Chinna Gounder(1992)
Chinna Gounder is a 1992 Indian Tamil-language drama film directed by R. V. Udayakumar. The film stars Vijayakanth as Thavasi, the village headman and judge, with Sukanya as Deivanai, his love interest. Manorama, Salim Ghouse, Goundamani, Senthil, and Vadivelu appear in supporting roles. The story follows Chinna Gounder as he resolves a land dispute involving a temple, exposes his brother-in-law's forgery, and falls in love with a talkative village girl. The plot thickens when he is framed for poisoning a pond and his wife is arrested for murder. The film is notable for its blend of romance, comedy, and family drama, with a strong message of forgiveness. Ilaiyaraaja's soundtrack became popular, with songs like 'Chinna Kili Vanna Kili'. The film won the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Film – Third Prize and earned Sukanya the Best Actress award. It was released on 15 January 1992 during the Pongal festival.
Chinna Gounder is streaming on Airtel Xstream Play and YouTube.
Where to watch:Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- Airtel Xstream Play, YouTube
- Theatrical Release
- 15 January 1992
- Director
- R. V. Udayakumar
- Language
- Tamil
- Runtime
- 2h 25m
- Rating
- 4.0/10
Storyline
Thavasi, the respected village headman and judge, must solve a temple land dispute while dealing with his evil brother-in-law Sakkarai Gounder. He falls for the bold and talkative Deivanai, but their happiness is shattered when Sakkarai frames them for murder. Chinna Gounder must prove his innocence and save his wife from prison.
“Honour. Love. Justice. One man's fight.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Chinna Gounder
Cast reunions in this film: Goundamani & Ilayaraja (75 films together), Vijayakanth & Ilayaraja (50 films together), Ilayaraja & Sukanya (15 films together), Goundamani & Sukanya (12 films together), Goundamani & Vijayakanth (9 films together), and R. V. Udayakumar & Ilayaraja (7 films together).
Trivia
- The film was originally planned to be directed by R. Sundarrajan, but R.V. Udayakumar took over as director.
- This was one of the earliest major film roles for actor Vijayakanth's brother-in-law, Vijayakumar, in a supporting part.
- The movie's climax fight was shot in a specially constructed village set to control the action sequences.
- It features a cameo appearance by a popular comedy actor of the time, Goundamani, in a brief but memorable scene.
- The soundtrack by Ilaiyaraaja includes a folk-based song that became popular in rural areas upon release.
- The film's title refers to a village headman, a common archetype in Tamil cinema of the early 90s.
- Despite being an action drama, the film had a relatively low budget compared to other Vijayakanth movies of that period.