Mudhalvan: Difference between revisions

'''''Mudhalvan''''' ({{Translation|'Chief Minister, leader'}}) is a 1999 Indian [[Tamil language|Tamil]]-language [[Political cinema|political]] [[action thriller film]]  produced by [[R. Madhesh]] and [[S. Shankar]] written, and directed by [[S. Shankar]]. The film features [[Arjun Sarja|Arjun]] and [[Manisha Koirala]] playing the lead with [[Raghuvaran]] playing the antagonist while [[Vadivelu]] and [[Manivannan]] feature in supporting roles. The film featured an award-winning soundtrack composed by [[A. R. Rahman]], cinematography by [[K. V. Anand]] and dialogues by [[Sujatha Rangarajan|Sujatha]].<ref name="Rediff">{{cite web|date=4 November 1999 |url=http://www.rediff.com/entertai/1999/nov/04spice.htm |title=Love makes the filmi world go round |publisher=Rediff |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025192859/http://www.rediff.com/entertai/1999/nov/04spice.htm |archive-date=25 October 2012 }}</ref>

Following the success of ''[[Jeans (film)|Jeans]]'' (1998), Shankar chose to make a political action film, which would later become ''Mudhalvan''.<ref name="malathi rangarajan">{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-cinemaplus/maverick-maker/article3460457.ece |title=Maverick maker |author=malathi rangarajan |work=The Hindu |access-date=11 September 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115160136/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-cinemaplus/maverick-maker/article3460457.ece |archive-date=15 January 2016 }}</ref> The idea for the story was inspired by Indian actor [[Sivaji Ganesan]] being named the honorary mayor of [[Niagara Falls, New York]] for one day during his visit to the United States.<ref name="The Penguin-Landmark Quiz Book">[https://archive.org/details/ThePenguinLandmarkQuizBook-GautamPadmanabhan The Penguin-Landmark Quiz Book] pp. 60, 173</ref> The lead role was initially written with [[Rajinikanth]] in mind, but he was unwilling to star in the film.<ref name="The Times of India">{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/did-you-know-/Rajinikanth-was-to-do-Shankars-Mudhalvan/articleshow/22368963.cms |title=Rajinikanth was to do Shankar's 'Mudhalvan' |work=The Times of India |access-date=11 September 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150113044500/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/did-you-know-/Rajinikanth-was-to-do-Shankars-Mudhalvan/articleshow/22368963.cms |archive-date=13 January 2015 }}</ref> [[Vijay (actor)|Vijay]] was also considered by Shankar for the role, though the actor turned the offer down.<ref name="Sify">{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/shankar-is-the-spielberg-of-indian-cinema-vijay-news-tamil-lmzmjUhiafh.html |title=Shankar is the Spielberg of Indian cinema: Vijay |publisher=Sify |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140305121203/http://www.sify.com/movies/shankar-is-the-spielberg-of-indian-cinema-vijay-news-tamil-lmzmjUhiafh.html |archive-date= 5 March 2014 }}</ref><ref name="Shankar connects with fans">{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/shankar-connects-with-fans/article707916.ece |title=Shankar connects with fans |work=The Hindu |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131228153750/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/shankar-connects-with-fans/article707916.ece |archive-date=28 December 2013 }}</ref><ref name="indiaglitz.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/the-list-of-movies-missed-by-ajith-vijay-kamal-rajini-and-telugufont-news-114946-slide5 |title=The list of movies missed by Ajith Vijay Kamal Rajini and |work=indiaglitz.com |access-date=11 September 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924190216/http://www.indiaglitz.com/the-list-of-movies-missed-by-ajith-vijay-kamal-rajini-and-telugufont-news-114946-slide5 |archive-date=24 September 2015 }}</ref> Shankar revealed that he even approached [[Kamal Haasan]] for the film, but he was doing ''[[Hey Ram]]'' at that time.<ref name="Sudhir Srinivasan">{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/an-exclusive-interview-with-director-shankar/article6491753.ece |title=Shankar and I |author=Sudhir Srinivasan |work=The Hindu |access-date=11 September 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115160136/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/an-exclusive-interview-with-director-shankar/article6491753.ece |archive-date=15 January 2016 }}</ref>{{Sfn|Dhananjayan|2011|page=211}} [[Arjun Sarja|Arjun]], who had previously collaborated with Shankar in ''[[Gentleman (1993 film)|Gentleman]]'' (1993), was willing to offer bulk schedule dates for the film and was subsequently signed on.{{Sfn|Dhananjayan|2011|page=211}}<ref name="Minnoviyam Star Tracks">{{cite web|url=http://chandrag.tripod.com/nov98/ |title=Minnoviyam Star Tracks |publisher=tripod.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120709043545/http://chandrag.tripod.com/nov98/ |archive-date= 9 July 2012 }}</ref>

Shankar noted that he was interested in casting [[Meena (actress)|Meena]] in the leading role, but he opted against doing so as the actress was working with Arjun in another film in the same period, ''[[Rhythm (2000 film)|Rhythm]]'' (2000).<ref name="Shanker">{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/tamil/interview.php?id=6006633&cid=2408 |title=Shanker |publisher=Sify movies |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140305121207/http://www.sify.com/movies/tamil/interview.php?id=6006633&cid=2408 |archive-date= 5 March 2014 }}</ref><ref name="web.archive.org">https://web.archive.org/web/19991118124233/http://www.screenindia.com/south.htm</ref> Subsequently, [[Manisha Koirala]], who worked with Shankar in ''[[Indian (1996 film)|Indian]]'', was selected to play Arjun's heroine. [[Raghuvaran]] was signed to play the chief antagonist in the film, while [[Vadivelu]] and [[Manivannan]] were also chosen to play other characters. Despite reports that [[Shilpa Shetty]] was added to the cast in February 1999, it was later clarified to be untrue.<ref name="Do not disturb">{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/1999/feb/12ss.htm |title=Do not disturb |publisher=Rediff |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090215092929/http://www.rediff.com/movies/1999/feb/12ss.htm |archive-date=15 February 2009 }}</ref> [[Laila Mehdin|Laila]], who had made her acting debut earlier in the year with ''[[Kallazhagar]]'', was signed on to portray the role planned with Shetty instead.<ref name="chandrag.tripod.com">{{cite web|url=http://chandrag.tripod.com/feb99/|title=Minnoviyam Star Tracks|publisher=tripod.com}}</ref> Originally, her role was supposed to feature throughout the film, but Shankar shortened her character, owing to her call sheet problems.{{Sfn|Dhananjayan|2011|page=211}} Renowned [[muralist]] Natanam and [[Kalairani]] were cast as Arjun's parents.<ref name="Muralist Natanam honoured">{{cite web|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/Muralist-Natanam-honoured/2013/05/14/article1588569.ece?service=print |title=Muralist Natanam honoured |work=The New Indian Express |access-date=11 September 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304104140/http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/Muralist-Natanam-honoured/2013/05/14/article1588569.ece?service=print |archive-date= 4 March 2016 }}</ref><ref name="Magic of metal">{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/2001/06/18/stories/13180073.htm |title=Magic of metal |access-date=11 September 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115160136/http://www.thehindu.com/2001/06/18/stories/13180073.htm |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=2001-06-18 |archive-date=15 January 2016 }}</ref><ref name="Power-packed performer">{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/2001/01/11/stories/09110354.htm |title=Power-packed performer |access-date=11 September 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115160136/http://www.thehindu.com/2001/01/11/stories/09110354.htm |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=2001-01-11 |archive-date=15 January 2016 }}</ref> [[S. Sashikanth]], who went on to produce films like ''[[Thamizh Padam]]'' (2010) and ''[[Kaaviya Thalaivan (2014 film)|Kaaviya Thalaivan]]'' (2014), and K. R. Mathivaanan, who directed ''[[Aridhu Aridhu]]'' (2010), worked as assistant directors.<ref name="Sudhish Kamath">{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/why-not/article2952125.ece |title=Why Not? |work=The Hindu |date=2 March 2012 |access-date=11 September 2015 |author=Sudhish Kamath |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115160136/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/why-not/article2952125.ece |archive-date=15 January 2016 }}</ref><ref name="nikhil raghavan">{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-cinemaplus/getting-better/article979903.ece |title=Getting better |author=nikhil raghavan |work=The Hindu |access-date=11 September 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115160136/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-cinemaplus/getting-better/article979903.ece |archive-date=15 January 2016 }}</ref>

The film was jointly launched by [[S.Shankar]] and his co director [[R. Madhesh]] in October 1998 at an event attended by actors and technicians from the Tamil film industry, with actors Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan being the special invitees.<ref name="Tamil Movie News!">{{cite web |url=http://www.indolink.com/tamil/cinema/News/98/Nov/news1.htm |title=Tamil Movie News! |publisher=indolink.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141219170120/http://www.indolink.com/tamil/cinema/News/98/Nov/news1.htm |archive-date=19 December 2014 |access-date=15 March 2011 }}</ref> Production continued for several months, with reports suggesting that the film was delayed due to Manisha Koirala's unavailability though Shankar later stressed the production work demanded such delay. Parts of the film were also shot in [[Bikaner]], [[Rajasthan]] while the team also shot extensively in rural [[Tamil Nadu]].<ref name="Film maker with a Midas touch">{{cite web|url=http://www.cscsarchive.org:8081/MediaArchive/art.nsf/(docid)/82C77484216203FC65256940004BD6F1 |title=Film maker with a Midas touch|work=The Hindu |access-date=15 March 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110725212136/http://www.cscsarchive.org:8081/MediaArchive/art.nsf/%28docid%29/82C77484216203FC65256940004BD6F1 |archive-date=25 July 2011 }}</ref> The film's cinematographer later noted that the scenes involving crowds shot on [[Anna Salai]], [[Chennai]] were among the hardest and most satisfying scenes he had worked on.<ref name="behindwoods.com">{{cite web|url=http://behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-10/k-v-anand-talks-in-detail-about-his-mudhalvan-experience.html |title=K V Anand talks in detail about his Mudhalvan experience |publisher=behindwoods.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131227235602/http://behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-10/k-v-anand-talks-in-detail-about-his-mudhalvan-experience.html |archive-date=27 December 2013 }}</ref> The song "[[Shakalaka Baby]]" was the last song to be shot, with [[Sushmita Sen]] selected to feature in a special appearance for the song.<ref name="Gentleman are back">{{cite web|url=http://www.cscsarchive.org:8081/MediaArchive/art.nsf/(docid)/C6382B502514142865256940004BD6FB|title=Gentleman are back|date=29 Oct 1999|work=The Indian Express|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110725212153/http://www.cscsarchive.org:8081/MediaArchive/art.nsf/%28docid%29/C6382B502514142865256940004BD6FB |archive-date=25 July 2011}}</ref><ref name="Frank and forthright">{{cite web|url=http://www.cscsarchive.org:8081/MediaArchive/art.nsf/(docid)/E26EE954751EF176E5256BB4002A7B71 |title=Frank and forthright |work=Deccan Herald |access-date=15 March 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110725212210/http://www.cscsarchive.org:8081/MediaArchive/art.nsf/%28docid%29/E26EE954751EF176E5256BB4002A7B71 |archive-date=25 July 2011}}</ref><ref name="ReferenceA">https://web.archive.org/web/20001011064646/http://www.dinakaran.com/cinema/english/interviews/2000/3-1/shankar.htm</ref> Stunt master [[Peter Hein]] revealed that he worked as a body double for Arjun in the scene where he had to run nude on the streets.<ref name="Living on the edge">{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/living-on-the-edge/article3190901.ece |title=Living on the edge |work=The Hindu |access-date=11 September 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115160136/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/living-on-the-edge/article3190901.ece |archive-date=15 January 2016 }}</ref>

The release of the soundtrack was held at [[Sathyam cinemas|Sathyam Cinemas]], [[Chennai]], on 31 October 1999 with two songs from the film being performed on stage. The special guests for the event were actor [[Kamal Haasan]] and actress [[Sushmita Sen]], who performed an [[item number]] in the film. The event was well attended by the cast and the crew of the film, with other guests including cinematographer [[P. C. Sriram]], actress [[Sarika]], and actor [[Suriya]].<ref name="First Shot">{{cite web|title=First Shot|url=http://www.cscsarchive.org:8081/MediaArchive/art.nsf/(docid)/64C3D6F0142A9044652569400060594C|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110725212329/http://www.cscsarchive.org:8081/MediaArchive/art.nsf/%28docid%29/64C3D6F0142A9044652569400060594C|archive-date=25 July 2011|access-date=15 March 2011|work=The Indian Express}}</ref>

The soundtrack was a success, and the initial day audio sale alone was more than three lakh units.<ref name="M Suganth">{{cite news |author=M Suganth |date=11 November 2011 |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-11-11/chennai/30386230_1_audio-cds-sony-music-priya-krishnan |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120717013127/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-11-11/chennai/30386230_1_audio-cds-sony-music-priya-krishnan |url-status=dead |archive-date=17 July 2012 |work=[[The Times of India]] |title=Audio CDs stay in tune with digital era }}</ref> The song "Azhagana Rakshasiye" is based on Rithigowla Raga.<ref name="CHARULATHA MANI">{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/music/riveting-ritigowla/article2659559.ece |title=Riveting Ritigowla |author=CHARULATHA MANI |work=The Hindu |access-date=11 September 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115160136/http://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/music/riveting-ritigowla/article2659559.ece |archive-date=15 January 2016 }}</ref>

On 21 November 1999, ''Ananda Vikatan'' in its review gave 43 marks and appreciated the film stating that: "One can see Shankar's grandeur in the way he presented a social problem magnificently. Shankar has approached a serious social issue with usual entertainment elements".{{Sfn|Dhananjayan|2011|page=211}} ''[[The Hindu]]'' said "Shankar scores again". In regard to the lead performances, Arjun is described as having "acquitted himself with aplomb", while Manisha's performance was criticized with claims that she "lacks the freshness that one always associates her with".<ref name="Mudhalvan">{{cite web|url=http://www.cscsarchive.org:8081/MediaArchive/art.nsf/(docid)/E8880B73B7238248652569400065DD65 |title=Mudhalvan |work=The Hindu |access-date=9 February 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110725212236/http://www.cscsarchive.org:8081/MediaArchive/art.nsf/%28docid%29/E8880B73B7238248652569400065DD65 |archive-date=25 July 2011 }}</ref> The critic also referred to Shankar's direction and Sujatha's dialogs as a "positive", while drawing praise to the videos of the songs describing that "every song and dance sequence seems a magnum opus by itself". ''[[The New Indian Express]]'' described the film as "absorbing" and praised certain scenes, although it criticized the videos of the songs as a "fiasco".<ref name="Absorbing film">{{cite web|url=http://www.cscsarchive.org:8081/MediaArchive/art.nsf/(docid)/1B2DE58D8F77D2F165256941003DC8E8 |title=Absorbing film |work=The Indian Express |access-date=15 March 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110725212302/http://www.cscsarchive.org:8081/MediaArchive/art.nsf/%28docid%29/1B2DE58D8F77D2F165256941003DC8E8 |archive-date=25 July 2011 }}</ref> ''Indiaglitz'' wrote: "Mudhalvan spoke about current affairs in India. With an absorbing screenplay and conveying the message of change in the political system, the film was a runaway hit."

The scene where a crowd gathers around the protagonist's house to persuade him to contest elections was included by ''Behindwoods.com'' in their list of "Top 20 Mass Scenes".<ref name="9. Mudhalvan - Top 20 Mass Scenes">{{cite web|url=http://behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/slideshow/top-20-mass-scenes/9-mudhalvan.html |title=9. Mudhalvan - Top 20 Mass Scenes |work=behindwoods.com |access-date=11 September 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150428074417/http://behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/slideshow/top-20-mass-scenes/9-mudhalvan.html |archive-date=28 April 2015 }}</ref>

Songs from the film's soundtrack inspired a number of Tamil film titles. [[Rama Narayanan]] directed a film titled ''[[Shakalaka Baby (film)|Shakalaka Baby]]'' in 2002, while [[Radha Mohan]] made ''[[Uppu Karuvaadu]]'' in 2015. A film titled ''Lukku Vida Thonalaiyaa'', a line from the song "Shakalaka Baby", also began production in 2002 but was not released.<ref name="01-2-02">{{Cite web|url=http://www.dinakaran.com/cinema/english/cinenews/2002/01-2-02.html|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20041029193710/http://www.dinakaran.com/cinema/english/cinenews/2002/01-2-02.html|archive-date = 29 October 2004|title = 01-2-02}}</ref>

The scenes, songs and dialogues from the film has been parodied in ''[[Budget Padmanabhan]]'' (2000),<ref name="ReferenceB">''Budget Padmanabhan'' (DVD): clip from 1.40.28 to 1.40.43</ref> ''[[Kandha Kadamba Kathir Vela]]'' (2000),<ref name="ReferenceC">''Kandha Kadamba Kathir Vela'' (DVD): clip from 45.21 to 45.29</ref> ''[[Kanna Unnai Thedukiren]]'' (2001),<ref name="youtube.com">{{cite av media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rl0knouH1UA |title=Kanna unnai thedukiren Vivek Comedy |date=29 July 2013 |via=YouTube |access-date=11 September 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115160136/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rl0knouH1UA |archive-date=15 January 2016 }}</ref> ''[[Run (2002 film)|Run]]'' (2002),<ref name="ReferenceD">''Run'' (DVD): clip from 1.28.35 to 1.28.38</ref> ''[[Dubai Seenu]]'' (2007),<ref name="ReferenceE">''Dubai Seenu'' (DVD): clip from 2.08.33 to 2.09.00</ref> ''[[Sivaji (film)|Sivaji]]'' (2007),<ref name="ReferenceF">''Sivaji'' (DVD): clip from 1.12.07 to 1.12.10</ref> ''[[Singakutty]]'' (2008),<ref name="Singakutty Tamil Movie - Vivek Mudh">{{cite av media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCdW8J3GSqw&list=PLP1LPoBS9iAr3niMhsVhcw0qlIsQeQcNq&index=13 |title=Singakutty Tamil Movie - Vivek Mudhalvan Spoof - Vivek Comedy |date=23 January 2015 |via=YouTube |access-date=11 September 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115160135/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCdW8J3GSqw&list=PLP1LPoBS9iAr3niMhsVhcw0qlIsQeQcNq&index=13 |archive-date=15 January 2016 }}</ref> and ''[[Kaalaippani]]'' (2008)<ref name="Kaalai Pani Tamil Movie - Mudhalvan">{{cite av media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MknEry6S_gU&index=18&list=PL6eYJImIZdQ4LxTa-45wutjUx_pji8Ayx |title=Kaalai Pani Tamil Movie - Mudhalvan Spoof - Comedy Scene |date=28 November 2014 |via=YouTube |access-date=11 September 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115160135/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MknEry6S_gU&index=18&list=PL6eYJImIZdQ4LxTa-45wutjUx_pji8Ayx |archive-date=15 January 2016 }}</ref>

'''''Mudhalvan''''' ({{Translation|'Chief Minister, leader'}}) is a 1999 Indian [[Tamil language|Tamil]]-language [[Political cinema|political]] [[action thriller film]]  produced by [[R. Madhesh]] and [[S. Shankar]] written, and directed by [[S. Shankar]]. The film features [[Arjun Sarja|Arjun]] and [[Manisha Koirala]] playing the lead with [[Raghuvaran]] playing the antagonist while [[Vadivelu]] and [[Manivannan]] feature in supporting roles. The film featured an award-winning soundtrack composed by [[A. R. Rahman]], cinematography by [[K. V. Anand]] and dialogues by [[Sujatha Rangarajan|Sujatha]].<ref name="Rediff"/>

Following the success of ''[[Jeans (film)|Jeans]]'' (1998), Shankar chose to make a political action film, which would later become ''Mudhalvan''.<ref name="malathi rangarajan"/> The idea for the story was inspired by Indian actor [[Sivaji Ganesan]] being named the honorary mayor of [[Niagara Falls, New York]] for one day during his visit to the United States.<ref name="The Penguin-Landmark Quiz Book"/> The lead role was initially written with [[Rajinikanth]] in mind, but he was unwilling to star in the film.<ref name="The Times of India"/> [[Vijay (actor)|Vijay]] was also considered by Shankar for the role, though the actor turned the offer down.<ref name="Sify"/><ref name="Shankar connects with fans"/><ref name="indiaglitz.com"/> Shankar revealed that he even approached [[Kamal Haasan]] for the film, but he was doing ''[[Hey Ram]]'' at that time.<ref name="Sudhir Srinivasan"/>{{Sfn|Dhananjayan|2011|page=211}} [[Arjun Sarja|Arjun]], who had previously collaborated with Shankar in ''[[Gentleman (1993 film)|Gentleman]]'' (1993), was willing to offer bulk schedule dates for the film and was subsequently signed on.{{Sfn|Dhananjayan|2011|page=211}}<ref name="Minnoviyam Star Tracks"/>

Shankar noted that he was interested in casting [[Meena (actress)|Meena]] in the leading role, but he opted against doing so as the actress was working with Arjun in another film in the same period, ''[[Rhythm (2000 film)|Rhythm]]'' (2000).<ref name="Shanker"/><ref name="web.archive.org"/> Subsequently, [[Manisha Koirala]], who worked with Shankar in ''[[Indian (1996 film)|Indian]]'', was selected to play Arjun's heroine. [[Raghuvaran]] was signed to play the chief antagonist in the film, while [[Vadivelu]] and [[Manivannan]] were also chosen to play other characters. Despite reports that [[Shilpa Shetty]] was added to the cast in February 1999, it was later clarified to be untrue.<ref name="Do not disturb"/> [[Laila Mehdin|Laila]], who had made her acting debut earlier in the year with ''[[Kallazhagar]]'', was signed on to portray the role planned with Shetty instead.<ref name="chandrag.tripod.com"/> Originally, her role was supposed to feature throughout the film, but Shankar shortened her character, owing to her call sheet problems.{{Sfn|Dhananjayan|2011|page=211}} Renowned [[muralist]] Natanam and [[Kalairani]] were cast as Arjun's parents.<ref name="Muralist Natanam honoured"/><ref name="Magic of metal"/><ref name="Power-packed performer"/> [[S. Sashikanth]], who went on to produce films like ''[[Thamizh Padam]]'' (2010) and ''[[Kaaviya Thalaivan (2014 film)|Kaaviya Thalaivan]]'' (2014), and K. R. Mathivaanan, who directed ''[[Aridhu Aridhu]]'' (2010), worked as assistant directors.<ref name="Sudhish Kamath"/><ref name="nikhil raghavan"/>

The film was jointly launched by [[S.Shankar]] and his co director [[R. Madhesh]] in October 1998 at an event attended by actors and technicians from the Tamil film industry, with actors Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan being the special invitees.<ref name="Tamil Movie News!"/> Production continued for several months, with reports suggesting that the film was delayed due to Manisha Koirala's unavailability though Shankar later stressed the production work demanded such delay. Parts of the film were also shot in [[Bikaner]], [[Rajasthan]] while the team also shot extensively in rural [[Tamil Nadu]].<ref name="Film maker with a Midas touch"/> The film's cinematographer later noted that the scenes involving crowds shot on [[Anna Salai]], [[Chennai]] were among the hardest and most satisfying scenes he had worked on.<ref name="behindwoods.com"/> The song "[[Shakalaka Baby]]" was the last song to be shot, with [[Sushmita Sen]] selected to feature in a special appearance for the song.<ref name="Gentleman are back"/><ref name="Frank and forthright"/><ref name="ReferenceA"/> Stunt master [[Peter Hein]] revealed that he worked as a body double for Arjun in the scene where he had to run nude on the streets.<ref name="Living on the edge"/>

The release of the soundtrack was held at [[Sathyam cinemas|Sathyam Cinemas]], [[Chennai]], on 31 October 1999 with two songs from the film being performed on stage. The special guests for the event were actor [[Kamal Haasan]] and actress [[Sushmita Sen]], who performed an [[item number]] in the film. The event was well attended by the cast and the crew of the film, with other guests including cinematographer [[P. C. Sriram]], actress [[Sarika]], and actor [[Suriya]].<ref name="First Shot"/>

The soundtrack was a success, and the initial day audio sale alone was more than three lakh units.<ref name="M Suganth"/> The song "Azhagana Rakshasiye" is based on Rithigowla Raga.<ref name="CHARULATHA MANI"/>

On 21 November 1999, ''Ananda Vikatan'' in its review gave 43 marks and appreciated the film stating that: "One can see Shankar's grandeur in the way he presented a social problem magnificently. Shankar has approached a serious social issue with usual entertainment elements".{{Sfn|Dhananjayan|2011|page=211}} ''[[The Hindu]]'' said "Shankar scores again". In regard to the lead performances, Arjun is described as having "acquitted himself with aplomb", while Manisha's performance was criticized with claims that she "lacks the freshness that one always associates her with".<ref name="Mudhalvan"/> The critic also referred to Shankar's direction and Sujatha's dialogs as a "positive", while drawing praise to the videos of the songs describing that "every song and dance sequence seems a magnum opus by itself". ''[[The New Indian Express]]'' described the film as "absorbing" and praised certain scenes, although it criticized the videos of the songs as a "fiasco".<ref name="Absorbing film"/> ''Indiaglitz'' wrote: "Mudhalvan spoke about current affairs in India. With an absorbing screenplay and conveying the message of change in the political system, the film was a runaway hit."

The scene where a crowd gathers around the protagonist's house to persuade him to contest elections was included by ''Behindwoods.com'' in their list of "Top 20 Mass Scenes".<ref name="9. Mudhalvan - Top 20 Mass Scenes"/>

Songs from the film's soundtrack inspired a number of Tamil film titles. [[Rama Narayanan]] directed a film titled ''[[Shakalaka Baby (film)|Shakalaka Baby]]'' in 2002, while [[Radha Mohan]] made ''[[Uppu Karuvaadu]]'' in 2015. A film titled ''Lukku Vida Thonalaiyaa'', a line from the song "Shakalaka Baby", also began production in 2002 but was not released.<ref name="01-2-02"/>

The scenes, songs and dialogues from the film has been parodied in ''[[Budget Padmanabhan]]'' (2000),<ref name="ReferenceB"/> ''[[Kandha Kadamba Kathir Vela]]'' (2000),<ref name="ReferenceC"/> ''[[Kanna Unnai Thedukiren]]'' (2001),<ref name="youtube.com"/> ''[[Run (2002 film)|Run]]'' (2002),<ref name="ReferenceD"/> ''[[Dubai Seenu]]'' (2007),<ref name="ReferenceE"/> ''[[Sivaji (film)|Sivaji]]'' (2007),<ref name="ReferenceF"/> ''[[Singakutty]]'' (2008),<ref name="Singakutty Tamil Movie - Vivek Mudh"/> and ''[[Kaalaippani]]'' (2008)<ref name="Kaalai Pani Tamil Movie - Mudhalvan"/>