Manithan(1987)
Manithan (transl. Human) is a 1987 Indian Tamil-language masala film directed by S. P. Muthuraman. The film stars Rajinikanth, Rupini, and Raghuvaran in lead roles. The story follows Raja, a man born on Amavasya who is branded a future criminal by his superstitious father. After a childhood incident lands him in juvenile detention, Raja returns to society determined to prove his worth. He joins a welfare organisation and helps the poor, but his good deeds attract powerful enemies. The film explores themes of superstition, redemption, and the battle between good and evil. It was produced by AVM Productions and became a silver jubilee hit upon its Diwali release in 1987. Chandrabose won the Best Music Director award at the 8th Cinema Express Awards for his work on the film. A digitally remastered version was re-released in October 2025.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- Prime Video, aha Video
- Theatrical Release
- 1 May 1987
- Director
- S. P. Muthuraman
- Language
- Tamil
- Runtime
- 2h 21m
- Rating
- 4.0/10
Storyline
Raja is born on a no moon night, and his father believes this makes him destined to become a criminal. After a violent incident in his childhood sends him to prison, Raja returns to society as an adult. He tries to build an honest life by helping the poor, but the prejudice against his birth follows him. Powerful enemies and old superstitions threaten to destroy his chance at happiness.
“Born under a dark moon”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Manithan
Cast reunions in this film: Rajinikanth & S. P. Muthuraman (23 films together), Senthil & Delhi Ganesh (22 films together), Senthil & Srividya (15 films together), Delhi Ganesh & Srividya (15 films together), Senthil & Raghuvaran (13 films together), and Senthil & Jai Ganesh (10 films together).
Trivia
- This film was part of a major box office clash during Deepavali 1987, competing directly with the landmark films 'Nayakan' and 'Uzhavan Magan'.
- The movie's director, S. P. Muthuraman, was one of the most commercially successful directors in Tamil cinema at the time, frequently collaborating with Rajinikanth.
- Actor Sathyaraj, who plays the lead, reportedly performed many of his own stunts in the film's action sequences.
- The film's title 'Manithan' translates to 'Human', reflecting the story's focus on justice and humanity.
- Composer Ilaiyaraaja, who scored the film, is said to have recorded a portion of the soundtrack in a single, lengthy overnight session.
- Despite the strong competition, the film was a reported commercial hit, demonstrating Sathyaraj's box office pull in the late 1980s.
- The plot shares a common theme of the era: a wronged man returning from prison to fight systemic injustice, a popular trope in 80s Tamil cinema.