The original release of ‘Friends’ in 2001, a Tamil remake of director Siddique‘s own Malayalam film, was a resounding box office success. Starring Thalapathy Vijay and a then-emerging Suriya, along with comedian Vadivelu, the film was a major hit during a successful period for Vijay’s career. Its commercial triumph was not merely due to star power, but its universal themes of unwavering friendship between Aravindhan (Vijay) and Chandru (Suriya), which deeply resonated with audiences.
The cinematic magic was significantly amplified by two key factors: the melodious compositions of Ilaiyaraaja and the unforgettable comedy tracks. Songs like “Thendral Varum” became instant classics. However, it was Vadivelu‘s side-splitting performance as Nesamani that arguably stole the show. His scenes became an iconic benchmark for Tamil film comedy, proving to be a major crowd-puller and a substantial pillar of the film’s success. Even years later, the ‘Nesamani’ character continues to be a rich source of memes and pop culture references, illustrating the enduring nature of his comic genius.
Suriya’s Ascent: The Star is Born
While the film was a success for established star Vijay, ‘Friends’ provided a crucial platform for Suriya. Playing the role of Chandru, one of the two best friends, Suriya’s portrayal of a sincere, yet troubled, young man was critically appreciated by both critics and audiences. His performance showcased a depth and maturity that hinted at the powerhouse actor he would become.
Following ‘Friends’, Suriya’s career witnessed a rapid ascent, marked by landmark roles in films like Nandha (2001), Kaakha Kaakha (2003), and Ghajini (2005). These subsequent successes solidified him as ‘Nadippin Nayagan’ (Hero of Acting) and one of the most versatile and bankable stars in South Indian cinema. ‘Friends’ remains an early, bright highlight, capturing the chemistry between the two lead stars at a pivotal point in their careers.
The New Re-Release Wave: A Political Shadow
The upcoming 4K Dolby Atmos re-release on November 21, 2025, taps into the growing trend of showcasing remastered classics for new generations and nostalgic fans. This trend has seen remarkable success in Tamil cinema, notably with Vijay’s own 2004 blockbuster, ‘Ghilli’, which broke re-release records globally, reaffirming the star’s massive theatrical draw.
However, the path for ‘Friends’ is complicated by the mixed reception to Vijay’s more recent re-release of ‘Kushi’. While the excitement was palpable, industry reports suggest ‘Kushi’ did not match the massive box office success of ‘Ghilli’. This dip in enthusiasm is widely attributed to the tragic crowd crush at a political rally in Karur hosted by Vijay’s party, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), which resulted in multiple fatalities. The incident, compounded by reports of “negligence and lethargy” in event management and a considerable delay in the leader’s arrival, has resulted in a negative public image for the actor-politician. This challenging political climate raises questions about whether the pure cinematic appeal of ‘Friends’ can overcome the recent controversies that have seemingly affected the celebratory atmosphere surrounding Vijay’s theatrical re-releases.
