Chatriyan (transl. The Warrior) is a 1990 Indian Tamil-language crime drama film directed by K. Subash from a story written by Mani Ratnam, who produced the film under Aalayam Productions. The film stars Vijayakanth, Bhanupriya, and Thilakan, while Revathi made a guest appearance. The film features soundtrack and background score composed by Ilaiyaraaja.[1] The film became a blockbuster at the box office, was one of the highest-grossing films of the early 1990s, and achieved cult status.
| Chatriyan | |
|---|---|
 Poster | |
| Directed by | K. Subash |
| Written by | A. Varunan (dialogues) |
| Screenplay by | Mani Ratnam |
| Story by | Mani Ratnam |
| Produced by | Mani Ratnam S. Sriram |
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Y. N. Murali |
| Edited by | Raghu Baabu |
| Music by | Ilaiyaraaja |
Production company | |
Release date |
|
Running time | 130 minutes |
| Country | India |
| Language | Tamil |
Plot
editACP Panneer Selvam alias Sathriyan, an honest cop, gathers enough evidence against a local goon named Arumai Nayagam alias Annachi for his involvement in illegal activities. Annachi is sent to prison but avenges his arrest by killing Sathriyan's wife Jaya.
Consequently, Sathriyan quits the police force and takes care of his children, while renting an apartment. Banu, the apartment owner's granddaughter, gets introduced to Sathriyan's children and starts mingling with them. She eventually falls in love with Sathriyan and learns about his tragic childhood and meeting Jaya.
Meanwhile, Annachi is released from prison and realizes that he does not carry the same respect as he used to before going to prison. His anger against Sathriyan does not cease. Annachi challenges Sathriyan to join the police and fight him again. Sathriyan initially rejects the offer. Annachi tries to provoke Sathriyan by attacking his home and son. Out of frustration over his son's attack, Sathriyan joins the police and fights Annachi, who gets defeated by Sathriyan after an intense hand-to-hand combat.
Cast
edit- Vijayakanth as ACP Panneer Selvam alias Sathriyan
- Master Vishnuvardhan as a young Sathriyan
- Bhanupriya as Banu
- Thilakan as Arumai Nayagam alias Annachi
- V. K. Ramasamy as Banu's grandfather and Sathriyan's house owner
- Vijayakumar as Sathriyan's godfather
- A. V. Ramanan as ASP Ramanan
- Delhi Ganesh as Jaya's father
- Ajay Rathnam as John Swaminathan
- Veeraraghavan as Dileep
- Vincent Roy as Manibharathi
- Kutty Padmini
- Baby Aarthi as Preethi
- Revathi as Jaya, Sathriyan's wife (cameo appearance)
Production
editChatriyan is the first film produced by Aalayam Productions.[2]
Soundtrack
editThe music was scored by Ilaiyaraaja, with lyrics written by Vaali.[3][4] The song "Maalayil Yaaro" is set in Suddhadhanyasi raga.[5]
Track listing
| Song | Singers(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|
| "Maalayil Yaro Manathodu" | Swarnalatha | 05:31 |
| "Pootukkal Pottalum" | S. Janaki | 04:58 |
| "Yaaru Pottadhu" | S. Janaki, Yuvan Shankar Raja | 04:40 |
Release and reception
editChathriyan was released on 17 October 1990 alongside other major releases including Michael Madana Kama Rajan, Mallu Vetti Minor, Avasara Police 100, Sirayil Sila Raagangal, En Kadhal Kanmani, Amman Kovil Thiruvizha and Pudhupaattu.[6][7] C. R. K. of Kalki praised the film for crisp dialogues, subtle emotions and cinematography.[8]
Legacy
editThe 2016 Tamil film Theri was noted for its similarities to this film.[9]
References
edit- ^ "மறக்க முடியுமா? - சத்ரியன்". Dinamalar (in Tamil). 24 August 2020. Archived from the original on 30 December 2022. Retrieved 10 May 2022.
- ^ "'Bombay' producer S Sriram passes away". The News Minute. 4 September 2019. Archived from the original on 20 January 2022. Retrieved 30 December 2022.
- ^ "Chatriyan". JioSaavn. 17 October 1990. Archived from the original on 30 December 2022. Retrieved 30 December 2022.
- ^ "Sathriyan and Mouna Raagam Tamil Film LP Vinyl Record by Ilayaraja". Mossymart. Archived from the original on 9 March 2022. Retrieved 30 December 2022.
- ^ Mani, Charulatha (9 December 2011). "A Raga's Journey — Soulful Suddhadhanyasi". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 21 October 2021. Retrieved 9 February 2021.
- ^ "தீபாவளிக்கு வெளியான தமிழ் படங்கள் - 2". Screen 4 Screen (in Tamil). 31 July 2020. Archived from the original on 18 November 2023. Retrieved 30 December 2022.
- ^ "Happy Birthday, Vijayakanth: Check Out Captain Of Tamil Cinema's Best Police Roles". News18. 25 August 2022. Archived from the original on 30 December 2022. Retrieved 30 December 2022.
- ^ சி.ஆர்.கே. (28 October 1990). "சத்ரியன்". Kalki (in Tamil). p. 64. Archived from the original on 1 August 2022. Retrieved 30 December 2022.
- ^ "Before Thalapathy 63: The films Atlee has been accused of plagiarising". India Today. 17 April 2019. Archived from the original on 2 July 2021. Retrieved 8 September 2020.
Theri and Chatriyan's storylines bear an uncanny resemblance.
