Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Thalapathi

Thalapathi; (literally The Commander) is a 1991 Indian crime drama film directed by Mani Ratnam. This feature film has Rajnikanth and Mammootty in the lead roles, and the theme of the film is based on friendship between Karna and Duryodhana of Mahabharata. The film's score and soundtrack are composed by Ilaiyaraaja. Cinematography of the film is handled by Santosh Sivan.

Surya (Rajinikanth), is the abandoned child of a 14 year old unwed mother Kalyani (Srividya), is brought up by a generous lady living in slums. He grows into a fearless kind-hearted slum king who fights the injustice that takes place in town. These qualities lead him to cross swords with the local smuggler Devarajan (Mammootty). Devarajan's friend is beaten up terminally by Surya, and Deva threatens Surya that Surya will find himself in a dangerous situation if Deva's friend was laid to rest. Soon as his friend passes away, Surya then gets placed in prison. However, when Deva discovers Ramana's offense, he decides to get Surya released from jail. Surya himself is surprised to see Deva get him out from jail, and there he tells him nyayamnu onnu irrukku (there is such a thing as justice). And from that glorious moment, Deva surrenders his ego and offers his hand of friendship. Surya too declares that he will be Deva's best friend till death. Deva makes Surya his commander "Thalapathi". Both of them rule the town not only with their muscle but also with their sense of justice. But in the eyes of the Government, they are considered as antisocial elements. Arjun (Arvind Swamy), posted as the new District Collector, plans to arrest both Deva and Surya, so that he could put an end to their brutal activities. But his opportunity all goes in vain. In the ensuing struggle between the Collector and Deva/Surya, Surya learns that Arjun's mother is his mother too. Surya promises his mother that he will not harm Arjun but refuses to leave Deva, whose friendship is more valuable to him than his relationship with his brother. Deva is stunned to learn that Collector and Surya are brothers and admires Surya for not parting with him in spite of discovering his identity. During the process of surrendering to the Collector, assuring him completely stopping their activities, Deva is shot. Surya, in a fit of rage, kills the person who was the cause for Deva's death and surrenders to the Police after performing the final rites of his close associate. The Collector goes to another place on a new posting accompanied by his wife. The mother then changes her mind to stay with her elder son, Surya.

Movie broken the record of Tamil Cinema industry and become biggest grosser of 1991. Mammootty become famous among rajani fans. Mammootty performed well as Deva and Rajani rocked as Surya.

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