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| name          = Mudhalvan
| name          = Mudhalvan
| image          = Mudhalvan.jpg
| image          = Mudhalvan.jpg
| caption        = Film poster
| caption        = Poster
| director      = [[S. Shankar]]
| director      = [[S. Shankar]]
| writer        = [[Sujatha Rangarajan]]
| writer        = [[Sujatha (writer)|Sujatha]] {{small|(Dialogues)}}
| screenplay    = S. Shankar
| screenplay    = S. Shankar
| story          = S. Shankar
| story          = S. Shankar
| starring      = [[Arjun Sarja|Arjun]]<br />[[Raghuvaran]]<br />[[Manisha Koirala]]<br />[[Manivannan]]<br />[[Vadivelu]]
| starring      = [[Arjun Sarja|Arjun]]<br />[[Raghuvaran]]<br />[[Manisha Koirala]]
| producer      = S. Shankar <br> [[R. Madhesh]]
| producer      = S. Shankar <br /> [[R. Madhesh]]
| music          = [[A. R. Rahman]]
| music          = [[A. R. Rahman]]
| cinematography = [[K. V. Anand]]
| cinematography = [[K. V. Anand]]
| editing        = [[B. Lenin]]<br />[[V. T. Vijayan]]
| editing        = [[B. Lenin]]<br />[[V. T. Vijayan]]
| studio        = S Films
| studio        = [[S Pictures|S Films]]
| distributor    = S Films
| distributor    = S Films
| released      = 7 November 1999
| released      = 7 November 1999
| runtime        = 171 minutes
| runtime        = 178 minutes
| country        = India
| country        = India
| language      = Tamil
| language      = Tamil
| budget        = {{INR|link=yes}}200 million<ref name="gross">{{cite web|url=http://www.dsrmedias.com/profile/movie/tamil/mudhalvan |title=Mudhalvan |access-date=5 September 2018 |publisher=dsrmedias }}</ref>
| gross          = {{INR|link=yes}}560 million<ref name="gross"/>
}}
}}
'''''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>
 
'''''Mudhalvan''''' ({{Translation|Chief Minister}}) is a 1999 Indian [[Tamil language|Tamil]]-language [[political fiction|political]] [[action thriller film]] produced by [[R. Madhesh]] and [[S. Shankar]], written and directed by Shankar. The film stars [[Arjun Sarja|Arjun]], [[Manisha Koirala]] and [[Raghuvaran]] while [[Vadivelu]] and [[Manivannan]] appear in supporting roles. The film featured an award-winning soundtrack composed by [[A. R. Rahman]], cinematography by [[K. V. Anand]] and dialogues by [[Sujatha (writer)|Sujatha]].<ref>{{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>


The film revolves around an ambitious TV journalist, Pughazhendi, who gets his first interview with the [[Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu]]. Pughazh asks harder questions, and the Chief Minister starts trembling and asks him to put his money where his mike is and become his replacement CM for a day. After initially rejecting the offer, Pugazh agrees and does such a great job on his first day, that the actual cabinet collapses and fresh elections are held, where state voters eventually elect him to be their new official Chief Minister. The subsequent unpopularity and jealousy that the old Chief Minister goes through results in him taking revenge on Pugazh, and how he is stopped forms the crux of the story.
The film revolves around an ambitious TV journalist, Pughazhendi, who gets his first interview with the [[Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu]]. Pughazh asks harder questions, and the Chief Minister starts trembling and asks him to put his money where his mike is and become his replacement CM for a day. After initially rejecting the offer, Pugazh agrees and does such a great job on his first day, that the actual cabinet collapses and fresh elections are held, where state voters eventually elect him to be their new official Chief Minister. The subsequent unpopularity and jealousy that the old Chief Minister goes through results in him taking revenge on Pugazh, and how he is stopped forms the crux of the story.


The film was released on 7 November 1999, as a [[Deepavali]] release. The film enjoyed positive critical acclaim and emerged as one of the top grossing Tamil films of 1999. The film ran for over 100 days in theaters and won awards on a regional scale. The film was then dubbed and released in [[Telugu language|Telugu]] as ''Oke Okkadu'' which was also  successful and later remade in [[Bollywood|Hindi]] as ''[[Nayak (2001 Hindi film)|Nayak]]'' (2001) starring [[Anil Kapoor]], [[Rani Mukherji]]. This movie was unofficial remade in [[Dhallywood]] ([[Cinema of Bangladesh]]) as ''[[Minister (2003 film)|Minister]]'' (2003) directed by [[Kazi Hayat]] starring [[Manna (actor)|Manna]], [[Moushumi]] and the film also loosely remade in [[Tollywood (Bengali cinema)|Tollywood]] ([[Cinema of West Bengal]]) as ''[[MLA Fatakeshto]]'' (2006) directed by [[Swapan Saha]] starring [[Mithun Chakraborty]].
The film was released on 7 November 1999, as a [[Deepavali]] release. The film enjoyed positive critical acclaim and emerged as one of the top grossing Tamil films of 1999. The film ran for over 100 days in theaters and won awards on a regional scale. The film was later remade in [[Bollywood|Hindi]] as ''[[Nayak (2001 Hindi film)|Nayak]]'' (2001). This movie was unofficially remade in [[Dhallywood]] ([[Cinema of Bangladesh]]) as ''[[Minister (2003 film)|Minister]]'' (2003) and loosely remade in Tollywood ([[Cinema of West Bengal]]) as ''[[MLA Fatakeshto]]'' (2006).


==Plot==
==Plot==
N. Pugazhendi aka Pugazh ([[Arjun Sarja]]) is a news reporter working for QTV in Chennai. One day, a riot occurs between the students and the bus drivers in the city following a communal clash which disrupts normal life. The Chief Minister (CM) of the state, Aranganathar ([[Raghuvaran]]), informs the police over wireless not to arrest the protesters as they belong to his community and political party. The conversation is recorded by Pugazh in his video camera. Pugazh meets a village girl named Thenmozhi ([[Manisha Koirala]]) and falls in love with her. However, her father ([[Vijayakumar (Tamil actor)|Vijayakumar]]) does not accept the marriage proposal as he wants to get Thenmozhi married only to a government employee.
N. Pugazhendi aka Pugazh ([[Arjun Sarja]]) is a news reporter working for QTV in Chennai. He goes to film the Chief Minister's appearance in a nearby village, where he is told the townspeople have had lights and electricity for a long time. One girl, comes forward and tells the truth about how the lights have only been put up one day ago and there is no electricity. She gets awarded by the CM for her honesty and Pugazh develops a crush on her. One day, a riot occurs between the students and the bus drivers in the city following a communal clash which disrupts normal life. The Chief Minister (CM) of the state, Aranganathar ([[Raghuvaran]]), informs the police over wireless not to arrest the protesters as they belong to his community and political party. The conversation is recorded by Pugazh in his video camera. Pugazh tries to learn the name of the village girl and finds her name in the video he took- Thenmozhi ([[Manisha Koirala]]) -and falls in love with her. However, her father ([[Vijayakumar (Tamil actor)|Vijayakumar]]) does not accept the marriage proposal as he wants to get Thenmozhi married only to a government employee.


One day, QTV arranges for a live interview with Aranganathar and the anchor in charge does not turn up at the last moment. Pugazh is thrilled and excited as he gets the opportunity to interview the CM. During the course of the interview, Pugazh unmasks many events done by Aranganathar and his party against the welfare of the state, for political reasons with necessary evidences, and he also blames Aranganathar for not taking action while at the riot by evidencing his recorded video taken at the time of the riot. Aranganathar justifies his indifferent stands and challenges Pugazh to accept his post for a day so that he will realize the pressures faced on a daily basis. Pugazh, after a brief trepidation, accepts the challenge provided the constitution permits. Lawmakers confirm that such a provision is possible, and Pugazh is sworn in as the CM for 24 hours.
One day, QTV arranges for a live interview with Aranganathar and the anchor in charge left his job and joined at another television channel UTV, a rival for QTV. Pugazh is thrilled and excited as he gets the opportunity to interview the CM. During the course of the interview, Pugazh unmasks many events done by Aranganathar and his party against the welfare of the state, for political reasons with necessary evidences, and he also blames Aranganathar for not taking action while at the riot by evidencing his recorded video taken at the time of the riot. Aranganathar justifies his indifferent stands and challenges Pugazh to accept his post for a day so that he will realize the pressures faced on a daily basis. Pugazh, after a brief trepidation, accepts the challenge provided the constitution permits. Lawmakers confirm that such a provision is possible, and Pugazh is sworn in as the CM for 24 hours.


To everyone's surprise, Pugazh does not prefer speaking to the waiting media crew, but he gets into action immediately by collecting a list of irresponsible civil servants and issuing suspension letters immediately. He helps poor people rightfully reclaim houses allotted by the government and requests every Indian citizen to pay all required taxes even if it is for a day, highlighting the effects of avoiding the same. Mayakrishnan ([[Manivannan]]), an honest official, is the government secretary and helps Pugazh through his one-day mission. Finally, Pugazh digs a case of corruption against the ruling party leading to the arrest of Aranganathar.
To everyone's surprise, Pugazh does not prefer speaking to the waiting media crew, but he gets into action immediately by collecting a list of irresponsible civil servants and issuing suspension letters immediately. He helps poor people rightfully reclaim houses allotted by the government and requests every Indian citizen to pay all required taxes even if it is for a day, highlighting the effects of avoiding the same. Mayakrishnan ([[Manivannan]]), an honest official, is the government secretary and helps Pugazh through his one-day mission. Finally, Pugazh digs a case of corruption against the ruling party leading to the arrest of multiple ex-ministers and even Aranganathar. The same night, Aranganar obtains bail through the attorney general, without even going to Jail. Within minutes of release, he takes Pugazh's success as his defeat and a demean to his long-standing political career, and sends goons to kill Pugazh, who fights off and escapes with minor injuries.


The next day, Aranganathar retains as the CM and cancels all orders issued from the previous day. Taking Pugazh's success as his defeat and a demean to his long-standing political career, he plans to take revenge and sends goons to kill Pugazh, who escapes with heavy injuries. Aranganathar's image is tarnished before the public, and the coalition parties withdraw their support, resulting in dissolving the government and leading to another election.
Pugal visits Poonjlai and is applauded by the villagers for his actions in the Agri department. He spends his day with Thenmozhi in peace. Meanwhile, Aranganathar's image is tarnished before the public, and all of his coalition parties refuse to support him to become CM again, resulting in dissolution of the legislature, precipitating a General election. Surveys from multiple media indicate enormous public support for Pugazh to become CM, leading to Aranganathar's anger. He uses his clout to get Pugal's house partly demolished.  Mayakrishnan meanwhile goes to Q TV office to convince Pugazh to come to politics. But, Pugazh refuses and states that he is preparing for [[TNPSC]] exam. Q TV headquarters is then attacked heavily and Pugazh is nearly beaten to death.


A huge crowd gathers in front of Pugazh's house, requesting him to contest in the upcoming election. Other political parties also come forward to offer their support for their own reasons. However, Pugazh is not for it as he wants to have a safe and secure life. Thenmozhi's father advises him not to go in politics, while accepting him to marry Thenmozhi. Mayakrishnan makes him understand how much the people have gathered themselves and shows the plight of people and advises him to sacrifice his comfort zone for the sake of achieving heights in the politics and doing good for the people. Finally, Pugazh accepts to it and contests in the ensuing election and wins by the vast majority of voters ever in the political history of Tamil Nadu. After assuming the office, Pugazh is keen in the state development and gets busy in his schedule of doing welfare to the people, while Aranganathar and other politicians unite as they are worried by the change of events.
Next morning, a huge crowd gathers in front of Pugazh's house, requesting him to contest in the upcoming election. Many political parties also come forward to get his support. However, Pugazh doesn't wish to contest as he wants to lead normal life. Thenmozhi's father meets him and advises him not to go in politics, while accepting his marriage to Thenmozhi. But Mayakrishnan makes Pugazh understand the vast support he has and shows the plight of people and advises him to sacrifice his comfort zone for the sake of achieving heights in the politics and doing good for the people. Finally, Pugazh accepts and contests in the ensuing election. His party wins by the vast majority of votes never seen in the political history of Tamil Nadu, and takes all seats in the Legislature. After assuming the office, Pugazh is keen in the state development and gets busy in his schedule of doing welfare to the people, while Aranganathar and other politicians unite and plot to avenge their political failure.


They hire a hitman to get Pugazh killed, but he escapes with the help of the Z Cadre security guard officials, who shoot the hitman to death. Pugazh, on knowing that Aranganathar is behind this, gets enraged and challenges the latter that the law will not spare him. Aranganathar plans to create a havoc in the rule of Pugazh, and hence, he has his men plant bombs across Chennai. Pugazh and Mayakrishnan get to know of this by a tactful inquiry of Chinnasamy ([[Cochin Haneefa]]), who is Aranganathar's right-hand henchman. The bomb squad diffuses all the bombs except one.
They hire a hitman to kill Pugazh, but he escapes the attempt with the help of the Z Cadre security guard officials, who kill the hitman. Pughaz's parents are killed in a bomb blast placed in his house. Enraged on learning Aranganathar is behind the death of his parents, Pugazh challenges the latter that the law will not spare him. Aranganathar plans to create a havoc in the state and has his men plant bombs across Chennai. Pugazh and Mayakrishnan get to know of this by a tactful inquiry of Chinnasamy ([[Cochin Haneefa]]), who is Aranganathar's right-hand henchman. The bomb squad diffuses all the bombs except one. Meanwhile, Aranganathar blames Pugazh to be the man behind the entire episode and claims it as a ploy to win public support.
A bomb planted in Pugazh's house to kill Pugazh, instead claims the lives of his parents.
Aranganathar blames Pugazh to be the man behind the entire episode and claims it as a ploy to win public support.
   
   
Pugazh realizes that he will be prevented from performing his duties and invites Aranganathar to his office. As their conversation progresses, Pugazh pulls out a gun and shoots himself without causing any major injuries. He throws the gun to Aranganathar who catches it out of his reflexes. At the same time, the security guards officials rush in upon hearing gunfire and see Aranganathar pointing the gun at Pugazh. The security guards officials then shoot and kill Aranganathar to save Pugazh.
Pugazh realizes that he will be prevented from performing his duties and invites Aranganathar to his office. As their conversation progresses, Pugazh pulls out a gun and shoots himself without causing any major injuries. He throws the gun to Aranganathar who catches it out of his reflexes. At the same time, the security guards officials rush in upon hearing gunfire and see Aranganathar pointing the gun at Pugazh. The security guards shoot and kill Aranganathar. A dying Aranganathar remembers his old interview with Pugazh, that had changed everything. Mayakrishnan blames the deceased Aranganathar for trying to kill the Chief Minister out of political rivalry.


Pugazh feels glad that he can continue his mission without being interrupted, but he also feels guilty for having staged a false incident to kill Aranganathar. He confesses to Mayakrishnan that even he has been forced to play the game of politics. Mayakrishnan supports him by consoling that he played the politics only for a good cause and that Aranganathar deserves this. Thenmozhi's father realizes the greatness of Pugazhendhi and consents to the marriage.
Pugazh feels glad that he can continue his mission without being interrupted, but he also feels guilty for having staged a false incident to kill Aranganathar. He confesses to Mayakrishnan that even he has been forced to play the game of politics. Mayakrishnan supports him by consoling that he played the politics only for a good cause and that Aranganathar deserves this. Thenmozhi's father realizes the greatness of Pugazhendhi and consents to the marriage.


The movie ends showing Tamil Nadu as a developed state under the rule of Pugazh with world class infrastructures and free of violence.
The movie ends showing Tamil Nadu as a highly developed state under the administration of Pugazh with world class infrastructures and free of violence.


==Cast==
==Cast==
Line 54: Line 51:
* [[Raghuvaran]] as Chief Minister Aranganathar
* [[Raghuvaran]] as Chief Minister Aranganathar
* [[Manisha Koirala]] as Thenmozhi ([[Voice over]] by Durga)
* [[Manisha Koirala]] as Thenmozhi ([[Voice over]] by Durga)
* [[Laila (actress)|Laila]] as Kalakkal Shuba, Pugazhenthi's former boss and colleague news reporter
* [[Manivannan]] as Chief Secretary Maya Krishnan
* [[Manivannan]] as Chief Secretary Maya Krishnan
* [[Vadivelu]] as Palavesham
* [[Vadivelu]] as Palavesham
* [[Laila (actress)|Laila]] as Kalakkal Shuba, Pugazhenthi's former boss and colleague news reporter
* Artist Natanam as R. Narayanan, Pugazhenthi's father
* Artist Natanam as R. Narayanan, Pugazhenthi's father
* [[Kalairani]] as Pugazhenthi's mother
* [[Kalairani]] as Pugazhenthi's mother
Line 75: Line 72:


==Production==
==Production==
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>
=== Development ===
Following the success of ''[[Jeans (film)|Jeans]]'' (1998), [[S. Shankar]] chose to make a political action film, which would later become ''Mudhalvan''.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-cinemaplus/maverick-maker/article3460457.ece |title=Maverick maker |author=malathi rangarajan |work=The Hindu |date=27 May 2012 |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=pe>[https://archive.org/details/ThePenguinLandmarkQuizBook-GautamPadmanabhan The Penguin-Landmark Quiz Book] pp. 60, 173</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>
=== Casting ===
The lead role was initially written with [[Rajinikanth]] in mind, but he was unwilling to star in the film.<ref>{{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>{{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>{{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>{{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>{{cite news|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 |date=11 October 2014 |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}}


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>
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>{{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>{{Cite web|url=http://www.screenindia.com/south.htm|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/19991118124233/http://www.screenindia.com/south.htm|archive-date = 18 November 1999|title = Entertainment News: Latest Bollywood & Hollywood News, Today's Entertainment News Headlines}}</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>{{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.{{Sfn|Dhananjayan|2011|page=211}} Originally, her role was supposed to feature throughout the film, but Shankar shortened her character, owing to her call sheet problems.{{Sfn|Dhananjayan|2011|page=211}} Renowned [[muralist]] Natanam and [[Kalairani]] were cast as Arjun's parents.<ref>{{cite web|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>{{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>{{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>{{cite news|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>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-cinemaplus/getting-better/article979903.ece |title=Getting better |author=nikhil raghavan |work=The Hindu |date=26 December 2010 |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>
 
=== Filming ===
The film was jointly launched by S. Shankar and his co director [[R. Madhesh]] in October 1998 at an event attended by actors and technicians from the Tamil film industry, with actors Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan being the special invitees.<ref>{{cite web |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>{{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 Anand later noted that the scenes involving crowds shot on [[Anna Salai]], [[Chennai]] were among the hardest and most satisfying scenes he had worked on.<ref>{{cite web|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>{{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>{{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>{{cite web |url=http://www.dinakaran.com/cinema/english/interviews/2000/3-1/shankar.htm |title=Interview: Director Shankar Speaks Out His Mind |website=www.dinakaran.com |access-date=12 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20001011064646/http://www.dinakaran.com/cinema/english/interviews/2000/3-1/shankar.htm |archive-date=11 October 2000 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Stunt master [[Peter Hein]] revealed that he worked as a body double for Arjun in the scene where he had to run nude on the streets.<ref>{{cite news|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 |date=15 April 2006 |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>


==Themes and influences==
==Themes and influences==


The film dealt with the theme of a television cameraman who is forced to take over the duty of Chief Minister for one day. It also dealt with the concept of opportunities for educated people in politics and demonstrated it is possible to bring change in the country. The film's basic idea was inspired from [[Nixon interviews|Nixon-Frost interviews]] which were broadcast in 1977.{{Sfn|Dhananjayan|2011|page=210}}
The film dealt with the theme of a television cameraman who is forced to take over the duty of Chief Minister for one day. It also dealt with the concept of opportunities for educated people in politics and demonstrated it is possible to bring change in the country. The film's basic idea was inspired from [[Nixon interviews|Nixon-Frost interviews]] which were broadcast in 1977 and also inspired by Indian actor [[Sivaji Ganesan]] being named the honorary mayor of [[Niagara Falls, New York]] for one day during his visit to the United States.<ref name=pe />{{Sfn|Dhananjayan|2011|page=210}}


==Music==
==Soundtrack==


{{Infobox album
{{Infobox album
Line 100: Line 102:
| length      =  
| length      =  
| language    =  
| language    =  
| label        = Five Star Audio<br>Star Music<br>Hit Musics
| label        = Five Star Audio<br />Star Music<br />Hit Musics
| producer    = A. R. Rahman
| producer    = A. R. Rahman
| prev_title  = [[Thakshak]]
| prev_title  = [[Thakshak]]
Line 107: Line 109:
| next_year    = 1999
| next_year    = 1999
}}
}}
The soundtrack features six songs composed by [[A. R. Rahman]] and lyrics penned by [[Vairamuthu]]. The song "Shakalaka Baby" was re-edited by A. R. Rahman and featured on the international musical production ''[[Bombay Dreams]]'', which ran in [[Europe]] and [[North America]] from 2002 to 2005. This version was also released as a single. A [[Standard Chinese|Mandarin Chinese]] remix of the track sung by [[Singapore]]an singer [[Kelly Poon]] was featured in her album ''[[In the Heart of the World|In the Heart Of The World]]'' (2007).{{Sfn|Dhananjayan|2011|page=211}}
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>
{{tracklist
| headline = Track listing
| extra_column = Singer(s)
| all_music = [[A. R. Rahman]]
| all_lyrics = [[Vairamuthu]]
| title1 = Kurukku Chiruththavale
| extra1 = [[Hariharan (singer)|Hariharan]],  [[Mahalakshmi Iyer]]
| length1 = 6:42
| title2 = Mudhalvanae
| extra2 = [[Shankar Mahadevan]], [[Mano (singer)|Mano]], [[Srinivas (singer)|Srinivas]], [[S. Janaki]]
| length2 = 5:29
| title3 = Uppu Karuvadu
| extra3 = Shankar Mahadevan, [[Kavita Krishnamurthy]]
| length3 = 5:38
| title4 = Azhagana Ratchashiyae
| extra4 = [[S. P. Balasubrahmanyam]], [[Harini (singer)|Harini]], [[G. V. Prakash Kumar]]
| length4 = 6:11
| title5 = Ulundhu Vithakkaiyilae
| extra5 = Srinivas, [[Swarnalatha]], Hariharan, Mahalakshmi Iyer
| length5 = 6:05
| title6 = [[Shakalaka Baby]]
| extra6 = [[Vasundhara Das]], [[Pravin Mani]]
| length6 = 5:23
| total_length =
}}
==Release==
The film's release prints were {{Convert|4876|m|ft|abbr=on}} long.{{Sfn|Dhananjayan|2011|page=210}} Upon release on 7 November 1999, this high-budget production won positive reviews and was successful at the box office. The film was then dubbed and released in [[Cinema of Andhra Pradesh|Telugu]] as ''[[Oke Okkadu]]'' and later remade in [[Bollywood|Hindi]] as ''[[Nayak (2001 Hindi film)|Nayak]]'' starring [[Anil Kapoor]].<ref name="celebrates 100 days">{{cite web|url=http://www.pvv.ntnu.no/~kailasan/mudhalvan/mudhalvan100day.htm |title=Mudhalvan - the mega hit - celebrates 100 days |publisher=ntnu.no |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719224729/http://www.pvv.ntnu.no/~kailasan/mudhalvan/mudhalvan100day.htm |archive-date=19 July 2011 }}</ref> The film went on to run for over one hundred days in cinemas with an event being held at Kamaraj Hall on 25 February 2000 to mark one hundred days since release. The event, similar to the launch, attracted several people from the film industry with Kamal Haasan, once again, being the chief guest of the event.<ref name="celebrates 100 days" />
== Reception ==
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."
==Awards==
{{Unreferenced section|date=April 2020}}
*[[Filmfare Best Music Director Award (Tamil)|Filmfare Best Music Director Award]] - [[A. R. Rahman]]
*[[Filmfare Award for Best Female Playback Singer – Tamil]] - [[Vasundhara Das]] for "[[Shakalaka Baby]]"
*[[Filmfare Award for Best Dance Choreographer - South]] - [[Chinni Prakash]]
*[[Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actor]] - [[Arjun Sarja]]
*[[Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Villain]] - [[Raghuvaran]]
*[[Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Music Director]] - A. R. Rahman
* Nominated - [[Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Comedian]] - [[Vadivelu]]
* Nominated - [[Filmfare Best Actor Award (Tamil)|Filmfare Award for Best Actor]] - Arjun Sarja
==Legacy==
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>
===Popular culture===
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>
==Notes==
{{Reflist|group=lower-alpha}}
==References==
{{Reflist|2}}
==External links==
* {{IMDb title|0220656|Mudhalvan}}
==Bibliography==


*{{cite book|last1=Dhananjayan|first1= G.|author-link=G. Dhananjayan|title=The Best of Tamil Cinema, 1931 to 2010: 1931–1976|year=2011|publisher=Galatta Media|isbn=978-81-921043-0-0}}
{{S. Shankar}}
{{FilmfareAwardBestTamilMovie}}
{{A. R. Rahman}}
{{Authority control}}
[[Category:1999 films]]
[[Category:Indian films]]
[[Category:Tamil-language films]]
[[Category:Indian political drama films]]
[[Category:Indian action drama films]]
[[Category:Indian political thriller films]]
[[Category:Political action films]]
[[Category:Films about corruption in India]]
[[Category:Journalism adapted into films]]
[[Category:Films about journalists]]
[[Category:Tamil films remade in other languages]]
[[Category:1990s Tamil-language films]]
[[Category:Films scored by A. R. Rahman]]
[[Category:Films directed by S. Shankar]]
[[Category:Films shot in Rajasthan]]
[[Category:Films featuring an item number]]
[[Category:Films about elections]]
[[Category:Fictional portrayals of the Tamil Nadu Police]]
[[Category:1990s action drama films]]
[[Category:1990s political thriller films]]
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2018}}
{{Infobox film
| name          = Mudhalvan
| image          = Mudhalvan.jpg
| caption        = Film poster
| director      = [[S. Shankar]]
| writer        = [[Sujatha Rangarajan]]
| screenplay    = S. Shankar
| story          = S. Shankar
| starring      = [[Arjun Sarja|Arjun]]<br />[[Raghuvaran]]<br />[[Manisha Koirala]]<br />[[Manivannan]]<br />[[Vadivelu]]
| producer      = S. Shankar <br> [[R. Madhesh]]
| music          = [[A. R. Rahman]]
| cinematography = [[K. V. Anand]]
| editing        = [[B. Lenin]]<br />[[V. T. Vijayan]]
| studio        = S Films
| distributor    = S Films
| released      = 7 November 1999
| runtime        = 171 minutes
| country        = India
| language      = Tamil
| budget        = {{INR|link=yes}}200 million<ref name="gross">{{cite web|url=http://www.dsrmedias.com/profile/movie/tamil/mudhalvan |title=Mudhalvan |access-date=5 September 2018 |publisher=dsrmedias }}</ref>
| gross          = {{INR|link=yes}}560 million<ref name="gross"/>
}}
'''''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"/>
The film revolves around an ambitious TV journalist, Pughazhendi, who gets his first interview with the [[Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu]]. Pughazh asks harder questions, and the Chief Minister starts trembling and asks him to put his money where his mike is and become his replacement CM for a day. After initially rejecting the offer, Pugazh agrees and does such a great job on his first day, that the actual cabinet collapses and fresh elections are held, where state voters eventually elect him to be their new official Chief Minister. The subsequent unpopularity and jealousy that the old Chief Minister goes through results in him taking revenge on Pugazh, and how he is stopped forms the crux of the story.
The film was released on 7 November 1999, as a [[Deepavali]] release. The film enjoyed positive critical acclaim and emerged as one of the top grossing Tamil films of 1999. The film ran for over 100 days in theaters and won awards on a regional scale. The film was then dubbed and released in [[Telugu language|Telugu]] as ''Oke Okkadu'' which was also  successful and later remade in [[Bollywood|Hindi]] as ''[[Nayak (2001 Hindi film)|Nayak]]'' (2001) starring [[Anil Kapoor]], [[Rani Mukherji]]. This movie was unofficial remade in [[Dhallywood]] ([[Cinema of Bangladesh]]) as ''[[Minister (2003 film)|Minister]]'' (2003) directed by [[Kazi Hayat]] starring [[Manna (actor)|Manna]], [[Moushumi]] and the film also loosely remade in [[Tollywood (Bengali cinema)|Tollywood]] ([[Cinema of West Bengal]]) as ''[[MLA Fatakeshto]]'' (2006) directed by [[Swapan Saha]] starring [[Mithun Chakraborty]].
==Plot==
N. Pugazhendi aka Pugazh ([[Arjun Sarja]]) is a news reporter working for QTV in Chennai. One day, a riot occurs between the students and the bus drivers in the city following a communal clash which disrupts normal life. The Chief Minister (CM) of the state, Aranganathar ([[Raghuvaran]]), informs the police over wireless not to arrest the protesters as they belong to his community and political party. The conversation is recorded by Pugazh in his video camera. Pugazh meets a village girl named Thenmozhi ([[Manisha Koirala]]) and falls in love with her. However, her father ([[Vijayakumar (Tamil actor)|Vijayakumar]]) does not accept the marriage proposal as he wants to get Thenmozhi married only to a government employee.
One day, QTV arranges for a live interview with Aranganathar and the anchor in charge does not turn up at the last moment. Pugazh is thrilled and excited as he gets the opportunity to interview the CM. During the course of the interview, Pugazh unmasks many events done by Aranganathar and his party against the welfare of the state, for political reasons with necessary evidences, and he also blames Aranganathar for not taking action while at the riot by evidencing his recorded video taken at the time of the riot. Aranganathar justifies his indifferent stands and challenges Pugazh to accept his post for a day so that he will realize the pressures faced on a daily basis. Pugazh, after a brief trepidation, accepts the challenge provided the constitution permits. Lawmakers confirm that such a provision is possible, and Pugazh is sworn in as the CM for 24 hours.
To everyone's surprise, Pugazh does not prefer speaking to the waiting media crew, but he gets into action immediately by collecting a list of irresponsible civil servants and issuing suspension letters immediately. He helps poor people rightfully reclaim houses allotted by the government and requests every Indian citizen to pay all required taxes even if it is for a day, highlighting the effects of avoiding the same. Mayakrishnan ([[Manivannan]]), an honest official, is the government secretary and helps Pugazh through his one-day mission. Finally, Pugazh digs a case of corruption against the ruling party leading to the arrest of Aranganathar.
The next day, Aranganathar retains as the CM and cancels all orders issued from the previous day. Taking Pugazh's success as his defeat and a demean to his long-standing political career, he plans to take revenge and sends goons to kill Pugazh, who escapes with heavy injuries. Aranganathar's image is tarnished before the public, and the coalition parties withdraw their support, resulting in dissolving the government and leading to another election.
A huge crowd gathers in front of Pugazh's house, requesting him to contest in the upcoming election. Other political parties also come forward to offer their support for their own reasons. However, Pugazh is not for it as he wants to have a safe and secure life. Thenmozhi's father advises him not to go in politics, while accepting him to marry Thenmozhi. Mayakrishnan makes him understand how much the people have gathered themselves and shows the plight of people and advises him to sacrifice his comfort zone for the sake of achieving heights in the politics and doing good for the people. Finally, Pugazh accepts to it and contests in the ensuing election and wins by the vast majority of voters ever in the political history of Tamil Nadu. After assuming the office, Pugazh is keen in the state development and gets busy in his schedule of doing welfare to the people, while Aranganathar and other politicians unite as they are worried by the change of events.
They hire a hitman to get Pugazh killed, but he escapes with the help of the Z Cadre security guard officials, who shoot the hitman to death. Pugazh, on knowing that Aranganathar is behind this, gets enraged and challenges the latter that the law will not spare him. Aranganathar plans to create a havoc in the rule of Pugazh, and hence, he has his men plant bombs across Chennai. Pugazh and Mayakrishnan get to know of this by a tactful inquiry of Chinnasamy ([[Cochin Haneefa]]), who is Aranganathar's right-hand henchman. The bomb squad diffuses all the bombs except one.
A bomb planted in Pugazh's house to kill Pugazh, instead claims the lives of his parents.
Aranganathar blames Pugazh to be the man behind the entire episode and claims it as a ploy to win public support.
Pugazh realizes that he will be prevented from performing his duties and invites Aranganathar to his office. As their conversation progresses, Pugazh pulls out a gun and shoots himself without causing any major injuries. He throws the gun to Aranganathar who catches it out of his reflexes. At the same time, the security guards officials rush in upon hearing gunfire and see Aranganathar pointing the gun at Pugazh. The security guards officials then shoot and kill Aranganathar to save Pugazh.
Pugazh feels glad that he can continue his mission without being interrupted, but he also feels guilty for having staged a false incident to kill Aranganathar. He confesses to Mayakrishnan that even he has been forced to play the game of politics. Mayakrishnan supports him by consoling that he played the politics only for a good cause and that Aranganathar deserves this. Thenmozhi's father realizes the greatness of Pugazhendhi and consents to the marriage.
The movie ends showing Tamil Nadu as a developed state under the rule of Pugazh with world class infrastructures and free of violence.
==Cast==
{{colbegin}}
* [[Arjun Sarja|Arjun]] as TV journalist/Chief Minister Pugazhenthi
* [[Raghuvaran]] as Chief Minister Aranganathar
* [[Manisha Koirala]] as Thenmozhi ([[Voice over]] by Durga)
* [[Manivannan]] as Chief Secretary Maya Krishnan
* [[Vadivelu]] as Palavesham
* [[Laila (actress)|Laila]] as Kalakkal Shuba, Pugazhenthi's former boss and colleague news reporter
* Artist Natanam as R. Narayanan, Pugazhenthi's father
* [[Kalairani]] as Pugazhenthi's mother
* [[Vijayakumar (Tamil actor)|Vijayakumar]] as Thenmozhi's father
* [[Cochin Haneefa]] as Chinnasamy, Aranganathar's right-hand henchman
* [[Fathima Babu]] as Maragadham, Aranganathar's wife
* [[S. V. Ramadoss]] as Minister Thirupathisamy, coalition party leader
* [[Besant Ravi]] as slum rogue Alei
* [[Scissor Manohar]] as a bus driver in the student riot
* [[Surya (Telugu actor)|Surya]] as Manohar, Chief of Security for Pugazhenthi
* [[Sampath Ram]] as Sub-Inspector
* Robo Chandru
* [[Kanal Kannan]] as auto driver (cameo appearance)
* [[Omakuchi Narasimhan]] as Palavesham's uncle (cameo appearance)
* [[Ahmed Khan (choreographer)|Ahmed Khan]] as a dancer in Shakalaka Baby song
* [[Sushmita Sen]] in item number "[[Shakalaka Baby]]"
{{colend}}
==Production==
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"/>
==Themes and influences==
The film dealt with the theme of a television cameraman who is forced to take over the duty of Chief Minister for one day. It also dealt with the concept of opportunities for educated people in politics and demonstrated it is possible to bring change in the country. The film's basic idea was inspired from [[Nixon interviews|Nixon-Frost interviews]] which were broadcast in 1977.{{Sfn|Dhananjayan|2011|page=210}}
==Music==
{{Infobox album
| name        = Mudhalvan
| type        = [[soundtrack]]
| artist      = [[A. R. Rahman]]
| cover        =
| alt          =
| released    = 1999
| recorded    = [[Panchathan Record Inn]], [[Chennai]]
| venue        =
| studio      =
| genre        = [[Feature film soundtrack]]
| length      =
| language    =
| label        = Five Star Audio<br>Star Music<br>Hit Musics
| producer    = A. R. Rahman
| prev_title  = [[Thakshak]]
| prev_year    = 1999
| next_title  = [[Taj Mahal (2000 film)|Taj Mahal]]
| next_year    = 1999
}}
The soundtrack features six songs composed by [[A. R. Rahman]] and lyrics penned by [[Vairamuthu]]. The song "Shakalaka Baby" was re-edited by A. R. Rahman and featured on the international musical production ''[[Bombay Dreams]]'', which ran in [[Europe]] and [[North America]] from 2002 to 2005. This version was also released as a single. A [[Standard Chinese|Mandarin Chinese]] remix of the track sung by [[Singapore]]an singer [[Kelly Poon]] was featured in her album ''[[In the Heart of the World|In the Heart Of The World]]'' (2007).{{Sfn|Dhananjayan|2011|page=211}}
The soundtrack features six songs composed by [[A. R. Rahman]] and lyrics penned by [[Vairamuthu]]. The song "Shakalaka Baby" was re-edited by A. R. Rahman and featured on the international musical production ''[[Bombay Dreams]]'', which ran in [[Europe]] and [[North America]] from 2002 to 2005. This version was also released as a single. A [[Standard Chinese|Mandarin Chinese]] remix of the track sung by [[Singapore]]an singer [[Kelly Poon]] was featured in her album ''[[In the Heart of the World|In the Heart Of The World]]'' (2007).{{Sfn|Dhananjayan|2011|page=211}}


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 release of the soundtrack was held at [[Sathyam cinemas|Sathyam Cinemas]], [[Chennai]], on 31 October 1999 with two songs from the film being performed on stage. The special guests for the event were actor [[Kamal Haasan]] and actress [[Sushmita Sen]], who performed an [[item number]] in the film. The event was well attended by the cast and the crew of the film, with other guests including cinematographer [[P. C. Sriram]], actress [[Sarika]], and actor [[Suriya]].<ref>{{cite web|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"/> The song "Azhagana Rakshasiye" is based on Rithigowla Raga.<ref name="CHARULATHA MANI"/>
The soundtrack was a success, and the initial day audio sale alone was more than three lakh units.<ref>{{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>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/music/riveting-ritigowla/article2659559.ece |title=Riveting Ritigowla |author=CHARULATHA MANI |work=The Hindu |date=25 November 2011 |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>


{{tracklist
{{tracklist
| headline = Track listing
| headline = Track listing<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mio.to/album/Mudhalvan+%281999%29|title=Mudhalvan (1999)|work=Mio}}</ref>
| extra_column = Singer(s)
| extra_column = Singer(s)
| all_music = [[A. R. Rahman]]
| all_music = [[A. R. Rahman]]
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| extra5 = Srinivas, [[Swarnalatha]], Hariharan, Mahalakshmi Iyer
| extra5 = Srinivas, [[Swarnalatha]], Hariharan, Mahalakshmi Iyer
| length5 = 6:05
| length5 = 6:05
| title6 = [[Shakalaka Baby]]
| title6 = Shakalaka Baby
| extra6 = [[Vasundhara Das]], [[Pravin Mani]]
| extra6 = [[Vasundhara Das]], [[Pravin Mani]]
| length6 = 5:23
| length6 = 5:23
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==Release==
==Release==
The film's release prints were {{Convert|4876|m|ft|abbr=on}} long.{{Sfn|Dhananjayan|2011|page=210}} Upon release on 7 November 1999, this high-budget production won positive reviews and was successful at the box office. The film was then dubbed and released in [[Cinema of Andhra Pradesh|Telugu]] as ''[[Oke Okkadu]]'' and later remade in [[Bollywood|Hindi]] as ''[[Nayak (2001 Hindi film)|Nayak]]'' starring [[Anil Kapoor]].<ref name="celebrates 100 days">{{cite web|url=http://www.pvv.ntnu.no/~kailasan/mudhalvan/mudhalvan100day.htm |title=Mudhalvan - the mega hit - celebrates 100 days |publisher=ntnu.no |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719224729/http://www.pvv.ntnu.no/~kailasan/mudhalvan/mudhalvan100day.htm |archive-date=19 July 2011 }}</ref> The film went on to run for over one hundred days in cinemas with an event being held at Kamaraj Hall on 25 February 2000 to mark one hundred days since release. The event, similar to the launch, attracted several people from the film industry with Kamal Haasan, once again, being the chief guest of the event.<ref name="celebrates 100 days" />
The film's release prints were {{Convert|4876|m|ft|abbr=on}} long.{{Sfn|Dhananjayan|2011|page=210}} The film was released on 7 November 1999 along with its Telugu dubbed version, ''Oke Okkadu''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thehansindia.com/news/national/shristi-becomes-one-day-cm-of-uttarakhand-668477|title=Shristi becomes one-day CM of Uttarakhand!|date=25 January 2021|work=The Hans India}}</ref> Upon release, the film won positive reviews and was successful at the box office. It was later remade in [[Bollywood|Hindi]] as ''[[Nayak (2001 Hindi film)|Nayak]]'' starring [[Anil Kapoor]].<ref name="celebrates 100 days">{{cite web|url=http://www.pvv.ntnu.no/~kailasan/mudhalvan/mudhalvan100day.htm |title=Mudhalvan - the mega hit - celebrates 100 days |publisher=ntnu.no |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719224729/http://www.pvv.ntnu.no/~kailasan/mudhalvan/mudhalvan100day.htm |archive-date=19 July 2011 }}</ref> The film went on to run for over one hundred days in cinemas with an event being held at Kamaraj Hall on 25 February 2000 to mark one hundred days since release. The event, similar to the launch, attracted several people from the film industry with Kamal Haasan, once again, being the chief guest of the event.<ref name="celebrates 100 days" />


== Reception ==
== Reception ==
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."
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>{{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>{{cite web|url=http://www.cscsarchive.org:8081/MediaArchive/art.nsf/(docid)/1B2DE58D8F77D2F165256941003DC8E8 |title=Absorbing film |work=The New 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>


==Awards==
==Awards==
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==Legacy==
==Legacy==


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"/>
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>{{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>
 
===Popular culture===
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"/>
==Popular culture==
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.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://cinematoday2.itgo.com/Shakalaka%20Baby.htm |title=Shakalaka Baby |access-date=9 December 2016 |archive-date=20 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220183606/http://cinematoday2.itgo.com/Shakalaka%20Baby.htm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/uppu-karuvadu-a-mildly-entertaining-take-on-the-making-of-a-movie/article7923261.ece|title=Uppu Karuvadu - a mildly entertaining take on making of a movie|work=The Hindu|date=27 November 2015}}</ref> A film titled ''Lukku Vida Thonalaiyaa'', a line from the song "Shakalaka Baby", also began production in 2002 but was not released.<ref>{{Cite web|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>


==Notes==
The scenes, songs and dialogues from the film has been parodied in ''[[Budget Padmanabhan]]'' (2000),<ref>''Budget Padmanabhan'' (DVD): clip from 1.40.28 to 1.40.43</ref> ''[[Kandha Kadamba Kathir Vela]]'' (2000),<ref>''Kandha Kadamba Kathir Vela'' (DVD): clip from 45.21 to 45.29</ref> ''[[Kanna Unnai Thedukiren]]'' (2001),<ref>{{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>''Run'' (DVD): clip from 1.28.35 to 1.28.38</ref> ''[[Dubai Seenu]]'' (2007),<ref>''Dubai Seenu'' (DVD): clip from 2.08.33 to 2.09.00</ref> ''[[Sivaji (film)|Sivaji]]'' (2007),<ref>''Sivaji'' (DVD): clip from 1.12.07 to 1.12.10</ref> ''[[Singakutty]]'' (2008),<ref>{{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>{{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> The film has also been spoofed in [[Star Vijay]]'s [[Lollu Sabha]] with the same title with [[Santhanam (actor)|Santhanam]] as the main character. In 2017 film ''[[Kavan (film)|Kavan]]'', the interview scene was inspired from this film.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/reviews/kavan-reality-bites/article17756123.ece|title=Kavan: reality bites|work=The Hindu|date=1 April 2017|last=Menon|first=Vishal}}</ref>


{{Reflist|group=lower-alpha}}
==See also==
* ''[[Servant of the People (TV series)]]'' (2015–2019), Ukrainian comedy television series with similar concept, starring [[Volodymyr Zelenskyy]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Will a stand-up comedian save Ukraine and the world from World War III? |url=https://nhpnews.com/will-a-stand-up-comedian-save-ukraine-and-the-world-from-world-war-iii/ |access-date=25 February 2022 |work=NHP News |date=22 February 2022 |location=India}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
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{{FilmfareAwardBestTamilMovie}}
{{FilmfareAwardBestTamilMovie}}
{{A. R. Rahman}}
{{A. R. Rahman}}
{{Sujatha}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:1999 films]]
[[Category:1999 films]]
[[Category:Indian films]]
[[Category:Indian films]]
[[Category:Tamil-language films]]
[[Category:Indian political drama films]]
[[Category:Indian political drama films]]
[[Category:Indian action drama films]]
[[Category:Indian action drama films]]
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