Rajaraja Cholan(1973)
Rajaraja Cholan is a 1973 Indian Tamil-language historical biographical film directed by A. P. Nagarajan. It stars Sivaji Ganesan as the Chola emperor Rajaraja I, with Vijayakumari, Sivakumar, Lakshmi, and M. N. Nambiar in supporting roles. The story follows the emperor's efforts to build the Brihadeswara Temple, recover ancient scriptures, and uncover a betrayal by his trusted minister. It was the first Tamil film to be shot in CinemaScope and featured a soundtrack composed by Kunnakudi Vaidyanathan. The film ran for over 100 days in theatres and received praise for its grand production and performances.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- YouTube, Airtel Xstream Play, Einthusan
- Theatrical Release
- 1 May 1973
- Director
- A. P. Nagarajan
- Language
- Tamil
- Runtime
- 2h 55m
- Rating
- 7.5/10
Storyline
Emperor Rajaraja Cholan must protect his empire from both external enemies and a traitor in his own court. While building the grand Brihadeswara Temple, he discovers that his trusted minister Bala Devar is plotting to kill him. With his family torn apart by war and love, the emperor must use his wisdom to outsmart everyone and save his kingdom.
“The emperor who built a temple and outsmarted a traitor.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Rajaraja Cholan
Cast reunions in this film: Sivaji Ganesan & Manorama (32 films together), M. N. Nambiar & Sivaji Ganesan (23 films together), M. N. Nambiar & Manorama (19 films together), Sivakumar & Manorama (19 films together), Sivaji Ganesan & R. Muthuraman (19 films together), and Lakshmi & R. Muthuraman (18 films together).
Trivia
- The film was shot in the Mysore Palace, which stood in for the Chola-era royal court.
- It was one of the few Tamil historical films of its time to use a real elephant in battle scenes.
- The director, A. P. Nagarajan, was known for mythological films, making this a rare historical project for him.
- The movie's release coincided with a renewed public interest in Chola history in Tamil Nadu.
- Actor Sivaji Ganesan was initially considered for the lead role before S. S. Rajendran was cast.
- The soundtrack by K. V. Mahadevan featured orchestral arrangements uncommon in Tamil films of that period.
- It was reportedly one of the most expensive Tamil films produced in the early 1970s.