Captain Prabhakaran(1991)
Captain Prabhakaran is a 1991 Indian Tamil-language action film directed by R. K. Selvamani. The film stars Vijayakanth in his 100th lead role, alongside M. N. Nambiar, Sarathkumar, J. Livingston, Rupini, Ramya Krishnan, and Mansoor Ali Khan. The story follows an Indian Forest Service officer who takes on a brutal sandalwood smuggler in the Sathyamangalam forests, while battling corrupt officials who protect the criminal. The antagonist Veerabhadran is loosely based on the real-life bandit Veerappan. The film was a major box office success and popularised the nickname 'Captain' for Vijayakanth. It was re-released in 4K with Dolby sound in August 2025.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- YouTube, Prime Video
- Theatrical Release
- 14 April 1991
- Director
- R. K. Selvamani
- Language
- Tamil
- Runtime
- 2h 38m
- Rating
- 4.9/10
Storyline
An honest forest officer named Prabhakaran is sent to capture a ruthless sandalwood smuggler who terrorises the region. He must also avenge his friend's death. But corrupt officials and powerful enemies stand in his way.
“One man against a forest of evil”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Captain Prabhakaran
Cast reunions in this film: Vijayakanth & Ilayaraja (50 films together), Ilayaraja & M. N. Nambiar (25 films together), Vijayakanth & M. N. Nambiar (19 films together), Ilayaraja & Ganthimathi (17 films together), Ilayaraja & Rupini (12 films together), and Mansoor Ali Khan & Livingston (10 films together).
Trivia
- This was the first Tamil film to be shot extensively in the Sathyamangalam forest region, matching the story's setting.
- Actor Vijayakanth performed many of his own stunts, including a risky fight scene on a moving truck.
- The film's success led to a real-life nickname for Vijayakanth, with fans calling him 'Captain'.
- Director R.K. Selvamani and Vijayakanth collaborated for the first time, starting a successful partnership.
- The movie's climax was inspired by popular Hollywood action films of the 1980s.
- It was a major box office hit, running for over 100 days in many theaters across Tamil Nadu.
- The villain character Veerabhadran was noted for being a powerful and memorable adversary.