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{{short description|1991 film by R.K. Selvamani}}
{{Distinguish|Velupillai Prabhakaran}}
{{Distinguish|Velupillai Prabhakaran}}
{{short description|1991 film by R.K. Selvamani}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2022}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2020}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2022}}
{{Use Indian English|date=November 2015}}
{{Infobox film
{{Infobox film
| name          = Captain Prabhakaran
| image          = Captain Prabhakaran poster.jpg
| image          = Captain Prabhakaran poster.jpg
| image_size    =
| caption        = Poster
| caption        = Poster
| director      = [[R. K. Selvamani]]
| director      = [[R. K. Selvamani]]
| producer      = [[Ibrahim Rowther]]
{{Infobox | decat = yes | child = yes
| writer        = R. K. Selvamani<br/>Liyakath Ali Khan (dialogues)
| label1= Produced by
| screenplay    =  
| data1 = [[Ibrahim Rowther]]
| narrator      =  
}}
| story          =  
| screenplay    = R. K. Selvamani
| based_on      =  
| story          = R. K. Selvamani
| starring      = [[Vijayakanth]]<br/>[[Sarath Kumar]]<br/>[[Livingston (actor)|Livingston]]<br/>[[Mansoor Ali Khan (actor)|Mansoor Ali Khan]]<br/>[[Rupini (actress)|Rupini]]<br/>[[Ramya Krishnan]]
{{Infobox | decat = yes | child = yes
| label1= Dialogues by
| data1 = [[Liaquat Ali Khan (director)|Liaquat Ali Khan]]
}}
| starring      = [[Vijayakanth]]
| cinematography = {{ubl|Rajarajan|A. Ramesh Kumar}}
| editing        = G. Jayachandran<ref>{{Cite news |date=25 June 2020 |title=Film editor G. Jayachandran dead |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/film-editor-g-jayachandran-dead/article31914312.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200628085214/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/film-editor-g-jayachandran-dead/article31914312.ece |archive-date=28 June 2020 |access-date=26 June 2020 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref><br />V. Udhayashankar
| music          = [[Ilaiyaraaja]]
| music          = [[Ilaiyaraaja]]
| cinematography = Rajarajan <br/>
A.Ramesh Kumar <br/> ( [[Sarath Kumar]] Portions)
| editing        = G. Jayachandran<ref>https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/film-editor-g-jayachandran-dead/article31914312.ece</ref>
| studio        = [[Ibrahim Rowther|I. V. Cine Productions]]
| studio        = [[Ibrahim Rowther|I. V. Cine Productions]]
| distributor    = I. V. Cine Productions
| released      = {{film date|1991|4|14|df=y}}
| released      = 14 April 1991
| runtime        = 162 minutes
| runtime        = 162 minutes
| country        = India
| country        = India
| language      = Tamil
| language      = Tamil
| budget        =
| gross          =
| preceded_by    =
| followed_by    =
}}
}}
'''''Captain Prabhakaran''''' is a 1991 [[Tamil language|Tamil]]-language Indian [[action film]] directed by [[R. K. Selvamani]]. It features [[Vijayakanth]] in the lead role. It also features [[Mansoor Ali Khan (actor)|Mansoor Ali Khan]], [[Rupini (actress)|Rupini]], [[Livingston (actor)|Livingston]] and [[Ramya Krishnan]], while [[R. Sarathkumar]] appears in a cameo role. It was Vijayakanth's 100th film, after which he earned the sobriquet "captain".<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/vijayakanth-vs-virumaandi/article28187984.ece|title=Vijayakanth vs 'Virumaandi'|date=2004-01-12|work=The Hindu|access-date=2020-04-18|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>
'''''Captain Prabhakaran''''' is a 1991 Indian [[Tamil language|Tamil]]-language [[action film]] directed by [[R. K. Selvamani]]. The film stars [[Vijayakanth]], leading an ensemble cast that includes [[M. N. Nambiar]], [[R. Sarathkumar|Sarathkumar]], [[J. Livingston]] (credited as Ranjan), [[Rupini]], [[Ramya Krishnan]] and [[Mansoor Ali Khan (actor)|Mansoor Ali Khan]], in his first major role. It was Vijayakanth's 100th film, and popularised the sobriquet "captain" for him.<ref>{{Cite news |date=12 January 2004 |title=Vijayakanth vs 'Virumaandi' |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/vijayakanth-vs-virumaandi/article28187984.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210813104247/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/vijayakanth-vs-virumaandi/article28187984.ece |archive-date=13 August 2021 |access-date=18 April 2020 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref>


The character of the antagonist Veerabhadran, played by Mansoor Ali Khan, is loosely based on the forest brigand [[Veerappan]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/quizzing-with-kcircle/article2965018.ece|title=Quizzing with K-Circle|date=6 March 2012|work=The Hindu}}</ref> The title of the film was inspired from [[Velupillai Prabhakaran]], the leader of the [[Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPgw32Gpi7U|title=R. K. Selvamani in Toronto 16 Mar 2013 - Part 1|last=Tamils Business Connections|date=17 March 2013|via=YouTube}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-lssnqf_RI|title=R. K. Selvamani in Toronto, Part 2|last=Tamils Business Connections|date=17 March 2013|via=YouTube}}</ref> Upon its release, the film became a blockbuster at the box office.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Kesavan|first=N.|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/tamil-film-industry-100th-film-jinx-grips-the-mighty-sans-captain/article8595803.ece|title=100th film jinx grips the mighty sans 'Captain'|date=2016-05-14|work=The Hindu|access-date=2020-04-18|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> The [[film score]] and soundtrack were composed by [[Ilaiyaraaja]]. The film was dubbed and released in [[Telugu language|Telugu]] as ''Captain Prabhakar''.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbokyUrVx14</ref>
The character of the antagonist Veerabhadran, played by Mansoor Ali Khan, is loosely based on the forest brigand [[Veerappan]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=6 March 2012 |title=Quizzing with K-Circle |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/quizzing-with-kcircle/article2965018.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210813104254/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/quizzing-with-kcircle/article2965018.ece |archive-date=13 August 2021 |access-date=4 January 2015 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Vijayakumar |first=K. C. |date=20 August 2025 |title=‘Captain Prabhakaran’: a strong hit of Vijayakant nostalgia |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/vijayakants-captain-prabhakaran-re-release-a-strong-hit-of-captain-nostalgia/article69954950.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250820162921/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/vijayakants-captain-prabhakaran-re-release-a-strong-hit-of-captain-nostalgia/article69954950.ece |archive-date=20 August 2025 |access-date=20 August 2025 |website=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> The title of the film was inspired from [[Velupillai Prabhakaran]], the leader of the [[Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam]].<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPgw32Gpi7U |title=R. K. Selvamani in Toronto 16 Mar 2013&nbsp;– Part 1 |date=17 March 2013 |publisher=Tamils Business Connections |access-date=4 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230608055218/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPgw32Gpi7U |archive-date=8 June 2023 |url-status=live |via=[[YouTube]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-lssnqf_RI |title=R. K. Selvamani in Toronto, Part 2 |date=17 March 2013 |publisher=Tamils Business Connections |access-date=29 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160629123630/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-lssnqf_RI |archive-date=29 June 2016 |url-status=live |via=[[YouTube]]}}</ref> Upon its release, the film became a blockbuster at the box office.<ref name="cap">{{Cite news |last=Kesavan |first=N. |date=14 May 2016 |title=100th film jinx grips the mighty sans 'Captain' |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/tamil-film-industry-100th-film-jinx-grips-the-mighty-sans-captain/article8595803.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180628234546/https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/tamil-film-industry-100th-film-jinx-grips-the-mighty-sans-captain/article8595803.ece |archive-date=28 June 2018 |access-date=18 April 2020 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref>


==Plot==
== Plot ==
Captain Prabhakaran ([[Vijayakanth]]) is an [[Indian Forest Service|IFS officer (Indian Forest Service)]] sent to Sathyamangalam to nab Veerabhadran ([[Mansoor Ali Khan (actor)|Mansoor Ali Khan]]) who tortures the people of that place. Prabhakaran is not only going to nab Veerabhadran, but also avenge the death of his friend Rajaraman [[Indian Forest Service|IFS]] ([[R. Sarathkumar]]) who was a forest officer killed by Veerabhadran. The police commissioner and the district collector are corrupt and also support Veerabhadran. In the climax, Veerabhadran kidnaps Prabhakaran's wife and son. Prabhakaran arrives at the right time and saves his wife and son. He then nabs Veerabhadran. Poongudi ([[Ramya Krishnan]]) was Rajaraman's lover.  She dies while giving birth to his child. Veerabhadran is shot dead by the corrupt inspector and collector. Prabhakaran kills both of them. He is then dragged to court for killing the police inspector and the collector. Prabhakaran tells the truth that they were corrupt, and the film ends with Prabhakaran being released from the court.
Captain Prabhakaran is an [[Indian Forest Service|IFS officer (Indian Forest Service)]] sent to [[Sathyamangalam]] to nab Veerabhadran, who tortures the people of that place. Prabhakaran is not only going to nab Veerabhadran, but also avenge the death of his friend Rajaraman IFS, who was killed by Veerabhadran. The police commissioner and the district collector are corrupt and also support Veerabhadran. In the climax, Veerabhadran kidnaps Prabhakaran's wife and son. Prabhakaran arrives at the right time and saves his wife and son. He then nabs Veerabhadran. Poongkodi was Rajaraman's lover.  She dies while giving birth to his child. Veerabhadran is shot dead by the corrupt inspector and collector. Prabhakaran kills both of them. He is then dragged to court for killing the police inspector and the collector. Prabhakaran tells the truth that they were corrupt, and the film ends with Prabhakaran being released from the court.


==Cast==
== Cast ==
* [[Vijayakanth]] as Captain Prabhakaran IFS, District forest officer
{{Cast listing|
* [[Sarath Kumar]] as Rajaraman IFS
* [[Vijayakanth]] as Captain Prabhakaran [[Indian Forest Service|IFS]]
* [[M.N. Nambiar]] as Police Officer in charge of Special Task Force
* [[M. N. Nambiar]] as Police Commissioner S. Ramanathan
* [[Rupini (actress)|Rupini]] as Gayathri
* [[R. Sarathkumar|Sarathkumar]] as Rajaraman IFS
* [[Ramya Krishnan]] as Poongudi
* [[J. Livingston|Ranjan]] as Krishnamurthy
* [[Mansoor Ali Khan (actor)|Mansoor Ali Khan]] as Veerabhadran
* [[Rupini]] as Gayathri
* [[Livingston (actor)|Livingston]] as Krishnamurthy (Poongudi's Brother)
* [[Ramya Krishnan]] as Poongkodi
*[[Peeli Sivam]] as Raja
* [[Gandhimathi]] as Fathima Beevi
*[[Ganthimathi]] as Prabhakaran's Mother
* Yuvasri as Lalitha, Rajaraman's Younger Sister
*Yuvasri as Rajaraman's Sister
* [[Peeli Sivam]] as Raja
* V. M. John as Minister Sabanayagam
*[[Mansoor Ali Khan (actor)|Mansoor Ali Khan]] as Veerabhadran
*[[Ponnambalam (actor)|Ponnambalam]] as Sub Inspector (uncredited)
*[[Ponnambalam (actor)|Ponnambalam]] as Sub Inspector (uncredited)
*[[LIC Narasimhan]] as Police officer
*[[LIC Narasimhan]] as Police officer Sriram (uncredited)
*Karikalan as Mansoor ali khan's henchman (uncredited)
*Karikalan as Veerabhadran's henchman (uncredited)
*[[Kalabhavan Mani]] (Junior artist)
}}


==Production==
== Production ==
After the success of ''[[Pulan Visaranai]]'', Rowther decided to make another project with Vijayakanth and Selvamani titled ''Captain Prabhakaran'', the plotline of the film was based on the forest brigand [[Veerappan]]. The film also was the 100th project of Vijayakanth. The filming was held at [[Chalakudy]] for 60 days.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cinema.maalaimalar.com/2013/09/05231139/selvamani-cinema-history.html|title=Tamil Cinema news - Tamil Movies - Cinema seithigal}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://cinema.maalaimalar.com/2013/09/06231550/selvamani-cinema-history.html|title=Tamil Cinema news - Tamil Movies - Cinema seithigal}}</ref> The film had Mansoor Ali Khan in his first major role.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Kumar|first=S. R. Ashok|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/Grill-Mill-Mansoor-Ali-Khan/article15774594.ece|title=Grill Mill - Mansoor Ali Khan|date=2010-10-09|work=The Hindu|access-date=2020-04-18|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> During the shoot, a rope to which Vijayakanth was bound snapped and his shoulder got dislocated. With both his hands tied he screamed in pain, but this was mistaken for acting, and as a result, there was a delay in getting medical assistance.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Shivakumar|first1=S.|title=Playing a Captain's innings|url=http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/fr/2005/08/26/stories/2005082600040400.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180516043056/http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/fr/2005/08/26/stories/2005082600040400.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=16 May 2018|access-date=16 May 2018|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=26 August 2005}}</ref>
After the success of ''[[Pulan Visaranai]]'', producer [[Ibrahim Rowther]] decided to make another project with star [[Vijayakanth]] and director [[R. K. Selvamani]] titled ''Captain Prabhakaran'', the plotline of the film was based on the forest brigand [[Veerappan]]. The film also was the 100th project of Vijayakanth. Since majority of the scenes were set in a forest, Selvamani who was scouting locations all over India finally zeroed in Chalakudy. The filming was held at [[Chalakudy]] for 60 days.<ref>{{Cite web |date=5 September 2013 |title='புலன் விசாரணை' வெற்றி எதிரொலி: 'டைரக்ஷனுக்கு ரூ.25 லட்சம் தருகிறேன்!' செல்வமணிக்கு 'ஜீவி' அழைப்பு |url=http://cinema.maalaimalar.com/2013/09/05231139/selvamani-cinema-history.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150101210751/http://cinema.maalaimalar.com/2013/09/05231139/selvamani-cinema-history.html |archive-date=1 January 2015 |access-date=13 November 2013 |website=[[Maalai Malar]] |language=ta}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=6 September 2013 |title=கேப்டன் பிரபாகரன் படப்பிடிப்பு பயங்கர காடுகளில் நடைபெற்ற மெய்சிலிர்க்கும் சம்பவங்கள் |url=http://cinema.maalaimalar.com/2013/09/06231550/selvamani-cinema-history.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150101223815/http://cinema.maalaimalar.com/2013/09/06231550/selvamani-cinema-history.html |archive-date=1 January 2015 |access-date=13 November 2013 |website=[[Maalai Malar]] |language=ta}}</ref> Many scenes were also filmed at [[Athirappilly Falls]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=15 April 2022 |title=ரம்யா கிருஷ்ணனின் ராசியை மீறி ஜெயித்த கேப்டன் பிரபாகரன்! |url=https://tamil.news18.com/photogallery/entertainment/cinema-vijayakanth-rk-selvamani-captain-prabhakaran-breaks-ramya-krishnan-failure-sign-scs-731589.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220920042524/https://tamil.news18.com/photogallery/entertainment/cinema-vijayakanth-rk-selvamani-captain-prabhakaran-breaks-ramya-krishnan-failure-sign-scs-731589.html |archive-date=20 September 2022 |access-date=20 September 2022 |website=[[News18]] |language=ta}}</ref> Due to excessive rainfall and accidents happened there, Rowther ordered Selvamani to conduct remaining filming at Mundanthurai forest at Thirunelveli; however, Selvamani was unimpressed with that location and choose to film again at Chalakudy.<ref name="vi">{{Cite web |date=13 August 2025 |title=உறுமிய மன்சூர், அலறிய சரண்யா, கர்ஜித்த விஜயகாந்த் - `கேப்டன் பிரபாகரன்' நினைவுகள் பகிரும் செல்வமணி |url=https://cinema.vikatan.com/kollywood/vijayakanth-captain-prabhakaran-re-release-rk-selvamani-interview?pfrom=also-read |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250821135708/https://cinema.vikatan.com/kollywood/vijayakanth-captain-prabhakaran-re-release-rk-selvamani-interview?pfrom=also-read |archive-date=21 August 2025 |access-date=21 August 2025 |website=Cinema Vikatan |language=ta}}</ref> The film had [[Mansoor Ali Khan (actor)|Mansoor Ali Khan]] in his first major role,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kumar |first=S. R. Ashok |date=9 October 2010 |title=Grill Mill&nbsp;– Mansoor Ali Khan |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/Grill-Mill-Mansoor-Ali-Khan/article15774594.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210606171857/https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/Grill-Mill-Mansoor-Ali-Khan/article15774594.ece |archive-date=6 June 2021 |access-date=18 April 2020 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> for which Karikalan was the initial choice who was removed after Selvamani felt he looked disinterested in portraying the role of Veerabhadran.<ref name="vi" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=13 December 2019 |title=கரிகாலன் வரலாறு! |url=http://www.kungumam.co.in/VArticalinnerdetail.aspx?id=9856&id1=40&issue=20191213 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240308052544/http://www.kungumam.co.in/VArticalinnerdetail.aspx?id=9856&id1=40&issue=20191213 |archive-date=8 March 2024 |access-date=8 March 2024 |website=[[Kungumam (magazine)|Kungumam]] |language=ta}}</ref> However Karikalan did appear as an extra portraying one of Veerabhadran's henchman.<ref name="movie">{{Cite AV media |title=Captain Prabhakaran |type=motion picture |language=ta |publisher=I. V. Cine Productions |year=1991 |time=1:01:15 to 1:01:32 |time-caption=From}}</ref> During the shoot, a rope to which Vijayakanth was bound snapped and his shoulder got dislocated. With both his hands tied he screamed in pain, but this was mistaken for acting, and as a result, there was a delay in getting medical assistance.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Shivakumar |first=S. |date=26 August 2005 |title=Playing a Captain's innings |url=http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/fr/2005/08/26/stories/2005082600040400.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180516043056/http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/fr/2005/08/26/stories/2005082600040400.htm |archive-date=16 May 2018 |access-date=16 May 2018 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> [[Saranya Ponvannan]] was originally cast as Poongudi,<ref>{{Cite news |last=நா,அ.பாலாஜி |first=நிவேதா. |date=9 August 2025 |title=Captain Prabhakaran: ''இந்தப் படத்தில் நடிக்க வேண்டிய ஹீரோயின் இவங்க தான்!'' - மன்சூர் அலி கான் |url=https://cinema.vikatan.com/story/kollywood/captain-prabhakaran-vijayakanth-100th-film-re-release-2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250809131025/https://cinema.vikatan.com/story/kollywood/captain-prabhakaran-vijayakanth-100th-film-re-release-2025 |archive-date=9 August 2025 |access-date=9 August 2025 |work=[[Ananda Vikatan]] |language=ta}}</ref> but left as the role was glamorous;<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=பாலு |first=எஸ். |date=28 October 1990 |title='அஞ்சு' பெரிய படங்களில் அஞ்சு! |url=https://ibb.co/k5JFStG |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230608054807/https://ibb.co/k5JFStG |archive-date=8 June 2023 |access-date=8 June 2023 |magazine=[[Kalki (magazine)|Kalki]] |page=28 |language=Ta}}</ref> the role went to [[Ramya Krishnan]].<ref name=":0" /> A train fight sequence was shot at Andipatti Mountain Pass for four days with 100 horses.<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 August 2025 |title=ரயில் பைட், ஆட்டமா தேரோட்டமா... : ‛கேப்டன் பிரபாகரன்' மலரும் நினைவில் ஆர்.கே.செல்வமணி |url=https://www.dinamalar.com/cinemanews/131962 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250821082443/https://www.dinamalar.com/cinemanews/131962 |archive-date=21 August 2025 |access-date=20 August 2025 |website=[[Dinamalar]] |language=Ta}}</ref>


==Soundtrack==
== Soundtrack ==
The soundtrack has only two songs composed by [[Ilaiyaraaja]] while the lyrics were written by [[Gangai Amaran]] and [[Piraisoodan]]. The song "Aattama Therottama" is set in the [[Carnatic raga]] known as [[Sindhu Bhairavi (raga)|Sindhu Bhairavi]].<ref>{{Cite book |title=Raga Chintamani: A Guide to Carnatic Ragas Through Tamil Film Music |last=Sundararaman |publisher=Pichhamal Chintamani |year=2007 |edition=2nd |location=Chennai |pages=125 |oclc=295034757 |orig-year=2005}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/music/light-and-melodious/article4702358.ece |title=Light and melodious |last=Mani |first=Charulatha |date=10 May 2013 |work=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=23 July 2018}}</ref> It was later remixed by Prasanna Sekhar in ''[[Singakutty]]'' (2008).<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/Well-picturised/article15374159.ece|title=Well picturised|date=2008-02-20|work=The Hindu|access-date=2020-04-18|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>
The soundtrack has only two songs, both composed by [[Ilaiyaraaja]]. The song "Aattama Therottama" is set in the [[Carnatic raga]] known as [[Sindhu Bhairavi (raga)|Sindhu Bhairavi]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Sundararaman |title=Raga Chintamani: A Guide to Carnatic Ragas Through Tamil Film Music |publisher=Pichhamal Chintamani |year=2007 |edition=2nd |location=Chennai |pages=125 |oclc=295034757 |orig-date=2005}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Mani |first=Charulatha |author-link=Charulatha Mani |date=10 May 2013 |title=Light and melodious |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/music/light-and-melodious/article4702358.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210124042709/https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/music/light-and-melodious/article4702358.ece |archive-date=24 January 2021 |access-date=23 July 2018 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> It was later remixed by Prasanna Sekhar in ''[[Singakutty]]'' (2008).<ref>{{Cite news |date=20 February 2008 |title=Well picturised |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/Well-picturised/article15374159.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210813104232/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/Well-picturised/article15374159.ece |archive-date=13 August 2021 |access-date=18 April 2020 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref>
{{Infobox album
 
| name      = Captain Prabhakaran
{{track listing
| type      = Soundtrack
| headline = Track listing
| artist    = [[Ilaiyaraaja]]
| extra_column = Singer(s)
| cover      =
| total_length = 10:21
| alt        =
| title1 = Paasamulla Paandiyare
| released  = 1991
| lyrics1 = [[Gangai Amaran]]
| recorded  = 1991
| extra1 = [[Mano (singer)|Mano]], [[K. S. Chithra]]
| venue      =
| length1 = 5:09
| studio    =
| title2 = Aattama Therottama
| genre      = [[Soundtrack]]
| lyrics2 = [[Piraisoodan]]
| length    = 10:21
| extra2 = [[Swarnalatha]]
| label      = Oriental Records
| length2 = 5:12
| producer  = [[Ilaiyaraaja]]
| prev_title = [[Surya IPS]]
| prev_year  = 1991
| next_title = Puthiya Swarangal
| next_year  = 1991
}}
}}


{{tracklist
== Reception ==
| headline      = Track list
On 19 April 1991, ''[[The Indian Express]]'' wrote, "The strength of the film is its visual vibrancy and the narrative line too has a great measure of cohesion, despite it being an action film all the way".<ref name="IE review">{{Cite news |date=19 April 1991 |title=Captain Prabhakaran |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=P9oYG7HA76QC&dat=19910419&printsec=frontpage&hl=en |access-date=3 July 2018 |work=[[The Indian Express]] |pages=7 |via=[[Google News Archive]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref> On 26 April, ''[[The Hindu]]'' wrote, "Vijayakanth doing his rough stuff with his known felicity, particularly the fights on top of the moving train, the horse riding horde of Veerabadran's men in ''[[Sholay]]'' fashion trying to stop him".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ramanujam |first=Srinivasa |date=28 December 2023 |title=Why is Vijayakanth called 'Captain'? A throwback to the actor's 100th film |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/why-is-vijayakanth-called-captain-a-throwback-to-the-actors-100th-film/article67682565.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231228082310/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/why-is-vijayakanth-called-captain-a-throwback-to-the-actors-100th-film/article67682565.ece |archive-date=28 December 2023 |access-date=2024-02-29 |work=[[The Hindu]] |language=en}}</ref> Unlike other Tamil actors who did not face success with their 100th film, Vijayakanth was considered by N. Kesavan of ''[[The Hindu]]'' to have broken that jinx.<ref name="cap" /> Rajarajan won the Cinema Express Award for Best Cameraman.<ref>{{Cite news |date=25 February 1992 |title='Chinnathambi' Bags ''Cinema Express'' Award |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=VZBlAAAAIBAJ&sjid=lJ4NAAAAIBAJ&pg=1432,722114&dq=cinema+express&hl=en |access-date=16 February 2024 |work=[[The Indian Express]] |pages=3 |via=[[Google News Archive]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
| extra_column  = Singer(s)
| total_length  = 10:21
| title1          = Paasamulla Paandiyare
| lyrics1        = [[Gangai Amaran]]
| extra1          = [[Mano (singer)|Mano]], [[K. S. Chithra|K. S. Chitra]]
| length1        = 5:09
| title2          = Aattama Therottama
| lyrics2        = [[Piraisoodan]]
| extra2          = [[Swarnalatha]]
| length2        = 5:12
}}


==Reception==
== Re-release ==
''The Indian Express'' wrote "The strength of the film is its visual vibrancy and the narrative line too has a great measure of cohesion, despie it being an action film all the way."<ref>https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=P9oYG7HA76QC&dat=19910419&printsec=frontpage&hl=en</ref>
The film was re-released in 4K quality on 22 August 2025 and was digitalized with [[Dolby]] sound.<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 August 2025 |title=Shanmuga Pandian says he cried watching his father Vijayakanth in Captain Prabhakaran: 'They have shown him very beautifully...' |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/news/2025/Aug/22/shanmuga-pandian-says-he-cried-watching-his-father-vijayakanth-in-captain-prabhakaran-they-have-shown-him-very-beautifully |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250822141608/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/news/2025/Aug/22/shanmuga-pandian-says-he-cried-watching-his-father-vijayakanth-in-captain-prabhakaran-they-have-shown-him-very-beautifully |archive-date=22 August 2025 |access-date=22 August 2025 |website=Cinema Express}}</ref>


==References==
== References ==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}


==External links==
== External links ==
*{{IMDb title}}
*{{Rotten Tomatoes}}
{{R. K. Selvamani}}
{{R. K. Selvamani}}


[[Category:Tamil-language films]]
[[Category:1991 Indian films]]
[[Category:1991 Tamil-language films]]
[[Category:1991 action films]]
[[Category:1991 films]]
[[Category:1991 films]]
[[Category:Indian films]]
[[Category:Fictional portrayals of the Tamil Nadu Police]]
[[Category:Films about corruption in India]]
[[Category:Films directed by R. K. Selvamani]]
[[Category:Films scored by Ilaiyaraaja]]
[[Category:Films scored by Ilaiyaraaja]]
[[Category:1990s Tamil-language films]]
[[Category:Films set in forests]]
[[Category:Films shot in Chalakudy]]
[[Category:Films shot in Chalakudy]]
[[Category:Indian films based on actual events]]
[[Category:Films shot in Thrissur]]
[[Category:Fictional portrayals of the Tamil Nadu Police]]
[[Category:Indian action films]]
[[Category:Films directed by R. K. Selvamani]]
[[Category:Indian films about revenge]]
[[Category:Tamil-language action films]]
[[Category:Tamil-language Indian films]]

Latest revision as of 13:06, 8 March 2026


Not to be confused with Velupillai Prabhakaran.

Captain Prabhakaran
Poster
Directed byR. K. Selvamani
Produced byIbrahim Rowther
Screenplay byR. K. Selvamani
Story byR. K. Selvamani
Dialogues byLiaquat Ali Khan
StarringVijayakanth
Music byIlaiyaraaja
Cinematography
  • Rajarajan
  • A. Ramesh Kumar
Edited byG. Jayachandran[1]
V. Udhayashankar
Production
company
Release date
  • 14 April 1991 (1991-04-14)
Running time
162 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageTamil

Captain Prabhakaran is a 1991 Indian Tamil-language action film directed by R. K. Selvamani. The film stars Vijayakanth, leading an ensemble cast that includes M. N. Nambiar, Sarathkumar, J. Livingston (credited as Ranjan), Rupini, Ramya Krishnan and Mansoor Ali Khan, in his first major role. It was Vijayakanth's 100th film, and popularised the sobriquet "captain" for him.[2]

The character of the antagonist Veerabhadran, played by Mansoor Ali Khan, is loosely based on the forest brigand Veerappan.[3][4] The title of the film was inspired from Velupillai Prabhakaran, the leader of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam.[5][6] Upon its release, the film became a blockbuster at the box office.[7]

Plot[edit | edit source]

Captain Prabhakaran is an IFS officer (Indian Forest Service) sent to Sathyamangalam to nab Veerabhadran, who tortures the people of that place. Prabhakaran is not only going to nab Veerabhadran, but also avenge the death of his friend Rajaraman IFS, who was killed by Veerabhadran. The police commissioner and the district collector are corrupt and also support Veerabhadran. In the climax, Veerabhadran kidnaps Prabhakaran's wife and son. Prabhakaran arrives at the right time and saves his wife and son. He then nabs Veerabhadran. Poongkodi was Rajaraman's lover. She dies while giving birth to his child. Veerabhadran is shot dead by the corrupt inspector and collector. Prabhakaran kills both of them. He is then dragged to court for killing the police inspector and the collector. Prabhakaran tells the truth that they were corrupt, and the film ends with Prabhakaran being released from the court.

Cast[edit | edit source]

Production[edit | edit source]

After the success of Pulan Visaranai, producer Ibrahim Rowther decided to make another project with star Vijayakanth and director R. K. Selvamani titled Captain Prabhakaran, the plotline of the film was based on the forest brigand Veerappan. The film also was the 100th project of Vijayakanth. Since majority of the scenes were set in a forest, Selvamani who was scouting locations all over India finally zeroed in Chalakudy. The filming was held at Chalakudy for 60 days.[8][9] Many scenes were also filmed at Athirappilly Falls.[10] Due to excessive rainfall and accidents happened there, Rowther ordered Selvamani to conduct remaining filming at Mundanthurai forest at Thirunelveli; however, Selvamani was unimpressed with that location and choose to film again at Chalakudy.[11] The film had Mansoor Ali Khan in his first major role,[12] for which Karikalan was the initial choice who was removed after Selvamani felt he looked disinterested in portraying the role of Veerabhadran.[11][13] However Karikalan did appear as an extra portraying one of Veerabhadran's henchman.[14] During the shoot, a rope to which Vijayakanth was bound snapped and his shoulder got dislocated. With both his hands tied he screamed in pain, but this was mistaken for acting, and as a result, there was a delay in getting medical assistance.[15] Saranya Ponvannan was originally cast as Poongudi,[16] but left as the role was glamorous;[17] the role went to Ramya Krishnan.[10] A train fight sequence was shot at Andipatti Mountain Pass for four days with 100 horses.[18]

Soundtrack[edit | edit source]

The soundtrack has only two songs, both composed by Ilaiyaraaja. The song "Aattama Therottama" is set in the Carnatic raga known as Sindhu Bhairavi.[19][20] It was later remixed by Prasanna Sekhar in Singakutty (2008).[21]

Track listing
No.TitleLyricsSinger(s)Length
1."Paasamulla Paandiyare"Gangai AmaranMano, K. S. Chithra5:09
2."Aattama Therottama"PiraisoodanSwarnalatha5:12
Total length:10:21

Reception[edit | edit source]

On 19 April 1991, The Indian Express wrote, "The strength of the film is its visual vibrancy and the narrative line too has a great measure of cohesion, despite it being an action film all the way".[22] On 26 April, The Hindu wrote, "Vijayakanth doing his rough stuff with his known felicity, particularly the fights on top of the moving train, the horse riding horde of Veerabadran's men in Sholay fashion trying to stop him".[23] Unlike other Tamil actors who did not face success with their 100th film, Vijayakanth was considered by N. Kesavan of The Hindu to have broken that jinx.[7] Rajarajan won the Cinema Express Award for Best Cameraman.[24]

Re-release[edit | edit source]

The film was re-released in 4K quality on 22 August 2025 and was digitalized with Dolby sound.[25]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "Film editor G. Jayachandran dead". The Hindu. 25 June 2020. Archived from the original on 28 June 2020. Retrieved 26 June 2020.
  2. ↑ "Vijayakanth vs 'Virumaandi'". The Hindu. 12 January 2004. Archived from the original on 13 August 2021. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
  3. ↑ "Quizzing with K-Circle". The Hindu. 6 March 2012. Archived from the original on 13 August 2021. Retrieved 4 January 2015.
  4. ↑ Vijayakumar, K. C. (20 August 2025). "'Captain Prabhakaran': a strong hit of Vijayakant nostalgia". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 20 August 2025. Retrieved 20 August 2025.
  5. ↑ R. K. Selvamani in Toronto 16 Mar 2013 – Part 1. Tamils Business Connections. 17 March 2013. Archived from the original on 8 June 2023. Retrieved 4 December 2021 – via YouTube.
  6. ↑ R. K. Selvamani in Toronto, Part 2. Tamils Business Connections. 17 March 2013. Archived from the original on 29 June 2016. Retrieved 29 November 2016 – via YouTube.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Kesavan, N. (14 May 2016). "100th film jinx grips the mighty sans 'Captain'". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 28 June 2018. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
  8. ↑ "'புலன் விசாரணை' வெற்றி எதிரொலி: 'டைரக்ஷனுக்கு ரூ.25 லட்சம் தருகிறேன்!' செல்வமணிக்கு 'ஜீவி' அழைப்பு". Maalai Malar (in தமிழ்). 5 September 2013. Archived from the original on 1 January 2015. Retrieved 13 November 2013.
  9. ↑ "கேப்டன் பிரபாகரன் படப்பிடிப்பு பயங்கர காடுகளில் நடைபெற்ற மெய்சிலிர்க்கும் சம்பவங்கள்". Maalai Malar (in தமிழ்). 6 September 2013. Archived from the original on 1 January 2015. Retrieved 13 November 2013.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 "ரம்யா கிருஷ்ணனின் ராசியை மீறி ஜெயித்த கேப்டன் பிரபாகரன்!". News18 (in தமிழ்). 15 April 2022. Archived from the original on 20 September 2022. Retrieved 20 September 2022.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 "உறுமிய மன்சூர், அலறிய சரண்யா, கர்ஜித்த விஜயகாந்த் - `கேப்டன் பிரபாகரன்' நினைவுகள் பகிரும் செல்வமணி". Cinema Vikatan (in தமிழ்). 13 August 2025. Archived from the original on 21 August 2025. Retrieved 21 August 2025.
  12. ↑ Kumar, S. R. Ashok (9 October 2010). "Grill Mill – Mansoor Ali Khan". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 6 June 2021. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
  13. ↑ "கரிகாலன் வரலாறு!". Kungumam (in தமிழ்). 13 December 2019. Retrieved 8 March 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  14. ↑ Captain Prabhakaran (motion picture) (in தமிழ்). I. V. Cine Productions. 1991. From 1:01:15 to 1:01:32.
  15. ↑ Shivakumar, S. (26 August 2005). "Playing a Captain's innings". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 16 May 2018. Retrieved 16 May 2018.
  16. ↑ நா,அ.பாலாஜி, நிவேதா. (9 August 2025). "Captain Prabhakaran: இந்தப் படத்தில் நடிக்க வேண்டிய ஹீரோயின் இவங்க தான்! - மன்சூர் அலி கான்". Ananda Vikatan (in தமிழ்). Archived from the original on 9 August 2025. Retrieved 9 August 2025.
  17. ↑ பாலு, எஸ். (28 October 1990). "'அஞ்சு' பெரிய படங்களில் அஞ்சு!". Kalki (in தமிழ்). p. 28. Archived from the original on 8 June 2023. Retrieved 8 June 2023.
  18. ↑ "ரயில் பைட், ஆட்டமா தேரோட்டமா... : ‛கேப்டன் பிரபாகரன்' மலரும் நினைவில் ஆர்.கே.செல்வமணி". Dinamalar (in தமிழ்). 20 August 2025. Archived from the original on 21 August 2025. Retrieved 20 August 2025.
  19. ↑ Sundararaman (2007) [2005]. Raga Chintamani: A Guide to Carnatic Ragas Through Tamil Film Music (2nd ed.). Chennai: Pichhamal Chintamani. p. 125. OCLC 295034757.
  20. ↑ Mani, Charulatha (10 May 2013). "Light and melodious". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 24 January 2021. Retrieved 23 July 2018.
  21. ↑ "Well picturised". The Hindu. 20 February 2008. Archived from the original on 13 August 2021. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
  22. ↑ "Captain Prabhakaran". The Indian Express. 19 April 1991. p. 7. Retrieved 3 July 2018 – via Google News Archive.
  23. ↑ Ramanujam, Srinivasa (28 December 2023). "Why is Vijayakanth called 'Captain'? A throwback to the actor's 100th film". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 28 December 2023. Retrieved 29 February 2024.
  24. ↑ "'Chinnathambi' Bags Cinema Express Award". The Indian Express. 25 February 1992. p. 3. Retrieved 16 February 2024 – via Google News Archive.
  25. ↑ "Shanmuga Pandian says he cried watching his father Vijayakanth in Captain Prabhakaran: 'They have shown him very beautifully...'". Cinema Express. 22 August 2025. Archived from the original on 22 August 2025. Retrieved 22 August 2025.

External links[edit | edit source]

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