Aadukalam

Aadukalam (English: Arena) is a 2011 Indian Tamil drama film written and directed by Vetrimaran. The film stars Dhanush, Taapsee Pannu, V. I. S. Jayapalan and Kishore. The film was released on 14 January 2011 to positive critical feedback. The film won six awards at the 58th National Film Awards, including Best Director, Best Screenplay and Best Actor. The film was also felicitated with five awards in 59th Filmfare Awards South - Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Music Director and Best Cinematography. Based on an online poll by The Times of India, Vetri Maaran was chosen as the best director for Aadukalam. The Telugu dubbed version Pandem Kollu released on 30 January 2015.

Plot

In Madurai, veteran rooster trainer Pettaikaaran (V. I. S. Jayapalan) and police inspector Rathnaswamy (Naren) are tough competitors in cockfights and it is often Pettai who wins because nobody knows his way of maintaining the quality of the birds.

Karuppu (Dhanush) and Durai (Kishore) are the favourites in Pettaikaran's team. Karuppu is very talented in breeding and training roosters. Durai is very rich and he owns three bars in Thiruparangundram town. He is also talented in cock training. Rathnasamy keeps insisting on having one last fight to win and satisfy his old mother’s wish but Pettaikaran declines to have any more fights with him because he feels Rathnasamy has lost faith in his roosters and will be using nefarious methods to win. Rathnasamy keeps insisting and tries to make him accept the challenge through cajoling, threatening, bribing and other vile acts.