Dharma Dorai(1991)
Dharma Durai is a 1991 Indian Tamil-language action drama film directed by Rajasekhar and written by Panchu Arunachalam. The film stars Rajinikanth as the titular character, with Gautami, Madhu, Charan Raj, Nizhalgal Ravi, and Vaishnavi in supporting roles. It is a remake of the 1989 Kannada film Deva. The story follows Dharmadurai, a kind farmer who is betrayed by his younger brothers after he sacrifices everything for them. The film explores themes of brotherly love, betrayal, and forgiveness. It was released on 14 January 1991 during Pongal and became a major commercial success, running for over 175 days in theatres. The soundtrack was composed by Ilaiyaraaja and features popular songs like 'Onnu Rendu' and 'Maasi Maasam'. This was director Rajasekhar's final film, as he died in a car accident 100 days after its release.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- Prime Video
- Theatrical Release
- 14 January 1991
- Director
- Rajashekar
- Language
- Tamil
- Runtime
- 2h 25m
- Rating
- 4.9/10
Storyline
Dharmadurai is a simple farmer who loves his younger brothers unconditionally. He borrows money for their education and later takes the blame for a murder they committed. While he is in jail, his brothers kill his father and his son. When Dharmadurai is released, he must decide whether to seek revenge or forgive the family that destroyed his life.
“A brother's love, a family's betrayal.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Dharma Dorai
Cast reunions in this film: Senthil & Ilayaraja (72 films together), Rajinikanth & Ilayaraja (58 films together), Venniradai Moorthy & Ilayaraja (42 films together), Nizhalgal Ravi & Ilayaraja (34 films together), Ilayaraja & Panchu Arunachalam (26 films together), and Ilayaraja & Gouthami (22 films together).
Trivia
- The film's title 'Dharma Durai' is a common Tamil male name, often symbolizing a righteous man, which fits the protagonist's character.
- Director Rajashekar is known for action films, and this was one of his early 1990s movies before he gained wider fame.
- Actor Vijayakanth, who played the lead, was often called 'Captain' by fans, a nickname that started around this time in his career.
- The movie released during a period when village-based family dramas with action were very popular in Tamil cinema.
- Some scenes were shot in real village locations in Tamil Nadu to give a more authentic feel to the story.
- The film's music was composed by Ilaiyaraaja, a famous composer who worked on many Tamil films in the 1990s.
- It is one of several films from that era where the hero sacrifices for his family, a common theme in Tamil cinema.