Karagattakaran(1989)
Karagattakaran is a 1989 Indian Tamil-language romantic comedy dance film written and directed by Gangai Amaran. It stars Ramarajan as Muthaiya and debutant Kanaka as Kamakshi, with Santhana Bharathi, Goundamani, Senthil, and Gandhimathi in supporting roles. The story revolves around two karakattam dancers from rival villages who fall in love while facing opposition from a powerful village president. The film is notable for its authentic portrayal of the Karakattam folk dance form and its blockbuster soundtrack composed by Ilaiyaraaja. It was a major commercial success, running for over a year in theatres and winning two Tamil Nadu State Film Awards. The comedy track featuring Goundamani and Senthil, especially the banana sequence, remains a cult classic in Tamil cinema.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- YouTube
- Theatrical Release
- 16 June 1989
- Director
- Gangai Amaran
- Language
- Tamil
- Runtime
- 2h 25m
- Rating
- 3.6/10
Storyline
Muthaiya is a passionate karakattam dancer who leads a village troupe. He falls in love with Kamakshi, a dancer from a neighboring village. But the evil village president Chinnarasu wants Kamakshi for himself and plots to destroy their love. Muthaiya must fight family secrets, a dangerous dance duel, and a fire test to win his love.
“Dance with love, walk through fire.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Karagattakaran
Cast reunions in this film: Senthil & Goundamani (80 films together), Goundamani & Ilayaraja (75 films together), Senthil & Ilayaraja (72 films together), Ramarajan & Ilayaraja (25 films together), Kovai Sarala & Ilayaraja (19 films together), and Ilayaraja & Ganthimathi (17 films together).
Trivia
- The film's title refers to a traditional Tamil folk dance, and the story was inspired by real-life rivalries between Karagattam performing families.
- Director Gangai Amaran is the younger brother of legendary music composer Ilaiyaraaja, who scored the film's songs.
- Actor Sathyaraj, who played the lead, performed many of the complex Karagattam dance sequences himself after intensive training.
- The movie was shot extensively in rural Tamil Nadu to authentically capture the setting and culture of the folk artist communities.
- A major subplot involves a 'cockfight', a staged sequence that required special animal handlers and caused controversy upon release.
- Despite being a commercial entertainer, the film highlighted the declining status of traditional folk arts in modern society.
- The comedy track featuring actors like Goundamani and Senthil was largely improvised during filming, adding to the movie's humor.