Dhill(2001)
'Dhill' (2001) is a Tamil-language action film written and directed by Dharani. The film stars Vikram as Kanagavel, an aspiring IPS officer, alongside Laila, Ashish Vidyarthi, Nassar, and Vivek. The story follows Kanagavel as he battles a corrupt police inspector named Shankar, who works with a minister and a gangster. The film is known for its high-octane action sequences and Vikram's physical transformation. It was a critical and commercial success, winning six Tamil Nadu State Film Awards. 'Dhill' was the first film to credit Vikram with the title 'Chiyaan'.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- Sun NXT, Airtel Xstream Play
- Theatrical Release
- 13 July 2001
- Director
- Dharani
- Language
- Tamil
- Runtime
- 2h 30m
- Rating
- 5.4/10
Storyline
Kanagavel clears his IPS exams and celebrates with his girlfriend Asha. A corrupt inspector harasses her, and Kanagavel beats him. He learns the inspector is part of a criminal network. Kanagavel decides to take him down, but the inspector strikes first, killing his friend. Kanagavel must fight to protect the people he loves and bring a corrupt system to justice.
“Courage is the only weapon he needs.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Dhill
Cast reunions in this film: Vivek & Nassar (23 films together), Nassar & Vidyasagar (16 films together), Vivek & Vidyasagar (14 films together), Nassar & Mayilsamy (11 films together), Vidhya & Nassar (9 films together), and Nassar & Vikram (9 films together).
Trivia
- The film's villain, played by Ashish Vidyarthi, was originally offered to actor Prakash Raj, but he declined due to scheduling conflicts.
- This was the first major Tamil film role for actress Laila, who played Asha, after working primarily in Telugu cinema.
- Director Dharani reused the core revenge plot from this film in his later, bigger hit 'Ghilli' (2004), which also starred Vijay.
- The iconic fight scene on the beach was shot in Mahabalipuram, a popular location that gives many Tamil films a distinct coastal look.
- Composer Vidyasagar's background score for the villain's theme became very popular and was reused in several other south Indian films later.
- The movie was a major commercial success and is considered a key film in establishing Vijay's 'action hero' image in the early 2000s.
- A scene where Vijay's character trains with a tyre was inspired by training methods used by some real-life police officers in India.