Singapore Saloon is a 2024 Indian Tamil-language coming-of-age film directed by Gokul and produced by Ishari K. for Wells Films International. Produced by Produced by Ganesh. RJ Balaji and Meenakshi Chaudhary are in the lead roles, supported by Sathyaraj, Lal, Kishan Das, N Sheetal, Thalaivasal Vijay, John Vijay and Robo Shankar.
The film was announced in November 2022 and shooting began shortly after in Chennai. Principal photography wrapped by mid-December 2022, with additional scenes shot in May 2023. Music by Vivek-Mervin, with background score by Javed Riaz, M by Sukumar. Cinematography and Editing by Selva RK.
It premiered at the Singapore Saloon on January 25, 2024, to mixed reviews from critics.
Singapore Saloon Movie Brief Introduction
| Directed by | Gokul |
|---|---|
| Written by | Gokul |
| Produced by | Ishari K. Ganesh |
| Starring | RJ Balaji, Meenakshi Chaudhary |
| Cinematography | M. Sukumar |
| Edited by | Selva R. K. |
| Music by | Songs: Vivek–Mervin Score: Javed Riaz |
| Production company | Vels Films International |
| Distributed by | Red Giant Movies |
| Release date | 25 January 2024 |
| Country | India |
| Language | Tamil |
Singapore Saloon Cast & Crew
| Actor/Actress | Role |
|---|---|
| RJ Balaji | Kathir |
| Videsh Anand | Young Kathir |
| Meenakshi Chaudhary | Nila aka Nilavoliyal |
| Sathyaraj | Chakrapani, Nila’s father |
| Lal | Chacha |
| Kishen Das | Basheer, Kathir’s close friend |
| Ann Sheetal | Nilarathi |
| Thalaivaasal Vijay | Kathir’s father |
| John Vijay | Anoop Menon, Kathir’s former employer |
| Diksha Raagavendran | Nilavathy |
| N. Balamurugan | Nilavathy’s father |
| Chinni Jayanth | Barber in Anoop Menon’s saloon |
| Suresh Chandra Menon | Anoop Menon’s customer |
| Robo Shankar | Shami/Ragavan, Chakrapani’s elder son-in-law |
| Y. G. Mahendran | Vichu, Chakrapani’s friend |
| Imman Annachi | Asirvadham Ayya, tuition teacher |
| Indumathy | Kathir’s mother |
| Akalya Venkatesan | Nilavoliyal’s sister |
| Vinoth Munna | Financier |
| Kumar Natarajan | Anoop Menon’s father |
| Daniel Annie Pope | Heads Up Dance Challenge show anchor |
| Gnana Prasad | Rap boy |
| Kaaka Muttai Shanthi Mani | Slum dweller |
| Mohamed Kuraishi | College student (uncredited) |
| Arvind Swamy | Cameo appearance |
| Lokesh Kanagaraj | Cameo appearance |
| Jiiva | Cameo appearance |
| M. K. Stalin | Himself (archival footage) |
Singapore Saloon Box Office Collection Worldwide
| Day | India Net Collection |
|---|---|
| Day 1 [1st Thursday] | ₹ 1.05 Cr |
| Day 2 [1st Friday] | ₹ 1.6 Cr |
| Day 3 [1st Saturday] | ₹ 1.5 Cr |
| Day 4 [1st Sunday] | ₹ 0.5 Cr |
| Day 5 [1st Monday] | ₹ 0.55 Cr |
| Day 6 [1st Tuesday] | ₹ 0.55 Cr |
| Day 7 [1st Wednesday] | ₹ 0.6 Cr |
| Total | ₹ 6.35 Cr |
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Singapore Saloon Movie Review and Plot
Director Gokul is known for his natural talent in comedy, a rare skill in the film industry. He excels at creating absurd and exaggerated funny moments, which are the hallmarks of his films. For example, in his latest movie, he humorously portrays a circumcised boy who reacts to his relatives staring unexpectedly at his private parts. Another memorable scene involves a man explaining the concept of a ‘boy bestie’ using a plate of parotta and salna similar to his earlier hit film Idharkuthane Asaipattai Balkumar. These comedic moments are the highlights of the film, showcasing Gokul’s ability to deliver unconventional humor effortlessly.
Adding to the film’s humor is Sathyaraj, who shines as a miserly father-in-law. Gokul cleverly draws laughs from his character’s stinginess, like his decision to honeymoon alone to save money or his meticulous habit of pouring his drink back into the bottle when offered. Sathyaraj’s performance is so captivating that one wishes he was the main character, narrating the film through his strange adventures. However, despite these comedic strengths, the film takes a sudden turn after the interval.
Following its comedic first half, the film takes an unexpected turn towards sentimentality in its second half. This changes the tone of characters like Satyaraj and introduces a theme that, while well-meaning, doesn’t quite match the comedic fervor of the earlier part. Relying on fanciful emotional appeals and an extended climax that overstays its welcome, the story struggles to maintain its earlier momentum. Notably, the inclusion of real-life figures such as Singaporean politicians and the Prime Minister seems out of place, reminding viewers of the film’s earlier genuinely funny moments.
In conclusion, director Gokul demonstrates impressive comedic talent, but the film’s uneven narrative and tonal shifts undermine its overall impact. While the first half sparkles with inventive humor and spectacular performances, the second half loses steam with predictable emotional moments and a long drawn-out conclusion.
#SingaporeSaloon streaming now on @PrimeVideoIN ❤️ pic.twitter.com/ZGHRuzqO1d
— RJ Balaji (@RJ_Balaji) February 23, 2024
