Pudhalvan(1997)
Pudhalvan is a 1997 Indian Tamil-language action drama film directed by Selva Vinayagam. The film stars Ramki as Inspector Siva and Pragathi as Priya, with Vijayakumar, Jayanthi, and Raja Raveendar in supporting roles. The story follows an honest police inspector raised by a judge, who must arrest the judge's son for murder. It is a remake of the Telugu film Doshi Nirdoshi (1990). The film was released on 26 December 1997. Two years after release, the producers received a ₹5 lakh subsidy from the Tamil Nadu government.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- Eros Now, Amazon Prime Video
- Theatrical Release
- 26 December 1997
- Director
- Selva Vinayagam
- Language
- Tamil
- Runtime
- 1h 45m
- Rating
- 6.5/10
Storyline
Inspector Siva is an honest cop raised by Judge Sathyamoorthy. When Sathyamoorthy's son Ramesh kills his own brother Raja, Siva must choose between family loyalty and the law. Siva insists on arresting Ramesh, putting him in direct conflict with the man who raised him.
“When justice means losing your family.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Pudhalvan
Cast reunions in this film: Pandu & Deva (29 films together), Deva & Vijayakumar (29 films together), Pandu & Vijayakumar (10 films together), Ramki & Pandu (7 films together), Ramki & Deva (7 films together), and Ramki & Vijayakumar (3 films together).
Trivia
- The film's title 'Pudhalvan' means 'new man' or 'hero' in Tamil, reflecting the protagonist's moral struggle.
- Director Selva Vinayagam also wrote the screenplay, drawing from themes of justice and family loyalty common in 1990s Tamil cinema.
- Actor Vijayakanth, who played Siva, was known for his police roles, and this film added to his 'Captain' image among fans.
- The movie featured music by Deva, a popular composer in the 1990s, known for his folk and melody-based songs.
- A subplot involving the smuggler Mudaliar was seen as a nod to real-life political corruption issues in Tamil Nadu at the time.
- The film's climax, set in a courtroom, was shot in a single schedule to maintain emotional intensity among the actors.
- Despite a star cast, the film had a moderate box office run compared to other Vijayakanth action dramas of the era.