Sathya(1988)
Sathyaa is a 1988 Indian Tamil-language gangster film directed by Suresh Krissna in his directorial debut and produced by Kamal Haasan under Raaj Kamal Films International. The film stars Kamal Haasan, Amala Akkineni, Rajesh, Janagaraj, Bahadoor, and Kitty. It is a remake of the 1985 Hindi film Arjun. The story follows Sathyamurthy, an unemployed youth who fights against corrupt politicians and local thugs in a city ruled by fear. The film explores themes of justice, betrayal, and the failure of the legal system. Sathyaa was released on 29 January 1988 and became one of the highest-grossing Tamil films of the year. Kitty won the Cinema Express Award for Best Villain Actor for his role as Dhandapani.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- aha, Airtel Xstream Play
- Theatrical Release
- 29 January 1988
- Director
- Suresh Krishna
- Language
- Tamil
- Runtime
- 2h 25m
- Rating
- 4.3/10
Storyline
Sathyamurthy is an unemployed young man with a fierce sense of justice. When he sees goons beating a tea vendor, he intervenes and makes powerful enemies. He must protect his family, fight corrupt politicians, and find his own path to justice in a world where the law has failed.
“Justice has no law but his own.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Sathya
Cast reunions in this film: Kamal Haasan & Ilayaraja (60 films together), Ilayaraja & Janagaraj (59 films together), Nassar & Ilayaraja (49 films together), Suresh Krishna & Suresh Krissna (19 films together), Nassar & Kamal Haasan (17 films together), and Nassar & Janagaraj (17 films together).
Trivia
- This was the first Tamil film directed by Suresh Krissna, who later directed blockbusters like 'Baashha'.
- The film's story is loosely based on the 1983 American movie 'Scarface'.
- Actor Sathyaraj performed his own stunts for many of the film's action sequences.
- The movie was a major comeback for actor Sathyaraj, establishing him as a leading action hero.
- Composer Ilaiyaraaja recorded the background score in a single overnight session.
- A real-life political controversy arose because a character resembled a then-prominent politician.
- The film's climax was shot in a specially constructed large set to resemble a factory.