Vathiyar(2006)
Vathiyar is a 2006 Indian Tamil-language action drama film directed by A. Venkatesh. The film stars Arjun Sarja as Annadurai 'Dorai', a former teacher turned vigilante, alongside Mallika Kapoor, Prakash Raj, Pradeep Rawat, and Vadivelu. The story follows Dorai, who runs an orphanage and kills criminals that escape the law, while a police officer and a former Chief Minister try to stop him. The film was released on Deepavali 2006 and received mixed reviews, with critics praising Arjun's action sequences but criticising the predictable plot. The soundtrack was composed by D. Imman.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- Sun NXT, Airtel Xstream Play, YouTube
- Theatrical Release
- 10 November 2006
- Director
- A. Venkatesh
- Language
- Tamil
- Runtime
- 2h 39m
- Rating
- 6.5/10
Storyline
A former school teacher becomes a vigilante after a school fire kills 48 children. He runs an orphanage and kills criminals who escape the law. A police officer wants to arrest him, while a former Chief Minister plans a bomb attack that threatens thousands of lives.
“When the system fails, a teacher fights.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Vathiyar
Cast reunions in this film: Vadivelu & Manivannan (24 films together), Manivannan & Thalaivasal Vijay (16 films together), Thambi Ramaiah & D. Imman (15 films together), Vadivelu & Thalaivasal Vijay (15 films together), Prakash Raj & Manobala (14 films together), and Manobala & Manivannan (14 films together).
Trivia
- The film's title 'Vathiyar' means 'teacher' in Tamil, reflecting the protagonist's original profession before becoming a vigilante.
- Actor Arjun performed many of his own stunts in the film, including a risky fight sequence on a moving vehicle.
- Composer Vidyasagar's background score used a mix of traditional Tamil folk instruments and modern orchestration.
- The movie's climax involving a bomb threat was partly inspired by real-life political tensions in Tamil Nadu during the mid-2000s.
- Actress Sujatha, who played Arjun's mother, was a last-minute replacement for another veteran actress who fell ill.
- A comedy scene with Vadivelu was improvised on set and became so popular it was extended in the final cut.
- The film's release was delayed by two months due to disagreements over the censorship of certain violent scenes.