Vadam, the Tamil film built around a one-eyed bull named Pandimuni and the tradition of Manjuvirattu, is now streaming on Sun NXT after a theatrical run that began on March 6. Directed by Kenthiran, the film stars Vimal and Natraj Subramaniyan (Natty) in a story that ties rural pride and identity to the bond between a man and his bull.
The setup is straightforward: Vetri, played by Vimal, raises Pandimuni from a calf that was nearly slaughtered, nursing the animal into a champion of the bull-taming arena despite its partial blindness. Around that central relationship, the film maps out a rural Tamil Nadu where tradition and personal honour are tested in public spectacles. Bala Saravanan and Sanashka Sri round out the supporting cast.
Vimal described the experience as more than a performance. “Working with the bull, especially Pandimuni, was an entirely new experience for me. A real bond formed over time. It wasn’t acting, it was lived experience. The last day of shooting was deeply emotional. This film is very close to my heart.”
Director Kenthiran framed the film as a cultural exercise. “The aim of making Vadam was to tell the truth of our culture’s roots and bring out its emotional dimension. Preparing the actors and the bull to that extent was an enormous challenge, but that’s what makes this film distinct.”
D. Imman, who composed the score and soundtrack, leaned into the setting. “The film’s naturalism demanded a fresh approach to sound. Manjuvirattu isn’t just something you watch, it’s something you feel. Capturing that energy, the chaos and the calm before the storm, in the music was challenging but rewarding.”
Natty, who has built a second career in Tamil cinema after years as a stunt coordinator, called Vadam a reflection of cultural identity. “This is a film close to my heart. It reflects our culture and our identity. The fact that audiences around the world can now watch it on Sun NXT is a happy thing.”
Vadam is streaming exclusively on Sun NXT.