https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/api.php?action=feedcontributions&feedformat=atom&user=2409%3A40E6%3AFC%3AD6A3%3AA570%3A55B5%3A8644%3AD465Bharatpedia - User contributions [en]2026-09-19T00:48:26ZUser contributionsMediaWiki 1.43.6https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Sanam_Teri_Kasam_(2016_film)&diff=562359Sanam Teri Kasam (2016 film)2026-09-18T15:59:41Z<p>2409:40E6:FC:D6A3:A570:55B5:8644:D465: </p>
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<div>{{For|other films named Sanam Teri Kasam|Sanam Teri Kasam (disambiguation)}}<br />
{{short description|2016 film directed by Radhika Rao}}<br />
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2020}}<br />
{{EngvarB|date=August 2020}}<br />
<br />
{{Infobox film<br />
| name = Sanam Teri Kasam<br />
| image = Sanam Teri Kasam 2016.jpeg <br />
| alt = <br />
| caption = Theatrical release poster <br />
| director = [[Radhika Rao]]<br/>[[Vinay Sapru]]<br />
| producer = Deepak Mukut<br />
| writer = [[Radhika Rao]]<br/>[[Vinay Sapru]]<br />
| starring = {{plainlist|<br />
* [[Harshvardhan Rane]]<br />
* [[Mawra Hocane]]<br />
}}<br />
| music = [[Himesh Reshammiya]]<br />
| cinematography = Chirantan Das<br />
| editing = <br />
| studio = {{Plainlist|<br />
* Jhoom Jhoom Productions<br />
* Soham Rockstar Productions<br />
}}<br />
| distributor = [[Eros International]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Sanam Teri Kasam |url=http://erosnow.com/#!/movie/watch/1045781/sanam-teri-kasam/6638085/exclusive---official-trailer?ap=1 |website=[[Eros International|Eros Now]] |access-date=15 December 2015}}</ref><br />
| released = {{film date|df=y|2016|02|05|[[India]]}}<br />
| runtime = 154 minutes<!--Theatrical runtime: 154:29--><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bbfc.co.uk/releases/sanam-teri-kasam-film |title=''SANAM TERI KASAM'' (12A) |work=[[British Board of Film Classification]] |date=2 February 2016 |access-date=3 February 2016}}</ref><br />
| country = [[India]]<br />
| language = [[Hindi]]<br />
| budget = <!-- Please a provide a source before adding --><br />
| gross = {{Estimation}}{{INRConvert|9|c}}<ref name="gross 1" /><!-- Please provide a reliable source before changing --><br />
| native_name = <br />
}}<br />
<br />
'''''Sanam Teri Kasam''''' ({{Translation|Swear on you, my beloved}}) is a 2016 Indian [[Hindi]]-language [[romantic film|romantic]] [[drama]] film, starring [[Harshvardhan Rane]] and [[Mawra Hocane]] in lead roles. It is directed by the duo [[Radhika Rao (director)|Radhika Rao]]-[[Vinay Sapru]] and produced by Deepak Mukut. The film is a modern rendition of the novel ''[[Love Story (novel)|Love Story]]'' by [[Eric Segal]]. The film was released worldwide on 5 February 2016 under the production banner of Eros Now.<ref name="auto">{{cite web |title=First look of ''Sanam Teri Kasam'' unveiled on Twitter |url=http://www.thestatesman.com/mobi/news/bollywood/first-look-of-sanam-teri-kasam-unveiled-on-twitter/109119.html |website=[[The Statesman (India)|The Statesman]] |access-date=8 December 2015 |date=7 December 2015}}</ref><ref name="auto1">{{cite web |title=Check Out The First Look Of Upcoming Love Story ‘Sanam Teri Kasam’ |url=http://koimoi.com/bollywood-popular/check-out-the-first-look-of-upcoming-love-story-sanam-teri-kasam |website=koimoi.com |access-date=8 December 2015 |date=7 December 2015}}</ref><ref name="auto2">{{cite web |title=First look of Mawra Hocane's 'Sanam Teri Kasam' unveiled |url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/1005421/first-look-of-mawra-hocanes-sanam-teri-kasam-unveiled/ |website=[[The Express Tribune]] |access-date=8 December 2015 |date=7 December 2015}}</ref><ref name="auto3">{{cite web |title=Mawra Hocane's debut Bollywood film ‘Sanam Teri Kasam’, trailer released |url=http://www.thenewsteller.com/showbiz/mawra-hocanes-debut-bollywood-film-sanam-teri-kasam-trailer-released/29884/ |website=The News Teller |access-date=15 December 2015 |date=15 December 2015}}</ref> The film received a mixed response from critics and was not commercially successful at the box office. But it was an cult movie for audience and it was an Blockbuster on Television.<ref>{{Cite web|last=konark|first=lambture|date=april - 9 -2021|title='Sanam Teri Kasam' to get a sequel? Director confirms|url=https://www.indiaforums.com/article/sanam-teri-kasam-to-get-a-sequel-director-confirms_175369|url-status=live|access-date=2021-09-02|website=India Forums|language=en}}</ref><br />
<br />
== Plot ==<br />
<br />
Saraswati "Saru" Parthasaarthy ([[Mawra Hocane]]) is an crowd extremely he traditional, young librarian, who gets rejected by many suitors who find her "old-fashioned" and "unappealing". Her younger sister Kaveri's fiancé issues her an ultimatum to marry him within a month or else move on. But her strict father, Jayram Parthasarthy ([[Manish Choudhary]]) says that her wedding cannot happen till Saru gets married. An enraged Kaveri insults her and threatens to elope. Saru begs her not to elope and hurt their father, and promises Kaveri that she crowd will find a husband soon.<br />
<br />
In the same building, lives Inder Lal Parihaar ([[Harshvardhan Rane]]), a handsome ex-convict and his fashionista girlfriend, renowned stylist Ruby Malhotra ([[Shraddha Das]]). Jayram views them as a bad influence to the society as he finds them embarrassing. After a few days, however, they break-up. When Saru's parents are out of town, Saru secretly meets Inder and seeks help to get her a makeover appointment from Ruby. She wants to impress her office crush Abhimanyu who holds a degree in IIT. During their conversation, a drunken Ruby barges in and presumes Inder to be cheating on her. Angered and devastated, she insults Saru and throws her wine bottle on Saru and leaves, but Inder shields her and gets badly injured. Tragically, Saru helps Inder to his bed while the watchman approaches Inder's apartment and misunderstands the scene of them having a physical relationship and alerts all the elders of the society. Unaware, Saru helps Inder tend to his wounds despite his reluctance. Jayram returns early from his trip. He and the elders, find Saru with Inder on his bed, completely misunderstanding the situation, while Jayram disowns her.<br />
<br />
Saru tells her mother what really happened that night, but asks her not to tell her father, because he has finally consented for Kaveri's wedding. Inder helps her find an apartment and also get her a makeover. With her new makeover, she grabs the attention of Abhimanyu. Meanwhile, Inder falls in love with her, but keeps quiet when Abhimanyu proposes to her, because he wants her to be happy. However, Abhimanyu rejects her on the day of the wedding, because his father does not want a disowned daughter-in-law. Saru is left heartbroken, and goes to her honeymoon suite. From there, Saru and Inder spend time together. The next morning, Inder witnesses Saru embracing Abhimanyu and leaves heartbroken. Inder spirals into depression, breaking off all contacts with Saru. When he learns from Abhimanyu that Saru had actually rejected Abhimanyu's request for a second chance, he tracks her down and finds her in a Buddhist monastery, where he professes his love to her. Saru passes out and Inder takes her to the hospital, where he discovers she is suffering from [[meningioma]]. He forcibly enters Saru's parents' house and demands them to stop pretending that their daughter is dead. The next day he is arrested for charges pressed by Jayram. Saru gets discharged and goes to the library, where she discovers the secret messages Inder left for her in check-out slips, realizing that he has loved her from the beginning. The two unite and Saru asks Inder to marry her.<br />
<br />
That night, enrages, Saru tells him that after her death, she desires to be buried under a beautiful flowering tree. Inder meets Jayram and tells him that he is marrying Saru and can even die for her. On their wedding day, Saru's parents arrive and accept their wedding. Saru faints after the wedding and gets hospitalised. Her parents learn about her disease, and Jayram feels heartbroken and guilty. Inder asks his father, Rajinder Lal Parihar ([[Sudesh Berry]]), with whom he has a strained relationship, to acquire for him the land under the tree for Saru's burial. Saru dies in Inder's arms, when becames enraged uncle Inder is left heartbroken. Inder finds Rajinder in the hospital and reconciles with him. Now a successful lawyer, Inder stands at the tree that marks Saru's grave. He asserts that she must be happy to see him successful and sober. He says that he misses her and expresses a promise of eternal true love.<br />
<br />
==Cast==<br />
* [[Harshvardhan Rane]] as Inder Parihaar<br />
* [[Mawra Hocane]] as Saraswati "Saru" Parthasaarthy/ Saraswati Inder Parihaar<br />
* [[Manish Choudhary]] as Jayram Parthasaarthy, Saru's father<br />
* [[Pyumori Mehta Ghosh|Pyumori Mehta]] as Arundhati Parthasaarthy<br />
* Divyetta Singh as Kaveri Parthasaarthy, Saru's sister<br />
* Anurag Sinha as Abhimanyu Shastry, Saru's friend and later fiancé<br />
* [[Murli Sharma]] as Inspector Hari Nikam<br />
* [[Shraddha Das]] as Ruby Malhotra<br />
* [[Vijay Raaz]] as Mushtaqeen Bhai<br />
* [[Sudesh Berry]] as Rajinder lal Parihaar, Inder's father<br />
* Ravii Sharma as Pandit<br />
* Krishna Rathod <br />
* [[Alok Pandey]] as watchman<br />
<br />
==Release==<br />
A first look of the film was unveiled on 7 December 2015 by [[Eros Now]] via a [[Tweet (Twitter)|tweet]] and was scheduled for release on 8 January 2016.<ref>{{cite web |title=Eros releases first look of Mawra's "Sanam Teri Kasam" |url=http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/entertainment/07-Dec-2015/eros-releases-first-look-of-mawra-s-sanam-teri-kasam |website=[[Daily Times (Pakistan)]] |access-date=8 December 2015 |date=7 December 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=First Look Revlead: 'Sanam Teri Kasam' Mawra & Harshvardhan Sizzling Romance |url=http://www.thereveillenwu.com/2015/12/07/first-look-revlead-sanam-teri-kasam-mawra-harshvardhan-sizzling-romance/ |website=The Reveille |access-date=8 December 2015 |date=7 December 2015}}</ref> Trailer of the film was released on 15 December 2015 with a new release date of 5 February.<ref name="auto"/><ref name="auto1"/><ref name="auto2"/><ref name="auto3"/> Film was released worldwide on 5 February 2016 under the production banner of [[Eros Now]]. Upon release, the film received mixed reviews and was not commercially successful.<ref name="indianexpress.com">{{cite web |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/ghayal-once-again-sunny-deol-sanam-teri-kasam-clash-box-office/ |title=Ghayal Once Again, Sanam Teri Kasam to clash at box-office today |date=4 February 2016 |work=The Indian Express}}</ref><ref name="namratajoshi">{{cite web |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/sanam-teri-kasam-review-where-tears-rule-the-screen/article8197089.ece |title=Sanam Teri Kasam review: Where tears rule the screen |author=[[Namrata Joshi]] |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=5 February 2016}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Soundtrack==<br />
{{Infobox album<br />
| name = Sanam Teri Kasam<br />
| type = soundtrack<br />
| artist = [[Himesh Reshammiya]]<br />
| cover =<br />
| alt =<br />
| released = 7 January 2016<br />
| recorded = 2015<br />
| venue =<br />
| studio =<br />
| genre = [[Soundtrack|Feature film soundtrack]]<br />
| length = {{Duration|m=44|s=16}}<br />
| label = [[Eros Now]]<br />
| producer = [[Himesh Reshammiya]]<br />
| prev_title = [[Prem Ratan Dhan Payo]]<br />
| prev_year = 2015<br />
| next_title = [[Teraa Surroor]]<br />
| next_year = 2016<br />
}}<br />
<br />
The songs were composed by [[Himesh Reshammiya]]. Lyrics were penned by [[Sameer (lyricist)|Sameer Anjaan]], [[Shabbir Ahmed (lyricist)|Shabbir Ahmed]], Reshammiya and Subrat Sinha. The title track was released on 22 December 2015,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Out now: Mawra's 'Sanam Teri Kasam' title track is a tearjerker |work=The Express Tribune |date=22 December 2015 |access-date=12 April 2016 |url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/1014410/out-now-mawras-sanam-teri-kasam-title-track-is-a-tearjerker/}}</ref> and complete album was released on 7 January 2016.<br />
The Song "Tera Chehra" , "Bewajah" and "Sanam Teri Kasam" is one of the most popular songs of the year.<br />
<br />
{{Track listing<br />
| extra_column = Singer(s)<br />
| total_length = {{Duration|m=44|s=16}}<br />
| all_music = [[Himesh Reshammiya]]<ref>{{cite web |title=First glimpse of Mawra Hocane's debut film 'Sanam Teri Kasam' out |url=http://www.thenewsteller.com/showbiz/first-glimpse-of-mawra-hocanes-debut-film-sanam-teri-kasam-out/29287/ |website=The News Teller |access-date=8 December 2015 |date=7 December 2015}}</ref><br />
| title1 = Sanam Teri Kasam<br />
| extra1 = [[Ankit Tiwari]], [[Palak Muchhal]]<br />
| lyrics1 = Sameer Anjaan<br />
| length1 = 05:14<br />
<br />
| title2 = Kheech Meri Photo<br />
| extra2 = [[Darshan Raval]], [[Neeti Mohan]], [[Akasa Singh]]<br />
| lyrics2 = Sameer Anjaan<br />
| length2 = 04:44<br />
<br />
| title3 = Bewajah<br />
| extra3 = [[Himesh Reshammiya]]<br />
| lyrics3 = Sameer Anjaan<br />
| length3 = 05:08<br />
<br />
| title4 = Tera Chehra<br />
| extra4 = [[Arijit Singh]]<br />
| lyrics4 = Shabbir Ahmed<br />
| length4 = 04:34<br />
<br />
| title5 = Haal-E-Dil<br />
| note5 = Male<br />
| extra5 = [[Sreerama Chandra Mynampati|Sreerama]]<br />
| lyrics5 = Sameer Anjaan<br />
| length5 = 05:34<br />
<br />
| title6 = Haal-E-Dil<br />
| note6 = Female<br />
| extra6 = Neeti Mohan<br />
| lyrics6 = Sameer Anjaan<br />
| length6 = 05:24<br />
<br />
| title7 = Ek Number<br />
| extra7 = [[Himesh Reshammiya]], [[Neeti Mohan]]<br />
| lyrics7 = [[Himesh Reshammiya]]<br />
| length7 = 04:20<br />
<br />
| title8 = Main Teri Yaadon Mein<br />
| extra8 = Arijit Singh<br />
| lyrics8 = Subrat Sinha<br />
| length8 = 04:16<br />
<br />
| title9 = Sanam Teri Kasam<br />
| note9 = Reprise<br />
| extra9 = [[Mohammad Irfan Ali]], Palak Muchhal<br />
| lyrics9 = Sameer Anjaan<br />
| length9 = 04:56<br />
}}<br />
<br />
==Box office==<br />
The film grossed approximately {{INRConvert|12.5|m}} on the first day of release, {{INRConvert|46.6|m}} on the weekend and( 3.4million) in the first week. The film was declared by trade publications as an average grosser at the box office.<ref name="gross 1">{{cite web |author1=Joginder Tuteja |title=Box Office Report Of Ghayal Once Again, Airlift, Sanam Teri Kasam |url=http://www.koimoi.com/box-office/box-office-report-of-ghayal-once-again-airlift-sanam-teri-kasam/ |website=koimoi |access-date=12 February 2016 |date=12 February 2016}}</ref><ref name="namratajoshi"/><ref name="gross week 1">{{cite web |title=Sanam Teri Kasam box office collections: Harshvardhan, Mawra Hocane starrer earns Rs. 4.66 cr. in its opening weekend |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/sanam-teri-kasam-box-office-collections-mawra-hocane-starrer-earns-rs-1-25-cr-on-opening-day/ |website=[[Indian Express]] |access-date=8 February 2016 |date=7 February 2016}}</ref> <br />
<br />
==References==<br />
{{Reflist|30em}}<br />
<br />
==External links==<br />
* {{IMDb title|5255710}}<br />
* {{Bollywood Hungama movie|sanam-teri-kasam-3}}<br />
* {{Rotten Tomatoes|sanam_teri_kasam_2016}}<br />
<br />
{{DEFAULTSORT:Sanam Teri Kasam (2016 Film)}}<br />
[[Category:2016 films]]<br />
[[Category:Indian films]]<br />
[[Category:2010s Hindi-language films]]<br />
[[Category:2010s romantic musical films]]<br />
[[Category:2016 romantic drama films]]<br />
[[Category:Indian romantic musical films]]<br />
[[Category:Indian romantic drama films]]<br />
[[Category:Films based on American novels]]<br />
[[Category:Films set in Mumbai]]<br />
[[Category:Indian films about cancer]]</div>2409:40E6:FC:D6A3:A570:55B5:8644:D465https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mudhalvan&diff=562351Mudhalvan2026-09-18T14:28:47Z<p>2409:40E6:FC:D6A3:A570:55B5:8644:D465: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Use Indian English|date=July 2023}}<br />
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2023}}<br />
{{Infobox film<br />
| image = Mudhalvan.jpg<br />
| caption = Poster<br />
| director = [[S. Shankar|Shankar]]<br />
| screenplay = Shankar<br />
| story = Shankar<br />
{{Infobox<br />
| decat = yes<br />
| child = yes<br />
| label1= Dialogues by<br />
| data1 = {{ubl | [[Sujatha (writer)|Sujatha]]}}<br />
}}<br />
| producer = S. Shankar<br />[[R. Madhesh]]<br />
| starring = [[Arjun Sarja|Arjun]]<br />[[Manisha Koirala]]<br />[[Raghuvaran]]<br />
| cinematography = [[K. V. Anand]]<br />
| editing = [[B. Lenin]]<br />[[V. T. Vijayan]]<br />
| music = [[A. R. Rahman]]<br />
| studio = [[S Pictures|S Films]]<br />
| distributor = S Films<br />
| released = {{film date|1999|11|7|df=y}}<br />
| runtime = 171 minutes<br />
| country = India<br />
| language = Tamil<br />
}}<br />
<br />
'''''Mudhalvan''''' ({{Translation|Chief Minister}}) is a 1999 Indian [[Tamil language|Tamil]]-language [[action film|political action thriller film]] co-produced, co-written and directed by [[S. Shankar|Shankar]]. The film stars [[Arjun Sarja|Arjun]], [[Manisha Koirala]], and [[Raghuvaran]] in lead roles, while [[Vadivelu]] and [[Manivannan]] appear in supporting roles. The film featured an award-winning soundtrack composed by [[A. R. Rahman]], cinematography by [[K. V. Anand]], and dialogue by [[Sujatha (writer)|Sujatha]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 November 1999 |title=Love makes the filmi world go round |url=http://www.rediff.com/entertai/1999/nov/04spice.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025192859/http://www.rediff.com/entertai/1999/nov/04spice.htm |archive-date=25 October 2012 |access-date=15 March 2011 |website=[[Rediff.com]]}}</ref> Many members of the DMK government of Tamil Nadu (which was the ruling party at that time) believed that the antagonist was modelled on [[M. Karunanidhi]], the CM & Supreme Leader of the DMK. Subsequently, the film received release issues and oppressive pressure from the DMK.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=4 November 1999 |title=The war within |url=https://m.rediff.com/movies/1999/dec/15mudal.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210725072411/https://m.rediff.com/movies/1999/dec/15mudal.htm |archive-date=25 July 2021 |access-date=22 Oct 2025 |website=[[Rediff.com]]}}</ref> <br />
<br />
The film revolves around an ambitious TV journalist, Pugazhendi, who gets his first interview with the [[Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu]]. Pugazh asks controversial questions regarding the Chief Minister's inactions, to which the CM challenges him to face his unresolved issues by becoming his replacement CM for a day. After initially rejecting the offer, Pugazh agrees and manages to implement immense and effective changes to the government, to the point where state voters eventually elect him as their new Chief Minister. The subsequent unpopularity and jealousy that the old Chief Minister goes through results in him taking revenge on Pugazh, and how he is stopped forms the crux of the story.<br />
<br />
The film was released on 7 November 1999, as a [[Diwali]] release. Within days of the release of the film, Madurai had a high number of pirated videos and cable operators requested with airing the film multiple times on their channels.<ref name=":0" /> Despite opposition from the DMK government & its associated party, the film received critical acclaim and was a major commercial success, becoming the [[List of highest-grossing Tamil films|second highest-grossing Tamil film]] of 1999. The film ran for over 100 days in theatres and won awards on a regional scale. The film was later remade in [[Hindi]] as ''[[Nayak: The Real Hero]]'' (2001) by the same director.<br />
<br />
== Plot ==<br />
N. Pugazhendi "Pugazh" is a news reporter in [[Chennai]]. One day, a riot occurs between students and bus drivers in the city. The [[Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu|Chief Minister]] of the state, Aranganathar, tells the police not to arrest the protesters as they belong to his community and political party, in a conversation recorded on video by Pugazh. Pugazh also meets Thenmozhi and falls for her honesty and bravery, but her father does not accept his marriage proposal as he disapproves of his daughter marrying someone who is not a government employee.<br />
<br />
Some days later, Pugazh interviews Aranganathar on television and confronts him for various actions by his party as well as his choice of inaction at the riot. Aranganathar claims that Pugazh does not understand the pressures a Chief Minister faces and challenges him to act in the post for a day, which Pugazh accepts. In his allotted 24 hours, Pugazh takes action to reduce corruption and increase welfare in Tamil Nadu, assisted by an honest government secretary called Mayakrishnan. Pugazh's final action of the day is to bring corruption charges against the ruling party; Aranganathar is arrested but is bailed out by the attorney general. Upon his release, Aranganathar sends goons to kill Pugazh, but he fight escapes with minor injuries. Pugazh visits Pooncholai and is applauded by the villagers before spending his day with Thenmozhi in peace. Meanwhile, Aranganathar's public image is tarnished, and the coalition parties refuse to support his reinstatement, resulting in the dissolution of the legislature, and precipitating a general election. There is enormous public support for Pugazh to become Chief Minister, but he initially refuses due to his desire to lead a normal life. Mayakrishnan eventually convinces Pugazh sacrifice his comfort and run for election, and he wins a huge majority and all legislature seats.<br />
<br />
Pugazh gets to work developing the state and improving welfare standards while Aranganathar and other politicians' an enraged increases, culminating in them hiring a hitman to kill Pugazh. Pugazh sneaks away to visit Thenmozhi and is almost caught by the hitman. Thenmozhi's father tells Pugazh that he must choose between the Chief Minister job and a relationship with his daughter. Pugazh's parents agree to speak to Thenmozhi's father to attempt to convince him otherwise. Mayakrishnan phones Pugazh to inform him that a bomb has been planted in his home just as the bomb explodes, killing Pugazh's parents. Pugazh travels to confront Aranganathar and learns of the latter's plan to plant bombs across Chennai. Pugazh and Mayakrishnan send for a bomb squad, who manage to reach and defuse all except one of the bombs.<br />
<br />
Aranganathar blames Pugazh for the incident, claiming it to be a ploy to win public support. Pugazh invites Aranganathar to his office. While they talk, Pugazh pulls a gun and shoots himself, but does not sustain any major injuries. He then throws the gun to Aranganathar. Security guards hear the gunfire and enter to see Aranganathar pointing the gun at Pugazh. The security guards shoot and kill Aranganathar, who recalls the initial television interview in his dying moments. Pugazh is conflicted, glad to continue his mission of improving the state but guilty for his part in Aranganathar's death and feeling forced to play the game of politics. He is comforted by Mayakrishnan, who insists he only played the game for a deserving cause and that Aranganathar deserved his fate. Thenmozhi's father finally appreciates Pugazh's successes and agrees to the marriage. Pugazh's work leads to the people of Tamil Nadu enjoying a high level of development and freedom from violence and corruption.<br />
<br />
== Cast ==<br />
{{cast listing|<br />
* [[Arjun Sarja|Arjun]] as N. Pugazhenthi "Pugazh"<br />
* [[Manisha Koirala]] as Thenmozhi<br />
* [[Laila (actress)|Laila]] as Kalakkal Shuba (special appearance)<br />
* [[Raghuvaran]] as Aranganathar<br />
* [[Vadivelu]] as Palavesham<br />
* [[Vijayakumar (Tamil actor)|Vijayakumar]] as Thenmozhi's father<br />
* [[Cochin Haneefa|V. M. C. Haneefa]] as Chinnasamy, Aranganathar's right-hand henchman<br />
* [[Sushmita Sen]] in item number "Shakalaka Baby" (special appearance)<br />
* [[S. V. Ramadoss]] as Minister Thirupathisamy, coalition party leader<br />
* Artist Natanam as R. Narayanan, Pugazhenthi's father<br />
* [[Kalairani]] as Pugazhenthi's mother<br />
* [[Fathima Babu]] as Maragadham, Aranganathar's wife<br />
* [[Surya (Telugu actor)|Surya]] as Manohar, Chief of Security for Pugazhenthi<br />
* [[Omakuchi Narasimhan]] as Palavesham's uncle <br />
* [[Manivannan]] as [[Chief secretary (India)|Chief Secretary]] Maya Krishnan<br />
* [[Scissor Manohar]] as a bus driver in the student riot<br />
* [[Besant Ravi|Ravi]] as slum rogue <br />
* [[Sampath Ram]] as sub-inspector (uncredited)<ref name="K">{{Cite web|url=https://kalkionline.com/entertainment/cinema/a-famous-tamil-movie-villain-who-is-going-to-mix-in-hollywood|title=ஹாலிவுட்டில் கலக்க இருக்கும் பிரபல தமிழ்ப்பட வில்லன்!|first=|last=|date=10 February 2023|website=Kalki Online|access-date=4 May 2025|archive-date=27 January 2025|archive-url=https://archive.today/20250127080722/https://kalkionline.com/entertainment/cinema/a-famous-tamil-movie-villain-who-is-going-to-mix-in-hollywood|url-status=live}}</ref><br />
<!--* [[Kanal Kannan]] as auto driver (cameo appearance)<br />
* [[Ahmed Khan (choreographer)|Ahmed Khan]] as a dancer in "Shakalaka Baby" song--><br />
}}<br />
<br />
== Production ==<br />
<br />
Following the success of ''[[Jeans (film)|Jeans]]'' (1998), [[S. Shankar]] chose to make a political action film, which would later become ''Mudhalvan''.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rangarajan |first=Malathi |date=27 May 2012 |title=Maverick maker |work=[[The Hindu]] |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-cinemaplus/maverick-maker/article3460457.ece |url-status=live |access-date=11 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115160136/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-cinemaplus/maverick-maker/article3460457.ece |archive-date=15 January 2016}}</ref><br />
<br />
The lead role was initially written with [[Rajinikanth]] in mind, but he was unwilling to star in the film.<ref>{{Cite news |date=7 September 2013 |title=Rajinikanth was to do Shankar's 'Mudhalvan' |work=[[The Times of India]] |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/did-you-know-/Rajinikanth-was-to-do-Shankars-Mudhalvan/articleshow/22368963.cms |url-status=live |access-date=11 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150113044500/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/did-you-know-/Rajinikanth-was-to-do-Shankars-Mudhalvan/articleshow/22368963.cms |archive-date=13 January 2015}}</ref> [[Vijay (actor)|Vijay]] was also considered by Shankar for the role, though the actor turned the offer down.<ref>{{Cite web |date=27 December 2011 |title=Shankar is the Spielberg of Indian cinema: Vijay |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/shankar-is-the-spielberg-of-indian-cinema-vijay-news-tamil-lmzmjUhiafh.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140305121203/http://www.sify.com/movies/shankar-is-the-spielberg-of-indian-cinema-vijay-news-tamil-lmzmjUhiafh.html |archive-date=5 March 2014 |access-date=27 December 2013 |website=[[Sify]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Aishwarya |first=S. |date=11 February 2010 |title=Shankar connects with fans |work=[[The Hindu]] |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/Shankar-connects-with-fans/article15982755.ece |url-status=live |access-date=22 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230622072103/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/Shankar-connects-with-fans/article15982755.ece |archive-date=22 June 2023}}</ref> Shankar revealed that he even approached [[Kamal Haasan]] for the film, but he was doing ''[[Hey Ram]]'' at that time.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Srinivasan |first=Sudhir |date=11 October 2014 |title=Shankar and I |work=[[The Hindu]] |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/an-exclusive-interview-with-director-shankar/article6491753.ece |url-status=live |access-date=11 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115160136/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/an-exclusive-interview-with-director-shankar/article6491753.ece |archive-date=15 January 2016}}</ref>{{Sfn|Dhananjayan|2011|page=211}} [[Arjun Sarja|Arjun]], who had previously collaborated with Shankar in ''[[Gentleman (1993 film)|Gentleman]]'' (1993), was willing to offer bulk schedule dates for the film and was subsequently signed on.{{Sfn|Dhananjayan|2011|page=211}}<br />
<br />
Shankar noted that he was interested in casting [[Meena (actress)|Meena]] as the lead actress, but opted against doing so as the actress was working with Arjun in another film in the same period, ''[[Rhythm (2000 film)|Rhythm]]'' (2000).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Shanker |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/tamil/interview.php?id=6006633&cid=2408 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140305121207/http://www.sify.com/movies/tamil/interview.php?id=6006633&cid=2408 |archive-date=5 March 2014 |access-date=27 December 2013 |website=[[Sify]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Prasad |first=Ayyappa |title=A bundle of nerves, again! |url=http://www.screenindia.com/south.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19991118124233/http://www.screenindia.com/south.htm |archive-date=18 November 1999 |access-date=5 September 2020 |website=[[Screen (magazine)|Screen]]}}</ref> Subsequently, [[Manisha Koirala]], who worked with Shankar in ''[[Indian (1996 film)|Indian]]'', was selected to play that role. [[Raghuvaran]] was signed to play the chief antagonist in the film, while [[Vadivelu]] and [[Manivannan]] were also chosen to play other characters. Despite reports that [[Shilpa Shetty]] was added to the cast in February 1999, it was later clarified to be untrue.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rajitha |date=12 February 1999 |title=Do not disturb |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/1999/feb/12ss.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090215092929/http://www.rediff.com/movies/1999/feb/12ss.htm |archive-date=15 February 2009 |access-date=28 September 2008 |website=[[Rediff.com]]}}</ref> [[Laila Mehdin|Laila]], who had made her acting debut earlier in the year with ''[[Kallazhagar]]'', was signed on to appear in the film. Originally, her role was supposed to feature throughout the film, but Shankar shortened her character, owing to her call sheet problems.{{Sfn|Dhananjayan|2011|page=211}} Renowned [[muralist]] Natanam and [[Kalairani]] were cast as Arjun's parents.<ref>{{Cite web |date=14 May 2013 |title=Muralist Natanam honoured |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/Muralist-Natanam-honoured/2013/05/14/article1588569.ece?service=print |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304104140/http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/Muralist-Natanam-honoured/2013/05/14/article1588569.ece?service=print |archive-date=4 March 2016 |access-date=11 September 2015 |website=[[The New Indian Express]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=18 June 2001 |title=Magic of metal |url=http://www.thehindu.com/2001/06/18/stories/13180073.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115160136/http://www.thehindu.com/2001/06/18/stories/13180073.htm |archive-date=15 January 2016 |access-date=11 September 2015 |website=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=11 January 2001 |title=Power-packed performer |url=http://www.thehindu.com/2001/01/11/stories/09110354.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115160136/http://www.thehindu.com/2001/01/11/stories/09110354.htm |archive-date=15 January 2016 |access-date=11 September 2015 |website=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> [[S. Sashikanth]], who went on to produce films like ''[[Tamizh Padam]]'' (2010) and ''[[Kaaviya Thalaivan (2014 film)|Kaaviya Thalaivan]]'' (2014), and K. R. Mathivaanan, who directed ''[[Aridhu Aridhu]]'' (2010), worked as assistant directors.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kamath |first=Sudhish |author-link=Sudhish Kamath |date=2 March 2012 |title=Why Not? |work=[[The Hindu]] |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/why-not/article2952125.ece |url-status=live |access-date=11 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115160136/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/why-not/article2952125.ece |archive-date=15 January 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Raghavan |first=Nikhil |date=26 December 2010 |title=Getting better |work=[[The Hindu]] |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-cinemaplus/Getting-better/article15608523.ece |url-status=live |access-date=22 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230622072752/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-cinemaplus/Getting-better/article15608523.ece |archive-date=22 June 2023}}</ref><br />
<br />
The film was jointly launched by S. Shankar and his co-director [[R. Madhesh]] in October 1998 at an event attended by actors and technicians from the Tamil film industry, with actors Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan being the special invitees.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sandya |title=***Tamil Movie News*** |url=http://www.indolink.com/tamil/cinema/News/98/Nov/news1.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141219170120/http://www.indolink.com/tamil/cinema/News/98/Nov/news1.htm |archive-date=19 December 2014 |access-date=15 March 2011 |website=Indolink}}</ref> Production continued for several months, with reports suggesting that the film was delayed due to Manisha Koirala's unavailability though Shankar later stressed the production work demanded such delay. Parts of the film were also shot in [[Bikaner]], [[Rajasthan]] while the team also shot extensively in rural [[Tamil Nadu]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Reddy |first=T. Krithika |date=5 November 1999 |title=Film maker with a Midas touch |url=http://www.cscsarchive.org:8081/MediaArchive/art.nsf/(docid)/82C77484216203FC65256940004BD6F1 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110725212136/http://www.cscsarchive.org:8081/MediaArchive/art.nsf/%28docid%29/82C77484216203FC65256940004BD6F1 |archive-date=25 July 2011 |access-date=15 March 2011 |website=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> The film's cinematographer Anand later noted that the scenes involving crowds shot on [[Anna Salai]], [[Chennai]] were among the hardest and most satisfying scenes he had worked on.<ref>{{Cite web |date=6 October 2013 |title=''Rajini and Vijay couldn't do it for unknown reasons'', K.V.Anand |url=http://behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-10/k-v-anand-talks-in-detail-about-his-mudhalvan-experience.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131227235602/http://behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-10/k-v-anand-talks-in-detail-about-his-mudhalvan-experience.html |archive-date=27 December 2013 |access-date=27 December 2013 |website=Behindwoods}}</ref> The song "Shakalaka Baby" was the last song to be shot, with [[Sushmita Sen]] selected to feature in a special appearance for the song.<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 October 1999 |title=Gentleman are back |url=http://www.cscsarchive.org:8081/MediaArchive/art.nsf/(docid)/C6382B502514142865256940004BD6FB |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110725212153/http://www.cscsarchive.org:8081/MediaArchive/art.nsf/%28docid%29/C6382B502514142865256940004BD6FB |archive-date=25 July 2011 |access-date=15 March 2011 |website=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Venkatesh |first=Jyothi |date=28 April 2002 |title=Frank and forthright |url=http://www.cscsarchive.org:8081/MediaArchive/art.nsf/(docid)/E26EE954751EF176E5256BB4002A7B71 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110725212210/http://www.cscsarchive.org:8081/MediaArchive/art.nsf/%28docid%29/E26EE954751EF176E5256BB4002A7B71 |archive-date=25 July 2011 |access-date=15 March 2011 |website=[[Deccan Herald]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=1 March 2000 |title=Interview: Director Shankar Speaks Out His Mind |url=http://www.dinakaran.com/cinema/english/interviews/2000/3-1/shankar.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20001011064646/http://www.dinakaran.com/cinema/english/interviews/2000/3-1/shankar.htm |archive-date=11 October 2000 |access-date=12 January 2022 |website=[[Dinakaran]]}}</ref> Stunt master [[Peter Hein]] revealed that he worked as a body double for Arjun in the scene where he had to run nude on the streets.<ref>{{Cite news |date=15 April 2006 |title=Living on the edge |work=[[The Hindu]] |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/living-on-the-edge/article3190901.ece |url-status=live |access-date=11 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115160136/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/living-on-the-edge/article3190901.ece |archive-date=15 January 2016}}</ref><br />
<br />
== Themes and influences ==<br />
<br />
The film dealt with the theme of a television cameraman who is forced to take over the duty of Chief Minister for one day. It also dealt with the concept of opportunities for educated people in politics and demonstrated it is possible to bring change in the country. The film's basic idea was inspired from [[Nixon interviews|Nixon-Frost interviews]] which were broadcast in 1977 and also inspired by Indian actor [[Sivaji Ganesan]] being named the honorary mayor of [[Niagara Falls, New York]] for one day during his visit to the United States.{{Sfn|Dhananjayan|2011|page=210}}<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 March 2022 |title=The Little-Known But Fascinating Connection Between Film Mudhalvan and Shivaji Ganesan |url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/the-little-known-but-fascinating-connection-between-film-mudhalvan-and-shivaji-ganesan-4896890.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220711064439/https://www.news18.com/news/movies/the-little-known-but-fascinating-connection-between-film-mudhalvan-and-shivaji-ganesan-4896890.html |archive-date=11 July 2022 |access-date=11 July 2022 |website=[[News18]] |language=en}}</ref><br />
<br />
== Soundtrack ==<br />
{{Infobox album<br />
| name = Mudhalvan<br />
| type = soundtrack<br />
| artist = [[A. R. Rahman]]<br />
| cover =<br />
| alt =<br />
| released = 31 October 1999<br />
| recorded = Panchathan Record Inn, Chennai<br />
| venue =<br />
| studio = Panchathan Studios, A.M Studios<br />
| genre = [[Film soundtrack|feature film soundtrack]]<br />
| length = 36:19<br />
| language = [[Tamil language|Tamil]]<br />
| label = Five Star audio<br />
| producer = [[A. R. Rahman]]<br />
| prev_title = [[Thakshak]]<br />
| prev_year = 1999<br />
| next_title = [[Pukar (2000 film)|Pukar]]<br />
| next_year = 2000<br />
}}<br />
<br />
The soundtrack features six songs composed by [[A. R. Rahman]] and lyrics penned by [[Vairamuthu]], except Shakalaka Baby which Shankar wrote.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mudhalvan / Jodi |url=https://avdigital.in/products/mudhalvan-jodi |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230206214547/https://avdigital.in/products/mudhalvan-jodi |archive-date=6 February 2023 |access-date=22 June 2023 |website=AVDigital |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=20 October 1999 |title=Mudhalvan (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) |url=https://music.apple.com/in/album/mudhalvan-original-motion-picture-soundtrack/635851508 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230622073651/https://music.apple.com/in/album/mudhalvan-original-motion-picture-soundtrack/635851508 |archive-date=22 June 2023 |access-date=22 June 2023 |website=[[Apple Music]]}}</ref> The song "Shakalaka Baby" was re-edited by A. R. Rahman and featured on the international musical production ''[[Bombay Dreams]]'', which ran in [[Europe]] and [[North America]] from 2002 to 2005. This version was also released as a single. A [[Standard Chinese|Mandarin Chinese]] remix of the track sung by [[Singapore]]an singer [[Kelly Poon]] was featured in her album ''[[In the Heart of the World|In the Heart Of The World]]'' (2007).{{Sfn|Dhananjayan|2011|page=211}}<br />
<br />
The release of the soundtrack was held at [[Sathyam cinemas|Sathyam Cinemas]], [[Chennai]], on 31 October 1999 with two songs from the film being performed on stage. The special guests for the event were actor [[Kamal Haasan]] and actress [[Sushmita Sen]], who performed an [[item number]] in the film. The event was well attended by the cast and the crew of the film, with other guests including cinematographer [[P. C. Sriram]], actress [[Sarika]], and actor [[Suriya]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=MR |date=31 October 1999 |title=First Shot |url=http://www.cscsarchive.org:8081/MediaArchive/art.nsf/(docid)/64C3D6F0142A9044652569400060594C |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110725212329/http://www.cscsarchive.org:8081/MediaArchive/art.nsf/%28docid%29/64C3D6F0142A9044652569400060594C |archive-date=25 July 2011 |access-date=15 March 2011 |website=[[The New Indian Express]]}}</ref><br />
<br />
The soundtrack was a critical and commercial success; the initial day audio sale alone exceeded three lakh units.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Suganth |first=M |date=11 November 2011 |title=Audio CDs stay in tune with digital era |work=[[The Times of India]] |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/audio-cds-stay-in-tune-with-digital-era/articleshow/10685325.cms |url-status=live |access-date=22 June 2023 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230622074018/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/audio-cds-stay-in-tune-with-digital-era/articleshow/10685325.cms |archive-date=22 June 2023}}</ref> The song "Azhagana Rakshasiye" is based on Rithigowla raga.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Mani |first=Charulatha |author-link=Charulatha Mani |date=25 November 2011 |title=Riveting Ritigowla |work=[[The Hindu]] |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/music/riveting-ritigowla/article2659559.ece |url-status=live |access-date=11 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115160136/http://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/music/riveting-ritigowla/article2659559.ece |archive-date=15 January 2016}}</ref><br />
<br />
{{Track listing<br />
| headline = Tamil<br />
| all_lyrics = [[Vairamuthu]]<br />
| extra_column = Singer(s)<br />
| title1 = Kurukku Chiruththavale<br />
| extra1 = [[Hariharan (singer)|Hariharan]], [[Mahalakshmi Iyer]]<br />
| length1 = 6:42<br />
| title2 = Mudhalvanae<br />
| extra2 = [[Shankar Mahadevan]], [[S. Janaki]]<br />
| length2 = 5:29<br />
| title3 = Uppu Karuvadu<br />
| extra3 = Shankar Mahadevan, [[Kavita Krishnamurthy]]<br />
| length3 = 5:38<br />
| title4 = Azhagana Ratchashiyae<br />
| extra4 = [[S. P. Balasubrahmanyam]], [[Harini (singer)|Harini]], [[G. V. Prakash Kumar]]<br />
| length4 = 6:11<br />
| title5 = Ulundhu Vithakkaiyilae<br />
| extra5 = [[Srinivas (singer)|Srinivas]], [[Swarnalatha]], Hariharan, Mahalakshmi Iyer<br />
| length5 = 6:05<br />
| title6 = Shakalaka Baby<br />
| extra6 = [[Vasundhara Das]], [[Pravin Mani]]<br />
| length6 = 5:23<br />
| total_length = 35:28 <!-- Automatically generated with User:JPxG/TrackSum.js --><br />
}}<br />
<br />
{{Track listing<br />
| headline = Telugu<br />
| all_lyrics = [[A. M. Ratnam]]<br />
| extra_column = Singer(s)<br />
| title1 = Nelluri Nerajana<br />
| extra1 = [[Hariharan (singer)|Hariharan]], [[Mahalakshmi Iyer]]<br />
| length1 = 6:44<br />
| title2 = Magadheera<br />
| extra2 = [[S. Janaki]], [[Shankar Mahadevan]]<br />
| length2 = 6:41<br />
| title3 = Utti Meeda Koodu<br />
| extra3 = Shankar Mahadevan, [[Kavita Krishnamurthy]]<br />
| length3 = 5:41<br />
| title4 = Andala Rakshasive<br />
| extra4 = [[S. P. Balasubrahmanyam]], [[Harini (singer)|Harini]]<br />
| length4 = 6:13<br />
| title5 = Eruvaka<br />
| extra5 = [[Swarnalatha]], [[Srinivas (singer)|Srinivas]]<br />
| length5 = 6:05<br />
| title6 = Shakalaka Baby<br />
| extra6 = [[Vasundhara Das]], [[Pravin Mani]], [[Devan Ekambaram]]<br />
| length6 = 5:38<br />
}}<br />
<br />
== Release ==<br />
The film's release prints were {{Convert|4876|m|ft|abbr=on}} long.{{Sfn|Dhananjayan|2011|page=210}} The film was released on 7 November 1999 while the Telugu dubbed version, ''Oke Okkadu'' ({{translation}}: ''Only One'') released on 9 November 1999 which was also a blockbuster.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jeevi |title=Oke Okkadu&nbsp;– A review |url=http://www.idlebrain.com/movie/archive/mr-oke.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220526083039/http://www.idlebrain.com/movie/archive/mr-oke.html |archive-date=26 May 2022 |access-date=10 July 2022 |website=[[Idlebrain.com]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=24 July 2019 |title=20 Glorious Years for Sri Venkateswara Creations |url=https://www.telugu360.com/20-glorious-years-for-sri-venkateshwara-creations/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220710062433/https://www.telugu360.com/20-glorious-years-for-sri-venkateshwara-creations/ |archive-date=10 July 2022 |access-date=10 July 2022 |website=Telugu360}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=25 January 2021 |title=Shristi becomes one-day CM of Uttarakhand! |url=https://www.thehansindia.com/news/national/shristi-becomes-one-day-cm-of-uttarakhand-668477 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220501064958/https://www.thehansindia.com/news/national/shristi-becomes-one-day-cm-of-uttarakhand-668477 |archive-date=1 May 2022 |access-date=1 May 2022 |website=[[The Hans India]]}}</ref> Upon release, the film won positive reviews and was successful at the box office. It was later remade in [[Hindi]] as ''[[Nayak (2001 Hindi film)|Nayak]]''.<ref name="celebrates 100 days">{{Cite web |title=Mudhalvan&nbsp;– the mega hit&nbsp;– celebrates 100 days |url=http://www.pvv.ntnu.no/~kailasan/mudhalvan/mudhalvan100day.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719224729/http://www.pvv.ntnu.no/~kailasan/mudhalvan/mudhalvan100day.htm |archive-date=19 July 2011 |access-date=15 March 2011 |website=pvv.ntnu.no}}</ref> The film went on to run for over one hundred days in cinemas with an event being held at Kamaraj Hall on 25 February 2000 to mark one hundred days since release. The event, similar to the launch, attracted several people from the film industry with Kamal Haasan, once again, being the chief guest of the event.<ref name="celebrates 100 days" /><br />
<br />
== Reception ==<br />
On 21 November 1999, ''[[Ananda Vikatan]]'' in its review gave 43 marks and appreciated the film stating that: "One can see Shankar's grandeur in the way he presented a social problem magnificently. Shankar has approached a serious social issue with usual entertainment elements".{{Sfn|Dhananjayan|2011|page=211}} ''[[The Hindu]]'' said "Shankar scores again". In regard to the lead performances, Arjun is described as having "acquitted himself with aplomb", while Manisha's performance was criticised with claims that she "lacks the freshness that one always associates her with". The critic also referred to Shankar's direction and Sujatha's dialogues as a "positive", while drawing praise to the videos of the songs describing that "every song and dance sequence seems a magnum opus by itself".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rangarajan |first=Malathi |date=12 November 1999 |title=Mudhalvan |url=http://www.indiaserver.com/thehindu/1999/11/12/stories/09120222.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010413133853/http://www.indiaserver.com/thehindu/1999/11/12/stories/09120222.htm |archive-date=13 April 2001 |access-date=3 August 2024 |website=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> ''[[The New Indian Express]]'' described the film as "absorbing" and praised certain scenes, although it criticised the videos of the songs as a "fiasco".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ulaganathan |first=G. |date=14 November 1999 |title=Absorbing film |url=http://www.cscsarchive.org:8081/MediaArchive/art.nsf/(docid)/1B2DE58D8F77D2F165256941003DC8E8 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110725212302/http://www.cscsarchive.org:8081/MediaArchive/art.nsf/%28docid%29/1B2DE58D8F77D2F165256941003DC8E8 |archive-date=25 July 2011 |access-date=15 March 2011 |website=[[The New Indian Express]]}}</ref> Aurangazeb of ''[[Kalki (magazine)|Kalki]]'' praised the screenplay and certain scenes which make impact but panned the visual effects and felt the film has a documentary feel which is both positive and negative.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=ஒளரங்கசீப் |date=28 November 1999 |title=முதல்வன் |url=https://archive.org/details/kalki1999-11-28/page/32/mode/2up |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230501114251/https://archive.org/details/kalki1999-11-28/page/32/mode/2up |archive-date=1 May 2023 |access-date=17 June 2023 |magazine=[[Kalki (magazine)|Kalki]] |pages=32–33 |language=ta |via=[[Internet Archive]]}}</ref><br />
<br />
== Accolades ==<br />
{| class="wikitable"<br />
!Award<br />
!Category<br />
!Recipient<br />
!{{Abbr|Ref.|References}}<br />
|-<br />
| rowspan="3" |[[47th Filmfare Awards South]]<br />
|[[Filmfare Award for Best Music Director – Tamil|Filmfare Best Music Director Award]]<br />
|[[A. R. Rahman]]<br />
| rowspan="3" style="text-align:center;" |<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ashok Kumar |first=S. R. |date=15 April 2000 |title=Star-spangled show on cards |url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/2000/04/15/stories/09150651.htm |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060715231701/http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/2000/04/15/stories/09150651.htm |archive-date=15 July 2006 |access-date=16 October 2020 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref><br /><ref>{{Cite news |date=26 April 2000 |title=Southern Filmfare awards presented at glittering ceremony |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/southern-filmfare-awards-presented-at-glittering-ceremony/articleshow/883089902.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240927130923/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/southern-filmfare-awards-presented-at-glittering-ceremony/articleshow/883089902.cms |archive-date=27 September 2024 |access-date=27 September 2024 |work=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref><br />
|-<br />
|[[Filmfare Award for Best Female Playback Singer – Tamil]]<br />
|[[Vasundhara Das]] for "Shakalaka Baby"<br />
|-<br />
|[[Filmfare Award for Best Choreography – South]]<br />
|[[Chinni Prakash]]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Cinema Express Awards]]<br />
|Best Villain<br />
|[[Raghuvaran]]<br />
| style="text-align:center;" |<ref>{{Cite web |title=Recently |url=http://cinematoday2.itgo.com/4Hot%20News%20Just%20for%20U4.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120324015140/http://cinematoday2.itgo.com/4Hot%20News%20Just%20for%20U4.htm |archive-date=24 March 2012 |access-date=27 September 2024 |website=Cinematoday2.itgo.com}}</ref><br />
|-<br />
| rowspan="6" | Dinakaran Film Awards<br />
|Best Director<br />
|S. Shankar<br />
|style="text-align:center;" rowspan="6" | <ref>{{Cite web |title=Awards: "Dinakaran Cinema Awards"--1999 |url=http://www.dinakaran.com/cinema/english/awards/28-1.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080625100834/http://www.dinakaran.com/cinema/english/awards/28-1.htm |archive-date=25 June 2008 |website=[[Dinakaran]] |access-date=16 September 2024 }}</ref><br />
|-<br />
|Best Music Director<br />
|A. R. Rahman<br />
|-<br />
|Best Female Playback Singer <br />
|S. Janaki<br />
|-<br />
|Best Villain Actor<br />
|Raghuvaran<br />
|-<br />
|Best Dialogue Writer<br />
|Sujatha<br />
|-<br />
|Best Stunt Director<br />
|Kanal Kannan<br />
|-<br />
|[[Tamil Nadu State Film Awards]]<br />
|[[Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Villain|Best Villain]]<br />
|Raghuvaran<br />
| style="text-align:center;" |<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 December 2000 |title=Awards: Tamilnadu Government Announces Cinema State Awards -1999 |url=http://www.dinakaran.com/cinema/english/awards/29-12-00/state.htm |url-status=dead |website=[[Dinakaran]] |access-date=27 September 2024 |archive-date=10 February 2001 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010210034542/http://www.dinakaran.com/cinema/english/awards/29-12-00/state.htm }}</ref><br />
|}<br />
<br />
== In popular culture ==<br />
Songs from the film's soundtrack inspired a number of Tamil film titles. [[Rama Narayanan]] directed a film titled ''Shakalaka Baby'' in 2002.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Shakalaka Baby |url=http://cinematoday2.itgo.com/Shakalaka%20Baby.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220183606/http://cinematoday2.itgo.com/Shakalaka%20Baby.htm |archive-date=20 December 2016 |access-date=9 December 2016 |website=cinematoday2.itgo.com}}</ref> A film titled ''Lukku Vida Thonalaiyaa'', a line from the song "Shakalaka Baby", also began production in 2002 but was not released.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1 February 2002 |title="Lukku Vida Thonalaiyaa"! |url=http://www.dinakaran.com/cinema/english/cinenews/2002/01-2-02.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041029193710/http://www.dinakaran.com/cinema/english/cinenews/2002/01-2-02.html |archive-date=29 October 2004 |access-date=21 November 2020 |website=[[Dinakaran]]}}</ref> A dialogue from Mudhalvan, "Sushma, saamaan nikalo" inspired the title of the song "Saroja Saman Nikalo" from ''[[Chennai 600028]]'' (2007).<ref>{{Cite news |date=2020-04-01 |title=Venkat Prabhu on Saroja Saman Nikalo song from Chennai 600028 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/venkat-prabhu-on-saroja-saman-nikalo-song-from-chennai-600028/articleshow/74928139.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201230063716/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/venkat-prabhu-on-saroja-saman-nikalo-song-from-chennai-600028/articleshow/74928139.cms |archive-date=30 December 2020 |access-date=2024-10-31 |work=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref><br />
<br />
The scenes, songs and dialogues from the film have been parodied in ''[[Budget Padmanabhan]]'' (2000),<ref>{{Cite AV media |title=Budget Padmanabhan |type=motion picture |language=ta |publisher=KRG Film International |year=2000 |time=1:40:28 to 1:40:43 |time-caption=From}}</ref> ''[[Kandha Kadamba Kathir Vela]]'' (2000),<ref>{{Cite AV media |title=Kandha Kadamba Kathir Vela |type=motion picture |language=Ta |publisher=Sri Thenandal Films |year=2000 |time=45:21 to 45:29 |time-caption=From}}</ref> ''[[Kanna Unnai Thedukiren]]'' (2001),<ref>{{Cite AV media |title=Kanna Unnai Thedukiren |type=motion picture |language=Ta |publisher=Arun Movie Makers and Enterprises |year=2001}}{{time needed|date=March 2024}}</ref> ''[[Run (2002 film)|Run]]'' (2002),<ref>{{Cite AV media |title=Run |type=motion picture |language=ta |publisher=Sri Surya Movies |year=2002 |time=1:28:35 to 1:28:38 |time-caption=From}}</ref> ''[[Dubai Seenu]]'' (2007),<ref>{{Cite AV media |title=Dubai Seenu |type=motion picture |language=te |publisher=Universal Media |year=2007 |time=2:08:33 to 2:09:00 |time-caption=From}}</ref> ''[[Sivaji: The Boss]]'' (2007),<ref>{{Cite AV media |title=Sivaji: The Boss |type=motion picture |language=Ta |publisher=[[AVM Productions]] |year=2007 |time=1:12:07 to 1:12:10 |time-caption=From}}</ref> ''[[Singakutty]]'' (2008),<ref>{{Cite AV media |title=Singakutty |type=motion picture |language=ta |publisher=Tamil Screens |year=2008}}{{time needed|date=March 2024}}</ref> and ''Kaalaippani'' (2008).<ref>{{Cite AV media |title=Kaalai Pani |type=motion picture |language=Ta |publisher=Pasumpon Films |year=2008}}{{time needed|date=March 2024}}</ref> The film has also been spoofed in [[Star Vijay]]'s ''[[Lollu Sabha]]'' with the same title with [[Santhanam (actor)|Santhanam]] as the main character.<ref>{{Cite news |last=S |first=Srivatsan |date=8 April 2020 |title=The rise and fall of 'Lollu Sabha': Director Rambala on the untold story |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/the-story-behind-lollu-sabha/article31289313.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231113060538/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/the-story-behind-lollu-sabha/article31289313.ece |archive-date=13 November 2023 |access-date=15 March 2024 |work=[[The Hindu]] |language=en}}</ref> In 2017 film ''[[Kavan (film)|Kavan]]'', the interview scene was inspired from this film. ''Kavan'' was directed by [[K. V. Anand]], who was the cinematographer of ''Mudhalvan''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Menon |first=Vishal |date=1 April 2017 |title=Kavan: reality bites |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/reviews/kavan-reality-bites/article17756123.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170401072113/http://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/reviews/kavan-reality-bites/article17756123.ece |archive-date=1 April 2017 |access-date=9 May 2022 |website=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref><br />
<br />
== See also ==<br />
* [[Servant of the People (2015 TV series)|''Servant of the People'' (2015 TV series)]] (2015–2019), Ukrainian comedy television series with similar concept<ref>{{Cite news |date=22 February 2022 |title=Will a stand-up comedian save Ukraine and the world from World War III? |url=https://nhpnews.com/will-a-stand-up-comedian-save-ukraine-and-the-world-from-world-war-iii/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225170246/https://nhpnews.com/will-a-stand-up-comedian-save-ukraine-and-the-world-from-world-war-iii/ |archive-date=25 February 2022 |access-date=25 February 2022 |work=NHP News |location=India}}</ref><br />
<br />
== References ==<br />
{{Reflist}}<br />
<br />
== Bibliography ==<br />
*{{Cite book |last=Dhananjayan |first=G. |title=The Best of Tamil Cinema, 1931 to 2010: 1931–1976 |publisher=Galatta Media |year=2011 |isbn=978-81-921043-0-0 |author-link=G. Dhananjayan}}<br />
<br />
== External links ==<br />
* {{IMDb title}}<br />
* {{Rotten Tomatoes}}<br />
<br />
{{S. Shankar}}<br />
{{Filmfare Award for Best Film – Tamil}}<br />
{{A. R. Rahman}}<br />
{{Sujatha}}<br />
{{Authority control}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:1999 Indian films]]<br />
[[Category:1990s political action films]]<br />
[[Category:1990s political satire films]]<br />
[[Category:1990s political thriller films]]<br />
[[Category:1999 Tamil-language films]]<br />
[[Category:1999 films]]<br />
[[Category:Fictional portrayals of the Tamil Nadu Police]]<br />
[[Category:Films about corruption in India]]<br />
[[Category:Films about elections]]<br />
[[Category:Films about journalists]]<br />
[[Category:Films about mass media people]]<br />
[[Category:Films about politicians]]<br />
[[Category:Films about television people]]<br />
[[Category:Films about mass media in India]]<br />
[[Category:Films directed by S. Shankar]]<br />
[[Category:Films scored by A. R. Rahman]]<br />
[[Category:Films set in Chennai]]<br />
[[Category:Films shot in Chalakudy]]<br />
[[Category:Films shot in Chennai]]<br />
[[Category:Films shot in Rajasthan]]<br />
[[Category:Films shot in Tamil Nadu]]<br />
[[Category:Films shot in Thrissur]]<br />
[[Category:Indian political action films]]<br />
[[Category:Indian political satire films]] <!-- https://www.langcen.cam.ac.uk/resources/langt/data/tm_117.html --><br />
[[Category:Indian political thriller films]] <!-- https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/why-rajinikanth-and-vijay-turned-down-mudhalvan-on-tuesday-trivia-1839145-2021-08-10 --><br />
[[Category:Tamil films remade in other languages]]<br />
[[Category:Tamil-language Indian films]]</div>2409:40E6:FC:D6A3:A570:55B5:8644:D465