Thalapathi(1991)
Thalapathi is a 1991 Indian Tamil-language gangster drama film written and directed by Mani Ratnam. It stars Rajinikanth, Mammootty, Arvind Swamy, Shobana, Bhanupriya, and Srividya. The story follows Surya, an orphan raised in a slum, who befriends a powerful gangster named Devaraj. Together they fight injustice using violence, while a district collector tries to stop them legally. The film is a contemporary adaptation of the Mahabharata, focusing on the friendship between Karna and Duryodhana. It was the most expensive South Indian film at the time of release. Thalapathi won two Filmfare Awards South and two Cinema Express Awards. The film was released on 5 November 1991 for Diwali.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- Prime Video, ManoramaMAX, Airtel Xstream Play
- Theatrical Release
- 5 November 1991
- Director
- Mani Ratnam
- Language
- Tamil
- Runtime
- 2h 45m
- Rating
- 5.4/10
Storyline
Surya is an orphan raised in a slum who fights for justice. He kills a criminal and is saved by the gangster Devaraj. They become best friends. But a district collector named Arjun wants to bring them down. Surya does not know that Arjun is his half-brother.
“A friendship stronger than blood.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Thalapathi
Cast reunions in this film: Ilayaraja & Charlie (59 films together), Rajinikanth & Ilayaraja (58 films together), Ilayaraja & Jaishankar (34 films together), Ilayaraja & Srividya (33 films together), Srividya & Jaishankar (16 films together), and Rajinikanth & Jaishankar (15 films together).
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.
