Rajadhi Raja (1989 film): Difference between revisions

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{{Infobox film
{{Infobox film
| name          = Rajadhi Raja
| image          = Rajadhi Raja (1989).jpg
| image          = Rajadhi Raja (1989).jpg
| caption        = Theatrical release poster
| caption        = Theatrical release poster
| director      = [[R. Sundarrajan (director)|R. Sundarrajan]]
| director      = [[R. Sundarrajan]]
| screenplay    = [[Panchu Arunachalam]]
| screenplay    = [[Panchu Arunachalam]]
| story          = R. Sundarrajan
| story          = R. Sundarrajan
| producer      = R. D. Bhaskar
| starring      = [[Rajinikanth]]<br />[[Nadhiya]]<br />[[Radha (actress)|Radha]]
| starring      = [[Rajinikanth]]<br />[[Nadhiya]]<br />[[Radha (actress)|Radha]]
| producer      = R. D. Bhaskar
| music          = [[Ilaiyaraaja]]
| cinematography = Rajarajan
| cinematography = Rajarajan
| editing        = [[B. Lenin]]<br />[[V. T. Vijayan]]
| editing        = [[B. Lenin]]<br />[[V. T. Vijayan]]
| music          = [[Ilaiyaraaja]]
| studio        = Pavalar Creations
| studio        = Pavalar Creations
| released      = {{Film date|df=y|1989|03|04}}
| released      = {{Film date|df=y|1989|03|04}}
| runtime        =
| country        = India
| country        = India
| language      = Tamil
| language      = Tamil
}}
}}


'''''Rajadhi Raja''''' ({{trans|King of Kings}}) is a 1989 Indian [[Tamil language|Tamil]]-language [[action comedy film]], directed by [[R. Sundarrajan (director)|R. Sundarrajan]] and written by [[Panchu Arunachalam]]. The film stars [[Rajinikanth]] in a dual role, with [[Nadhiya]] and [[Radha (actress)|Raadha]] portraying his characters' love interests. It revolves around Raja, a rich estate owner's son who seeks to avenge his father's death. He is aided in his quest by Chinnarasu, a lookalike.
'''''Rajadhi Raja''''' ({{translation|King of Kings}}) is a 1989 Indian [[Tamil language|Tamil]]-language [[action comedy]] film directed by [[R. Sundarrajan]]. The film stars [[Rajinikanth]] in a dual role, with [[Nadhiya]] and [[Radha (actress)|Radha]] portraying his characters' love interests. It revolves around Raja, a rich estate owner's son who seeks to avenge his father's death. He is aided in his quest by Chinnarasu, a lookalike. ''Rajadhi Raja'' was released on 4 March 1989 and became a box office hit.
 
''Rajadhi Raja'' was released on 4 March 1989. The film became a box office blockbuster.<ref>http://rajinifans.com/boxoffice/rajathi-raja.php</ref> This film was dubbed in Telugu as ''Raajaadhi Raajaa''.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://archive.org/details/jyothichitra-1990-02-16-08 |title=Jyothichitra_1990_02_16_08.jpg | archive-url=https://archive.org/details/jyothichitra-1990-02-16-08 |archive-date=20 September 2020 |access-date=20 September 2020}}</ref>


== Plot ==
== Plot ==
{{More plot|date=December 2021}}
A rich estate owner Vishwanathan is killed by his second wife Sarasu and her brother Aadimoolam for his property. The estate owner's son Rajashekar  returns from the United States and learns of this. To bring the culprits to book, he makes his friend Sethupathi, a [[rickshaw]] puller, act as Raja. But soon, Aadimoolam learns of this, kills Sethu and frames Raja as the killer. Raja is sentenced to death. In between, Raja loves Senkamalam, sister of an employee in his estate.


A rich estate owner Vishwanathan ([[Vijayakumar (Tamil actor)|Vijayakumar]]) is killed by his second wife Sarasu ([[Y. Vijaya]]) and her brother Aadimoolam ([[Radha Ravi]]) for his property. The estate owner's son Rajashekar ([[Rajinikanth]])  returns from the United States and learns of this. In order to bring the culprits to book, he makes his friend Sethupathi ([[Janagaraj]]), a [[rickshaw]] puller, act as Raja. But soon, Aadimoolam learns of this, kills Sethu and frames Raja as the killer. Raja is sentenced to death. In between, Raja loves Senkamalam ([[Radha (actress)|Radha]]), sister of an employee in his estate.
In the same village where Raja lives, there exists his lookalike, Chinnaraasu, whose aim in life is to wed his sweetheart Lakshmi. Raja escapes from jail, meets Chinnaraasu and makes Chinnaraasu take his place in jail. After many twist and turns, Raja brings the culprits to book. At the end, Raja marries Senkamalam and Chinnarasu marries Lakshmi.
 
In the same village where Raja lives, there exists his lookalike, Chinnaraasu ([[Rajinikanth]]), whose aim in life is to wed his sweetheart Lakshmi ([[Nadhiya]]). Raja escapes from jail, meets Chinnaraasu and makes Chinnaraasu take his place in jail. After many twist and turns, Raja brings the culprits to book. At the end, Raja marries Senkamalam and Chinnarasu marries Lakshmi.


== Cast ==
== Cast ==
*[[Rajinikanth]] as Rajashekar and Chinnaraasu
{{cast listing|
*[[Rajinikanth]] as Rajashekar & Chinnarasu
*[[Radha (actress)|Radha]] as Sengamalam
*[[Nadhiya]] as Lakshmi
*[[Nadhiya]] as Lakshmi
*[[Radha (actress)|Radha]] as Senkamalam
*[[Radha Ravi]]  as Aadhimoolam
*[[Radha Ravi]]  as Aadhimoolam
*[[Vinu Chakravarthy]] as Nallamuthu Gounder
*[[Vinu Chakravarthy]] as Nallamuthu Gounder
Line 40: Line 37:
*[[Vijayakumar (Tamil actor)|Vijayakumar]] as Vishwanathan
*[[Vijayakumar (Tamil actor)|Vijayakumar]] as Vishwanathan
*[[Y. Vijaya]] as Sarasu
*[[Y. Vijaya]] as Sarasu
*S. N. Vasanth as Kathavarayan
*[[Dubbing Janaki]] as Chinnarasu’s mother
*[[S. N. Vasanth]] as Kathavarayan
*[[G. Srinivasan (actor)|G. Srinivasan]] as Advocate Chidambaram
*[[G. Srinivasan (actor)|G. Srinivasan]] as Advocate Chidambaram
*[[Pradeep Shakthi]] as Valparai Varathan
*[[Pradeep Shakthi]] as Valparai Varathan
*[[Idichapuli Selvaraj]]
*[[Idichapuli Selvaraj]] as Hotel servant
*[[Balu Anand]]
*[[Balu Anand]] as Lorry Driver
}}


== Production ==
== Production ==
=== Development ===
=== Development ===
[[R. Sundarrajan (director)|R. Sundarrajan]] initially planned to direct ''[[Amman Kovil Kizhakale]]'' with [[Rajinikanth]] which did not happen. When Sundarrajan met [[Panchu Arunachalam]] who was finding plot for a new project with collaboration of [[S. P. Muthuraman]] and Rajinikanth, he narrated the plotline of ''Rajathi Raja'' which impressed both Rajinikanth and Arunachalam. Rajinikanth insisted Sundarrajan to direct the film who relented after initial rejections to direct the film.<ref name="av" /> The film was produced under Ilaiyaraaja's brother R. D. Bhaskar under their home banner Pavalar Creations.<ref name="ti" /> Cinematography was handled by Rajarajan, and editing by [[B. Lenin]] and [[V. T. Vijayan]].<ref name="cinemaexpress" />
[[R. Sundarrajan]] initially planned to direct ''[[Amman Kovil Kizhakale]]'' with [[Rajinikanth]] which did not happen. When Sundarrajan met [[Panchu Arunachalam]] who was finding plot for a new project with collaboration of [[S. P. Muthuraman]] and Rajinikanth, he narrated the plotline of ''Rajadhi Raja'' which impressed both Rajinikanth and Arunachalam. Rajinikanth insisted Sundarrajan to direct the film who relented after initial rejections to direct the film.<ref name="av" /> The film was produced under Ilaiyaraaja's brother R. D. Bhaskar under their home banner Pavalar Creations.<ref name="TOI" /> Cinematography was handled by Rajarajan, and editing by [[B. Lenin]] and [[V. T. Vijayan]].<ref name="cinemaexpress" />


=== Casting ===
=== Casting ===
Initially, [[Revathi]] and [[Rupini]] were reported to be the two lead actresses. Due to date clashes, Revathi's role was given to [[Radha]] and Rupini's role to [[Nadhiya]].<ref name="cinemaexpress" /> This was the last film for Radha to act with Rajinikanth and it was the only film for Nadhiya with Rajinikanth.<ref name="ti" />
Initially, [[Revathi]] and [[Rupini]] were reported to be the two lead actresses. Due to date clashes, Revathi's role was given to [[Radha]] and Rupini's role to [[Nadhiya]].<ref name="cinemaexpress" /> This was the last film for Radha to act with Rajinikanth and it was the only film for Nadhiya with Rajinikanth.<ref name="TOI" /> [[Radha Ravi]], who portrayed one of the antagonists, initially "approached the role like a serious villain". However, when he was told that his character knows Rajinikanth's real identity, "I decided to play the character like a muff, and when I suggested the idea to director Sundarrajan, he accepted it". Ravi also intentionally mimicked his father [[M. R. Radha]]'s voice and took inspiration from his father's character from the 1961 film ''[[Paava Mannippu]]''.<ref name="TOI" />
 
[[Radha Ravi]], who portrayed one of the antagonists, initially "approached the role like a serious villain". However, when he was told that his character knows Rajinikanth’s real identity, "I decided to play the character like a muff, and when I suggested the idea to director Sundarrajan, he accepted it".<ref name="ti" /> Ravi also intentionally mimicked his father [[M. R. Radha]]'s voice and took inspiration from his father's character from the 1961 film ''[[Paava Mannippu]]''.<ref name="ti" />  


=== Filming ===
=== Filming ===
The song "Vaa Vaa" was initially planned to shoot at Ooty but due to heavy rainfall, the crew then decided to shoot the song at Coonoor and again went back to Ooty during its non rainy day and completed the remaining shoot.<ref name="av" /> Radha Ravi said Rajinikanth wanted this scene where there will be a snake in the hand, Sundarrajan "wasn’t keen on having this as he felt it was over the top" but Rajinikanth insisted on this scene because “he liked to have a snake scene in his films for sentimental reasons”.<ref name="ti" /> The filming was completed in 50 days.<ref name="av" />
The song "Vaa Vaa" was initially planned to be shot in Ooty but due to heavy rainfall, the crew decided to shoot the song in Coonoor and again went back to Ooty when it was not raining and completed the remaining shoot.<ref name="av" /> Radha Ravi said Rajinikanth wanted this scene where there will be a snake in the hand, Sundarrajan objected as he felt it was "over the top" but Rajinikanth insisted on this scene because "he liked to have a snake scene in his films for sentimental reasons".<ref name="TOI" /> The filming was completed in 50 days.<ref name="av" />


== Soundtrack ==
== Soundtrack ==
The music was composed by [[Ilaiyaraaja]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.raaga.com/channels/tamil/movie/T0000151.html |title=Rajadhi Raja (1989) |website=[[Raaga.com]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140223051456/http://www.raaga.com/channels/tamil/movie/T0000151.html |archive-date=23 February 2014 |access-date=10 February 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite AV media |url=http://ilayaraja.forumms.net/t63p345-vinyl-lp-record-covers-speak-about-ir-pictures-details-thamizh |archive-url=https://archive.today/20191216071310/http://ilayaraja.forumms.net/t63p345-vinyl-lp-record-covers-speak-about-ir-pictures-details-thamizh |url-status=dead |archive-date=2019-12-16 |title=ராஜாதி ராஜா |last=Ilaiyaraaja |type=[[liner notes]] |language=ta |publisher=Echo |year=1989 |trans-title=King of kings |author-link=Ilaiyaraaja}}</ref>
{{Infobox album
| name      = Rajadhi Raja
| type      = Soundtrack
| artist    = [[Ilaiyaraaja]]
| cover      =
| released  = 1989
| recorded  =
| studio    =
| genre      = [[Feature film soundtrack]]
| length    = 30:04
| language  = Tamil
| label      = {{Ubl|[[Ilaiyaraaja|IMM]]
| [[Pyramid Saimira|Pyramid Music]]}}
| producer  =
| chronology = [[Ilaiyaraaja]]
| prev_title = [[Varusham 16]]
| prev_year  = 1989
| next_title = [[Siva (1989 Tamil film)|Siva]]
| next_year  = 1989
| misc      = {{external media
| audio1    = {{YouTube|hQ9ylV49FPI|Rajadhi Raja – Jukebox}}}}
}}
The music was composed by [[Ilaiyaraaja]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rajadhi Raja (1989) |url=http://www.raaga.com/channels/tamil/movie/T0000151.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140223051456/http://www.raaga.com/channels/tamil/movie/T0000151.html |archive-date=23 February 2014 |access-date=10 February 2014 |website=[[Raaga.com]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Raajadhi Raaja Tamil Film LP Vinyl Record by Ilayaraja |url=https://mossymart.com/product/raajadhi-raaja-tamil-film-lp-vinyl-record-by-ilayaraja-2/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211216070439/https://mossymart.com/product/raajadhi-raaja-tamil-film-lp-vinyl-record-by-ilayaraja-2/ |archive-date=16 December 2021 |access-date=16 December 2021 |website=Mossymart}}</ref> The song "Malayala Karaiyoram" is set to the [[Carnatic raga]] [[Sankarabharanam (raga)|Sankarabharanam]],{{Sfn|Sundararaman|2007|p=141}} "Meenamma Meenamma" is set to [[Sarasangi]],{{Sfn|Sundararaman|2007|p=144}} and "Un Nenja Thottu Sollu".{{Sfn|Sundararaman|2007|p=163}} The soundtrack became hugely popular and was reportedly sold around 22000 units.<ref>{{Cite web |last=பாரதி |first=திரை |date=2 October 2022 |title=ஆறிலிருந்து எழுபது வரை: ரஜினி சரிதம் - 79 |url=https://kamadenu.hindutamil.in/cinema/rajini-saritham-79 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221130182044/https://kamadenu.hindutamil.in/cinema/rajini-saritham-79 |archive-date=30 November 2022 |access-date=2023-03-17 |website=[[Kamadenu (magazine)|Kamadenu]] |language=Ta}}</ref>  


{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%;"
{{track listing
! No. !! Song !! Singer(s) !! Lyrics !! Length (m:ss) !! Notes !! Song number in the film
| headline      = Track listing
|-
| extra_column  = Singer(s)
| 1 || "Meenamma Meenamma" || [[Mano (singer)|Mano]], [[K. S. Chitra]] || [[Piraisoodan]] || 04:38 || Rajinikanth, Radha || Fifth (Last song)
| title1        = Meenamma Meenamma
|-
| length1      = 04:38
| 2 || "Maama Un Ponna Kodu" || [[S. P. Balasubrahmanyam]] || [[Gangai Amaran]] || 04:25 || Rajinikanth, Nadiya || Fourth
| lyrics1      = [[Piraisoodan]]
|-
| extra1        = [[Mano (singer)|Mano]], [[K. S. Chitra]]
| 3 || "Malaiyaala Karaiyoram" || Mano || [[Vaali (poet)|Vaali]] || 04:42 || Rajinikanth || First
| title2        = Maama Un Ponna Kodu
|-
| length2      = 04:25
| 4 || "Enkitta Modhadhe" || Mano, K. S. Chitra || Ponnadiyan || 04:51 || Rajinikanth, Nadiya || Second
| lyrics2      = [[Gangai Amaran]]
|-
| extra2        = [[S. P. Balasubrahmanyam]]
| 5 || "Un Nenja Thottu Sollu" (Album Only) || [[P. Susheela]], K. S. Chitra ||Gangai Amaran||04:38||(Not in the movie, Rajini, Radha, Nadiya)||
| title3        = Malayala Karaiyoram
|-
| length3      = 04:42
| 6 || "Vaa Vaa Manjal Malare" || Mano, [[S. P. Sailaja]] || rowspan=3|[[Ilaiyaraaja]] || 04:34 ||Rajinikanth, Radha || Third
| lyrics3      = [[Vaali (poet)|Vaali]]
|-
| extra3        = Mano
| 7 || "Ulaga Vaazhkkaiye" || S. P. Balasubrahmanyam || 00:58 || Rajinikanth||
| title4        = Enkitta Mothathe
|-
| length4      = 04:51
| 8 || "Adi AathuKulla Aathimaram"  || S. P. Balasubrahmanyam || 01:18 ||Rajinikanth||
| lyrics4      = Ponnadiyan
|-
| extra4        = Mano, K. S. Chitra
|}
| title5        = Un Nenja Thottu Sollu
| note5        = album only
| length5      = 04:38
| lyrics5      = Gangai Amaran
| extra5        = [[P. Susheela]], K. S. Chitra
| title6        = Vaa Vaa Manjal Malare
| length6      = 04:34
| lyrics6      = [[Ilaiyaraaja]]
| extra6        = Mano, [[S. P. Sailaja]]
| title7        = Ulaga Vaazhkkaiye
| length7      = 00:58
| lyrics7      = Ilaiyaraaja
| extra7        = S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
| title8        = Adi Aathu Kulla Aathimaram
| length8      = 01:18
| lyrics8      = Ilaiyaraaja
| extra8        = S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
| total_length  = 30:04
}}


== Release ==
== Release and reception ==
''Rajadhi Raja'' was released on 4 March 1989.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Sreekanth |first=Gayathri |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=K2xIAQAAIAAJ&q=The+Name+Is+Rajinikanth |title=The Name Is Rajinikanth |publisher=Om Books International |year=2008 |isbn=978-81-87108-44-3 |chapter=Complete Filmography }}</ref> ''[[Ananda Vikatan]]'' rated the film 43 out of 100.<ref>{{Cite web |date=26 March 1989 |title=சினிமா விமர்சனம்: ராஜாதி ராஜா |url=https://www.vikatan.com/arts/nostalgia/40651--2 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200621063804/https://www.vikatan.com/arts/nostalgia/40651--2 |archive-date=21 June 2020 |access-date=21 June 2020 |website=[[Ananda Vikatan]] |language=ta}}</ref> N. Krishnaswamy of ''[[The Indian Express]]'' wrote "[sic] the film is entertaining despite the abundant cliches and to-the-hilt commercialism".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Krishnaswamy |first=N. |date=17 March 1989 |title=Rajathiraja |page=5 |work=[[The Indian Express]] |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=P9oYG7HA76QC&dat=19890317&printsec=frontpage&hl=en}}</ref>
''Rajadhi Raja'' was released on 4 March 1989.<ref>{{Cite web |last=K. |first=Janani |date=5 March 2021 |title=Nadiya remembers Rajinikanth's Rajadhi Raja on 32nd anniversary. Throwback pic |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/nadiya-remembers-rajinikanth-s-rajadhi-raja-on-32nd-anniversary-throwback-pic-1775925-2021-03-05 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211216070028/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/nadiya-remembers-rajinikanth-s-rajadhi-raja-on-32nd-anniversary-throwback-pic-1775925-2021-03-05 |archive-date=16 December 2021 |access-date=16 December 2021 |website=[[India Today]]}}</ref> ''[[Ananda Vikatan]]'' rated the film 43 out of 100.<ref>{{Cite web |date=26 March 1989 |title=சினிமா விமர்சனம்: ராஜாதி ராஜா |url=https://www.vikatan.com/arts/nostalgia/40651--2 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200621063804/https://www.vikatan.com/arts/nostalgia/40651--2 |archive-date=21 June 2020 |access-date=21 June 2020 |website=[[Ananda Vikatan]] |language=ta}}</ref> N. Krishnaswamy of ''[[The Indian Express]]'' appreciated Ilaiyaraaja's music, Arunachalam's writing and Rajinikanth's dual role performance, adding, "the film is entertaining despite the abundant cliches and to-the-hilt commercialism".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Krishnaswamy |first=N. |date=17 March 1989 |title=Rajathiraja |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=P9oYG7HA76QC&dat=19890317&printsec=frontpage&hl=en |access-date=11 January 2019 |work=[[The Indian Express]] |pages=5 |via=[[Google News Archive]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
 
== Legacy ==
The song "Enkitta Mothathe" inspired the title of two unrelated films: [[Engitta Mothathay|one in 1990]] also directed by Sundarrajan, and [[Engitta Modhathey|another in 2017]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=19 June 2021 |title=ஒரே பாடலில் இரு படங்கள்… பாடலில் பிறந்த படங்களின் வரலாறு |url=https://cinereporters.com/latest-news-two-films-in-one-song-history-of-films-born-in-the-song-cid3335806-htm/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230514073050/https://cinereporters.com/latest-news-two-films-in-one-song-history-of-films-born-in-the-song-cid3335806-htm/ |archive-date=14 May 2023 |access-date=16 January 2024 |website=CineReporters |language=ta}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Rangan |first=Baradwaj |author-link=Baradwaj Rangan |date=25 March 2017 |title=Enkitta Mothathe Movie Review |url=https://www.filmcompanion.in/reviews/enkitta-mothathe-movie-review |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20230514070558/https://www.filmcompanion.in/reviews/enkitta-mothathe-movie-review |archive-date=14 May 2023 |access-date=16 January 2024 |website=[[Film Companion]]}}</ref>


== References ==
== References ==
{{reflist|refs=
<references>
<ref name="av">{{Cite web |url=https://cinema.vikatan.com/tamil-cinema/pokkisham/153521-a-special-article-about-rajinis-rajathi-raja-movie.html#cmt-sec |title=''ஒன்லைன் வாய்ப்பு, ஊட்டி மழை, ரஜினி சொன்ன சஜஷன்!" - ஆர்.சுந்தர்ராஜன் #30YearsOfRajathiraja |last=Guna |first=M. |date=27 March 2019 |website=[[Ananda Vikatan]] |trans-title=One-line opportunity, Ooty rainfall, Suggestion given by Rajini&nbsp;– R. Sundarrajan |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191119142243/https://cinema.vikatan.com/tamil-cinema/153521-a-special-article-about-rajinis-rajathi-raja-movie#bypass-sw |archive-date=19 November 2019 |access-date=28 March 2019}}</ref>
 
<ref name="cinemaexpress">{{Cite news |url=http://www.cinemaexpress.com/cinemaexpress/story.aspx?Title=%E0%AE%B0%E0%AE%BE%E0%AE%9C%E0%AE%BE%E0%AE%A4%E0%AE%BF+%E0%AE%B0%E0%AE%BE%E0%AE%9C%E0%AE%BE+(1989)&artid=112086&SectionID=144&MainSectionID=144&SectionName=Fashion&SEO= |title=ராஜாதி ராஜா (1989) |work=[[Cinema Express]] |access-date=12 January 2019 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140929130712/http://www.cinemaexpress.com/cinemaexpress/story.aspx?Title=%E0%AE%B0%E0%AE%BE%E0%AE%9C%E0%AE%BE%E0%AE%A4%E0%AE%BF+%E0%AE%B0%E0%AE%BE%E0%AE%9C%E0%AE%BE+(1989)&artid=112086&SectionID=144&MainSectionID=144&SectionName=Fashion&SEO= |archive-date=29 September 2014}}</ref>
<ref name="av">{{Cite web |last=Guna |first=M. |date=27 March 2019 |title="ஒன்லைன் வாய்ப்பு, ஊட்டி மழை, ரஜினி சொன்ன சஜஷன்!" - ஆர்.சுந்தர்ராஜன் #30YearsOfRajathiraja |trans-title=One-line opportunity, Ooty rainfall, Suggestion given by Rajini&nbsp;– R. Sundarrajan |url=https://cinema.vikatan.com/tamil-cinema/pokkisham/153521-a-special-article-about-rajinis-rajathi-raja-movie.html#cmt-sec |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191119142243/https://cinema.vikatan.com/tamil-cinema/153521-a-special-article-about-rajinis-rajathi-raja-movie#bypass-sw |archive-date=19 November 2019 |access-date=28 March 2019 |website=[[Ananda Vikatan]]}}</ref>
<ref name="ti">{{Cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/celebrating-30-years-of-raajadhi-raja/articleshow/68242906.cms |title=Celebrating 30 years of Raajadhi Raja |last=Suganth |first=M. |date=4 March 2019 |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=4 March 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191119141915/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com//entertainment/tamil/movies/news/celebrating-30-years-of-raajadhi-raja/articleshow/68242906.cms? |archive-date=19 November 2019}}</ref>
<ref name="cinemaexpress">{{Cite news |title=ராஜாதி ராஜா (1989) |language=ta |work=[[Cinema Express]] |url=http://www.cinemaexpress.com/cinemaexpress/story.aspx?Title=%E0%AE%B0%E0%AE%BE%E0%AE%9C%E0%AE%BE%E0%AE%A4%E0%AE%BF+%E0%AE%B0%E0%AE%BE%E0%AE%9C%E0%AE%BE+(1989)&artid=112086&SectionID=144&MainSectionID=144&SectionName=Fashion&SEO= |url-status=dead |access-date=12 January 2019 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140929130712/http://www.cinemaexpress.com/cinemaexpress/story.aspx?Title=%E0%AE%B0%E0%AE%BE%E0%AE%9C%E0%AE%BE%E0%AE%A4%E0%AE%BF+%E0%AE%B0%E0%AE%BE%E0%AE%9C%E0%AE%BE+(1989)&artid=112086&SectionID=144&MainSectionID=144&SectionName=Fashion&SEO= |archive-date=29 September 2014}}</ref>
}}
<ref name="TOI">{{Cite news |last=Suganth |first=M. |date=4 March 2019 |title=Celebrating 30 years of Raajadhi Raja |work=[[The Times of India]] |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/celebrating-30-years-of-raajadhi-raja/articleshow/68242906.cms |url-status=live |access-date=4 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191119141915/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com//entertainment/tamil/movies/news/celebrating-30-years-of-raajadhi-raja/articleshow/68242906.cms? |archive-date=19 November 2019}}</ref>
 
</references>
 
== Bibliography ==
 
* {{Cite book |last=Sundararaman |title=Raga Chintamani: A Guide to Carnatic Ragas Through Tamil Film Music |publisher=Pichhamal Chintamani |year=2007 |edition=2nd |oclc=295034757 |orig-date=2005}}


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


* {{IMDb title|id=0288784}}
[[Category:1989 Indian films]]
{{R. Sundarrajan (director)}}
[[Category:1980s masala films]]
 
[[Category:1989 Tamil-language films]]
[[Category:1980s Tamil-language films]]
[[Category:1989 action comedy films]]
[[Category:1989 films]]
[[Category:1989 films]]
[[Category:Films about lookalikes]]
[[Category:Films about miscarriage of justice]]
[[Category:Films about miscarriage of justice]]
[[Category:Films directed by R. Sundarrajan]]
[[Category:Films directed by R. Sundarrajan]]
[[Category:Films scored by Ilaiyaraaja]]
[[Category:Films shot in Ooty]]
[[Category:Films shot in Ooty]]
[[Category:Films with screenplays by Panchu Arunachalam]]
[[Category:Films with screenplays by Panchu Arunachalam]]
[[Category:Indian action comedy films]]
[[Category:Indian action comedy films]]
[[Category:Indian films about revenge]]
[[Category:Indian films about revenge]]
[[Category:Indian films]]
[[Category:Tamil-language action comedy films]]
[[Category:Masala films]]
[[Category:Tamil-language Indian films]]
[[Category:Films scored by Ilaiyaraaja]]
[[Category:1980s action comedy films]]

Latest revision as of 10:41, 3 March 2026


Rajadhi Raja
Theatrical release poster
Directed byR. Sundarrajan
Produced byR. D. Bhaskar
Screenplay byPanchu Arunachalam
Story byR. Sundarrajan
StarringRajinikanth
Nadhiya
Radha
Music byIlaiyaraaja
CinematographyRajarajan
Edited byB. Lenin
V. T. Vijayan
Production
company
Pavalar Creations
Release date
  • 4 March 1989 (1989-03-04)
CountryIndia
LanguageTamil

Rajadhi Raja (transl. King of Kings) is a 1989 Indian Tamil-language action comedy film directed by R. Sundarrajan. The film stars Rajinikanth in a dual role, with Nadhiya and Radha portraying his characters' love interests. It revolves around Raja, a rich estate owner's son who seeks to avenge his father's death. He is aided in his quest by Chinnarasu, a lookalike. Rajadhi Raja was released on 4 March 1989 and became a box office hit.

Plot[edit | edit source]

A rich estate owner Vishwanathan is killed by his second wife Sarasu and her brother Aadimoolam for his property. The estate owner's son Rajashekar returns from the United States and learns of this. To bring the culprits to book, he makes his friend Sethupathi, a rickshaw puller, act as Raja. But soon, Aadimoolam learns of this, kills Sethu and frames Raja as the killer. Raja is sentenced to death. In between, Raja loves Senkamalam, sister of an employee in his estate.

In the same village where Raja lives, there exists his lookalike, Chinnaraasu, whose aim in life is to wed his sweetheart Lakshmi. Raja escapes from jail, meets Chinnaraasu and makes Chinnaraasu take his place in jail. After many twist and turns, Raja brings the culprits to book. At the end, Raja marries Senkamalam and Chinnarasu marries Lakshmi.

Cast[edit | edit source]

Production[edit | edit source]

Development[edit | edit source]

R. Sundarrajan initially planned to direct Amman Kovil Kizhakale with Rajinikanth which did not happen. When Sundarrajan met Panchu Arunachalam who was finding plot for a new project with collaboration of S. P. Muthuraman and Rajinikanth, he narrated the plotline of Rajadhi Raja which impressed both Rajinikanth and Arunachalam. Rajinikanth insisted Sundarrajan to direct the film who relented after initial rejections to direct the film.[1] The film was produced under Ilaiyaraaja's brother R. D. Bhaskar under their home banner Pavalar Creations.[2] Cinematography was handled by Rajarajan, and editing by B. Lenin and V. T. Vijayan.[3]

Casting[edit | edit source]

Initially, Revathi and Rupini were reported to be the two lead actresses. Due to date clashes, Revathi's role was given to Radha and Rupini's role to Nadhiya.[3] This was the last film for Radha to act with Rajinikanth and it was the only film for Nadhiya with Rajinikanth.[2] Radha Ravi, who portrayed one of the antagonists, initially "approached the role like a serious villain". However, when he was told that his character knows Rajinikanth's real identity, "I decided to play the character like a muff, and when I suggested the idea to director Sundarrajan, he accepted it". Ravi also intentionally mimicked his father M. R. Radha's voice and took inspiration from his father's character from the 1961 film Paava Mannippu.[2]

Filming[edit | edit source]

The song "Vaa Vaa" was initially planned to be shot in Ooty but due to heavy rainfall, the crew decided to shoot the song in Coonoor and again went back to Ooty when it was not raining and completed the remaining shoot.[1] Radha Ravi said Rajinikanth wanted this scene where there will be a snake in the hand, Sundarrajan objected as he felt it was "over the top" but Rajinikanth insisted on this scene because "he liked to have a snake scene in his films for sentimental reasons".[2] The filming was completed in 50 days.[1]

Soundtrack[edit | edit source]

Rajadhi Raja
Soundtrack album by
Ilaiyaraaja
Released1989
GenreFeature film soundtrack
Length30:04
LanguageTamil
Label
Ilaiyaraaja chronology
Varusham 16
(1989) 		Rajadhi Raja
(1989) 		Siva
(1989)
External audio
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Rajadhi Raja – Jukebox at YouTube

The music was composed by Ilaiyaraaja.[4][5] The song "Malayala Karaiyoram" is set to the Carnatic raga Sankarabharanam,[6] "Meenamma Meenamma" is set to Sarasangi,[7] and "Un Nenja Thottu Sollu".[8] The soundtrack became hugely popular and was reportedly sold around 22000 units.[9]

Track listing
No.TitleLyricsSinger(s)Length
1."Meenamma Meenamma"PiraisoodanMano, K. S. Chitra04:38
2."Maama Un Ponna Kodu"Gangai AmaranS. P. Balasubrahmanyam04:25
3."Malayala Karaiyoram"VaaliMano04:42
4."Enkitta Mothathe"PonnadiyanMano, K. S. Chitra04:51
5."Un Nenja Thottu Sollu" (album only)Gangai AmaranP. Susheela, K. S. Chitra04:38
6."Vaa Vaa Manjal Malare"IlaiyaraajaMano, S. P. Sailaja04:34
7."Ulaga Vaazhkkaiye"IlaiyaraajaS. P. Balasubrahmanyam00:58
8."Adi Aathu Kulla Aathimaram"IlaiyaraajaS. P. Balasubrahmanyam01:18
Total length:30:04

Release and reception[edit | edit source]

Rajadhi Raja was released on 4 March 1989.[10] Ananda Vikatan rated the film 43 out of 100.[11] N. Krishnaswamy of The Indian Express appreciated Ilaiyaraaja's music, Arunachalam's writing and Rajinikanth's dual role performance, adding, "the film is entertaining despite the abundant cliches and to-the-hilt commercialism".[12]

Legacy[edit | edit source]

The song "Enkitta Mothathe" inspired the title of two unrelated films: one in 1990 also directed by Sundarrajan, and another in 2017.[13][14]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Guna, M. (27 March 2019). ""ஒன்லைன் வாய்ப்பு, ஊட்டி மழை, ரஜினி சொன்ன சஜஷன்!" - ஆர்.சுந்தர்ராஜன் #30YearsOfRajathiraja" [One-line opportunity, Ooty rainfall, Suggestion given by Rajini – R. Sundarrajan]. Ananda Vikatan. Archived from the original on 19 November 2019. Retrieved 28 March 2019.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Suganth, M. (4 March 2019). "Celebrating 30 years of Raajadhi Raja". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 19 November 2019. Retrieved 4 March 2019.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "ராஜாதி ராஜா (1989)". Cinema Express (in தமிழ்). Retrieved 12 January 2019.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  4. ↑ "Rajadhi Raja (1989)". Raaga.com. Archived from the original on 23 February 2014. Retrieved 10 February 2014.
  5. ↑ "Raajadhi Raaja Tamil Film LP Vinyl Record by Ilayaraja". Mossymart. Archived from the original on 16 December 2021. Retrieved 16 December 2021.
  6. ↑ Sundararaman 2007, p. 141.
  7. ↑ Sundararaman 2007, p. 144.
  8. ↑ Sundararaman 2007, p. 163.
  9. ↑ பாரதி, திரை (2 October 2022). "ஆறிலிருந்து எழுபது வரை: ரஜினி சரிதம் - 79". Kamadenu (in தமிழ்). Archived from the original on 30 November 2022. Retrieved 17 March 2023.
  10. ↑ K., Janani (5 March 2021). "Nadiya remembers Rajinikanth's Rajadhi Raja on 32nd anniversary. Throwback pic". India Today. Archived from the original on 16 December 2021. Retrieved 16 December 2021.
  11. ↑ "சினிமா விமர்சனம்: ராஜாதி ராஜா". Ananda Vikatan (in தமிழ்). 26 March 1989. Retrieved 21 June 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  12. ↑ Krishnaswamy, N. (17 March 1989). "Rajathiraja". The Indian Express. p. 5. Retrieved 11 January 2019 – via Google News Archive.
  13. ↑ "ஒரே பாடலில் இரு படங்கள்… பாடலில் பிறந்த படங்களின் வரலாறு". CineReporters (in தமிழ்). 19 June 2021. Archived from the original on 14 May 2023. Retrieved 16 January 2024.
  14. ↑ Rangan, Baradwaj (25 March 2017). "Enkitta Mothathe Movie Review". Film Companion. Archived from the original on 14 May 2023. Retrieved 16 January 2024.

Bibliography[edit | edit source]

  • Sundararaman (2007) [2005]. Raga Chintamani: A Guide to Carnatic Ragas Through Tamil Film Music (2nd ed.). Pichhamal Chintamani. OCLC 295034757.

External links[edit | edit source]

Template:R. Sundarrajan

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