Rajadhi Raja(1989)
Rajadhi Raja is a 1989 Indian Tamil-language action comedy film directed by R. Sundarrajan. The film stars Rajinikanth in a dual role as Rajashekar and Chinnarasu, with Radha and Nadhiya as the female leads. The story follows Rajashekar, who returns from the United States after his father's murder and swaps places with his lookalike to catch the killers. The film features a soundtrack composed by Ilaiyaraaja, which became hugely popular. Rajadhi Raja was released on 4 March 1989 and was a commercial success at the box office.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- Prime Video
- Theatrical Release
- 4 March 1989
- Director
- R. Sundarrajan
- Language
- Tamil
- Runtime
- 2h 30m
- Rating
- 5.1/10
Storyline
A rich estate owner's son returns from America to find his father murdered. He swaps lives with his poor lookalike to hunt the killers. But when he is framed for a crime he did not commit, the swap becomes a fight for survival and justice.
“Two faces, one fight for justice”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Rajadhi Raja
Cast reunions in this film: Ilayaraja & Janagaraj (59 films together), Rajinikanth & Ilayaraja (58 films together), Ilayaraja & Radha Ravi (37 films together), Radha & Ilayaraja (35 films together), Ilayaraja & Vinu Chakravarthy (34 films together), and Ilayaraja & Panchu Arunachalam (26 films together).
Trivia
- The film's title 'Rajathi Raja' translates to 'King of Kings', a phrase often used to refer to the Hindu deity Lord Murugan.
- Actor R. Sundarrajan, who directed the film, also played the key supporting role of the friend, Sethupati the rickshaw puller.
- This was one of the early major villain roles for actor Nassar, who played the antagonist Aadimoolam.
- The movie features a popular comedy track involving the character 'Mottai Boss', played by comedy actor Goundamani.
- A subplot in the film involves a staged marriage, a common trope in 1980s Tamil cinema to drive comedy and conflict.
- The soundtrack, composed by Ilaiyaraaja, included a hit song 'Poo Maalai Vaangi' sung by S. P. Balasubrahmanyam and S. Janaki.
- The film's plot of a lookalike standing in for a rich heir shares similarities with the Hollywood film 'The Prince and the Pauper'.