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'''''Thalapathi''''' ([[Translation]]: Commander) is a 1991 [[Tamil film]] written and directed by [[Mani Ratnam]] and produced by [[G. Venkateswaran]] under the banner of G. V. Films. It stars [[Rajnikanth]], [[Mammootty]] and [[Shobana]] in the lead roles with [[Arvind Swamy]], [[Srividya]], [[Amrish Puri]], [[Bhanupriya]], [[Nagesh]], and [[Charuhasan]] essaying supporting ones. The theme is loosely based on the friendship between [[Karna]] and [[Duryodhana]] of the [[Hindu]] epic, ''[[Mahabharata]]''. The score and soundtrack were composed by [[Ilaiyaraaja]]. Cinematography was handled by [[Santosh Sivan]], who made his debut in the [[Tamil film industry]]. The film, which notably features the last collaboration of Mani Ratnam and Ilaiyaraaja,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/57839.html|title=The rise and rise of Mani|publisher=''IndiaGlitz''|date=June 15, 2010}}</ref> was dubbed and released in [[Telugu language|Telugu]] and [[Hindi language|Hindi]] as ''Dalapathi''. The film ran into trouble when [[news leak]]ed that Rajinikanth's character would die in the climax. The climax of the film was eventually altered to appease the actor's fan base. <ref>{{cite web|title=Rajni's Tamil Top 10|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/may/22sli9.htm|work=Rediff|accessdate=11 September 2011}}</ref> The film, being set in a contemporary milieu at the time of its release, emerged as a critical and commercial success during its theatrical run.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/photos-news/Photos-Entertainment/rajinikanths50legendaryposters/Article4-815346.aspx|title=Rajinikanth's 50 legendary posters|publisher=''[[Hindustan Times]]''|accessdate=29 February 2012}}</ref>
'''''Thalapathi''''' ([[Translation]]: Commander) is a 1991 [[Tamil film]] written and directed by [[Mani Ratnam]] and produced by [[G. Venkateswaran]] under the banner of G. V. Films. It stars [[Rajnikanth]], [[Mammootty]] and [[Shobana]] in the lead roles with [[Arvind Swamy]], [[Srividya]], [[Amrish Puri]], [[Bhanupriya]], [[Nagesh]], and [[Charuhasan]] essaying supporting ones. The theme is loosely based on the friendship between [[Karna]] and [[Duryodhana]] of the [[Hindu]] epic, ''[[Mahabharata]]''. The score and soundtrack were composed by [[Ilaiyaraaja]]. The film, which notably features the last collaboration of Mani Ratnam and Ilaiyaraaja,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/57839.html|title=The rise and rise of Mani|publisher=''IndiaGlitz''|date=June 15, 2010}}</ref> was dubbed and released in [[Telugu language|Telugu]] and [[Hindi language|Hindi]] as ''Dalapathi''. The film, being set in a contemporary milieu at the time of its release, emerged as a critical and commercial success during its theatrical run.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/photos-news/Photos-Entertainment/rajinikanths50legendaryposters/Article4-815346.aspx|title=Rajinikanth's 50 legendary posters|publisher=''[[Hindustan Times]]''|accessdate=29 February 2012}}</ref>


==Plot==
==Plot==
Line 28: Line 28:
At this time, Deva and his wife go to Subbulakshmi's house asking for her betrothal to Surya. But her father refuses stating he cannot marry his daughter to a person who doesn't know about his parents. Instead, Subbulakshmi is married to Arjun. Surya eventually marries another girl ([[Bhanupriya]]) who was widowed by him earlier (her husband was Ramana). Surya, still troubled by the guilt, prefers to remain as a guard to the widow and her daughter.
At this time, Deva and his wife go to Subbulakshmi's house asking for her betrothal to Surya. But her father refuses stating he cannot marry his daughter to a person who doesn't know about his parents. Instead, Subbulakshmi is married to Arjun. Surya eventually marries another girl ([[Bhanupriya]]) who was widowed by him earlier (her husband was Ramana). Surya, still troubled by the guilt, prefers to remain as a guard to the widow and her daughter.


A struggle breaks out between the collector and Deva/Surya during which 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 by his enemy. Surya, in a fit of rage, brutally kills Kalivardhanam ([[Amrish Puri]]) who was the cause for Deva's death and surrenders to the police after performing the final rites of his friend. But the police withdraw the case due to lack of evidence and witnesses. The collector goes to another place on a new posting accompanied by his wife. His mother then changes her mind to stay with her elder son, Surya.
A struggle breaks out between the collector and Deva/Surya during which 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 by his enemy. Surya, in a fit of rage, brutally kills Kalivardhan ([[Amrish Puri]]) who was the cause for Deva's death and surrenders to the police after performing the final rites of his friend. But the police withdraw the case due to lack of evidence and witnesses. The collector goes to another place on a new posting accompanied by his wife. His mother then changes her mind to stay with her elder son, Surya.


== Cast ==
== Cast ==
Line 34: Line 34:
*[[Mammootty]] as Devaraj
*[[Mammootty]] as Devaraj
*[[Arvind Swamy]] as Arjun
*[[Arvind Swamy]] as Arjun
*[[Jaishankar]] as Kalyani's husband
*[[Jaishankar]] as Arjun's father
*[[Amrish Puri]] as Kalivardhan
*[[Amrish Puri]] as Kalivardhan
*[[Srividya]] as Kalyani
*[[Srividya]] as Kalyani
*[[Bhanupriya]] as Padma
*[[Bhanupriya]] as Padma (Ramana)'s wife
*[[Shobana]] as Subhalakshmi
*[[Shobana]] as Subhalakshmi
*[[Geetha (actress)|Geetha]] as Selvi
*[[Geetha (actress)|Geetha]] as Selvi
Line 46: Line 46:
*[[Nirmalamma]]
*[[Nirmalamma]]
*[[Sonu Walia]] in a special appearance in the song "Rakkamma Kaiya Thattu"
*[[Sonu Walia]] in a special appearance in the song "Rakkamma Kaiya Thattu"
*[[Dinesh]] as Ramana (Bhanupriya's husband)
*[[Dinesh]] as Ramana
*[[Manoj K. Jayan]]
*[[Manoj K. Jayan]]

==Production==
The theme of ''Thalapathi'' is loosely based on the friendship between [[Karna]] and [[Duryodhana]] of the [[Hindu]] epic, ''[[Mahabharata]]''. Rajinikanth's character Surya was the equivalent of Karna, while Mammooty's character Deva was the equivalent of Duryodhana. Shobana played the equivalent of [[Draupadi]], while Arvind Swamy and Srividya played [[Arjuna]] and [[Kunti]] respectively.<ref> http://ibnlive.in.com/photogallery/2038-4.html</ref> Cinematography was handled by [[Santosh Sivan]], who made his debut in [[Tamil cinema]]. The film ran into trouble when [[news leak]]ed that Rajinikanth's character would die in the climax. The climax of the film was eventually altered to appease the actor's fan base.<ref>{{cite web|title=Rajni's Tamil Top 10|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/may/22sli9.htm|work=Rediff|accessdate=11 September 2011}}</ref>


==Soundtrack==
==Soundtrack==

Revision as of 02:16, 8 April 2012

Thalapathi
File:Thalapathi-cover.jpg
Thalapathi DVD cover
Directed byMani Ratnam
Written byMani Ratnam
Produced byG. Venkateswaran
Starring
CinematographySantosh Sivan
Edited bySuresh Urs
Music byIlaiyaraaja
Production
company
G. V. Films
Release date
  • November 25, 1991 (1991-11-25)
Running time
157 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageTamil

Thalapathi (Translation: Commander) is a 1991 Tamil film written and directed by Mani Ratnam and produced by G. Venkateswaran under the banner of G. V. Films. It stars Rajnikanth, Mammootty and Shobana in the lead roles with Arvind Swamy, Srividya, Amrish Puri, Bhanupriya, Nagesh, and Charuhasan essaying supporting ones. The theme is loosely based on the friendship between Karna and Duryodhana of the Hindu epic, Mahabharata. The score and soundtrack were composed by Ilaiyaraaja. The film, which notably features the last collaboration of Mani Ratnam and Ilaiyaraaja,[1] was dubbed and released in Telugu and Hindi as Dalapathi. The film, being set in a contemporary milieu at the time of its release, emerged as a critical and commercial success during its theatrical run.[2]

Plot

Surya (Rajinikanth), the abandoned child of fourteen-year-old unwed mother Kalyani (Srividya), is brought up by a generous lady living in slums. He grows up to become a fearless kind-hearted slum king who fights the injustice that takes place daily. These qualities lead him to cross swords with the local don Devarajan (Deva) (Mammootty). Deva's friend Ramana is fatally beaten up by Surya, and he threatens Surya that he will find himself in a dangerous situation if the friend was laid to rest. His friend passes away, and Surya gets placed in prison. However, when Deva discovers Ramana's offense, he decides to get Surya released from jail.

Surya is surprised to see Deva send his own man to get him out from jail, and there he tells Surya, Nyayamnu onnu irrukku (there is such a thing called justice). From that moment, Deva surrenders his ego and offers his hand of friendship to Surya. Surya pledges that he has nothing else but his life to give his new friend. From then on Deva makes Surya his "Thalapathi" (commander). Meanwhile Surya falls for a local girl Subbulakshmi (Shobana). They soon fall in love and their relationship continues. Surya and Deva virtually rule the town with their muscle and their sense of justice. In the eyes of the government, they are anti-social elements. Arjun (Arvind Swamy), posted as the new district collector, plans to arrest both so that he can end their brutal activities. But his opportunities are in vain.

At this time, Deva and his wife go to Subbulakshmi's house asking for her betrothal to Surya. But her father refuses stating he cannot marry his daughter to a person who doesn't know about his parents. Instead, Subbulakshmi is married to Arjun. Surya eventually marries another girl (Bhanupriya) who was widowed by him earlier (her husband was Ramana). Surya, still troubled by the guilt, prefers to remain as a guard to the widow and her daughter.

A struggle breaks out between the collector and Deva/Surya during which 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 by his enemy. Surya, in a fit of rage, brutally kills Kalivardhan (Amrish Puri) who was the cause for Deva's death and surrenders to the police after performing the final rites of his friend. But the police withdraw the case due to lack of evidence and witnesses. The collector goes to another place on a new posting accompanied by his wife. His mother then changes her mind to stay with her elder son, Surya.

Cast

Production

The theme of Thalapathi is loosely based on the friendship between Karna and Duryodhana of the Hindu epic, Mahabharata. Rajinikanth's character Surya was the equivalent of Karna, while Mammooty's character Deva was the equivalent of Duryodhana. Shobana played the equivalent of Draupadi, while Arvind Swamy and Srividya played Arjuna and Kunti respectively.[3] Cinematography was handled by Santosh Sivan, who made his debut in Tamil cinema. The film ran into trouble when news leaked that Rajinikanth's character would die in the climax. The climax of the film was eventually altered to appease the actor's fan base.[4]

Soundtrack

Untitled

The music score for the film was composed by Ilaiyaraaja. The soundtrack features seven songs. The song, "Rakkama Kaiya Thattu", performed by S. P. Balasubramanyam and Swarnalatha was amongst the songs listed in a BBC World Top Ten music poll.[5]

Original version (Tamil)

All lyrics are written by Vaali; all music is composed by Ilaiyaraaja

No.TitleArtist(s)Length
1."Yamunai Aatrile"Mitali Banerjee Bhawmik1:22
2."Rakkama Kaiya Thattu"S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, Swarnalatha7:10
3."Sundari Kannal"S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, S. Janaki7:14
4."Kaattukuyilu"S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, Yesudas5:32
5."Putham Puthu Poo"Yesudas, S. Janaki5:00
6."Chinna Thayaval"S. Janaki3:23
7."Margazhithan"S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, Swarnalatha, Chorus2:39

Track listing (Telugu)

All music is composed by Ilaiyaraaja

No.TitleArtist(s)Length
1."Yamuna Thatilo (sad)"Swarnalatha1:22
2."Chilakamma Chitikeyanga"S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, Swarnalatha7:10
3."Sundari Nuvve"S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, K. S. Chitra7:14
4."Singarala"S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, K. J. Yesudas5:32
5."Mudda Banthi Puvvulo"Mano, Swarnalatha5:00
6."Ada Janmaku"P. Susheela3:23
7."Yamuna Thatilo"Swarnalatha, Chorus1:47

Track listing (Malayalam)

All lyrics are written by Vaali; all music is composed by Ilaiyaraaja

No.TitleArtist(s)Length
1."Yamunayaattile"(Sad)"K. S. Chithra1:22
2."Raakkamma"M. G. Sreekumar, Swarnalatha7:10
3."Sundari Kannal"S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, S. Janaki7:14
4."Kattukuyilin Manasinullin"M. G. Sreekumar, K. G. Markose5:32
5."Putham Puthu Poo"Yesudas, S. Janaki5:00
6."Kannippaal Nilaa Vettam"K. S. Chitra3:23
7."Seethaakalyaana Vaibhogame"Swarnalatha, Chorus1:47

Awards

39th Filmfare Awards South

Remake

In November 2011, Bollywood producer Bharat Shah acquired the rights to remake Thalapathi in Hindi, even though it was already dubbed in the language upon release. The filmmaker had earlier co-produced Mani Ratnam's Saathiya (the Hindi remake of Alaipayuthey) and Dil Se...[6]

References

  1. ^ "The rise and rise of Mani". IndiaGlitz. June 15, 2010. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  2. ^ "Rajinikanth's 50 legendary posters". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 29 February 2012. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  3. ^ http://ibnlive.in.com/photogallery/2038-4.html
  4. ^ "Rajni's Tamil Top 10". Rediff. Retrieved 11 September 2011.
  5. ^ BBC World Service. 2002. BBC World Service 70th Anniversary Global Music Poll: The World's Top Ten. Available from http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/us/features/topten. Accessed 11 November 2007.
  6. ^ "Rajinikanth's Thalapathi to be remade in Bollywood". OneIndia. November 22, 2011.