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== Plot ==
== Plot ==
Kaalaiyan, a well-to-do and kind-hearted landlord, lives with his four brothers in a village. Sundaravelu is an equally rich man with a contrasting character in the neighbouring village. He has an eye on Kaalaiyan's property and sends his assistant Samipillai to him with an offer to buy his property. Samipillai's family was burnt to death by Sundaravelu's father; Samipillai had joined Sundaravelu's service without revealing his background, with a plan to destroy Sundaravelu's family at the appropriate time. When Kaalaiyan refuses to sell his property, Samipillai, knowing well that Kaalaiyan is the best [[jallikattu]] player around, advises to Sundaravelu to organise a jallikattu game in the village festival and announce the reward as his sister Soundaryam's hand in marriage. Kaalaiyan winds, but deliberately refuses to marry Soundaryam as he is aware of Sundaravelu's devious plan, thus disappointing Soundaryam, who loved him, and also insulting Sundaravelu.
Kaaliyan and Sundaravelu are like dictators in neighboring villages separately, but in contrast to Kaaliyan, Sundaravelu is selfish and bad. Engagement of Sundaravelu's sister with Kaaliyan triggers rivalry between the two villages.

Sundaravelu falls in love with Kannamma, a girl of his village and proposes to her. When she refuses, he tries to molest her and she comes to Kaalaiyan seeking protection. Kaalaiyan allows her to stay at his house. She takes care of all the domestic work and impresses Kaalaiyan's brothers. When the villagers talk ill of Kannamma, Kaalaiyan's brothers decide to get Kannamma and Kaalaiyan married. To stop the wedding, Sundaravelu (instigated by Samipillai) sends his henchman Sangili to fight Kaalaiyan. Kaalaiyan subdues Sangili and spares him. Sundaravelu kills Sangili and frames Kaalaiyan. The police, convinced that Kaalaiyan killed Sangili, arrive at the marriage venue to arrest him. Kaalaiyan escapes and hides in a forest. Soundaryam, coming to know about the misdeeds of her brother and his plans to destroy Kaalaiyan, argues with her brother and goes to the forest in search of Kaalaiyan. She finds him and reveals the truth to him. Sundaravelu, who follows Soundaryam to the forest, fights with Kaalaiyan and takes his knife to stab him but Soundaryam, who comes between the two, is stabbed to death.

Kaalaiyan is again framed for murder by Sundaravelu, the police intensify their search and a team of officers reach the forest. One of them is Sundaravelu's man and he attacks an officer. The corrupt officer assumes he is dead and leaves the place, but Kaalaiyan finds and saves him. Sundaravelu learns that the attacked officer survived and sends a group of thugs to attack Kaalaiyan when he is travelling in a train. Kaalaiyan fights the thugs and subdues them all; he forces one of them to inform Sundaravelu that Kaalaiyan and the policeman are dead. During Sundaravelu's birthday party celebrations, Kaalaiyan and Kannamma come there disguised as dancers. When Sundaravelu gifts them money, Kaalauyan removes his disguise. A fight ensues, until a team of police officers arrives to arrest Sundaravelu for his crimes. When he demands witnesses and proof for his crimes, Samipillai comes forward and agrees to give all the evidence, revealing his identity. Sundaravelu realises that he does not have any support and shoots himself dead to avoid arrest.


== Cast ==
== Cast ==

Revision as of 04:37, 5 August 2019

This article is about 1980 film starring Rajnikanth. For 2012 film, see Murattu Kaalai (2012 film).

Murattu Kaalai
Poster
Directed byS. P. Muthuraman
Written byPanju Arunachalam
Produced byM. Kumaran
M. Saravanan
M. Balasubramaniam
Starring
CinematographyBabu
Edited byR. Vittal
Music byIlaiyaraaja
Production
company
Release date
20 December 1980
CountryIndia
LanguageTamil

Murattu Kaalai (transl. Raging Bull) is a 1980 Tamil language film, produced by AVM Productions. Directed by S. P. Muthuraman, the film stars Rajinikanth, Jaishankar, Rati Agnihotri and Sumalatha in the prominent roles. This was the first film for Rajinikanth with AVM Productions. AVM had stopped producing films by 1970 and Murattukaalai was their re-entry into Tamil films. It was dubbed in Telugu as Oorikokkadu.[1] The film was a major commercial success, and was instrumental in establishing Rajinikanth as both an action hero and superstar and Jaishankar for his first time being Villain. In 1977 Rajinikanth acted Villain in Gayyathiri and Jaishankar in Hero role.

Plot

Kaalaiyan, a well-to-do and kind-hearted landlord, lives with his four brothers in a village. Sundaravelu is an equally rich man with a contrasting character in the neighbouring village. He has an eye on Kaalaiyan's property and sends his assistant Samipillai to him with an offer to buy his property. Samipillai's family was burnt to death by Sundaravelu's father; Samipillai had joined Sundaravelu's service without revealing his background, with a plan to destroy Sundaravelu's family at the appropriate time. When Kaalaiyan refuses to sell his property, Samipillai, knowing well that Kaalaiyan is the best jallikattu player around, advises to Sundaravelu to organise a jallikattu game in the village festival and announce the reward as his sister Soundaryam's hand in marriage. Kaalaiyan winds, but deliberately refuses to marry Soundaryam as he is aware of Sundaravelu's devious plan, thus disappointing Soundaryam, who loved him, and also insulting Sundaravelu.

Sundaravelu falls in love with Kannamma, a girl of his village and proposes to her. When she refuses, he tries to molest her and she comes to Kaalaiyan seeking protection. Kaalaiyan allows her to stay at his house. She takes care of all the domestic work and impresses Kaalaiyan's brothers. When the villagers talk ill of Kannamma, Kaalaiyan's brothers decide to get Kannamma and Kaalaiyan married. To stop the wedding, Sundaravelu (instigated by Samipillai) sends his henchman Sangili to fight Kaalaiyan. Kaalaiyan subdues Sangili and spares him. Sundaravelu kills Sangili and frames Kaalaiyan. The police, convinced that Kaalaiyan killed Sangili, arrive at the marriage venue to arrest him. Kaalaiyan escapes and hides in a forest. Soundaryam, coming to know about the misdeeds of her brother and his plans to destroy Kaalaiyan, argues with her brother and goes to the forest in search of Kaalaiyan. She finds him and reveals the truth to him. Sundaravelu, who follows Soundaryam to the forest, fights with Kaalaiyan and takes his knife to stab him but Soundaryam, who comes between the two, is stabbed to death.

Kaalaiyan is again framed for murder by Sundaravelu, the police intensify their search and a team of officers reach the forest. One of them is Sundaravelu's man and he attacks an officer. The corrupt officer assumes he is dead and leaves the place, but Kaalaiyan finds and saves him. Sundaravelu learns that the attacked officer survived and sends a group of thugs to attack Kaalaiyan when he is travelling in a train. Kaalaiyan fights the thugs and subdues them all; he forces one of them to inform Sundaravelu that Kaalaiyan and the policeman are dead. During Sundaravelu's birthday party celebrations, Kaalaiyan and Kannamma come there disguised as dancers. When Sundaravelu gifts them money, Kaalauyan removes his disguise. A fight ensues, until a team of police officers arrives to arrest Sundaravelu for his crimes. When he demands witnesses and proof for his crimes, Samipillai comes forward and agrees to give all the evidence, revealing his identity. Sundaravelu realises that he does not have any support and shoots himself dead to avoid arrest.

Cast

Production

Murattu Kaalai was the fourth collaboration between S. P. Muthuraman and Rajinikanth. It was Rajini's first collaboration with AVM Productions.[2] The film marked the comeback of AVM Productions to films after a long sabbatical.[3] This was the first film where Jaishankar, who was generally known for playing heroic roles, played an antagonist.[4] Jaishankar was initially reluctant to play the negative role, but agreed after the insistence of his friends.[5] "Given Jaishankar's past record, Rajinikant wanted us to ensure that Jaishankar too gets his fair due in the film's publicity. That's his greatness", says AVM Saravanan.[6][7] The climax fight sequence at the top of a train was choreographed by Judo. K. K. Rathnam.[3]

Soundtrack

The music was composed by Ilaiyaraaja and the lyrics were written by Panju Arunachalam.[8] The song "Entha Poovilum" was inspired by George Bizet's L'Arlésienne Suite Number one, 4th Movement, called "Carillon".[9] The song "Pothuvaaga En Manasu" remains one of the famous songs of Rajini among his fans.[10]

  • "Entha Poovilum" – S. Janaki
  • "Maaman Machchan" – S. P. Sailaja
  • "Pothuvaka En Manasu Thangam" – Malaysia Vasudevan
  • "Puthu Vannankal" – S. Janaki
  • "Kaalai Adakuthal" (Theme Music)
  • "Kodanu Kodi Konda Selvanai Padunga" – Malaysia Vasudevan, S. Janaki

Release

Murattu Kaalai was released on 20 December 1980.[11] Ananda Vikatan gave the film a B rating (equal to 40 or 45 marks out of 100).[12]

Legacy

The film introduced the trend of introduction songs which went on to become a trademark in Rajinikanth's films.[13][14] As film historian G. Dhananjayan noted, "With [Murattu Kaalai], Rajinikanth went from being an acting hero to an action hero. He became a larger-than-life hero and superstar after this film."[15] The climax fight sequence and the bull fight scene remain as landmark fight sequences in Tamil cinema.[16][17] Rajini went on to do similar stunts in Endhiran (2010) and Lingaa (2014).[18] "Seeviduven" (transl. I'll chop off your head) became one of the popular catchphrases from the film.[19] In Enthiran (2010), Kalabhavan Mani utters the dialogue by threatening Rajinikanth.[20] In Muthu (1995), Muthu (Rajinikanth) is seen performing the song "Podhuvaga En Manasu" on the stage.[21] Annanukku Jai (1989), directed by Gangai Amaran and starring Arjun was inspired from the line of the song "Podhuvaaga".[22] The title of the film has inspired a song "Kaalai, Kaalai" for another Rajini starrer Manithan (1987).[23] In Subramaniapuram (2008), Azhagar (Jai) and Paraman (Sasikumar) is seen watching "Murattukaalai" at a theatre.[24][25] Similar to Murattukaalai, Veeram (2014) also featured Ajith's relationship with four younger brothers, though the story line was different, Veeram also featured a fight scene on a train, but with a different context.[26][27]

Remake

In September 2008, it was revealed that Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi's grandson Gunanidhi was set to produce a remake of the film.[28] Murattukaalai was remade with Sundar C. and Sneha playing the lead roles. Jaishankar's character was played by Suman and Surulirajan's character was played by Vivek, his character was changed as transgender in the remake. The remake version was released in 2012 after a long delay to negative reviews and failed to repeat the success of the original.[29]

References

  1. ^ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZ4mhwHZkaA
  2. ^ Ramachandran, Naman (2014) [2012]. Rajinikanth: The Definitive Biography. Penguin Books. ISBN 978-81-8475-796-5. {{cite book}}: Invalid |ref=harv (help)
  3. ^ a b https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/kollywood/290817/action-heroes-are-in-demand-worldwide-rajinikanth.html
  4. ^ Sreekanth, Gayathri (2008). The Name Is Rajinikanth. Om Books International. p. 352. ISBN 978-81-87108-44-3. {{cite book}}: Invalid |ref=harv (help)
  5. ^ http://www.kalyanamalaimagazine.com/Content/Thiraichuvai/Sep_21_30/Potpourri_of_titbits_about_Tamil_cinema_Jaishankar_page2.html
  6. ^ https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/only-rajini-can/articleshow/756523.cms
  7. ^ http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/james-bond-of-tamil-cinema/article4911904.ece
  8. ^ https://www.discogs.com/Ilaiyaraaja-Murattu-Kaalai/release/11434909
  9. ^ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6o6kXi44Coo
  10. ^ https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/columns/2017/aug/13/hero-worship-1594.html
  11. ^ Saravanan 2013, p. 237.
  12. ^ "முரட்டு காலை". Ananda Vikatan (in Tamil). 18 January 1981.
  13. ^ http://www.rediff.com/movies/1999/dec/22muthu.htm
  14. ^ https://www.thehindu.com/thread/arts-culture-society/article8560629.ece
  15. ^ "Who's the Boss?". The Indian Express. 13 January 2018. Retrieved 2 February 2019.
  16. ^ https://www.hindustantimes.com/opinion/jallikattu-matters-it-s-a-symbol-of-self-assertion-people-power-in-tamil-nadu/story-d93ESvkMTrYNd8mw7nZfQP.html
  17. ^ http://cms.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2016/sep/26/All-aboard-the-Kollywood-express-1522992--1.html
  18. ^ http://tamilcinema24.com/news-id-rajinikanth-endhiran-28-06-147696.htm
  19. ^ http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/rajinikanths-punchnama/article5453063.ece
  20. ^ Endhiran (DVD): clip from 1:48:57 to 1:49:00
  21. ^ Muthu (DVD): clip from 27:31 to 28:10
  22. ^ http://play.raaga.com/tamil/album/Annanukku-Jey-T0002645
  23. ^ http://play.raaga.com/tamil/album/manithan-t0000577
  24. ^ http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/flashbacks-of-a-filmcrazed-town/article2495168.ece
  25. ^ Subramaniapuram (DVD): clip from 47:12 to 51:54
  26. ^ http://www.indiaglitz.com/ajith-plays-murattu-kaalai-rajni--tamilfont-news-90723
  27. ^ http://behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-10/ajith-reprises-rajinis-murattu-kaalai-role-ajith-rajini-06-02-13.html
  28. ^ http://www.sify.com/movies/now-kalaignar-tv-too-gets-into-production-news-tamil-kkfsPBcifee.html
  29. ^ http://www.sify.com/movies/murattu-kaalai-review-tamil-15001045.html

Bibliography

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