Salem Vishnu(1990)
Salem Vishnu is a 1990 Indian Tamil-language action film written, produced, and directed by B. Thyagarajan. The film stars B. Thyagarajan in the lead role, with Komal Mahuvakar, R. Sarathkumar, and Geetha in supporting roles. The story follows Vishnu, a college student expelled for reporting cheating, who becomes a car mechanic in Salem. His life is disrupted when his brother's past catches up with them, forcing Vishnu to confront a dangerous gang. The film features a mix of family drama and action sequences, with a strong emphasis on honesty and family loyalty. It was released on February 16, 1990, and has a runtime of 130 minutes. The film received mixed reviews but is remembered for its straightforward storytelling and Thyagarajan's dual role as director and lead actor.
Quick Facts
- Theatrical Release
- 16 February 1990
- Director
- Thyagarajan
- Language
- Tamil
- Runtime
- 2h 10m 0
Storyline
Vishnu is a clever student who gets expelled from college for refusing to tolerate cheating. He becomes a car mechanic in Salem and lives a quiet life with his parents. Everything changes when his brother is transferred to the same city, bringing dangerous enemies with him. Vishnu must fight to protect his family from the gang that wants revenge.
“Honesty is his weapon. Family is his fight.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Salem Vishnu
Cast reunions in this film: Sarath Kumar & Goundamani (19 films together), Goundamani & Vinu Chakravarthy (16 films together), Venniradai Moorthy & Goundamani (14 films together), Goundamani & V. K. Ramasamy (10 films together), Venniradai Moorthy & V. K. Ramasamy (9 films together), and Venniradai Moorthy & Vinu Chakravarthy (8 films together).
Trivia
- The film's title 'Salem Vishnu' refers to the protagonist's hometown Salem, a city in Tamil Nadu known for its steel plants and mangoes.
- Director Thyagarajan also played a supporting role in the film, continuing his trend of acting in his own directorial ventures.
- This was one of the early films of actor Karthik after his breakthrough, testing his ability to carry a rural-based story.
- The movie's soundtrack by composer Shankar-Ganesh included a hit song 'Oruvan Oruvan Mudhalali' that gained popularity in tea shops.
- A key action sequence involving a car repair garage was filmed at a real workshop in Chennai to add authenticity.
- The film's release coincided with a wave of campus-themed movies in Tamil, but it shifted focus to brotherhood and local politics.
- Despite being an action film, it avoided the typical 'dishum dishum' style fights popular in that era, opting for more realistic brawls.