View source for Ullam Ketkumae

{{Use Indian English|date=October 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2015}}
{{Infobox film
| name           = Ullam Ketkumae...
| image          = Ullam Ketkumae DVD Cover.jpg
| caption        = DVD Cover
| director       = [[Jeeva (director)|Jeeva]]
| writer     =Jeeva
{{Infobox
| decat = yes
| child = yes
| label1= Dialogues by
| data1 = {{ubl | [[Sujatha (writer)|Sujatha]]}}
}}
| studio         = [[GV Films|G. V. Films]]<br/>One Word Media Network Infotainment Ltd.
| starring       = [[Shaam (actor)|Shaam]]<br/>[[Arya (actor)|Arya]]<br/>[[Laila (actress)|Laila]]<br/>[[Asin]]<br/>[[Pooja (actress)|Pooja]]
| producer       = Mahadevan Ganesh<br/>Usha Venkatramani
| music          = [[Harris Jayaraj]]
| cinematography = Jeeva
| editing        = [[V. T. Vijayan]]
| distributor    = AP International<br/>[[Ayngaran International]]
| released       = {{Film date|2005|06|03|df=yes}}
| runtime        = 136 minutes
| country        = India
| language       = Tamil
}}

'''''Ullam Ketkumae...''''' ({{translation|The heart wants more}}) is a 2005 [[Tamil language|Tamil]]-language [[musical film|musical]] [[coming of age film]] written, cinematographed and directed by [[Jeeva (director)|Jeeva]], with dialogues by [[Sujatha (writer)|Sujatha]]. The film stars [[Shaam (actor)|Shaam]], [[Arya (actor)|Arya]], [[Laila (actress)|Laila]], [[Asin]] and [[Pooja Umashankar|Pooja]] as five college students. The film's score and soundtrack are composed by [[Harris Jayaraj]], while [[Vairamuthu]] penned the lyrics for the songs. The film tells the reunion of five friends who were together at college and exploring their relationships during the years.

The film released after several delays in 2005 and went on to win critical and commercial success. The film marked the first successful film for Jeeva and Shaam, while Arya and Asin received several film offers after the release of the film.

== Plot ==
The film is about a group of five college friends&nbsp;— Shyam, Emaan, Pooja, Priya and Irene. The friends gather for Emaan's wedding, years after everyone has parted ways.

The film starts with Pooja leaving the United States to go to Indian cricketer and her friend Emaan's wedding. Meanwhile, back in India, everyone else is helping Emaan with the preparations for his wedding and catching up with their long-lost college friends. The movie goes through series of flashbacks of old memories during their college days. Emaan and Irene meet for the first time after years. It turns out that they were once in love during their college days, but Irene, who is from an unstable family, decides to part ways with Emaan after he loses focus on his longtime goal of becoming a successful cricketer.

Another flashback occurs when Shyam gets reminded of Pooja, a fun-loving tomboyish and naive girl who is best friends with him. Shyam realizes that he is in love with Priya, but on the other hand, Pooja realizes that she is falling for Shyam. Shyam and Pooja had respectively decided to propose their love interests on the coming Valentine's Day, but on that day, Pooja learns beforehand that Shyam is in love with Priya instead. Heartbroken by what she has just learned, she decides to keep her love for him a secret. When Shyam proposes to Priya, she rejects his love as she believes in a more traditional approach towards finding a life partner. She reveals to him that she will be getting married, right after their graduation, to the man of her parents' choice. Pooja eventually goes to the US for her higher studies and settles down there. Shyam has also tried to move on since then and becomes a fashion designer.

The film transitions back to the present on Emaan's wedding day. Everyone attends his wedding as Pooja finally arrives. She is no longer the same girl she was back then as she is much more mature now and not as tomboyish as she was back then. Over sometime, Shyam has come to realize that he missed Pooja's presence and is much fond of her now. He realizes that he had failed to appreciate her all those times when she was there with him. The day after Emaan's wedding, Pooja leaves to catch her flight back to USA. Right before her departure, she decides to pass Shyam the Valentine's Day card that she had wanted to hand him during their college days and reveals her love for him. Shyam realizes that Pooja is the one that was meant to be for him and not Priya. The movie ends with Shyam accepting Pooja's love for him.

== Cast ==
{{cast listing|
*[[Shaam (actor)|Shaam]] as Shyam
*[[Arya (actor)|Arya]] as Emaan
*[[Laila (actress)|Laila]]  as Pooja
*[[Asin]] as Priya
*[[Pooja (actress)|Pooja]] as Irene
*[[Murali (Malayalam actor)|Murali]] as Pooja's father
*[[Srinath (Tamil actor)|Srinath]] as Pathchu
*[[Pyramid Natarajan]] as Priya's father
*[[K.P.A.C. Lalitha]] as Emaan's mother<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/5-major-tamil-films-that-kpac-lalitha-was-part-of/photostory/89780441.cms|title=5 memorable Tamil films that KPAC Lalitha was part of|date=23 February 2022|work=The Times of India|access-date=1 March 2022|archive-date=1 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301033953/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/5-major-tamil-films-that-kpac-lalitha-was-part-of/photostory/89780441.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>
*[[Revathi Sankaran]] as Priya's mother
*Japan Kumar as a college student
*Kaveri Lalchand as Irene's mother
*[[J. Rajiv Choudhry|Rajiv Choudary]] (uncredited) as Irene's father<ref>{{Cite web |last=Padmanabhan |first=Geeta |date=20 October 2005 |title=Artists, attitude, appreciation |website=[[The Hindu]] |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/artists-attitude-appreciation/article28210357.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20211110070637/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/artists-attitude-appreciation/article28210357.ece |archive-date=10 November 2021 |access-date=11 November 2021}}</ref>
*[[Krishnamachari Srikkanth]] (uncredited) as himself<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vaishvedhidha |title=CRICKETERS YOU DIDN'T KNOW WHO ALSO ACTED IN MOVIES! |url=https://www.behindwoods.com/news-shots-slideshow/cricketers-who-also-acted-in-movies-bollywood-kollywood/krishnamachari-srikkanth-acting.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211030023514/https://www.behindwoods.com/news-shots-slideshow/cricketers-who-also-acted-in-movies-bollywood-kollywood/krishnamachari-srikkanth-acting.html |archive-date=30 October 2021 |access-date=30 October 2021 |website=Behindwoods|date=14 November 2019 }}</ref>
*Hemanth Kumar (uncredited) as a college student<ref name="Hemanth Kumar">{{Cite web |last=Rangarajan |first=Malathi |date=15 February 2008 |title=A bloody climax |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/A-bloody-climax/article15397615.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201017043629/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/A-bloody-climax/article15397615.ece |archive-date=17 October 2020 |access-date=15 October 2020 |website=The Hindu}}</ref>
*[[Raju Sundaram]] as a singer in the song "Mazhai Mazhai" 
}}

== Production ==
<!-- http://chennaionline.com/location/pepsi.asp -->
=== Development and casting ===
{{Quote box|width=30%|align=Right|quote=I have done 15 films in Tamil. My favorite film is 'Ullam Kettkumae More'.  I enjoyed doing the character very much. I enjoyed every moment of the shooting.|source=&nbsp;— Laila in an interview, 2005<ref name="Laila" />}}
In April 2002, where it was reported that [[Shaam (actor)|Shaam]] and [[Richa Pallod]] were going to team up with director [[Jeeva (director)|Jeeva]], who had launched Shaam in ''[[12B]]'' ''(2001)'', for a college love story titled ''Pepsi''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=17 July 2002 |title=Taking everything in his stride |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/taking-everything-in-his-stride/article28375773.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201018093322/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/taking-everything-in-his-stride/article28375773.ece |archive-date=18 October 2020 |access-date=15 October 2020 |website=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=15 June 2020 |title='Virumandi' to 'Uriyadi': Five Tamil films that changed their titles before their release |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/virumandi-to-uriyadi-five-tamil-films-that-changed-their-titles-before-their-release/photostory/76388773.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118210021/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/virumandi-to-uriyadi-five-tamil-films-that-changed-their-titles-before-their-release/photostory/76388773.cms |archive-date=18 November 2020 |access-date=15 October 2020 |website=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Tulika |date=17 April 2002 |title=Choice of a new generation |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2002/apr/17ss.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200606055517/https://www.rediff.com/movies/2002/apr/17ss.htm |archive-date=6 June 2020 |access-date=15 October 2020 |website=[[Rediff.com]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2 June 2002 |title=Riding high on '12B' fame |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-life/riding-high-on-12b-fame/article28600473.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201013061845/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-life/riding-high-on-12b-fame/article28600473.ece |archive-date=13 October 2020 |access-date=15 October 2020 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> [[Susi Ganeshan]] had appealed for the title ''Pepsi'' for a film; however, since the title ''Pepsi'' was registered by Jeeva, Ganeshan ended up renaming his film ''[[Five Star (film)|Five Star]]'' (2002).<ref>{{Cite web |date=18 October 2002 |title=A tale of two names |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-life/a-tale-of-two-names/article28609196.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211215071333/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-life/a-tale-of-two-names/article28609196.ece |archive-date=15 December 2021 |access-date=15 October 2020 |website=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> The title ''Pepsi'' had stemmed from the first letter from the names of the five friends&nbsp;— Priya, Emaan, Pooja, Shyam and Irene.<ref name="Title">{{Cite web |date=29 March 2004 |title=Title trick |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/title-trick/article28205081.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211215071347/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/title-trick/article28205081.ece |archive-date=15 December 2021 |access-date=15 October 2020 |website=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> The film was later renamed and the film took part of the brand [[Pepsi]]'s tagline in Tamil Nadu – ''Ullam Ketkumae More'' – as the new title.<ref name="Laila">{{Cite web |date=18 August 2005 |title=Laila, the 'accidental' actress |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/laila-the-accidental-actress/article27450405.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201018023026/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/laila-the-accidental-actress/article27450405.ece |archive-date=18 October 2020 |access-date=15 October 2020 |website=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref><ref name="Title" />

[[Laila (actress)|Laila]] was reported to be the lead heroine among the cast.<ref name="Laila" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=20 February 2003 |title=An appointment with a star |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-life/an-appointment-with-a-star/article28635384.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201016041045/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-life/an-appointment-with-a-star/article28635384.ece |archive-date=16 October 2020 |access-date=15 October 2003 |website=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> [[Asin]] signed the film and the film was meant to mark her début in Tamil films.<ref name="H">{{Cite web |date=11 June 2005 |title=On a high |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/on-a-high/article28170626.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211215071350/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/on-a-high/article28170626.ece |archive-date=15 December 2021 |access-date=15 October 2020 |website=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=19 September 2010 |title=Bouquets and diktats |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-cinemaplus/Bouquets-and-diktats/article15973833.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220425032436/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-cinemaplus/Bouquets-and-diktats/article15973833.ece |archive-date=25 April 2022 |access-date=15 October 2019 |website=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> This was the second film that Asin worked on after the Malayalam film ''[[Narendran Makan Jayakanthan Vaka]]'' (2001).<ref>{{Cite web |date=1 November 2005 |title=Asin, up close and personal |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/2005/nov/01shobha.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304063356/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2005/nov/01shobha.htm |archive-date=4 March 2016 |access-date=15 October 2020 |website=[[Rediff.com]]}}</ref> While working as a software engineer, Jamshad was approached by Jeeva to audition for the film in 2003 after Jeeva spotted him walking in his neighbourhood.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1 July 2005 |title=Interaction with Shaam and Jeeva |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/interaction-with-shaam-and-jeeva/article27414129.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211215071351/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/interaction-with-shaam-and-jeeva/article27414129.ece |archive-date=15 December 2021 |access-date=15 October 2020 |website=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref><ref name="Name">{{Cite web |date=13 August 2014 |title=Jeeva gave the onscreen name Arya |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/did-you-know/Jeeva-gave-the-onscreen-name-Arya/articleshow/40051945.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211215071333/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/did-you-know/Jeeva-gave-the-onscreen-name-Arya/articleshow/40051945.cms |archive-date=15 December 2021 |access-date=15 October 2020 |website=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref> Jeeva gave Jamshad the stage name of [[Arya (actor)|Arya]] for this film.<ref name="Name" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=13 June 2005 |title=Chat transcript of the Arya chat! |url=https://www.sify.com/movies/chat-transcript-of-the-arya-chat-news-tamil-kkfv32jifgasi.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020064354/https://www.sify.com/movies/chat-transcript-of-the-arya-chat-news-tamil-kkfv32jifgasi.html |archive-date=20 October 2020 |access-date=14 October 2020 |website=[[Sify]]}}</ref> [[Pooja Umashankar|Pooja]] was also signed on to make her début.<ref>{{Cite news |date=30 November 2007 |title=Oram Po... here she comes |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-cinemaplus/oram-po-here-she-comes/article3024042.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211215071353/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-cinemaplus/oram-po-here-she-comes/article3024042.ece |archive-date=15 December 2021 |access-date=15 October 2020 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> [[Srinath (Tamil actor)|Srinath]], who worked as an assistant director under Jeeva in ''12B'', was cast in this film as Shaam and Arya's friend.<ref>{{Cite web |date=14 January 2007 |title=Jeeva's blue-eyed boy: Srinath |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Jeeas-blue-eyed-boy-Srinath/articleshow/4535211.cms?referral=PM |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201013061857/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Jeeas-blue-eyed-boy-Srinath/articleshow/4535211.cms?referral=PM |archive-date=13 October 2020 |access-date=23 February 2020 |website=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref> [[Rajesh (Tamil actor)|Rajesh]] dubbed for Malayalam actor [[Murali (Malayalam actor)|Murali]] in the film.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kumar |first=S. R. Ashok |date=24 April 2020 |title=Life has come full circle |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/life-has-come-a-full-circle/article31419804.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20211110203559/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/life-has-come-a-full-circle/article31419804.ece |archive-date=10 November 2021 |access-date=11 November 2021 |website=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> Model Hemanth Kumar was cast as a college student.<ref name="Hemanth Kumar" />

=== Filming ===
Art director [[Thota Tharani]] created a college campus for the film to be shot in, with his work drawing appreciation.<ref>{{Cite news |date=19 April 2004 |title=Campus caper |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/campus-caper/article28207813.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211215071337/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/campus-caper/article28207813.ece |archive-date=15 December 2021 |access-date=15 October 2020 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> A scene featuring an inter college day cultural had 100 students from various states take part in the shooting while decorations and a podium were put up for a marriage scene in Taj Connemara hotel.<ref name="C">{{Cite web |title=15 Years of Ullam Ketkumae: A nostalgic lookback at the romantic drama that sparked off a reunion pop-culture |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/photos/slideshows/2020/jun/06/15-years-of-ullam-ketkumae-a-nostalgic-lookback-at-the-romantic-drama-that-sparked-off-a-reunion-po-1048.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200712150510/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/photos/slideshows/2020/jun/06/15-years-of-ullam-ketkumae-a-nostalgic-lookback-at-the-romantic-drama-that-sparked-off-a-reunion-po-1048.html |archive-date=12 July 2020 |access-date=28 September 2020 |website=[[Cinema Express]]}}</ref> [[Raju Sundaram]] choreographed five songs including a song shot at hot water springs in [[New Zealand]].<ref name="C" />

The film went through production hell, with three years being spent on the announcement till release.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Subramanian |first=Anupama |date=12 June 2015 |title=I open up to all my heroines: Arya |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/150711/entertainment-kollywood/article/i-open-all-my-heroines-arya-0 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201016023623/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/150711/entertainment-kollywood/article/i-open-all-my-heroines-arya-0 |archive-date=16 October 2020 |access-date=15 October 2020 |website=[[Deccan Chronicle]]}}</ref> The film was supposed to be the debut film of Arya, Asin, and Pooja.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Suganth |first=M. |date=16 January 2017 |title=When the first film isn't the debut film! |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/When-the-first-film-isnt-the-debut-film/articleshow/53723545.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201130103517/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/When-the-first-film-isnt-the-debut-film/articleshow/53723545.cms |archive-date=30 November 2020 |access-date=15 October 2020 |website=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Srinivasan |first=Sudhir |date=24 May 2015 |title=Acting is the last thing an actor should do |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-cinemaplus/acting-is-the-last-thing-an-actor-should-do/article7239606.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201017123318/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-cinemaplus/acting-is-the-last-thing-an-actor-should-do/article7239606.ece |archive-date=17 October 2020 |access-date=15 October 2020 |website=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Indira Lakshminarayana |first=Shruti |date=29 June 2011 |title=Pooja: Shah Rukh Khan is very famous in Sri Lanka |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-south-interview-with-pooja-umashankar/20110629.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125064409/https://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-south-interview-with-pooja-umashankar/20110629.htm |archive-date=25 January 2021 |access-date=15 October 2020 |website=[[Rediff.com]]}}</ref> The delay of the film enabled the lead actors to gain popularity with other releases: ''[[Arinthum Ariyamalum]]'' (2005) for Arya,<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 May 2005 |title=Arindhum Ariyamalum |url=https://www.sify.com/movies/arindhum-ariyamalum-review-tamil-pclvJHdbbdcga.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801185431/https://www.sify.com/movies/arindhum-ariyamalum-review-tamil-pclvJHdbbdcga.html |archive-date=1 August 2021 |access-date=15 October 2020 |website=[[Sify]]}}</ref> ''[[M. Kumaran Son of Mahalakshmi]]'' (2004) for Asin,<ref>{{Cite web |date=8 October 2004 |title=M. Kumaran Son of ... |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/m-kumaran-son-of/article28577274.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191207195603/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/m-kumaran-son-of/article28577274.ece |archive-date=7 December 2019 |access-date=15 October 2004 |website=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> and ''[[Jay Jay]]'' (2003) and ''[[Attahasam]]'' (2004) for Pooja.<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 November 2003 |title=Jay Jay |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/jay-jay/article28574783.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211215071337/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/jay-jay/article28574783.ece |archive-date=15 December 2021 |access-date=15 October 2020 |website=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=23 November 2004 |title=Ajith tastes success! |url=http://ia.rediff.com/movies/2004/nov/23ss.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120718064044/http://ia.rediff.com/movies/2004/nov/23ss.htm |archive-date=18 July 2012 |access-date=19 June 2013 |website=[[Rediff.com]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=27 June 2007 |title=Director Jeeva dead |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/Director-Jeeva-dead/article14783730.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201017060932/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/Director-Jeeva-dead/article14783730.ece |archive-date=17 October 2020 |access-date=15 October 2020 |website=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> Despite giving indications that the film would release after delays on 14 April 2004 it was further pushed back due to financial issues.<ref>{{Cite web |date=8 April 2004 |title=No superstar releases on Tamil New Year |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/no-superstar-releases-on-tamil-new-year-news-tamil-kkfvMueejed.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022120244/http://www.sify.com/movies/no-superstar-releases-on-tamil-new-year-news-tamil-kkfvMueejed.html |archive-date=22 October 2012 |access-date=15 October 2020 |website=[[Sify]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2 April 2004 |title=A bubbly team this time |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/a-bubbly-team-this-time/article28575977.ece |access-date=15 October 2020 |website=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> In May 2005, the Supreme Court finally cleared the decks for the release, as earlier the Madras High court by a 25 February order appointed "Joint Receivers" for the film, which was objected by Prasad Labs who had gone to Supreme Court.<ref name="C" /> It was agreed that the collections from the film will be received by "joint receivers" who will pay Prasad Labs for 72 prints of the film.<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 May 2005 |title=At last, 'Ullam Ketkume' releases! |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/at-last-ullam-ketkume-releases-news-tamil-kkfv3Rbggge.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022120309/http://www.sify.com/movies/at-last-ullam-ketkume-releases-news-tamil-kkfv3Rbggge.html |archive-date=22 October 2012 |access-date=15 October 2020 |website=[[Sify]]}}</ref>

== Music ==
The music and background score were composed by [[Harris Jayaraj]] and became popular upon release.<ref name="Tamil" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ramanujam |first=Srinivasa |date=15 January 2019 |title=I killed my youth working |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/i-killed-my-youth-working/article25917384.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201018033928/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/i-killed-my-youth-working/article25917384.ece |archive-date=18 October 2020 |access-date=15 October 2019 |website=The Hindu}}</ref>

{{Infobox album
| name       = Ullam Ketkumae
| type       = [[Soundtrack]]
| artist     = [[Harris Jayaraj]]
| cover      =
| alt        =
| released   = 22 April 2005
| recorded   =2005
| venue      =
| studio     =
| genre      = [[Film soundtrack|Feature film soundtrack]]
| length     =27:28
| label      = Hit Musics<br />Vega Music<br />Bayshore<br />[[Divo (record label)|Divo]]<br />[[Think Music]]
| language = [[Tamil (language)|Tamil]]
| producer   = [[Harris Jayaraj]]
| prev_title = [[Thotti Jaya]]
| prev_year  = 2005
| next_title = [[Anniyan]]
| next_year  = 2005
}}
{{track listing|
|extra_column=Singer(s)
|headline = ''Ullam Ketkumae''
|total_length=27:28
|title1=Ennai Pandhada|extra1= [[Srinivas (singer)|Srinivas]], [[Srimathumitha]] |lyrics1 = [[Vairamuthu]]|length1= 4:52
|title2=Kanavugal|extra2=[[Karthik (singer)|Karthik]], [[Tippu (singer)|Tippu]], O. S. Arun, [[Premji Amaran]], [[Febi Mani]]| lyrics2 = [[Pa. Vijay]]|length2=5:33
|title3=O Maname|extra3=[[Hariharan (singer)|Hariharan]]| lyrics3 = Vairamuthu|length3=4:55
|title4=Mazhai Mazhai|extra4=[[P. Unnikrishnan]], [[Harini (singer)|Harini]] | lyrics4 =Vairamuthu|length4=4:55
|title5=Dho Dho|extra5=[[Franco Simon|Franko]], [[KK (singer)|KK]]| lyrics5 = Vairamuthu|length5=5:45
|title6=Lieko Laima|extra6=[[Ranjith (singer)|Ranjith]]| lyrics6 = Pa. Vijay|length6=1:28
}}
{{track listing|
|extra_column=Singer(s)
|headline = ''Preminchi Choodu''<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/preminchi-choodu-original-motion-picture-soundtrack-ep/1182333147|title=Preminchi Choodu (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) - EP|work=[[Apple Music]]|date=2014|access-date=31 May 2014|archive-date=30 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240530215514/https://music.apple.com/us/album/preminchi-choodu-original-motion-picture-soundtrack-ep/1182333147|url-status=live}}</ref>
|total_length=28:03
|all_writing = [[Bhuvanachandra]].
|title1=Enno Janmala Bandham|extra1= [[Srinivas (singer)|Srinivas]], [[Saindhavi]]|length1= 4:53
|title2=Enno Ennenno Kalale|extra2=[[Karthik (singer)|Karthik]], [[Premji Amaran]], [[Febi Mani]], [[Pop Shalini]],
 [[Suchitra]]| length2=5:34
|title3=O Manasa|extra3=[[Madhu Balakrishnan]]| length3=4:54
|title4=Shodhinchuko|extra4=[[P. Unnikrishnan]], [[Harini (singer)|Harini]] |length4=4:55
|title5=Sie Sie Sie|extra5=[[Franco Simon|Franko]], [[KK (singer)|KK]]| length5=5:49
|title6=Lieko Laima|extra6=[[Ranjith (singer)|Ranjith]]| length6=1:58
}}

== Release ==
''Ullam Ketkumae'' was released on 3 June 2005 and became a commercial success at the box office with pundits describing the film as a "super hit".<ref name="S">{{Cite web |date=7 June 2005 |title='Ullam Ketkume' – A sleeper hit! |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/ullam-ketkume-a-sleeper-hit-news-tamil-kkfv3Feggei.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121005173945/http://www.sify.com/movies/ullam-ketkume-a-sleeper-hit-news-tamil-kkfv3Feggei.html |archive-date=5 October 2012 |access-date=15 October 2020 |website=[[Sify]]}}</ref><ref name="Tamil" />  The film took a 90 percent opening in four Chennai screens with large collections reported at the Devi theatre in [[Chennai]] in the opening weekend.<ref name="S" /> The film opened at number two at the Chennai box office despite stiff competition, just below the [[Rajinikanth]] starrer ''[[Chandramukhi]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 June 2005 |title=Chennai weekend box-office (June 3–5) |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/chennai-weekend-box-office-june-3-5-news-boxoffice-kkfv3Cgdffd.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022120401/http://www.sify.com/movies/chennai-weekend-box-office-june-3-5-news-boxoffice-kkfv3Cgdffd.html |archive-date=22 October 2012 |access-date=15 October 2020 |website=[[Sify]]}}</ref> This was the first commercially successful film for both Jeeva and Shaam after their previous venture ''12B'' did not fare as well.<ref name="Struggle">{{Cite web |date=30 June 2005 |title=I believe in inner resolve |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/i-believe-in-inner-resolve/article28172619.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211215071340/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/i-believe-in-inner-resolve/article28172619.ece |archive-date=15 December 2021 |access-date=15 October 2020 |website=The Hindu}}</ref><ref name="Tamil">{{Cite web|last=Gopalakrishnan|first=S.|date=26 June 2020|title=ஒளிப்பதிவாளர் - இயக்குநர் ஜீவா நினைவு நாள்: குறைந்த படங்களில் நிறைய சாதித்த கலைஞன்!|trans-title=Cinematographer – Director Jeeva Memorial Day: Artist who has achieved a lot in lesser films!|url=https://www.hindutamil.in/news/cinema/tamil-cinema/561343-director-jeeva-death-anniversary-3.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201014015029/https://www.hindutamil.in/news/cinema/tamil-cinema/561343-director-jeeva-death-anniversary-3.html|archive-date=14 October 2020|access-date=13 October 2020|website=[[Hindu Tamil Thisai]]|language=ta}}</ref> The film was also dubbed in Telugu as ''Preminchi Choodu'' and released on 30 March 2006.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/another-dubbed-venture--news-20897|title=Another dubbed venture|date=8 March 2006|work=Indiaglitz|access-date=31 May 2024}}</ref><ref name="F">{{Cite web |last=Pulla |first=Priyanka |title=Preminchi Choodu Review |url=https://movies.fullhyderabad.com/preminchi-choodu/telugu/preminchi-choodu-movie-reviews-1610-2.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201018022351/https://movies.fullhyderabad.com/preminchi-choodu/telugu/preminchi-choodu-movie-reviews-1610-2.html |archive-date=18 October 2020 |access-date=15 October 2020 |website=Full Hyderabad}}</ref>

=== Critical reception ===
A critic from ''[[Sify]]'' gave the film a verdict of above average and stated that "On the whole, Jeeva has been successful to make an entertainer with a very good story. Everything, from the choice of lead actors, their lines and gestures, interpersed with perfect song-n-dance is perfectly coordinated".<ref>{{Cite web |date=6 June 2005 |title=Ullam Ketkume |url=https://www.sify.com/movies/ullam-ketkume-review-tamil-pclvKabjahdda.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160802172320/http://www.sify.com/movies/ullam-ketkume-review-tamil-pclvKabjahdda.html |archive-date=2 August 2016 |access-date=15 October 2020 |website=[[Sify]]}}</ref> Malini Mannath of ''Chennai Online'' opined that Laila's performance was the "surprise packet" and that "Jeeva's camera provides some colourful visuals and together with Harris Jairaj's peppy numbers adds to the film's entertainment value. ''Ullam Kelkumae'' is an urban ''[[Autograph (2004 film)|Autograph]]'', worth a watch".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.chennaionline.com/film/Moviereviews/2005/06ullamketkume.asp|title=Ullam Ketkume|work=Chennai Online|date=10 June 2005|last=Mannath|first=Malini|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061014121501/http://www.chennaionline.com/film/Moviereviews/2005/06ullamketkume.asp|archive-date=14 October 2006|access-date=1 March 2022}}</ref> Visual Dasan of ''[[Kalki (magazine)|Kalki]]'' praised Jeeva's realistic characters, the acting of the cast, and Harris Jayaraj's music. He said the film can be rewatched for the feelings it induces.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dasan |first=Visual |date=26 June 2005 |title=உள்ளம் கேட்குமே... |trans-title=Ullam Ketkumae... |url=https://archive.org/details/kalki2005-06-26/page/32/mode/2up |access-date=24 April 2022 |work=[[Kalki (magazine)|Kalki]] |language=ta |via=[[Internet Archive]]}}</ref> Regarding the Telugu dubbed version, a critic from ''Full Hyderabad'' wrote that "It’s refreshingly free of sweaty, gory fights and ugly villains. Instead it’s eye-candy all the way, from beginning to end. Now that’s what the best Telugu films always are, so this definitely calls for a closer look".<ref name="F"/>

== Legacy ==
''Ullam Ketkumae'' was notably one of the first Tamil films in the reunion genre.<ref name="C" /> Several news websites including ''[[The Times of India]]'' and ''[[The New Indian Express]]'' listed this film as one to watch on Friendship Day along with several other films including ''[[Thalapathi]]'' (1991), ''[[Kadhal Desam]]'' (1996), ''[[Friends (2001 film)|Friends]]'' (2001), ''[[Chennai 600028]]'' (2007), ''[[Naadodigal]]'' (2009), and ''[[Nanban (2012 film)|Nanban]]'' (2012).<ref>{{Cite web |date=6 April 2020 |title='Ullam Ketkumae' to 'Endrendrum Punnagai': Five Tamil films to enjoy with your friends |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/ullam-ketkumae-to-endrendrum-punnagai-five-tamil-films-to-enjoy-with-your-friends/photostory/75010948.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200426205749/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/ullam-ketkumae-to-endrendrum-punnagai-five-tamil-films-to-enjoy-with-your-friends/photostory/75010948.cms |archive-date=26 April 2020 |access-date=15 October 2020 |website=The Times of India}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title='Thalapathi' to 'Nanban': Must watch films on Friendship Day |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/photo-features/thalapathi-to-nanban-must-watch-films-on-friendship-day/thalapathi/photostory/65278761.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211215071336/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/photo-features/thalapathi-to-nanban-must-watch-films-on-friendship-day/thalapathi/photostory/65278761.cms |archive-date=15 December 2021 |access-date=15 October 2020 |website=The Times of India}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=4 August 2019 |title=From Kadhal Desam to Naadodigal: 12 must-watch Tamil movies that celebrate friendship |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/galleries/entertainment/2019/aug/04/from-kadhal-desam-to-naadodigal-12-must-watch-tamil-movies-that-celebrate-friendship-102450.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201019102525/https://www.newindianexpress.com/galleries/entertainment/2019/aug/04/from-kadhal-desam-to-naadodigal-12-must-watch-tamil-movies-that-celebrate-friendship-102450--1.html |archive-date=19 October 2020 |access-date=15 October 2020 |website=The New Indian Express}}</ref>

The success of the film brought a series of offers for [[Shaam (actor)|Shaam]], whose career was struggling prior to release.<ref name="Struggle" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2005-06-28 |title=Shaam- A new lease of life! |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/shaam-a-new-lease-of-life-news-tamil-kkfv3jahcjf.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022120445/http://www.sify.com/movies/shaam-a-new-lease-of-life-news-tamil-kkfv3jahcjf.html |archive-date=2012-10-22 |access-date=15 October 2020 |website=[[Sify]]}}</ref> The success of the film prompted ''[[ABCD (film)|ABCD]]'', another film starring Shaam, to release two months later.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pillai |first=Sreedhar |date=30 June 2005 |title=Shaam is all smiles! |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/shaam-is-all-smiles/article28172633.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201015165153/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/shaam-is-all-smiles/article28172633.ece |archive-date=15 October 2020 |access-date=15 October 2020 |website=The Hindu}}</ref> [[Arya (actor)|Arya]] and [[Asin]] were able to consolidate their positions as rising actors.<ref>{{Cite web |date=16 June 2005 |title=Arya- In demand! |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/arya-in-demand-news-tamil-kkfv31jcfbc.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022120630/http://www.sify.com/movies/arya-in-demand-news-tamil-kkfv31jcfbc.html |archive-date=22 October 2012 |access-date=15 October 2020 |website=[[Sify]]}}</ref><ref name="H" />

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
*{{IMDb title}}

{{Jeeva (director)}}
{{Sujatha}}

[[Category:2000s buddy films]]
[[Category:2000s Indian films]]
[[Category:2000s Tamil-language films]]
[[Category:2005 films]]
[[Category:2005 romantic drama films]]
[[Category:Films directed by Jeeva]]
[[Category:Films scored by Harris Jayaraj]]
[[Category:Films set in universities and colleges]]
[[Category:Indian buddy drama films]]
[[Category:Indian romantic drama films]]
[[Category:Tamil-language Indian films]]
[[Category:Tamil-language romantic drama films]]