Iruvar (1997)

The real-life rivalry between M.G. Ramachandran and Karunanidhi is given the Mani Ratnam treatment.

Director:

Mani Ratnam

Writers:

Mani Ratnam (screenplay), Mani Ratnam (story)

Stars:

Mohanlal, Prakash Raj, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

Trending Tamil Movies #12 | 3 wins & 1 nomination.

Cast

Credited cast:
Mohanlal	...	Anand (Anandan)
Prakash Raj	...	Tamil Selvam (Tamilzhchelvan) (as Prakashraj)
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan	...	Kalpana / Pushpa (as Aishwarya Rai)
Gautami	...	Ramani
Tabu	...	Selvam's lover
Revathy	...	Selvam's wife
Nassar	...	Anna Durai (the party leader) (as Nasser)
Madhoo	...	Special Appearance (Song "Narumugaiye") (as Madhubala)
Ravi	...	Ramani's manager
Rajesh	...	Party functionary
Delhi Ganesh	...	Anandan's helper
Sunder Rajan	...	Police Commissioner
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Umakant Rai

Storyline

A struggling actor Anandam (Mohanlal) is befriended by up and coming grassroots leader and scriptwriter Tamilchelvam (Prakashraj). As Anandam grows in popularity, he becomes an important tool for the Tamilchelvam and his party in wooing the public. After the death of the party leader Annadurai (Nasser), both protagonists find themselves in candidacy for the top spot, the schism is inevitable.

---

Plot Keywords:

death | rivalry | actor | death of protagonist | propaganda | 

---

Genres:

Biography | Drama

---

Details

Country:

India

Language:

Tamil

Release Date:

14 January 1997 (India)

Also Known As:

Iddaru

Filming Locations:

Kerala, India

Company Credits

Production Co:

Madras Talkies

Technical Specs

Runtime:

140 min

Sound Mix:

DTS

Color:

Black and White Color

Aspect Ratio:

4:3

Did You Know?

Trivia

Madhavan auditioned for the role of Tamil Selvam. He didn't get the part since he was too young for the role. But Maniratnam was impressed with his work and hence offered him the lead role in Alaipayudhe (2000), which is the debut film of Madhavan.

---

Soundtracks

Kannai Kaatikollathey
Performed by Hariharan
Lyrics by Vairamuthu
Music by A.R. Rahman

User Reviews

The Best Indian Movie Ever!

I have seen this movie about 10 times in the last 5 years. One of the most inspiring movie ever made in Indian movie history. The best part which sets this movie apart is the fact that it is in Tamil and about two of the greatest pioneers of Tamil Nadu, yet it is unbiased and brings out the psyche of two of the greatest minds of Tamil Nadu. Although the movie claims that it is not a true story (in the very first scene), it is intuitive to anybody who lived or are aware of the golden age of Tamil Nadu.

Mohanlal and Prakash Rai play Anandan and Tamizh Chelvan respectively. Impeccable performances by them portraying the real life characters. Every bit of this movie says that it is a classic and this will only be realized in years to come. The film showcases the kind of films Maniratnam is capable of making. A.R.Rahman's music will haunt the ears of the viewers.

This movie was not appreciated by the movie goers in India as it was a little too slow. There are no racy songs, unwanted characters or unrealistic scenes to woo the viewers. Suhasini Maniratnam's dialogues in Tamil takes this movie to a pedestal where only the connoisseurs can admire. A very straight forward approach by the best film-maker in India.

Arvind Swami lends his masculine voice to Vairamuthu's verses to bring out the intensity in the scenes that show Thamizh Chelvan's prowess as a poet.

On the whole, a wonderful movie to have in your DVD rack. A classic that will only reveal itself in the years to come.