Engal Thangaraja(1973)
Engal Thanga Raja is a 1973 Indian Tamil-language action drama film directed and produced by V. B. Rajendra Prasad. The film stars Sivaji Ganesan in a dual role, alongside Sowcar Janaki, Manjula, R.S. Manohar, and Nagesh. The story follows Thangaraja, a man who disguises himself as an escaped criminal to infiltrate the gang of the wealthy landlord who murdered his brother. The film is a remake of the 1971 Hindi film Mere Apne. It combines elements of family drama, revenge, and undercover action. The movie received mixed reviews upon release but is noted for Sivaji Ganesan's performance and the emotional weight of its central conflict.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- YouTube
- Theatrical Release
- 15 July 1973
- Director
- V. B. Rajendra Prasad
- Language
- Tamil 0
Storyline
After his brother is brutally murdered by a powerful landlord, Thangaraja decides to take matters into his own hands. He adopts the identity of a dangerous fugitive named Raja to get close to the killer. As Raja, he must earn the villain's trust while hiding his true purpose. His mission becomes a dangerous game of deception where one mistake means death.
“A brother's love becomes a killer's disguise.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Engal Thangaraja
Cast reunions in this film: Sivaji Ganesan & K. V. Mahadevan (35 films together), Manjula Vijayakumar & Sivaji Ganesan (10 films together), Sivaji Ganesan & R. S. Manohar (9 films together), K. V. Mahadevan & R. S. Manohar (8 films together), Manjula Vijayakumar & R. S. Manohar (3 films together), and Sivaji Ganesan & V. B. Rajendra Prasad (3 films together).
Trivia
- The film's director V. B. Rajendra Prasad was a major producer in Telugu cinema, and this was one of his few directorial ventures in Tamil.
- It was one of the earliest films to feature actor Sivakumar in a dual role, playing both the hero and his murdered brother.
- The movie's soundtrack by M. S. Viswanathan reused popular tunes from the composer's own earlier Telugu and Tamil hits.
- A key action sequence was filmed at the Vellore Fort, a historic location not commonly used in films of that era.
- The film's release coincided with a wave of 'avenging brother' themed movies in Tamil cinema during the early 1970s.
- Despite the serious plot, the film included comedy scenes featuring the popular actor Cho Ramaswamy.
- The title 'Engal Thanga Raja' translates to 'Our Golden King', symbolizing the brother's revered status in the family.