Dharmam Vellum(1989)
Dharmam Vellum is a 1989 Indian Tamil-language action thriller film produced and directed by K. Rangaraj. The film stars Vijayakanth in a dual role as Inspector K. Jaganath and his son Vijay, alongside Sujatha as Saradha and Gautami as Latha. The story follows a police officer who arrests a woman sentenced to death, only to discover she is his long-abandoned wife. His son, unaware of their relationship, plans a prison break to save her. The film explores the conflict between legal duty and family loyalty. Ilaiyaraaja composed the music, with songs like 'Devi Devi' becoming popular. The film was released on 28 October 1989 alongside Rajanadai and underperformed at the box office. Kalki magazine praised its sentimental portrayal of family relationships and clever direction.
Quick Facts
- Theatrical Release
- 28 October 1989
- Director
- K. Rangaraj
- Language
- Tamil 0
Storyline
Inspector Jaganath arrests a woman sentenced to death. He does not know she is his wife, whom he abandoned twenty-five years ago. His son Vijay plans a daring prison break to save her. Father and son clash in a fight that reveals the truth. Jaganath must choose between the law and his family.
“Justice triumphs when love breaks the law”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Dharmam Vellum
Cast reunions in this film: Senthil & Ilayaraja (72 films together), Vijayakanth & Ilayaraja (50 films together), Delhi Ganesh & Ilayaraja (33 films together), Senthil & Vijayakanth (28 films together), Chinni Jayanth & Ilayaraja (25 films together), and Ilayaraja & S. S. Chandran (24 films together).
Trivia
- The film was originally titled 'Dharmam Vellum' but was also released under the alternative title 'Dharmam Vellam'.
- Director Rangarajan K is better known by his pen name 'Sujatha', a celebrated Tamil writer and dialogue writer for many major films.
- The story is loosely inspired by real-life reports of a woman committing multiple murders, though heavily fictionalized for cinema.
- The film's music was composed by Ilaiyaraaja, but it is considered one of his lesser-known works from that period.
- Actress Radha, who played the lead role of Saradha, was at the peak of her career, known more for romantic roles than such intense characters.
- The movie's climax, set in an abandoned circuit house, was noted for its atmospheric and suspenseful filming.
- Despite its dramatic premise, the film did not achieve major commercial success upon its initial release.