Ranga(1982)
Ranga is a 1982 Indian Tamil-language action film directed by R. Thyagarajan and produced by C. Dhandayudhapani under Thevar Films. The film stars Rajinikanth in the titular role, alongside Radhika, K. R. Vijaya, and Karate Mani. The story follows Ranganathan, a graduate who becomes a hitman after losing his sister in childhood, and his eventual reunion with her through a series of violent and emotional events. The film is notable for being Rajinikanth's 75th film as an actor and for its iconic dialogue 'Appavum Thathavum,' which was later used in the 2025 film Coolie. Ranga was released on 14 April 1982 and became a commercial success at the box office.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- Amazon Prime Video, Sun NXT, Hungama Play
- Theatrical Release
- 14 April 1982
- Director
- R. Thyagarajan
- Language
- Tamil
- Runtime
- 2h 13m 0
Storyline
A young graduate named Ranga loses his sister in childhood and turns to crime as a hitman. He is hired to kidnap a rich boy named Suresh. But Suresh's mother is actually Ranga's long-lost sister. Ranga must choose between his criminal life and his family.
“A brother's love never dies.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Ranga
Cast reunions in this film: Rajinikanth & Thengai Srinivasan (23 films together), Shankar & Sankar Ganesh (22 films together), K. R. Vijaya & Thengai Srinivasan (19 films together), K. R. Vijaya & Sankar Ganesh (18 films together), Sankar Ganesh & Thengai Srinivasan (18 films together), and Devar films & R. Thyagarajan (12 films together).
Trivia
- The film's director R. Thyagarajan was also a popular actor, known for playing villain roles in many Tamil films.
- This movie was released the same year as the blockbuster 'Sakalakala Vallavan', starring Kamal Haasan, which dominated the box office.
- The story reflects the economic anxieties of educated youth in the early 1980s, a common theme in Tamil cinema of that era.
- Actor Vijayakanth, who later became a major star and political leader, was rising in fame around the time of this film's release.
- The title 'Ranga' is a common Tamil male name, often used in films to represent an everyman or a rustic character.
- Music was composed by Shankar–Ganesh, a popular duo who scored for many action and drama films in the 1980s.
- The film's plot of a good man turning to crime for quick money parallels the narrative of several Tamil films from that period.