Apoorva Sagodharargal(1989)
Apoorva Sagodharargal (transl. Unique Brothers) is a 1989 Indian Tamil-language masala film directed by Singeetam Srinivasa Rao. The ensemble cast includes Kamal Haasan, Jaishankar, Nagesh, Gautami, Rupini, Manorama, Srividya, Janagaraj, Moulee, Delhi Ganesh, and Nassar. The story follows twins Raju and Appu, separated during childhood, and Appu's quest for revenge against the four criminals who murdered their police officer father. The film was produced by Kamal Haasan under Raaj Kamal Films International, with music composed by Ilaiyaraaja. It premiered at the International Film Festival of India and won the Filmfare Award for Best Film – Tamil, along with two Tamil Nadu State Film Awards. The film was theatrically released on 14 April 1989 and became the highest-grossing Tamil film of its era.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- ErosNow, Prime Video, Airtel Xstream
- Theatrical Release
- 22 May 1989
- Director
- Singeetham Srinivasa Rao
- Language
- Tamil
- Runtime
- 2h 55m
- Rating
- 5.9/10
Storyline
An honest police officer is murdered by four powerful criminals. His pregnant wife survives but is separated from her twin sons. Years later, one twin grows up as a dwarf in a circus and discovers the truth. He sets out to kill the four men one by one. But his tall twin brother is mistaken for the killer and becomes a fugitive.
“Two brothers. One revenge. No escape.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Apoorva Sagodharargal
Cast reunions in this film: Kamal Haasan & Ilayaraja (60 films together), Ilayaraja & Manorama (60 films together), Ilayaraja & Janagaraj (59 films together), Nagesh & Jaishankar (53 films together), Nassar & Ilayaraja (49 films together), and Nagesh & Manorama (39 films together).
Trivia
- The film was originally planned with Rajinikanth in the lead, but Kamal Haasan took over and rewrote the script.
- Kamal Haasan played four different roles, including the dwarf Appu, using special effects and camera tricks.
- The dwarf character's scenes were shot with Kamal Haasan on his knees, and other actors were filmed separately.
- It was one of the earliest Tamil films to use extensive blue screen technology for visual effects.
- The movie was a major box office hit and ran in theaters for over 200 days.
- A Hindi dubbed version titled 'Appu Raja' was also released and became popular in North India.
- The film's climax was inspired by the Hollywood movie 'The Bride of Frankenstein' (1935).