagaraj (Santhanam) that super star Ashok Kumar (Rajinikanth), a popular film actor, will be arriving for a shooting schedule. While the rest of the village celebrates in shock and excitement, the news does not impress Balakrishnan, who was best friends with the actor during their childhood days, and the two have not met one another for nearly 25 years. Balakrishnan is often bothered by Sridevi and his children to introduce them to Ashok Kumar. Kuppuswamy (Livingston), a financier who is keen on making a film and who was once disgusted by Balakrishnan's barber shop, tries to woo him into introducing him to Ashok Kumar so that he can make a film with him. Meanwhile, Sridevi spends her time bragging to her neighbours about her husband being friends with the super star.
In the other part of town, Ashok Kumar is given tight security, led by the deputy commissioner Senthilnathan (Prabhu Ganesan) due to the possibility of misbehaviour among the crowd who always spend their time hanging out in front of every shooting location, eager to get a glimpse of the super star. Ashok Kumar is shown shooting for Annamalai: Part 2, Chandramukhi: Part 2, and Kuselan, along with his co-star Nayantara (Nayantara), (referring to fictional sequels of the previous Rajinikanth films, Annamalai and Chandramukhi). Balakrishnan tries to meet up with his childhood friend, however he is never able to make it to him through the large crowd. Shanmugham also tries every possible way to meet with the super star so that he can get a photo with him, but humorously fails.
Later on, the headmistress of the local convent school (Geetha) visits Balakrishnan and asks him if he could get Ashok Kumar to attend their school's upcoming annual function. Balakrishnan hesitates at first but later agrees to do so. Balakrishnan continues to attempt to confront the superstar, however with no success. On the other hand, Shanmugham finally falls into Ashok Kumar's backyard by accident and, and to his utmost surprise, gets the chance to speak with the celebrity
Days pass by and the staff and parents of the school complain to Balakrishnan about inviting the super star during their parents meeting. Balakrishnan, again, agrees to confront the actor, but goes without doing so. The headmistress later decides that it is only better if she herself invites the superstar. She visits the super star, along with two other school secretaries, which includes Mr. Srinivasan (R. Sundararajan), who arrogantly questions the super star about his films and his personal decisions. (Scene provides answers to controversial subject matters regardingRajinikanth). Despite the irritation received from Srinivasan, Ashok Kumar accepts their invitation to the function and agrees to attend, as long as Srinivasan wasn't around.
The day of the school function arrives and the school prepares for the arrival of Ashok Kumar. Back at Balakrishnan's house, Balakrishnan who is saddened because of his children, who are angry at their father for not taking them to see the super star, does not want to attend the school function. Sridevi shows her admiration for Ashok Kumar and her willingness to attend the function. Balakrishnan shows his willingness to grant at least her wish to see the super star and agrees to attend the function. At the school, Balakrishnan and Sridevi are wide-eyed to see super star Ashok Kumar walk across the stage when he is called to deliver his speech. In his speech, Ashok Kumar praises the students and teachers of the school and receives many applauses. Srinivasan then learns that Ashok Kumar had a great respect for teachers. He brings forth his past, as a child. He explains his poor and harsh lifestyle during his childhood days. On that note, he the recalls his memories of his childhood friend, Balakrishnan, who, according to Ashok Kumar,cared for him so much and spent a lot for him.
After they settle down, Ashok Kumar tells Balakrishnan that him and his family must live with him thereafter. When Balakrishnan says no, Ashok Kumar starts one of his punch dialogues (fromRajinikanth's film, Baasha), and Balakrishnan's kids finish it for him. Ashok Kumar takes Balakrishnan outside, and to Balakrishnan's surprise, he sees the entire village crowded in front of his house. Ashok Kumar yells out to everyone in happiness that Balakrishnan is his best friend. Just when Ashok Kumar leaves, Balakrishnan feeds Ashok Kumar and Ashok Kumar feeds him back - a sentimental scene. The film ends showing Balakrishnan and Ashok Kumar walking away together and a moral of friendship is given (voiced by Rajinikanth).
