Musthafa(1996)
Musthaffaa is a 1996 Indian Tamil-language crime drama film directed by R. Aravindraj. The film stars Napoleon in the title role alongside Ranjitha, Goundamani, and Mansoor Ali Khan. Based on K. Prasanna's novel of the same name, the story follows a loyal gangster who tries to reform after falling in love. The narrative explores the clash between a violent underworld and a struggling middle-class Brahmin family. The film was praised for Napoleon's performance and its emotional second half. It spawned remakes in Hindi, Bangladeshi Bengali, and Indian Bengali. The film was released on 16 February 1996.
Quick Facts
- Theatrical Release
- 16 February 1996
- Director
- Aravindraj
- Language
- Tamil
- Runtime
- 2h 20m
- Rating
- 3.8/10
Storyline
Musthaffaa is a trusted henchman for a powerful godfather. He uses violence to solve problems for politicians. After falling in love with a dancer, he decides to change his life. He helps a poor Brahmin family trapped by corruption and poverty. But his past pulls him back for one final deadly job.
“A gangster's last chance at redemption”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Musthafa
Cast reunions in this film: Goundamani & Vidyasagar (12 films together), Goundamani & Ranjitha (6 films together), Goundamani & Kumarimuthu (6 films together), Mansoor Ali Khan & Napoleon (4 films together), Goundamani & Napoleon (4 films together), and Mansoor Ali Khan & Goundamani (3 films together).
Trivia
- The film's director R. Aravindraj is the son of veteran Tamil director Krishnan-Panju, known for classic films.
- Actor Napoleon, who played the lead, was also a popular politician and served as a Member of Parliament.
- Composer Deva, who scored the music, reused one of the film's tunes later for a hit song in the 1998 film 'Kaathala Kaathala'.
- Supporting actor Mansoor Ali Khan, who often played villains, was a state-level boxing champion before entering films.
- The movie was released during a period when many Tamil films were exploring themes of community identity and conflict.
- Actress Ranjitha, the female lead, was primarily known for her work in Kannada cinema before this Tamil role.
- A comedy track featuring actor Goundamani was included, a common practice in 1990s Tamil cinema to attract family audiences.