Overview
Laabam (transl. Profit) is a 2021 Indian Tamil-language action drama film written and directed by S. P. Jananathan. It stars Vijay Sethupathi and Jagapathi Babu with Shruti Haasan, Dhansika, and Kalaiyarasan in pivotal roles. Ramji was hired as cinematographer, while D. Imman is the music composer. Principal photography for Laabam commenced on 22 April 2019. The film was released theatrically on 9 September 2021. It received mixed to negative reviews from critics and audiences and became a box-office bomb. This would be Jananathan’s final film as a director and a posthumous release.
The film revolves around Pakkiri (Vijay Sethupathi), a farmer who returns to his village after a long absence. He is shocked to see the plight of the farmers in his village, who are struggling to make ends meet. Pakkiri decides to take on the corrupt village head, Vanagamudi (Jagapathi Babu), and fight for the rights of the farmers.
Laabam is a social drama that explores the issues of farmer suicides, corporate greed, and corruption. The film has been praised for its strong performances, but it has also been criticized for its slow pace and preachy tone.
Storyline
The film revolves around the life of Pakkiri (Vijay Sethupathi), a farmer who returns to his village after spending several years in exile. He is determined to change the lives of the farmers in his village and challenges the village chief, Vanagamudi (Jagapathi Babu). With the help of the locals, Pakkiri becomes the president of the village and decides to give agriculture a new touch with his techniques. The rest of the story is about how Pakkiri manages the local goons with the help of Clara (Shruti Haasan) and comes out victorious.
The film was released on September 9, 2021 to mixed reviews from critics. However, the film was a commercial success, grossing over ₹100 crore worldwide.