These days 200 crores and 300 crore budget films have become quite possible and plausible in Tamil cinema. But a Tamil film that was started 17 years ago and released 15 years ago was way ahead of its budget. We are referring to Ulaganayagan Kamal Haasan's 'Aalavandhan' produced by Kalaipuli.S.Thanu.

The film released in November 2002 is going to be rereleased soon in a digitally remastered version. The digitalization process begins today. Thanu will be releasing the digital version in as many as 500 screens across Tamil Nadu.

With this announcement comes out the fact that 'Aalavandhan; was made at a budget of Rs.20 crores. The project commenced in the year 2000. In today's currency value the film's budget would be Rs.400 crores. This is really flabbergasting!

'Aalavandhan' stars Kamal Haasan in dual roles. The film has been written by Kamal while it was directed by Suresh Krissna. Raveena Tandon played the female lead while Shankar Ehsan Loy provided the music score. Recent National Award winner Tirru was the cinematographer of the film.

The film won the National Award for Best Special Effects.