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{{short description|1982 film by A. Jagannathan}}
{{short description|1982 film by A. Jagannathan}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2021}}
{{Use Indian English|date=March 2019}}
{{Use Indian English|date=October 2021}}
{{Infobox film
{{Infobox film
| name          = Moondru Mugam
| image          = Moondru Mugam.jpg
| image          = Moondru Mugam.jpg
| caption        = Theatrical release poster
| caption        = Theatrical release poster
| director      = [[A. Jagannathan]]
| director      = [[A. Jagannathan]]
| producer      = Thamizhazhagan<br />[[G. Thyagarajan]]
| screenplay    = Kanaga Shanmugan<br />P. L. Sundar Rajan<br />Thamizhazhagan<br />Radha Veerannan
| screenplay    = Kanaga Shanmugan<br />P. L. Sundar Rajan<br />Thamizhazhagan<br />Ratha Veerannan
| story          = [[Peter Selvakumar]]
| story          = [[Peter Selvakumar]]
| music          = [[Shankar–Ganesh]]
| producer      = Thamizhazhagan<br />[[T. G. Thyagarajan|G. Thyagarajan]]
| starring      = [[Rajinikanth]]<br />[[Raadhika]]
| starring      = [[Rajinikanth]]<br />[[Radhika Sarathkumar|Radhika]]
| cinematography = Viswam Natarajan
| cinematography = Viswam Natarajan
| editing        = K. R. Krishnan
| editing        = K. R. Krishnan
| music          = [[Shankar–Ganesh]]
| studio        = Sathya Movies
| studio        = Sathya Movies
| distributor    = <!-- don't add -->
| released      = {{film date|1982|10|1|df=y}}
| released      = 1 October 1982
| runtime        = 134 minutes
| runtime        = 134 minutes
| country        = India
| country        = India
| language      = Tamil
| language      = Tamil
| budget        = <!-- don't add -->
| gross          = <!-- don't add -->
}}
}}


'''''Moondru Mugam''''' ({{trans|Three Faces}}) is a 1982 Indian [[Tamil language|Tamil]]-language [[action film]] directed by [[A. Jagannathan]]. The film stars [[Rajinikanth]] in three distinct roles as Alex Pandian, Arun and John. The film was a blockbuster and ran for 175 days in theaters. It received the [[Tamil Nadu State Film Award Special Prize]] in 1982.
'''''Moondru Mugam''''' ({{translation|Three Faces}}) is a 1982 Indian [[Tamil language|Tamil]]-language [[action film]] directed by [[A. Jagannathan]]. The film stars [[Rajinikanth]] in three distinct roles. It was released on 1 October 1982 and became a major success, running for 250 days in theatres. Rajinikanth won the [[Tamil Nadu State Film Award Special Prize]] for Best Actor.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Superstar Rajinikanth as Minions |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/photo-features/superstar-rajinikanth-as-minions/photostory/45519504.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230810092426/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/photo-features/superstar-rajinikanth-as-minions/superstar-rajinikanth-as-minions/photostory/45519506.cms |archive-date=10 August 2023 |access-date=10 August 2023 |work=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref> The film was remade in [[Hindi]] as ''[[John Jani Janardhan (1984 film)|John Jani Janardhan]]'' (1984) with Rajinikanth reprising his roles,<ref>{{Cite web |date=9 April 2019 |title=The Superstar in khakhi: When Rajinikanth dazzled the audience in police uniform |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2019/apr/09/the-superstar-in-khakhi-1962296.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220808053450/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2019/apr/09/the-superstar-in-khakhi-1962296.html |archive-date=8 August 2022 |access-date=8 August 2022 |website=[[The New Indian Express]]}}</ref> in [[Telugu language|Telugu]] as ''Mugguru Monagallu'' (1983) and in [[Kannada]] as ''[[Gedda Maga]]'' (1983).<ref>{{Cite web |date=3 March 2023 |title=5 Rajinikanth Classics Remade In Kannada |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/5-rajinikanth-classics-remade-in-kannada/photostory/98389073.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230303222953/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/5-rajinikanth-classics-remade-in-kannada/photostory/98389073.cms |archive-date=3 March 2023 |access-date=14 August 2025 |work=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref>
 
The film was remade in Hindi as ''[[John Jani Janardhan]]'' with Rajinikanth again reprising his roles, in [[Telugu language|Telugu]] as ''Mugguru Monagallu'' and in [[Kannada]] as ''Gedda Maga''.


== Plot ==
== Plot ==
Arun, the son of a rich businessman Ramanathan, returns to India after 10 years in the United States, but as a saint. His shocked father enlists a press reporter, Rekha, to change him back to normal. Rekha first sets up an interview, which he thwarts. Later, on the pretense of taking him to a temple, she plans another set up.
Arun, the son of wealthy businessman Ramanathan, returns to India after spending 10 years in the United States – but as a saint. Shocked by his transformation, Ramanathan enlists Rekha, a press reporter, to help to change him back to his former self. Rekha first arranges an interview, which Arun deliberately disrupts. Undeterred, she devises another plan under the pretence of taking him to a temple.


On the way to the temple, Rekha pretends that the car has broken down and he leaves to roam around a bit when sees a crying child and offers a chocolate. Suddenly he is swarmed by more children and other villagers who confront him of being a child-kidnapper. Using the event, Rekha cuts Arun's beard off, a symbol of piety. After a few more set up events, he renounces his sainthood.
On the way, Rekha fakes a car breakdown. As Arun wanders around, he encounters a crying child and offers a chocolate. Suddenly, he is swarmed by other children and villagers, who accuse him of being a child-kidnapper. Taking advantage of the situation, Rekha cuts off Arun’s beard – a symbol of his piety. After orchestrating a few more incidents, Arun renounces his sainthood.


Later, Arun goes to work and is puzzled about why his father has been sending money to a woman named Sagaya Mary for over twenty years. In a parallel scenario, a man informs Sagaya Mary that someone has proposed to her nephew John. When asked about John's parentage, she opens up about her brother and John's father, Alex Pandian.
Returning to work, Arun grows curious about why his father has been sending money to a woman named Sagaya Mary for over 20 years. Meanwhile, Sagaya Mary learns that someone has proposed to her nephew, John. When questioned about John’s parentage, she recounts the story of her brother, Alex Pandian – John’s father.


A flashback ensues that explains Alex's story. Alex, a scrupulous police officer, is ruthless on criminals and clashes with the mob boss, Egambaram. After repeated confrontations, Egambaram fatally stabs him. With his last breath, Alex vows that he will be reborn to take revenge. When Alex dies, so does his wife after giving birth to twins. Ramanathan's wife gives birth in the same hospital but the child dies, as with her previous three pregnancies. Sagaya Mary hands over one of Alex's children to them and he is christened Arun, while she raises the other child, John.
A flashback reveals Alex’s past. As a fearless and just police officer, Alex frequently clashes with local mob boss Egambaram. Their conflict escalates, and Egambaram ultimately stabs Alex fatally. With his dying breath, Alex vows to return and avenge his death. His wife dies soon after giving birth to twins. At the same hospital, Ramanathan’s wife loses her child – as she had during her previous pregnancies. Sagaya Mary entrusts one of Alex's sons to Ramanathan, who raises him as Arun, while she raises the other twin, John.


On his 25th birthday party, Arun gets a divine epiphany that makes him realise he is the reincarnation of Alex. He is asked to meet a woman named Asha at a hotel but it proves to be a set up. In the ensuing battle for survival, he kills the attacker and goes to jail. He comes to court to reveal the truth when suddenly a man claiming to be Alex shows up and says that he is not dead but had been in Sri Lanka the whole time. The man posing as Alex is actually John. Unknown to Arun, he is working with Egambaram, the man who murdered his father.
On his 25th birthday, Arun experiences a divine epiphany, and claims he is the reincarnation of Alex. He agrees to meet a woman named Asha at a hotel, but it turns out to be a trap. In the ensuing struggle, he kills his attacker and is arrested. During the court hearing, a man claiming to be Alex Pandian appears, saying he had been in Sri Lanka all along. This "Alex" is, in fact, John – unknowingly working with Egambaram, the man who murdered their father.


Later, Arun says he concocted the fact that he was an incarnation of Alex Pandian to draw the killers out. Soon, John finds the truth about Alex Pandian and Arun and fights to save his brother. However, John is fatally wounded by Egambaram who he eventually kills and throws into the sea, the same way his father was killed. The film ends with Arun and Rekha getting married.
Later, Arun confesses to the police that he fabricated the reincarnation story to lure the killers out. John eventually learns the truth about Alex Pandian and his brother Arun. Determined to save him, John confronts Egambaram but is mortally wounded. In his final act, John kills Egambaram and disposes of his body in the sea, before succumbing. The film concludes with Arun and Rekha, now married, paying John their respects.


== Cast ==
== Cast ==
{{colbegin}}
{{cast listing|
*[[Rajinikanth]] as Alex Pandian, Arun and John<ref name="characters">{{Cite news |last=Srivatsan |date=4 November 2016 |title=Billa to Moondru Mugam: Why remaking Rajinikanth's cult classic is a sin |work=[[India Today]] |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/standpoint/story/billa-to-moondru-mugam-why-remake-rajinikanth-cult-classic-raghava-lawrence-350184-2016-11-04 |access-date=26 March 2019}}</ref>
*[[Rajinikanth]] as [[Superintendent of police (India)|SP]] Alex Pandian [[Indian Police Service|IPS]], Arun and John<ref>{{Cite news |last=Srivatsan |date=4 November 2016 |title=Billa to Moondru Mugam: Why remaking Rajinikanth's cult classic is a sin |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/standpoint/story/billa-to-moondru-mugam-why-remake-rajinikanth-cult-classic-raghava-lawrence-350184-2016-11-04 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327090833/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/standpoint/story/billa-to-moondru-mugam-why-remake-rajinikanth-cult-classic-raghava-lawrence-350184-2016-11-04 |archive-date=27 March 2019 |access-date=26 March 2019 |work=[[India Today]]}}</ref>
*[[Raadhika]] as Rekha
*[[Radhika Sarathkumar|Radhika]] as Rekha
*[[Sathyaraj]] as Dhadi
*[[Sathyaraj]] as Dhadi
*[[Senthamarai (actor)|Senthamarai]] as Egambaram<ref name="characters" />
*[[Senthamarai (actor)|Senthamarai]] as Egambaram{{Sfn|Ramachandran|2014|p=122}}
*[[Thengai Srinivasan]] as Ramanathan
*[[Thengai Srinivasan]] as Ramanathan
*[[Silk Smitha]] as Asha
*[[Silk Smitha]] as Asha
*[[Rajya Lakshmi]] as Sheela
*[[Rajyalakshmi]] as Sheela
*[[Kamala Kamesh]] as Sagaya Mary
*[[Kamala Kamesh]] as Sagaya Mary
*[[Sangili Murugan]] as Gopal
*[[Sangili Murugan]] as Gopal
Line 55: Line 49:
*[[Poornam Viswanathan]] as Judge
*[[Poornam Viswanathan]] as Judge
*[[Delhi Ganesh]] as Seeni
*[[Delhi Ganesh]] as Seeni
*C.R.Parthibhan as D.I.G
*[[C. R. Parthiban]] as D.I.G
*[[Charuhasan]] as Acharya swamiji (Guest Appearance)
*[[Charuhasan]] as Acharya swamiji (Guest Appearance)
*[[Ennatha Kannaiya]] as Uncle of arun
*[[Ennatha Kannaiya]] as Arun's uncle
*[[Ganthimathi]] as Gajalakshmi
*[[Gandhimathi]] as Gajalakshmi
*[[Loose Mohan]] as Drunker
*[[Loose Mohan]] as Drunker
*[[Idichapuli Selvaraj]] as Drunker
*[[Idichapuli Selvaraj]] as Drunker
*Haja Shareef as Mani
*[[Master Haja Sheriff|Haja Sheriff]] as Mani
{{colend}}
}}
 
== Production ==
''Moondru Mugam'' was directed by [[A. Jagannathan]] and produced by V. Thamizhazhagan and [[T. G. Thyagarajan|G. Thyagarajan]] of Sathya Movies.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=10 October 1982 |title=மூன்று முகம் |url=https://kalkionline.com/kalkionline_archive/imagegallery/archiveimages/kalki/1982/oct/10-10-1982/p57.jpg |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220808052850/https://kalkionline.com/kalkionline_archive/imagegallery/archiveimages/kalki/1982/oct/10-10-1982/p57.jpg |archive-date=8 August 2022 |access-date=22 February 2022 |magazine=[[Kalki (magazine)|Kalki]] |page=57 |language=ta}}</ref> It is the first film where [[Rajinikanth]] played three distinct roles. For the role of Alex Pandian, he wore a wig and sported dentures.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=17 October 1982 |title=மூன்று முகங்களில் மூவர் |url=https://kalkionline.com/kalkionline_archive/imagegallery/archiveimages/kalki/1982/oct/17-10-1982/p49.jpg |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220808052908/https://kalkionline.com/kalkionline_archive/imagegallery/archiveimages/kalki/1982/oct/17-10-1982/p49.jpg |archive-date=8 August 2022 |access-date=22 February 2022 |magazine=[[Kalki (magazine)|Kalki]] |page=49 |language=ta}}</ref>


== Soundtrack ==
== Soundtrack ==
The film's soundtrack and background score were composed by [[Shankar–Ganesh]] with lyrics written by [[Vaali (poet)|Vaali]], [[Muthulingam]] and [[Vairamuthu]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Moondru Mugam (1982) |url=http://play.raaga.com/tamil/album/Moondru-Mugam-songs-T0003203 |access-date=30 October 2015 |website=[[Raaga.com]]}}</ref>
The soundtrack was composed by [[Shankar–Ganesh]] with lyrics written by [[Vaali (poet)|Vaali]], [[Muthulingam (poet)|Muthulingam]] and [[Vairamuthu]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Moondru Muham Tamil Film EP Vinyl Record by Shankar Ganesh |url=https://mossymart.com/product/moondru-muham-tamil-film-ep-vinyl-record-by-shankar-ganesh-2/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029110650/https://mossymart.com/product/moondru-muham-tamil-film-ep-vinyl-record-by-shankar-ganesh-2/ |archive-date=29 October 2021 |access-date=29 October 2021 |website=Mossymart}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Moondru Mugam |url=https://gaana.com/album/moondru-mugam-tamil |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029110636/https://a10.gaanacdn.com/gn_img/gaanav5/bitmap.png |archive-date=29 October 2021 |access-date=29 October 2021 |website=[[Gaana (music streaming service)|Gaana]]}}</ref>


{| class="wikitable"
{{Track listing
|-
| headline = Track listing
! No. !! Title !! Singer !! Length
| extra_column = Singer(s)
|-
| title1 = Devamrutham
| 1 || "Devamrutham" || [[S. P. Balasubrahmanyam]], [[Vani Jairam]] || 05:23
| note1 =
|-
| lyrics1 =
| 2 || "Aasaiulla Roshakara" || Vani Jairam || 03:53
| extra1 = [[S. P. Balasubrahmanyam]], [[Vani Jairam]]
|-
| length1 = 5:23
| 3 || "Naan Seitha Kurumbu" || S. P. Balasubrahmanyam || 04:26
| title2 = Aasaiulla Roshakara
|-
| note2 =
| 4 || "Yethanaiyo" || Malaysia Vasudevan, [[S. Janaki]] || 04:56
| lyrics2 =
|}
| extra2 = Vani Jairam
| length2 = 3:53
| title3 = Naan Seitha Kurumbu
| note3 =
| lyrics3 =
| extra3 = S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
| length3 = 4:26
| title4 = Yethanaiyo
| note4 =
| lyrics4 =
| extra4 = [[Malaysia Vasudevan]], [[S. Janaki]]
| length4 = 4:56
| total_length = 18:38 <!-- Automatically generated with User:JPxG/TrackSum.js -->
}}


== Awards ==
== Release and reception ==
This film received the Best actor award (for Rajinikanth) in 1982 from the [[Government of Tamil Nadu|Tamil Nadu Government]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=ரஜினியின் சாதனை வரலாறு: அபூர்வ ராகங்கள் அறிமுகம் முதல் பால்கே விருது வரை|url=https://www.dinamani.com/cinema/special/2021/apr/01/rajinikanth-timeline-featuring-movies-and-other-highlights-3595192.html|access-date=2021-07-20|website=Dinamani|language=ta}}</ref>
''Moondru Mugam'' was released on 1 October 1982.<ref>{{Cite web |title=சூப்பர் ஸ்டார் ரஜினிகாந்த் – ஒரு சரித்திரம் {{!}} சூப்பர் ஸ்டாரின் திரைக்காவியங்களின் பட்டியல்கள் |url=http://www.lakshmansruthi.com/globalmusic/rajini02.asp |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220622114535/http://www.lakshmansruthi.com/globalmusic/rajini02.asp |archive-date=22 June 2022 |access-date=8 August 2022 |website=[[Lakshman Sruthi]] |language=ta}}</ref> ''[[Kalki (magazine)|Kalki]]'' wrote that portraying the titular three characters differently was an achievement not only for Rajinikanth, but the director too.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=17 October 1982 |title=மூன்று முகம் |url=https://kalkionline.com/kalkionline_archive/imagegallery/archiveimages/kalki/1982/oct/17-10-1982/p45.jpg |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220808053030/https://kalkionline.com/kalkionline_archive/imagegallery/archiveimages/kalki/1982/oct/17-10-1982/p45.jpg |archive-date=8 August 2022 |access-date=29 October 2021 |magazine=[[Kalki (magazine)|Kalki]] |language=ta}}</ref> Rajinikanth won the [[Tamil Nadu State Film Award Special Prize]] for Best Actor.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1 April 2021 |title=ரஜினியின் சாதனை வரலாறு: அபூர்வ ராகங்கள் அறிமுகம் முதல் பால்கே விருது வரை |url=https://www.dinamani.com/cinema/special/2021/apr/01/rajinikanth-timeline-featuring-movies-and-other-highlights-3595192.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210719054045/https://www.dinamani.com/cinema/special/2021/apr/01/rajinikanth-timeline-featuring-movies-and-other-highlights-3595192.html |archive-date=19 July 2021 |access-date=20 July 2021 |website=[[Dinamani]] |language=ta}}</ref>{{Sfn|Ramachandran|2014|p=286}}


== Legacy ==
== Legacy ==
The character "Alex Pandian" became one of the memorable characters in the career of Rajinikanth.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ramanujam |first=Srinivasa |date=27 February 2015 |title=Khaki rule in Kollywood |work=[[The Hindu]] |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/khaki-rule-in-kollywood/article6941811.ece |access-date=9 January 2021}}</ref> The popularity of the character's name inspired the Tamil dubbed version of [[Chiranjeevi]]'s ''[[Mugguru Monagallu]]'' (1993) to take on its name, as well as a [[Alex Pandian|2013 film of same name]] starring [[Karthi]].<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/19970607043048/http://www.indolink.com/Film/alexPand.html</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Raghavan |first=Nikhil |date=10 November 2012 |title=A win-win formula |work=[[The Hindu]] |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/a-winwin-formula/article4084841.ece}}</ref> The title of the film inspired two series on Polimer TV and Zee Tamil.<ref>{{Cite news |date=19 February 2012 |title=air supply |work=[[The Hindu]] |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-cinemaplus/air-supply/article2908234.ece |url-status=live |access-date=9 January 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=20 August 2010 |title=Moondru Mugam |work=[[The Hindu]] |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/Moondru-Mugam/article16137965.ece |url-status=live |access-date=9 January 2021}}</ref>
Alex Pandian became one of the memorable characters in the career of Rajinikanth.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ramanujam |first=Srinivasa |date=27 February 2015 |title=Khaki rule in Kollywood |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/khaki-rule-in-kollywood/article6941811.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210111070741/https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/khaki-rule-in-kollywood/article6941811.ece |archive-date=11 January 2021 |access-date=9 January 2021 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> The popularity of the character's name inspired the Tamil dubbed version of the Telugu film ''[[Mugguru Monagallu (1994 film)|Mugguru Monagallu]]'' (1994) to take on its name,<ref>{{Cite news |title=Nandamuri Kalyan Ram to Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao: 10 Telugu actors who have played Triple roles in films |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/nandamuri-kalyan-ram-to-nandamuri-taraka-rama-rao-10-telugu-actors-who-have-played-triple-roles-in-films/photostory/97766281.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230328022422/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/nandamuri-kalyan-ram-to-nandamuri-taraka-rama-rao-10-telugu-actors-who-have-played-triple-roles-in-films/photostory/97766281.cms |archive-date=28 March 2023 |access-date=10 February 2024 |work=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref> as well as a [[Alex Pandian|2013 film of same name]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Raghavan |first=Nikhil |date=10 November 2012 |title=A win-win formula |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/a-winwin-formula/article4084841.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323032147/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/a-winwin-formula/article4084841.ece |archive-date=23 March 2018 |access-date=31 May 2016 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> [[Chinni Jayanth]] and [[Vadivelu]]'s character Telex Pandian from ''[[Pattukottai Periyappa]]'' (1994) and ''[[Ennamma Kannu]]'' (2000), respectively, as well as [[Imman Annachi]]'s character from ''[[Puthiyathor Ulagam Seivom]]'' (2014) and a character from the Malaysian film ''Ops Kossa Dappa'' (2004) were named after Alex.<ref>{{Cite news |date=24 March 2020 |title=Anecdotes of an auteur |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2020/mar/24/anecdotes-of-an-auteur-2120595.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220222122957/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2020/mar/24/anecdotes-of-an-auteur-2120595.html |archive-date=22 February 2022 |access-date=23 February 2022 |work=[[The New Indian Express]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Vijiyan |first=K. N. |date=1 July 2000 |title=Only meant for adults |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=cRwrAAAAIBAJ&sjid=jxQEAAAAIBAJ&pg=3775%2C4829406 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240424092930/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=cRwrAAAAIBAJ&sjid=jxQEAAAAIBAJ&pg=3775%2C4829406 |archive-date=24 April 2024 |access-date=15 September 2025 |work=[[New Straits Times]] |pages=Reel Stuff 5 |via=[[Google News Archive]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite AV media |title=Puthiyathor Ulagam Seivom |type=motion picture |language=ta |publisher=Sri Teju Films |year=2014 |time=1:27:16 |time-caption=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ea6phH5E1H4|title=OPS KOHSA DAPPA 1 - ஓப்ஸ் கோச டப்பா 1|date=19 April 2020|via=[[YouTube]]|access-date=23 January 2026|language=ta}}</ref> Shiva ([[V. Sethuraman|Sethu]]) is introduced in ''[[Kanna Laddu Thinna Aasaiya]]'' (2013) as a police officer named R. Alexpandian in a ''[[Undershirt|baniyan]]'' advertisement.<ref>{{Cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9XRy2l-_52c|title=Kanna Laddu Thinna Aasaiya Tamil Movie &#124; Back To Back Comedy Scenes &#124; Santhanam &#124; Srinivasan &#124; Sethu|date=17 April 2014|via=YouTube|time=0:38|language=ta}}</ref> The title ''Moondru Mugam'' inspired two unrelated series: one on [[Polimer TV]] and another on [[Zee Tamil]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=19 February 2012 |title=air supply |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-cinemaplus/air-supply/article2908234.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210111092916/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-cinemaplus/air-supply/article2908234.ece |archive-date=11 January 2021 |access-date=9 January 2021 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=20 August 2010 |title=Moondru Mugam |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/Moondru-Mugam/article16137965.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210111092756/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/Moondru-Mugam/article16137965.ece |archive-date=11 January 2021 |access-date=9 January 2021 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref>


== References ==
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}
== Bibliography ==
* {{Cite book |last=Ramachandran |first=Naman |author-link=Naman Ramachandran |title=Rajinikanth: The Definitive Biography |title-link=Rajinikanth: The Definitive Biography |publisher=[[Penguin Books]] |year=2014 |isbn=978-0-14-342111-5 |location=New Delhi |orig-date=2012}}


== External links ==
== External links ==
* {{IMDb title|id=0764655}}
* {{IMDb title}}
 
* {{Rotten Tomatoes}}
{{A. Jagannathan}}
{{A. Jagannathan}}
 
[[Category:1980s masala films]]
[[Category:1980s Tamil-language films]]
[[Category:1980s police films]]
[[Category:1982 Tamil-language films]]
[[Category:1982 action films]]
[[Category:1982 films]]
[[Category:1982 films]]
[[Category:1982 Indian films]]
[[Category:Fictional portrayals of the Tamil Nadu Police]]
[[Category:Fictional portrayals of the Tamil Nadu Police]]
[[Category:Films about twin brothers]]
[[Category:Films directed by A. Jagannathan]]
[[Category:Films scored by Shankar–Ganesh]]
[[Category:Films scored by Shankar–Ganesh]]
[[Category:Indian action films]]
[[Category:Indian action films]]
[[Category:Indian films]]
[[Category:Indian films about revenge]]
[[Category:Masala films]]
[[Category:Indian police films]]
[[Category:Tamil films remade in other languages]]
[[Category:Tamil films remade in other languages]]
[[Category:Tamil-language films]]
[[Category:Tamil-language action films]]
[[Category:Tamil-language Indian films]]
[[Category:Twins in Indian films]]
[[Category:Twins in Indian films]]
[[Category:Films directed by A. Jagannathan]]
[[Category:1982 action films]]

Latest revision as of 10:47, 3 March 2026


Moondru Mugam
Theatrical release poster
Directed byA. Jagannathan
Produced byThamizhazhagan
G. Thyagarajan
Screenplay byKanaga Shanmugan
P. L. Sundar Rajan
Thamizhazhagan
Radha Veerannan
Story byPeter Selvakumar
StarringRajinikanth
Radhika
Music byShankar–Ganesh
CinematographyViswam Natarajan
Edited byK. R. Krishnan
Production
company
Sathya Movies
Release date
  • 1 October 1982 (1982-10-01)
Running time
134 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageTamil

Moondru Mugam (transl. Three Faces) is a 1982 Indian Tamil-language action film directed by A. Jagannathan. The film stars Rajinikanth in three distinct roles. It was released on 1 October 1982 and became a major success, running for 250 days in theatres. Rajinikanth won the Tamil Nadu State Film Award Special Prize for Best Actor.[1] The film was remade in Hindi as John Jani Janardhan (1984) with Rajinikanth reprising his roles,[2] in Telugu as Mugguru Monagallu (1983) and in Kannada as Gedda Maga (1983).[3]

Plot[edit | edit source]

Arun, the son of wealthy businessman Ramanathan, returns to India after spending 10 years in the United States – but as a saint. Shocked by his transformation, Ramanathan enlists Rekha, a press reporter, to help to change him back to his former self. Rekha first arranges an interview, which Arun deliberately disrupts. Undeterred, she devises another plan under the pretence of taking him to a temple.

On the way, Rekha fakes a car breakdown. As Arun wanders around, he encounters a crying child and offers a chocolate. Suddenly, he is swarmed by other children and villagers, who accuse him of being a child-kidnapper. Taking advantage of the situation, Rekha cuts off Arun’s beard – a symbol of his piety. After orchestrating a few more incidents, Arun renounces his sainthood.

Returning to work, Arun grows curious about why his father has been sending money to a woman named Sagaya Mary for over 20 years. Meanwhile, Sagaya Mary learns that someone has proposed to her nephew, John. When questioned about John’s parentage, she recounts the story of her brother, Alex Pandian – John’s father.

A flashback reveals Alex’s past. As a fearless and just police officer, Alex frequently clashes with local mob boss Egambaram. Their conflict escalates, and Egambaram ultimately stabs Alex fatally. With his dying breath, Alex vows to return and avenge his death. His wife dies soon after giving birth to twins. At the same hospital, Ramanathan’s wife loses her child – as she had during her previous pregnancies. Sagaya Mary entrusts one of Alex's sons to Ramanathan, who raises him as Arun, while she raises the other twin, John.

On his 25th birthday, Arun experiences a divine epiphany, and claims he is the reincarnation of Alex. He agrees to meet a woman named Asha at a hotel, but it turns out to be a trap. In the ensuing struggle, he kills his attacker and is arrested. During the court hearing, a man claiming to be Alex Pandian appears, saying he had been in Sri Lanka all along. This "Alex" is, in fact, John – unknowingly working with Egambaram, the man who murdered their father.

Later, Arun confesses to the police that he fabricated the reincarnation story to lure the killers out. John eventually learns the truth about Alex Pandian and his brother Arun. Determined to save him, John confronts Egambaram but is mortally wounded. In his final act, John kills Egambaram and disposes of his body in the sea, before succumbing. The film concludes with Arun and Rekha, now married, paying John their respects.

Cast[edit | edit source]

Production[edit | edit source]

Moondru Mugam was directed by A. Jagannathan and produced by V. Thamizhazhagan and G. Thyagarajan of Sathya Movies.[6] It is the first film where Rajinikanth played three distinct roles. For the role of Alex Pandian, he wore a wig and sported dentures.[7]

Soundtrack[edit | edit source]

The soundtrack was composed by Shankar–Ganesh with lyrics written by Vaali, Muthulingam and Vairamuthu.[8][9]

Track listing
No.TitleSinger(s)Length
1."Devamrutham"S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, Vani Jairam5:23
2."Aasaiulla Roshakara"Vani Jairam3:53
3."Naan Seitha Kurumbu"S. P. Balasubrahmanyam4:26
4."Yethanaiyo"Malaysia Vasudevan, S. Janaki4:56
Total length:18:38

Release and reception[edit | edit source]

Moondru Mugam was released on 1 October 1982.[10] Kalki wrote that portraying the titular three characters differently was an achievement not only for Rajinikanth, but the director too.[11] Rajinikanth won the Tamil Nadu State Film Award Special Prize for Best Actor.[12][13]

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Alex Pandian became one of the memorable characters in the career of Rajinikanth.[14] The popularity of the character's name inspired the Tamil dubbed version of the Telugu film Mugguru Monagallu (1994) to take on its name,[15] as well as a 2013 film of same name.[16] Chinni Jayanth and Vadivelu's character Telex Pandian from Pattukottai Periyappa (1994) and Ennamma Kannu (2000), respectively, as well as Imman Annachi's character from Puthiyathor Ulagam Seivom (2014) and a character from the Malaysian film Ops Kossa Dappa (2004) were named after Alex.[17][18][19][20] Shiva (Sethu) is introduced in Kanna Laddu Thinna Aasaiya (2013) as a police officer named R. Alexpandian in a baniyan advertisement.[21] The title Moondru Mugam inspired two unrelated series: one on Polimer TV and another on Zee Tamil.[22][23]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "Superstar Rajinikanth as Minions". The Times of India. Retrieved 10 August 2023.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  2. ↑ "The Superstar in khakhi: When Rajinikanth dazzled the audience in police uniform". The New Indian Express. 9 April 2019. Archived from the original on 8 August 2022. Retrieved 8 August 2022.
  3. ↑ "5 Rajinikanth Classics Remade In Kannada". The Times of India. 3 March 2023. Archived from the original on 3 March 2023. Retrieved 14 August 2025.
  4. ↑ Srivatsan (4 November 2016). "Billa to Moondru Mugam: Why remaking Rajinikanth's cult classic is a sin". India Today. Archived from the original on 27 March 2019. Retrieved 26 March 2019.
  5. ↑ Ramachandran 2014, p. 122.
  6. ↑ "மூன்று முகம்". Kalki (in தமிழ்). 10 October 1982. p. 57. Retrieved 22 February 2022.{{cite magazine}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  7. ↑ "மூன்று முகங்களில் மூவர்". Kalki (in தமிழ்). 17 October 1982. p. 49. Retrieved 22 February 2022.{{cite magazine}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  8. ↑ "Moondru Muham Tamil Film EP Vinyl Record by Shankar Ganesh". Mossymart. Archived from the original on 29 October 2021. Retrieved 29 October 2021.
  9. ↑ "Moondru Mugam". Gaana. Archived from the original on 29 October 2021. Retrieved 29 October 2021.
  10. ↑ "சூப்பர் ஸ்டார் ரஜினிகாந்த் – ஒரு சரித்திரம் | சூப்பர் ஸ்டாரின் திரைக்காவியங்களின் பட்டியல்கள்". Lakshman Sruthi (in தமிழ்). Archived from the original on 22 June 2022. Retrieved 8 August 2022.
  11. ↑ "மூன்று முகம்". Kalki (in தமிழ்). 17 October 1982. Retrieved 29 October 2021.{{cite magazine}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  12. ↑ "ரஜினியின் சாதனை வரலாறு: அபூர்வ ராகங்கள் அறிமுகம் முதல் பால்கே விருது வரை". Dinamani (in தமிழ்). 1 April 2021. Retrieved 20 July 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  13. ↑ Ramachandran 2014, p. 286.
  14. ↑ Ramanujam, Srinivasa (27 February 2015). "Khaki rule in Kollywood". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 11 January 2021. Retrieved 9 January 2021.
  15. ↑ "Nandamuri Kalyan Ram to Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao: 10 Telugu actors who have played Triple roles in films". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 28 March 2023. Retrieved 10 February 2024.
  16. ↑ Raghavan, Nikhil (10 November 2012). "A win-win formula". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 23 March 2018. Retrieved 31 May 2016.
  17. ↑ "Anecdotes of an auteur". The New Indian Express. 24 March 2020. Archived from the original on 22 February 2022. Retrieved 23 February 2022.
  18. ↑ Vijiyan, K. N. (1 July 2000). "Only meant for adults". New Straits Times. pp. Reel Stuff 5. Archived from the original on 24 April 2024. Retrieved 15 September 2025 – via Google News Archive.
  19. ↑ Puthiyathor Ulagam Seivom (motion picture) (in தமிழ்). Sri Teju Films. 2014. Event occurs at 1:27:16.
  20. ↑ "OPS KOHSA DAPPA 1 - ஓப்ஸ் கோச டப்பா 1" (in தமிழ்). 19 April 2020. Retrieved 23 January 2026 – via YouTube.
  21. ↑ Kanna Laddu Thinna Aasaiya Tamil Movie | Back To Back Comedy Scenes | Santhanam | Srinivasan | Sethu (in தமிழ்). 17 April 2014. Event occurs at 0:38 – via YouTube.
  22. ↑ "air supply". The Hindu. 19 February 2012. Archived from the original on 11 January 2021. Retrieved 9 January 2021.
  23. ↑ "Moondru Mugam". The Hindu. 20 August 2010. Archived from the original on 11 January 2021. Retrieved 9 January 2021.

Bibliography[edit | edit source]

External links[edit | edit source]

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