Murattu Kaalai(1980)
Murattu Kaalai (transl. Raging Bull) is a 1980 Indian Tamil-language action film directed by S. P. Muthuraman and written by Panchu Arunachalam. The film stars Rajinikanth, Rati Agnihotri, Sumalatha, and Jaishankar. The story follows Kaalaiyan, an honourable landlord who lives modestly with his four brothers, and his conflict with Sundaravelu, a greedy neighbour who schemes to steal his land. The film was the first Rajinikanth project for AVM Productions and marked the company's return to Tamil cinema after a hiatus. It was released on 20 December 1980 and became the highest-grossing Tamil film of its time, establishing Rajinikanth as a superstar and action hero. The film is known for its iconic jallikattu sequence, the train fight scene, and the popular song 'Pothuvaaga En Manasu Thangam'.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- Amazon Prime Video, Aha
- Theatrical Release
- 20 December 1980
- Director
- S. P. Muthuraman
- Language
- Tamil
- Runtime
- 2h 21m
- Rating
- 7.4/10
Storyline
Kaalaiyan, a wealthy but humble landlord, refuses to sell his ancestral land to the greedy Sundaravelu. Sundaravelu plots to destroy Kaalaiyan by framing him for murder, forcing him to go on the run. Kaalaiyan must clear his name, protect the woman he loves, and bring Sundaravelu to justice.
“The bull that would not be tamed.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Murattu Kaalai
Cast reunions in this film: Rajinikanth & Ilayaraja (58 films together), Ilayaraja & Thengai Srinivasan (50 films together), Ilayaraja & S. P. Muthuraman (43 films together), Ilayaraja & Jaishankar (34 films together), Jaishankar & Thengai Srinivasan (25 films together), and Rajinikanth & S. P. Muthuraman (23 films together).
Trivia
- The film's title 'Murattu Kaalai' refers to a wild bull, symbolizing the hero's untamed nature.
- This was the first film where Rajinikanth's character was named 'Kaalaiyan', a name later used in other films like 'Padayappa'.
- The famous fight scene on the moving tractor was filmed without a stunt double for Rajinikanth.
- Actress Radhika made her Tamil cinema debut with this film, playing the female lead.
- The movie's success led to a wave of rural-based action films starring Rajinikanth in the early 1980s.
- Director S. P. Muthuraman and Rajinikanth collaborated on over 20 films, with this being a major hit in their partnership.
- The song 'Andhi Mazhai Megam' was filmed at the Vellingiri Hills in Coimbatore, a rare location at the time.