Vasool Raja MBBS

Vasool Raja MBBS Poster

Vasool Raja MBBS is a 2004 Indian Tamil-language comedy film directed by Saravanan. It stars Kamal Haasan in the title role and is a remake of the Hindi film Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. (2003), which itself drew inspiration from the American film Patch Adams (1998). The film co-stars Prabhu, Sneha, and Prakash Raj among others, with music composed by Bharadwaj. Vasool Raja MBBS was released to critical and commercial success, becoming one of the highest-grossing Tamil films of 2004.

Plot

The story revolves around Vasool Raja (Kamal Haasan), a small-time goon in Chennai who has a heart of gold. His life takes a turn when his parents, deceived by his false stories of medical achievement, wish to see him as a doctor. To fulfill his parents' dreams, Raja enrolls in a medical college, where he faces challenges due to his unconventional methods but eventually wins everyone's heart, including the dean of the college, played by Prakash Raj. The film blends humor with moments of emotional depth, exploring themes of redemption, the importance of genuine care in the medical profession, and the idea that it's never too late to change one's path.

Cast

• Kamal Haasan as Vasool Raja
• Prabhu as Dr. Chandramouli, Raja's best friend
• Sneha as Janaki, Raja's love interest
• Prakash Raj as the Dean of the medical college
• Nagesh as Raja's father
• Rohini Hattangadi as Raja's mother
• Crazy Mohan as the compounder

Production

The film's production began in 2003, with director Saravanan helming the project as a remake of Munna Bhai M.B.B.S., which was a substantial success in Bollywood. Kamal Haasan was keen on adapting the story to suit Tamil audiences, incorporating local flavors and humor. The screenplay was adapted by Crazy Mohan, known for his wit and comedic timing, ensuring the dialogues were a blend of humor and sentiment.

Music

The soundtrack of Vasool Raja MBBS was composed by Bharadwaj, with lyrics penned by Vaali and Snehan. The music received positive reviews, with tracks like "Pathukulle Number" and "Cheena Thaana" becoming chartbusters.

Reception

Upon release, Vasool Raja MBBS received positive reviews for its performances, particularly Kamal Haasan's, its direction, and its successful adaptation of the original Hindi film. Critics praised the film for maintaining the essence of Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. while adding its unique flavor. The film was a commercial success, running in theaters for several months.

Legacy

Vasool Raja MBBS is considered a classic in Tamil cinema, remembered for its humor, heartwarming narrative, and Kamal Haasan's performance. It showcased how well Bollywood films could be adapted into the Tamil film landscape, setting a precedent for future remakes.