Sankarlal(1981)
Sankarlal is a 1981 Indian Tamil-language action film written, directed, and produced by T. N. Balu. It stars Kamal Haasan in dual roles as father Dharmalingam and son Mohan, alongside Sridevi, Seema, and P. R. Varalakshmi. The story follows a man framed for murder who returns years later as the mysterious Sankarlal to seek revenge and reunite with his lost family. Balu died mid-production, and N. K. Viswanathan completed the film. The movie was simultaneously shot in Telugu as Andagaadu with Allu Rama Lingaiah and Rao Gopal Rao. The soundtrack features music by Ilaiyaraaja and Gangai Amaran. The film received mixed reviews for its pacing but was noted for its double role performance by Kamal Haasan.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- Eros Now, YouTube
- Theatrical Release
- 1 June 1981
- Director
- T. N. Balu
- Language
- Tamil
- Runtime
- 1h 56m
- Rating
- 7.5/10
Storyline
An innocent family man is framed for murder by a ruthless criminal. He is jailed and his family is scattered. Years later, he returns as the mysterious Sankarlal to take revenge and find his wife and children. His grown son, unaware of his father's identity, is also hunting the same criminal.
“A father's revenge. A son's fight.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Sankarlal
Cast reunions in this film: Kamal Haasan & Ilayaraja (60 films together), Ilayaraja & Sridevi (23 films together), Ilayaraja & Suruli rajan (19 films together), Kamal Haasan & Sridevi (13 films together), Ilayaraja & V. Gopalakrishnan (13 films together), and Kamal Haasan & Suruli rajan (7 films together).
Trivia
- The film's director T. N. Balu was primarily known as a successful cinematographer, and this was one of his few directorial ventures.
- The movie was released the same year as the iconic 'Raja Paarvai', showcasing the diverse range of Tamil films in 1981.
- Actor Sivakumar, who played the lead, was in a prolific phase, starring in several films that year balancing different genres.
- The plot revolves around a wrongful imprisonment, a common theme in 1980s Tamil cinema reflecting societal justice concerns.
- The title 'Sankarlal' is an uncommon name for a Tamil film, possibly chosen to give the central character a distinct identity.
- Being a drama-action film from this era, it likely featured staged fights and melodrama typical of the period's production style.