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Thalapathi official poster

Thalapathi(1991)

5.4/10
Tamil154 mins

Thalapathi (1991) is a 154-minute Tamil film directed by Mani Ratnam. Starring Rajinikanth, Mammootty and Shobana. With an audience rating of 5.4/10 and a blockbuster, major commercial success verdict at the box office, Thalapathi stands as one of the notable Tamil releases of 1991.

Director:Mani Ratnam
Mood:
darkemotionalintense
Where to watch:

Quick Facts

Streaming on
Prime Video
Theatrical Release
5 November 1991
Director
Mani Ratnam
Language
Tamil
Runtime
2h 34m
GudVibe Rating
5.4/10

Storyline

A man from the slums fights for the poor. He becomes friends with a powerful man who makes him his top commander, changing his life forever.

A slum hero rises to protect the powerless.

Film Details

5.4Rating
154Minutes
TamilLanguage
UACertificate
Release Date5 November 1991
Release Typetheatrical
Original Titleதளபதி
Also Known AsDalapathi · Thalapathy

Parental Guide

Violence
Moderate
Language
Moderate
Sex / Nudity
Moderate
Drugs
Mild
Intensity
Moderate

Vibe & Tags

Mood
darkemotionalintense
Themes
friendshipjusticefamilyidentity
Tonegritty
Pacingslow-burn
Complexitymoderate
Audiencemultiplex
Best Withwith-partner
Violence4
Emotion5
Humor2
Rewatchability5

Reviews & Ratings

Your Rating
5.4/10Rating

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Cast & Crew

Trivia

  • The story is loosely based on the friendship between Karna and Duryodhana from the Indian epic Mahabharata.
  • Composer Ilaiyaraaja recorded the background score in just a single overnight session.
  • Actress Shobana learned to play the veena for her role as Subbulakshmi in the film.
  • The climax fight scene was shot at the Mysore Palace, a location rarely used for violent sequences in films at the time.
  • Mani Ratnam initially wanted Kamal Haasan for the role of Surya, but Rajinikanth was eventually cast.
  • The film's title 'Thalapathi', meaning commander, was also Rajinikanth's nickname among his fan clubs.

Notable Collaborations

Frequent partnerships reunited in Thalapathi

Frequently Asked Questions