Cobra is a 2022 Indian Tamil-language psychological action thriller film directed by R. Ajay Gnanamuthu and produced by 7 Screen Studio. The film stars Vikram in dual roles, alongside Srinidhi Shetty, Irfan Pathan, Roshan Mathew, Sarjano Khalid, Mirnalini Ravi, Miya George, K. S. Ravikumar, Anandaraj, Robo Shankar and Meenakshi Govindarajan. It marked the acting debut of Irfan Pathan, previously a cricketer, and the Tamil debuts of Roshan Mathew, Sarjano Khalid and Srinidhi Shetty. In the film, an Interpol officer is assigned to catch a mysterious assassin, who intelligently assassinates people using mathematical skills, named "Cobra".
Cobra | |
---|---|
Directed by | R. Ajay Gnanamuthu |
Written by |
|
Produced by | S. S. Lalit Kumar |
Starring | |
Cinematography | Harish Kannan |
Edited by | Bhuvan Srinivasan John Abraham |
Music by | A. R. Rahman |
Production company | |
Distributed by | Red Giant Movies |
Release date |
|
Running time | 183 minutes (theatrical release version)[2] |
Country | India |
Language | Tamil |
Budget | est. ₹100 crore[3] |
Box office | est. ₹59 crore[4] |
The project was officially announced in May 2019, under the tentative title Vikram 58 as it is the actor's 58th film as a lead actor, and the official title was announced that December. Principal photography commenced in October 2019 and nearly took three years due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cinema, travel restrictions and Vikram's commitments on other projects, wrapping only in February 2022. It was primarily shot in Chennai, while filming also took place in Kerala, Kolkata and Russia. The film has music composed by A. R. Rahman, cinematography handled by Harish Kannan and editing by John Abraham and Bhuvan Srinivasan.
Cobra was released worldwide on 31 August 2022 in theatres, coinciding with Vinayaka Chathurthi, to mixed-to-negative reviews from critics, who praised Vikram's performance, Rahman's music, the cinematography and concept but criticized its convoluted screenwriting and excessive length. The film was a box-office bomb.
Plot
editA Turkish Interpol officer, Aslan Yilmaz, investigates the assassinations of the Chief Minister of Odisha, the Mayor of France and the Prince of Scotland, where he, with a young Tamil criminologist Judith Samson, deduces that "Cobra", a skilled assassin, is the mastermind behind the assassinations. The duo learn that Cobra perfectly assassinates his targets using mathematical skills, leading them to believe that the master assassin is a professor of mathematics.
Meanwhile, Mathiyazhagan, "Mathi", a mathematics professor revealed to be Cobra, receives his next assignment from his mentor and senior journalist in Kolkata, Nellaiappan. He is to kill the Russian defence minister, Dmitri Yugolsav. He travels to Russia, successfully assassinates him and escapes, despite tight security from the Interpol and Aslan's plan that almost trapped him. Before Yugolsav's assassination, Aslan and his team watch a telecasted conversation between Nellaiappan and Nawab, who works at a company named Rishi Corporation, where he concludes that the victims connect to the company's owner, Rajeev Rishi, a psychotic and sadistic business magnate, who inherited the company from his father. Rishi runs a criminal syndicate that targets people who oppose his company. Following the engagement to his criminologist girlfriend and Judith's teacher, Bhavana Menon, Mathi learns that someone has kidnapped Nellaiappan and discovers they are targeting him from the beginning of his assignments.
After a clue from Sudoku, Mathi receives a call from the person, who is Mathi's doppelgänger, where he challenges Mathi to save himself from him. An unexpected turn of events reveals "Mathi" to be Kathirvelan "Kathir", Mathi's schizophrenic long-lost twin brother, and the doppelgänger who challenged Kathir is the real Mathi. Since Mathi killed the cop for insulting their mother, who received a sentence of hanging after being sentenced to prison for murder, they have been living separately since childhood. Rishi sends men to capture Mathi, but Kathir manages to kill them. Mathi had been holding a grudge against Kathir, as he was responsible for the death of his girlfriend, Jennifer Rosario, who was the daughter of the Kolkata city commissioner Rosario. Jennifer's relatives threw Mathi away on a boat which reached Thailand, and the police arrested him as a criminal and sentenced him to seven years in prison. Mathi learns about Kathir's identity as Cobra and plans to seek vengeance for Jennifer's death, where he reveals that he was the one who was sending clues about the assassinations to Interpol.
Mathi hands over Kathir to Aslan, where Anand Subramaniam, the investigating officer and Rishi's mole, takes Kathir's help to capture Mathi. Kathir brings them to Mathi's hideout, which is an under-constructed mall. Rishi and his men arrive, and a fight ensues between the gang and Kathir, where he successfully subdues them. Mathi confronts Kathir about Jennifer's death. Kathir reveals that he had arranged for Mathi and Jennifer to leave for Bangladesh, but her father and relatives followed and killed her. After clearing the misunderstanding, Kathir reveals that he killed Jennifer's relatives and locks Mathi in a room. Kathir kills Rishi and his men single-handedly but gets shot and succumbs to his injuries, leaving Mathi and Bhavana devastated.
Cast
edit- Vikram in a dual role as:
- Kathirvelan "Kathir" a.k.a. Cobra (he goes under six different disguises such as Father Stephen, Durai Saravanan, John Thomas, George Hilbert, Benedict Abraham and Antony Kent)
- Mathiyazhagan "Madhi", Kathir's twin brother
- Sarjano Khalid as teenage Mathi and Kathir (voice-over by Vikram)
- Srinidhi Shetty as Bhavana Menon (voice-over by Raveena Ravi)
- Irfan Pathan as Aslan Yilmaz
- Roshan Mathew as Rajeev Rishi
- Miya George as Mathi's and Kathir's mother, an imaginary person who comes in Kathir's mind during schizophrenic effect
- Mirnalini Ravi as Jennifer Rosario (voice-over by Teju Ashwini)
- K. S. Ravikumar as Nellaiappan
- Anandaraj as the head of Mathi's and Kathir's orphanage, an imaginary person who comes in Kathir's mind during schizophrenic effect
- Robo Shankar as Kumaresan
- Shaji Chen as Gilbert Rosario
- Meenakshi Govindarajan as Judith Samson (Judy)
- John Vijay as Anand Subramaniam
- Mohammad Ali Baig as Kathir's guru, an imaginary person who comes in Kathir's mind during schizophrenic effect
- Raneesh
- Kumar Natarajan as the Chief Minister of Odisha
- Suresh Chandra Menon as Nawab
- Adhik Ravichandran[who?]
- Mamukkoya as Bhavana's relative
- Poovaiyar as N. Sathish
- Renuka as Bhavana's mother
- Anjana Appukuttan as Kumareshan's wife
- Twins Dannah Mariam Boney Kuriakose as Bhavana's niece
- Hannah Sarah Boney Kuriakose as Bhavana's niece
- Sindhu Shyam as Bhavana's relative
- Jeeva Ravi as Rishi's assistant
Production
editDevelopment
editIn May 2019, Producer S. S. Lalit Kumar of 7 Screen Studio and Viacom18 Studios announced their upcoming project featuring Vikram, tentatively titled as Vikram 58.[5] The film is directed by R. Ajay Gnanamuthu, who previously helmed Demonte Colony (2015) and Imaikkaa Nodigal (2018).[6] It was intended to be a pan-Indian film, set for release in five languages, during the summer in April 2020.[7][8] By July 2019, A. R. Rahman was chosen to score the music for the film.[9][10] Stunt choreographer Dhilip Subbarayan[11][12] and cinematographer Sivakumar Vijayan, were reported to be a part of the technical team.[13][14] Vijayan was later replaced by debutant Harish Kannan.[15] A report from The New Indian Express, dated 2 August 2019, stated that Vikram will be seen in 25 different looks.[16]
In December, Viacom18 backed out of the project due to unknown reasons, and Lalit Kumar was credited as the sole producer.[17] While it was rumoured to be titled as Amar,[18][19] the makers cleared the rumours by announcing the official title as Cobra on 25 December 2019.[20] The team titled the film "Cobra" because it resembles the pivotal character of snake cobra.[21][22] Gnanamuthu, further revealed in an interview to The Times of India, saying "The protagonist's character and cobra has a link", and revealing anything further would give away key plot details. He added, "Also, since the film is made in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi, I wanted a title that works in all languages. Hence, we zeroed in on Cobra".[23] Speaking to Ananda Vikatan, Gnanamuthu described Cobra as a multi-genre film and includes various genres such as psychological, science fiction, thriller and action. Vikram's character was revealed to be a mathematician and a shape-shifter, who uses mathematics for criminal activities.[24]
Casting
edit"The casting is amazing… I have been a big fan of Vikram, and I have seen most of his films. And another major reason behind accepting the project is to work with A.R. Rahman".
— Irfan Pathan on acting in Cobra, Sportstar[25]
In late October 2019, the makers announced that Srinidhi Shetty, would play the female lead. This film marks her debut in Tamil cinema.[26][27] Shetty was cast after a successful audition, and Gnanamuthu called her role a "complete contrast" to what she played in the Kannada film KGF: Chapter 1 (2018).[28] Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan signed to play a pivotal role in the project.[29] This also marks his debut in Indian film industry.[30][31][32] Gnanamuthu had watched several of his TikTok videos, and impressed by his acting stints he met Pathan at his house in Vadodara, Gujarat, who later agreed to be a part of the film.[24] On his birthday, the team revealed his look and character name as Aslan Yilmaz, an Interpol agent.[33]
In late-October, K. S. Ravikumar joined the cast and shot for few days.[34] Gnanamuthu stated that his character will be a "complex" one and "quite integral to the script".[34] In January 2020, Mirnalini Ravi was roped in to the cast,[35] and in the same month Robo Shankar also joined as one of the supporting actors.[36] Ajay Gnanamuthu chose to sign Shane Nigam for an important role in this flick, after being impressed by his performance in the Malayalam film Kumbalangi Nights (2019).[37] However, the Kerala Film Producers Association (KFPA), had written to the South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce (SIFC), requesting a ban on the actor until he pays the producers of two of his cancelled films. Sarjano Khalid was brought in as the film's replacement.[37][38] Theatre personality Mohammad Ali Baig, was also cast in February 2020.[39][40] In April 2020, Malayalam actors Roshan Mathew, Miya George, and Mamukkoya were included in the cast.[41][42][43] It is the Tamil debut of Roshan Mathew.[44]
Filming
editPrincipal photography began on 4 October 2019 in Chennai.[47] While Pathan joined the sets of the shoot on 15 October, Shetty joined only at the end of the month.[48] The former had finished the first schedule of the film on 6 November 2019 in Chennai.[49][50] On 11 November 2019, Vikram and his team headed to Alleppey for a song shoot, which was completed within two days.[51] By the end of November 2019, the second schedule of filming was completed in Kerala.[52] The third schedule of the film took place in Chennai in December 2019. The makers planned to shoot a few sequences across Russia and Europe in January 2020.[53] Meanwhile, on 17 January, the makers headed to Kolkata to prepare for the third schedule.[54] Irfan Pathan completed his portions for the flick on 21 January, during the fourth schedule.[55] On 6 February, the makers planned to shoot the climax sequence in Russia.[56] On 7 February 2020, the makers shot a crucial sequence at the Ramee Mall in Chennai.[57][58]
Vikram and Gnanamuthu began filming in Russia in March 2020, despite fears that COVID-19 might spread.[59][60] A rapid spread of COVID-19 forced the crew to halt filming and return to India.[61] The film's shoot was further affected due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as 25% of the shoot is pending as of March 2020.[62] Ajay Gnanamuthu announced he would take a pay cut for the film, in order to help producers during these challenging times.[63] The lack of international travel facilities made it impossible for the team to shoot in Russia, so they created huge sets resembling the country in Chennai.[64] The team began dubbing the film in October 2020.[65] Filming resumed on 3 December 2020 in Chennai, with Vikram joining the sets.[66] After completing the schedule, the team travelled to Kolkata on 22 December 2020.[67] However, since Vikram was also involved in the shooting of Ponniyin Selvan during mid-January 2021, the team decided to shoot a few scenes without him and the production team stated that the actor would join the shoot once his portions were completed.[68] Shetty completed her shoot on 7 February 2021.[69]
Ajay Gnanamuthu was unsatisfied with the portions shot on the sets, so the team decided to go back to Russia in mid-February 2021, despite the cold weather.[71] On 22 February 2021, Vikram joined the film's shoot in Moscow,[72] where the final portions of the film were being filmed. Pathan joined them on 26 February 2021.[73] The team filmed a few scenes at Saint Petersburg State University on 2 March 2021 as part of their final schedule.[74] The team completed the major portions of the film on 5 March 2021.[75][76] Shooting was delayed, apparently due to Vikram's commitments with Karthik Subbaraj's directorial Mahaan (2022) produced by the same production company 7 Screen Studio and the subsequent lock-down implemented by the government to curb the second wave of the pandemic.[77] After the shooting of Mahaan concluded, the team restarted production on 15 August 2021, with the commencement of a minor schedule in Kolkata.[78] After the producer's parallel projects and Vikram's other commitments, the team started its final schedule in Chennai on 24 November 2021 and continued for a month.[79][80] Vikram completed his portions in January 2022,[81] and on 15 February 2022, Gnanamuthu tweeted that the filming was completely wrapped.[82][83]
Music
editThe film's music was composed by A. R. Rahman marking his first collaboration with director Ajay Gnanamuthu. It is also his fourth film starring Vikram after Pudhiya Mannargal (1994), Raavanan (2010) and I (2015).[84] The songs for the film featured lyrics written by Thamarai, Pa. Vijay and Vivek.[85] The first single titled "Thumbi Thullal" released on 22 June 2020. It was written by Vivek and sung by Nakul Abhyankar, Shreya Ghoshal.[86][87] The second single titled "Adheeraa" was released on 15 April 2022. It was written by Pa. Vijay and sung by Vagu Mazan.[88] The third single titled "Uyir Uruguthey" was released on 4 July 2022.[89][90] The audio launch was held at Phoenix Marketcity, Chennai on 15 July 2022, featuring the cast and crew in attendance and the songs were performed live by Rahman and his musical team.[91][92]
Release
editTheatrical
editCobra was released in theatres on 31 August 2022.[93] The film was originally scheduled for a release coinciding with the Eid al-Fitr weekend, falling on 22 May 2020,[94] which was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic in India.[95] In March 2021, it has been said that the post-production of the film might take a longer-time than planned and many sequences had to be re-shot, since Ajay Gnanamuthu was disappointed on shooting the Russia schedule by replicating terrains, rather than filming in real locations, which he felt was "not authentic", irrespective of the difficulties faced by travel restrictions due to COVID-19 pandemic.[77] During the production, Seven Screen Studios had refuted claims of releasing on a streaming service, and re-assured the plans of theatrical release.[96] It has been stated that this film will be released after Lalit Kumar's another production with Vikram, the Karthik Subbaraj-directorial Mahaan (2022).[97] In May 2022, the film was set to be released on 11 August 2022, during the Independence Day weekend.[98][99] Due to post-production delays, the film was released on 31 August 2022, coinciding with Vinayagar Chathurthi.[100][101] The film received negative response due to its three-hour duration, which led the makers to release a trimmed version on 1 September 2022.[102]
Distribution
editThe film's distribution rights in Tamil Nadu were acquired by Red Giant Movies.[103] The Andhra Pradesh and Telangana distribution rights have been acquired by NVR Cinemas.[104] The Kerala distribution rights were acquired by Iffaar Media and Dream Big Films.[105][106] The distribution rights for the United Kingdom and Europe have been acquired by Ahimsa Entertainment.[107]
Home media
editThe film's satellite rights are held by Kalaignar TV,[108] while the post-theatrical streaming rights are with SonyLIV.[93] The film began streaming on SonyLIV from 28 September 2022.[109]
Reception
editCritical response
editCobra received negative reviews from critics.[110][111]
M Suganth of The Times of India rated the film 2.5 out of 5 stars and wrote "Cobra is the kind of an overwrought, overlong, over-indulgent, overloud and over-the-top action entertainer that is made in an old-fashioned way".[112] Janani K of India Today rated the film 2 out of 5 stars and wrote "Cobra is an underwhelming watch that solely relies on Chiyaan Vikram's acting chops".[113] Manoj Kumar R of The Indian Express rated the film 2 out of 5 stars and wrote "Cobra is about a globetrotting assassin with a deep fascination for cosplay would be a lot of fun to watch if made properly. After ramping up the initial excitement, the film sinks".[114] Sowmya Rajendran of The News Minute rated the film 2 out of 5 stars and wrote "This bizarre action thriller directed by Ajay Gnanamuthu tries very hard to be clever, but is filled with carelessness in the scripting".[115]
Haricharan Pudipeddi of Hindustan Times stated "Cobra could've been a far more effective thriller if it wasn't so long. It could've also done away with the highly boring romantic track, which hardly helps in keeping the audiences engaged".[116] Bhuvanesh Chandar of The Hindu wrote "Looking back at it, you only feel bad that yet another film becomes an average outing for an actor who gives his all."[117] Krishna Selvaseelan of Tamil Guardian rated the film 2 out of 5 stars, stating, "Cobra is an overly-ambitious hodge-podge, with a decent film hidden somewhere within".[118] Pinkvilla rated the film 2.5 out of 5 and wrote "Roshan Mathew portrayal of the character Rishi a corporate leader, make 'Cobra' feel like a regular Kollywood masala actioner and not a story that needs to be heard.[119] Avinash Ramachandran of Cinema Express gave the film 2.5 out of 5 stars and wrote "Cobra ticks almost all the boxes we have recently come to expect from a Vikram-starrer, including the disappointment of the actor being the brightest star in a rather middling film."[120]
S Subhakeertana of OTT Play rated the film 2 out of 5 stars and wrote "Cobra is a mediocre film that struggles to be both a compelling swashbuckling adventure as well as a moving drama."[121] Felix Kingsley of Movie Herald rated the film 2.5 out of 5 and stated "The new treatment makes this well-known template partly engaging."[122] Jayadeep Jayesh of Deccan Herald gave the film's rating 2 out of 5, stating that "The tone at which the film is pitched does not allow A R Rahman to display his musical prowess. The title track is catchy but the rest of the album is forgettable."[123]
Box office
editOn the first day of its release the film collected over ₹12 crore (US$1.4 million) in Tamil Nadu and ₹1.25 crore (US$150,000) in Kerala.[110][124] After three days of its release, the film made a box office collection of ₹21–26.3 crore worldwide.[125] Within seven days of release, the film grossed over ₹59 crore (US$7.1 million) against an estimated budget of over ₹100 crore (US$12 million) and became a box-office bomb.[4]
References
edit- ^ Cobra – Release Date Announcement Chiyaan Vikram AR Rahman R Ajay Gnanamuthu 7 Screen Studio (Trailer). Sony Music South. 20 May 2022. Event occurs at 0:35. Archived from the original on 21 May 2022. Retrieved 21 May 2022 – via YouTube.
- ^ "Cobra CBFC rating and runtime details out". Cinema Express. 28 August 2022. Archived from the original on 28 August 2022. Retrieved 28 August 2022.
- ^ "Chiyaan Vikram charges Rs 88 crores for 'Cobra': Reports". The Times of India. 29 August 2022. Archived from the original on 24 September 2022. Retrieved 11 September 2022.
- ^ a b "'Cobra' box office collection day 7: Chiyaan Vikram starrer sees a dip on weekdays". The Times of India. 7 September 2022. Archived from the original on 28 September 2022. Retrieved 22 November 2023.
- ^ "Ajay Gnanamuthu to helm Chiyaan Vikram 58". The Indian Express. 20 May 2019. Archived from the original on 23 November 2021. Retrieved 27 May 2022.
- ^ "Vikram joins hands with Ajay Gnanamuthu for an action-thriller, see poster". Hindustan Times. 21 May 2019. Archived from the original on 26 May 2022. Retrieved 27 May 2022.
- ^ "Viacom18 Studios goes BIG in South". Media infoline. 18 July 2019. Archived from the original on 8 August 2020. Retrieved 27 May 2022.
- ^ "Chiyaan Vikram collaborates with director Ajay Gnanamuthu for his next untitled action thriller – deets inside". Hindustan Times. 20 May 2019. Archived from the original on 27 May 2022. Retrieved 27 May 2022.
- ^ "AR Rahman joins team of 'Vikram 58'". The Hindu. 13 July 2019. Archived from the original on 19 April 2022. Retrieved 27 May 2022.
- ^ "AR Rahman to compose music for Vikram next film". Hindustan Times. 13 July 2019. Archived from the original on 23 May 2022. Retrieved 27 May 2022.
- ^ "Ajay Gnanamuthu excited to see stunt choreographer Dhilip Subbarayan's work in Cobra". The Times of India. 7 October 2020. Archived from the original on 23 May 2022. Retrieved 27 May 2022.
- ^ "கோப்ரா பட சண்டை காட்சிக்கு நாங்க பட்ட கஷ்டம் இருக்கே .. வலிமை பற்றியும் சுப்பராயன் ஓபன் டாக்" [Dhilip Subbarayan about the hard-times he went through for Cobra fight scenes]. Behindwoods (in Tamil). 31 December 2021. Archived from the original on 23 April 2022. Retrieved 27 May 2022.
- ^ "A new addition to Chiyaan Vikram's 'Vikram#58'". The Times of India. 15 July 2019. Archived from the original on 22 February 2020. Retrieved 27 May 2022.
- ^ "On a different PITCH". The Tribune. 16 October 2019. Archived from the original on 26 May 2022. Retrieved 27 May 2022.
- ^ "Chiyaan Vikram's cool new retro look from 'Cobra' is out!". The Times of India. 24 July 2020. Archived from the original on 26 May 2022. Retrieved 27 May 2022.
- ^ "Chiyaan Vikram to be seen in 25 different looks in Ajay Gnanamuthu's film?". The New Indian Express. 2 August 2019. Archived from the original on 25 May 2022. Retrieved 27 May 2022.
- ^ "Vikram 58: Chiyaan Vikram starrer to be named Cobra? Find Out". Pinkvilla. 24 December 2019. Archived from the original on 22 May 2022. Retrieved 27 May 2022.
- ^ "Vikram's film with Ajay Gnanamuthu titled 'Amar'?". The News Minute. 2 December 2019. Archived from the original on 22 May 2022. Retrieved 27 May 2022.
- ^ "Vikram's next film with Ajay Gnanamuthu titled Amar?". Hindustan Times. 1 December 2019. Archived from the original on 24 May 2022. Retrieved 27 May 2022.
- ^ "Chiyaan Vikram 58 titled Cobra". Cinema Express. 25 December 2019. Archived from the original on 14 May 2022. Retrieved 27 May 2022.
- ^ "Vikram's next with Ajay Gnanamuthu titled 'Cobra', motion poster out". The News Minute. 25 December 2019. Archived from the original on 23 May 2022. Retrieved 27 May 2022.
- ^ "Vikram's film with Ajay Gnanamuthu titled Cobra". India Today. 26 December 2019. Archived from the original on 23 May 2022. Retrieved 27 May 2022.
- ^ "Vikram's character and cobra have a link: Ajay Gnanamuthu". The Times of India. 26 December 2019. Archived from the original on 14 May 2022. Retrieved 27 May 2022.
- ^ a b கதிர்வேலன், நா. (14 July 2022). "நடுங்கும் குளிரில் விக்ரமின் நம்பர் விளையாட்டு! - 'கோப்ரா' ஸ்பெஷல்". Ananda Vikatan (in Tamil). Archived from the original on 23 August 2022. Retrieved 23 August 2022.
- ^ "Lights, camera, action! Irfan Pathan to act in Tamil movie". Sportstar. 14 October 2019. Archived from the original on 25 June 2021. Retrieved 28 May 2022.
- ^ Mondal, Rohit (17 October 2019). "KGF actor Srinidhi Shetty join the cast of Vikram 58". The Indian Express. Archived from the original on 16 May 2022. Retrieved 27 May 2022.
- ^ "'KGF' actor Srinidhi Shetty to star opposite Vikram in his next". The News Minute. 17 October 2019. Archived from the original on 18 October 2019. Retrieved 2 January 2021.
- ^ "Srinidhi Shetty excited to be making my Tamil film debut with Vikram58". The Times of India. 17 October 2019. Archived from the original on 23 May 2022. Retrieved 27 May 2022.
- ^ CR, Sharanya (15 October 2019). "Irfan to debut in K-Town with Vikram-Ajay's film". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 9 August 2021. Retrieved 2 January 2021.
- ^ "Irfan Pathan, Harbhajan Singh to make Kollywood entries with 'Vikram 58' and 'Dikkiloona' respectively". The Hindu. 14 October 2019. Archived from the original on 22 April 2021. Retrieved 23 August 2022.
- ^ Subramanian, Anupama (15 October 2019). "Irfan Pathan is on board Vikram 58". Deccan Chronicle. Archived from the original on 25 December 2020. Retrieved 2 January 2021.
- ^ "Irfan Pathan joins the cast of Vikram's next with Ajay Gnanamuthu". Cinema Express. 14 October 2019. Archived from the original on 19 January 2021. Retrieved 2 January 2021.
- ^ "Irfan Pathan's look in his debut film revealed; to play the role of Aslan Yilmaz in Chiyaan Vikram's Cobra". CricTracker. 29 October 2020. Archived from the original on 29 January 2022. Retrieved 29 January 2022.
- ^ a b Lakshmi, V. (12 November 2019). "KS Ravikumar joins Vikram in Ajay Gnanamuthu's thriller". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 10 January 2020. Retrieved 2 January 2021.
- ^ "Mirnalini Ravi in Vikram's Cobra". The Times of India. 2 January 2020. Archived from the original on 23 May 2022. Retrieved 28 May 2022.
- ^ "Robo Shankar to share frame with Chiyaan Vikram in 'Cobra'?". The Times of India. 20 January 2020. Archived from the original on 29 January 2022. Retrieved 29 January 2022.
- ^ a b "Sarjano Khalid replaces Shane Nigam in Vikram's 'Cobra'". The Times of India. 31 January 2020. Archived from the original on 2 February 2020. Retrieved 2 January 2021.
- ^ "Malayalam actor Sarjano Khalid replaces Shane Nigam in Vikram's Cobra". India Today. 1 February 2020. Archived from the original on 24 April 2020. Retrieved 2 January 2021.
- ^ Murthy, Neeraja (24 June 2021). "Mohammad Ali Baig on playing diverse roles on stage and digital screen". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 2 September 2022. Retrieved 28 May 2022.
- ^ "Mohammad Ali Baig joins the cast of Vikram's Cobra". The Times of India. 3 February 2020. Archived from the original on 14 May 2022. Retrieved 2 January 2021.
- ^ "Roshan Mathew and Miya in Vikram's Cobra?". The Times of India. 18 April 2020. Archived from the original on 23 May 2022. Retrieved 27 May 2022.
- ^ "Mamukkoya to make his Tamil debut with Cobra". The Times of India. 19 April 2020. Archived from the original on 23 May 2022. Retrieved 28 May 2022.
- ^ "Cobra: Here's what we know about Vikram-starrer so far Entertainment". The Indian Express. 28 February 2020. Archived from the original on 31 August 2022. Retrieved 27 May 2022.
- ^ Roshan Mathew On His Tamil Debut Film Cobra India Today e-Mind Rocks 2021 (Video). India Today. 20 August 2021. Archived from the original on 23 May 2022. Retrieved 23 May 2022 – via YouTube.
- ^ "Vikram shoots for his next with director Ajay Gnanamuthu in Alleppey". The News Minute. 14 November 2019. Archived from the original on 23 August 2022. Retrieved 23 August 2022.
- ^ "Cobra: Chiyaan Vikram heads to Kolkata to shoot for the film's next schedule?". Pinkvilla. 21 December 2020. Archived from the original on 23 August 2022. Retrieved 23 August 2022.
- ^ "Vikram-58 starts rolling from October 4". Sify. 3 October 2019. Archived from the original on 4 July 2020. Retrieved 28 May 2022.
- ^ "Srinidhi Shetty begins shooting for Vikram 58". The Times of India. 31 October 2019. Archived from the original on 23 May 2022. Retrieved 28 May 2022.
- ^ "Cricketer Irfan Pathan completes first schedule of Vikram 58, thanks Tamil people". India Today. 6 November 2019. Archived from the original on 25 May 2022. Retrieved 28 May 2022.
- ^ "Cricketer Irfan Pathan wraps up first schedule of his Tamil debut, Chiyaan Vikram 58". Cinema Express. 5 November 2019. Archived from the original on 22 May 2022. Retrieved 28 May 2022.
- ^ Menon, Thinkal (12 November 2019). "Vikram shoots a song in Alleppey for Vikram 58!". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 14 May 2022. Retrieved 28 May 2022.
- ^ ""AT TIMES WE GET VERY EMOTIONALLY ATTACHED TO A FILM…" – VIKRAM 58 DIRECTOR!". Behindwoods. 22 November 2019. Archived from the original on 13 December 2019. Retrieved 4 July 2020.
- ^ "Cobra: Chiyaan Vikram starrer to be filmed in Russia and Europe; DEETS inside". Pinkvilla. 28 December 2019. Archived from the original on 27 May 2022. Retrieved 28 May 2022.
- ^ "Vikram's 'Cobra' team start shooting in Kolkata". The Times of India. 17 January 2020. Archived from the original on 27 May 2022. Retrieved 28 May 2022.
- ^ "Irfan Pathan wraps up shooting for Ajay Gnanamuthu's 'Cobra'". The Times of India. 21 January 2020. Archived from the original on 23 May 2022. Retrieved 28 May 2022.
- ^ "Climax scene for Vikram's 'Cobra' to be shot in THIS country?". The Times of India. 6 February 2020. Archived from the original on 23 May 2022. Retrieved 28 May 2022.
- ^ "Cobra shooting underway in a city mall?". The Times of India. 7 February 2020. Archived from the original on 14 May 2022. Retrieved 28 May 2022.
- ^ "CHIYAAN VIKRAM'S COBRA IS HAPPENING IN THIS POPULAR MALL IN CHENNAI – FINAL SHOOT PLAN REVEALED!". Behindwoods. 7 February 2020. Archived from the original on 4 July 2020. Retrieved 4 July 2020.
- ^ "Makers of Chiyaan Vikram starrer Cobra to shoot in Russia amid coronavirus outbreak". Bollywood Hungama. 10 March 2020. Archived from the original on 22 May 2022. Retrieved 28 May 2022.
- ^ "Cobra director Ajay Gnanamuthu confirms he is not directing Thalapathy 65". Bollywood Hungama. 19 March 2020. Archived from the original on 4 July 2020. Retrieved 4 July 2020.
- ^ "Vikram's Cobra wraps up shoot halfway due to Corona scare". The Times of India. 12 March 2020. Archived from the original on 25 May 2022. Retrieved 28 May 2022.
- ^ Subramanian, Anupama (30 June 2020). "Animation of Thumbi Thullal adds to attraction". Deccan Chronicle. Archived from the original on 4 July 2020. Retrieved 4 July 2020.
- ^ "'Cobra' director Ajay Gnanamuthu takes a cut in his pay to help the producers in the current time of crisis". The Times of India. 3 August 2020. Archived from the original on 26 May 2022. Retrieved 28 May 2022.
- ^ "Team 'Cobra' to create massive sets like Russia for the Vikram starrer". The Times of India. 20 September 2020. Archived from the original on 23 May 2022. Retrieved 28 May 2022.
- ^ "Vikram's Cobra dubbing begins". The Times of India. 26 October 2020. Archived from the original on 15 December 2020. Retrieved 2 January 2021.
- ^ "Chiyaan Vikram's 'Cobra' shoot resumes in Chennai". The Times of India. 3 December 2020. Archived from the original on 14 December 2020. Retrieved 2 January 2021.
- ^ "Vikram heads Kolkata to shoot the next schedule of 'Cobra'". The Times of India. 21 December 2020. Archived from the original on 21 December 2020. Retrieved 2 January 2021.
- ^ "Vikram to resume Cobra shooting after Ponniyin Selvan". The Times of India. 30 January 2021. Archived from the original on 14 May 2022. Retrieved 3 June 2022.
- ^ "Srinidhi Shetty completes shooting for Cobra". The Times of India. 7 February 2021. Archived from the original on 28 May 2022. Retrieved 3 June 2022.
- ^ "Vikram resumes Cobra shoot in Russia". The Indian Express. 24 February 2021. Archived from the original on 23 August 2022. Retrieved 23 August 2022.
- ^ "Director Ajay Gnanmuthu works for 'Cobra' in extreme climatic conditions". The Times of India. 15 February 2021. Archived from the original on 23 May 2022. Retrieved 28 May 2022.
- ^ "Vikram jets off to Russia to join Ajay Gnanamuthu's 'Cobra'". The Times of India. 22 February 2021. Archived from the original on 25 May 2022. Retrieved 28 May 2022.
- ^ "Irfan Pathan joins Vikram in Russia for the last schedule of 'Cobra'". The Times of India. 26 February 2021. Archived from the original on 28 May 2022. Retrieved 31 May 2022.
- ^ "'Cobra': Ajay Gnanamuthu shoots at a popular university in Russia". The Times of India. 2 March 2021. Archived from the original on 26 May 2022. Retrieved 31 May 2022.
- ^ Das, Soumitra (5 March 2021). "Irfan Pathan's experience of shooting in Russia for Vikram's Cobra". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 14 May 2022. Retrieved 31 May 2022.
- ^ "Vikram's Cobra team back in Chennai after Russia schedule". The Times of India. 13 March 2021. Archived from the original on 22 May 2022. Retrieved 31 May 2022.
- ^ a b "The release of Vikram's 'Cobra' further gets delayed". The Times of India. 16 March 2021. Archived from the original on 27 May 2022. Retrieved 31 May 2022.
- ^ "Chiyaan Vikram to head to Kolkata for the final schedule of 'Cobra'". The Times of India. 14 August 2021. Archived from the original on 27 May 2022. Retrieved 31 May 2022.
- ^ "Vikram's Cobra final schedule begin in Chennai". The Times of India. 24 November 2021. Archived from the original on 26 May 2022. Retrieved 31 May 2022.
- ^ "Special Christmas Treat for Vikram fans; BTS image from the sets of 'Cobra'". The Times of India. 25 December 2021. Archived from the original on 29 January 2022. Retrieved 31 May 2022.
- ^ "Chiyaan Vikram wraps up shoot for Cobra". The Times of India. 5 January 2022. Archived from the original on 29 January 2022. Retrieved 31 May 2022.
- ^ "Vikram's Cobra shooting finally wrapped up!". The Times of India. 15 February 2022. Archived from the original on 15 February 2022. Retrieved 23 August 2022.
- ^ "After three years in the making Vikram's Cobra wraps up shoot". DT Next. IANS. 16 February 2022. Archived from the original on 23 August 2022. Retrieved 23 August 2022.
- ^ "AR Rahman to compose music for Vikram's next with Ajay Gnanamuthu". The News Minute. 14 July 2019. Archived from the original on 25 February 2021. Retrieved 3 January 2021.
- ^ "AR Rahman joins team of 'Vikram 58'". The Hindu. 13 July 2019. Archived from the original on 19 April 2022. Retrieved 2 January 2021.
- ^ "A.R. Rahman – Thumbi Thullal (From "Cobra")". Tidal. 22 June 2020. Archived from the original on 4 July 2020. Retrieved 4 July 2020.
- ^ "AR Rahman's festive 'Thumbi Thullal' from Vikram's 'Cobra' is out". The News Minute. 22 June 2020. Archived from the original on 2 July 2020. Retrieved 3 January 2021.
- ^ "Cobra second single: 'Adheeraa' became a melodious party number". DT Next. 17 April 2022. Archived from the original on 31 August 2022. Retrieved 19 April 2022.
- ^ "AR Rahman's soul-stirring melody from Chiyaan Vikram starrer 'Cobra' is here!". IndiaGlitz. 5 July 2022. Archived from the original on 31 August 2022. Retrieved 5 July 2022.
- ^ "Uyir Uruguthe Song From Vikram Starrer Cobra Set to Release Today". News18. 4 July 2022. Archived from the original on 5 July 2022. Retrieved 5 July 2022.
- ^ "Vikram to attend 'Cobra' audio launch". The Times of India. 9 July 2022. Archived from the original on 11 July 2022. Retrieved 23 August 2022.
- ^ "Vikram's Cobra tracklist out". Cinema Express. 10 July 2022. Archived from the original on 11 July 2022. Retrieved 23 August 2022.
- ^ a b "Vikram starrer Cobra gets a new release date". Cinema Express. 9 August 2022. Archived from the original on 10 August 2022. Retrieved 9 August 2022.
- ^ Pillai, Sreedhar (22 January 2020). "After 'Darbar' and 'Pattas', Kollywood is looking at festival films". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 4 July 2020. Retrieved 4 July 2020.
- ^ "'Master' to 'Annaatthe': Five films that missed to release in 2020". The Times of India. 15 December 2020. Archived from the original on 23 May 2022. Retrieved 28 May 2022.
- ^ "Chiyaan Vikram's Cobra not to release on OTT". The Times of India. 10 April 2021. Archived from the original on 28 May 2022. Retrieved 31 May 2022.
- ^ "Chiyaan Vikram's 'Chiyaan 60' to release before 'Cobra'". The Times of India. 20 June 2021. Archived from the original on 23 May 2022. Retrieved 31 May 2022.
- ^ "Vikram's 'Cobra' to release in theatres on August 11". ThePrint. PTI. 20 May 2022. Archived from the original on 23 August 2022. Retrieved 23 August 2022.
- ^ "Vikram-Starrer 'Cobra' To Hit Screens On August 11". Outlook. 15 June 2022. Archived from the original on 23 August 2022. Retrieved 23 August 2022.
- ^ "It's Official: Vikram's Cobra to release on August 31". The Times of India. 9 August 2022. Archived from the original on 9 August 2022. Retrieved 9 August 2022.
- ^ "Cobra pushed to Aug 31; Viruman likely to be advanced". DT Next. 21 July 2022. Archived from the original on 21 July 2022. Retrieved 23 August 2022.
- ^ "Chiyaan Vikram's Cobra trimmed by 20 minutes after negative reviews". India Today. 1 September 2022. Archived from the original on 8 October 2022. Retrieved 2 September 2022.
- ^ "Cobra's TN theatrical rights bagged by Red Giant Movies". DT Next. 27 June 2022. Archived from the original on 28 June 2022. Retrieved 4 July 2022.
- ^ "தமிழக உரிமத்தை தொடர்ந்து 'கோப்ரா' படத்தின் தெலுங்கு உரிமம்! கைப்பற்றிய முன்னணி நிறுவனம்". Behindwoods (in Tamil). 2 July 2022. Archived from the original on 3 July 2022. Retrieved 4 July 2022.
- ^ "விக்ரம் நடிக்கும் 'கோப்ரா'.. கேரளா ரிலீஸ் உரிமத்தை இவங்க தான் வாங்கிருக்காங்க!". Behindwoods (in Tamil). 6 July 2022. Archived from the original on 6 July 2022. Retrieved 6 July 2022.
- ^ Seven Screen Studio [@7screenstudio] (6 July 2022). "📢 We are elated to be associating with @IffaarMedia #RaaffiMathirra @jsujithnair #DreamBigFilms for distribution of #Cobra in Kerala #ChiyaanVikram An @AjayGnanamuthu Film 🎬 An @arrahman Musical 🥁" (Tweet). Archived from the original on 6 July 2022. Retrieved 6 July 2022 – via Twitter.
- ^ "No Change In Vikram's Cobra Release Date!". Moviecrow. 14 June 2022. Archived from the original on 16 June 2022. Retrieved 1 August 2022.
- ^ "VIKRAM'S MUCH-AWAITED COBRA TO AIR ON THIS POPULAR CHANNEL – DETAILS!". Behindwoods. 18 April 2022. Archived from the original on 23 April 2022. Retrieved 12 May 2022.
- ^ "Vikram's Cobra gets OTT release date". The Indian Express. 23 September 2022. Archived from the original on 23 September 2022. Retrieved 23 September 2022.
- ^ a b "'Cobra' box office collection day 1: Vikram starrer mints Rs 12 crore". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 1 September 2022. Retrieved 1 September 2022.
it got mixed reviews from the audience and critics.
- ^ "Cobra box office collection Day 2: Chiyaan Vikram's film sees a huge drop". India Today. 2 September 2022. Archived from the original on 2 September 2022. Retrieved 2 September 2022.
Cobra, was panned by critics and audiences alike.
- ^ Suganth, M (31 August 2022). "Cobra Movie Review: Cobra is overwrought, overlong and over-indulgent". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 31 August 2022. Retrieved 31 August 2022.
- ^ K, Janani (31 August 2022). "Cobra Movie Review: Chiyaan Vikram film hisses and misses". India Today. Archived from the original on 31 August 2022. Retrieved 31 August 2022.
- ^ R, Manoj Kumar (31 August 2022). "Cobra movie review: Vikram gets ready to strike, but never goes for the kill". The Indian Express. Archived from the original on 31 August 2022. Retrieved 31 August 2022.
- ^ Rajendran, Sowmya (31 August 2022). "Cobra review: Vikram's assassin-cum-maths-teacher thriller is just exhausting". The News Minute. Archived from the original on 31 August 2022. Retrieved 31 August 2022.
- ^ Pudipeddi, Haricharan (31 August 2022). "Cobra movie review: Vikram-starrer gets predictable in the end, despite stretches of brilliance". Hindustan Times. Archived from the original on 31 August 2022. Retrieved 31 August 2022.
- ^ Chandar, Bhuvanesh (31 August 2022). "'Cobra' movie review: A brilliant Vikram fails to save this middling outing". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 31 August 2022. Retrieved 31 August 2022.
- ^ Selvaseelan, Krishna (1 September 2022). "Cobra: Over-ambitious, overcooked". Tamil Guardian. Archived from the original on 14 November 2023. Retrieved 23 October 2023.
- ^ "Cobra Movie Review: This Vikram starrer makes for a tiring watch". Pinkvilla. 31 August 2022. Archived from the original on 31 August 2022. Retrieved 31 August 2022.
- ^ Ramachandran, Avinash (31 August 2022). "Cobra Movie Review: Vikram is solid, but the plot is all over the place". Cinema Express. Archived from the original on 31 August 2022. Retrieved 31 August 2022.
- ^ Subhakeertana, S (31 August 2022). "Cobra movie review: Vikram puts his audience's love for him to the test in this overlong Ajay Gnanamuthu directorial". OTT Play. Archived from the original on 31 August 2022. Retrieved 31 August 2022.
- ^ Kingsley, Felix (September 2022). "Cobra movie review – The new treatment makes this well-known template partly engaging". Movie Herald. Archived from the original on 1 September 2022. Retrieved 1 September 2022.
- ^ Jayesh, Jayadeep (3 September 2022). "Cobra review: Vikram wasted in an overambitious affair". Deccan Herald. Archived from the original on 3 September 2022. Retrieved 3 September 2022.
- ^ "Cobra box office collection Day 1: Chiyaan Vikram's film is off to a rousing start". India Today. 1 September 2022. Archived from the original on 1 September 2022. Retrieved 1 September 2022.
- ^ "'Cobra' box office collection day 3: Movie earns less than Rs 4 crore on Friday". The Times of India. 3 September 2022. Archived from the original on 3 September 2022. Retrieved 3 September 2022.