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Iruvar official poster

Iruvar(1997)

6.6/10
Tamil158 minsdirect-to-OTT

Iruvar is a 1997 Indian Tamil-language epic political drama film co-written, produced, and directed by Mani Ratnam. It stars Mohanlal in his Tamil debut as Anandan, alongside Prakash Raj, Aishwarya Rai in her first screen appearance, Revathi, Gautami, and Tabu. The story follows two friends—a struggling actor and a writer—whose bond is destroyed by ambition and politics in Tamil Nadu. The film is inspired by the lives of M. G. Ramachandran, M. Karunanidhi, and J. Jayalalithaa. It won the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor and Best Cinematography, and was screened at the Toronto International Film Festival. The soundtrack was composed by A. R. Rahman.

Director:Mani Ratnam
Filmed In:Kerala, Ladakh, Madurai, Rajasthan, Chennai
Occasion:Pongal 1997
Mood:
emotionalintenseinspiring

Quick Facts

Streaming on
Disney+ Hotstar, Prime Video
OTT Release Date
6 December 1997
Theatrical Release
14 January 1997
Director
Mani Ratnam
Language
Tamil
Runtime
2h 38m
Rating
6.6/10

Storyline

Anandan is a poor actor who dreams of stardom. He meets Tamizhselvan, a writer with political ideas. Together they rise to the top of cinema and politics. But when power comes between them, their friendship shatters. Anandan must choose between his friend and his ambition.

Two friends. One state. Broken dreams.

Film Details

6.6Rating
158Minutes
TamilLanguage
UACertificate
Release Date14 January 1997
Release Typedirect-to-OTT
OccasionPongal 1997
Original Titleஇருவர்
Also Known AsIruvar · Iddaru · The Duo
Filmed InKerala, Ladakh, Madurai, Rajasthan, Chennai

Parental Guide

Violence
Low
Language
Low
Sex / Nudity
Mild
Drugs
Mild
Intensity
Low

Where to Watch

Vibe & Tags

Mood
emotionalintenseinspiring
Themes
identitycorruptionfriendshipjustice
Toneserious
Pacingslow-burn
Complexityrequires-attention
Audiencearthouse
Best Withalone
Violence2
Emotion5
Humor1
Rewatchability4

Cast & Crew

Reunion Meter

Frequent partnerships reunited for Iruvar

Cast reunions in this film: Nassar & Prakash Raj (41 films together), Mani Ratnam & A. R. Rahman (20 films together), Nassar & A. R. Rahman (16 films together), Nassar & Revathi (14 films together), Nassar & Suhasini Maniratnam (11 films together), and Nassar & Gouthami (10 films together).

Trivia

  • The film's title 'Iruvar' means 'The Duo' in Tamil, referring to the two main characters.
  • Mani Ratnam originally planned to make the film in Hindi but later switched to Tamil.
  • Aishwarya Rai made her acting debut in this film, playing dual roles of two wives.
  • The film's release was delayed due to political pressure and threats of legal action.
  • Composer A.R. Rahman used a rare instrument called the bulbul tarang for a song.
  • Prakash Raj's character was based on real-life actor and politician Sivaji Ganesan.
  • The film was shot in just 75 days, which was fast for a period drama of its scale.

Frequently Asked Questions