Thalapathi

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Thalapathi (1991) (The Commander) (a.k.a Dhalapathi and Dalapathi) is a Tamil language film, from India, directed by Mani Ratnam. This feature film has Rajnikanth and Mammooty in the lead roles, and the theme of the film is that of friendship triumphing over familial ties. The film's score and soundtrack are composed by Ilaiyaraaja. Cinematography of the film is handled by Santosh Sivan.

[edit] Plot

Surya (Rajinikanth), the abandoned child of an unwed mother, is brought up by a generous lady living in slums. He grows into an kind-hearted ardent fighter for the welfare of the downtrodden and underprivileged. These qualities lead him to cross swords with Devarajan (Mammooty), the local strongman. Impressed by the valour and nobility of Surya, Deva surrenders his ego and offers his hand of friendship. Surya reciprocates and declares that he would be Deva's friend till death. Deva makes Surya his commander, and says that Surya is his "Thalapathi". Both of them rule the town not only with their muscle but also with their sense of justice. But in the eyes of the Government,they are considered antisocial elements. Arjun (Arvind Swamy), posted as the new District Collector, takes a pledge to snub Deva and Surya's activities and to capture them once and for all. In the ensuing struggle between the Collector and Deva/Surya, Surya learns that Arjun's mother, is his mother too. Surya promises his mother that he will not harm Arjun but refuses to leave Deva, whose friendship is more valuable to him than his relationship with his brother. Deva is stunned to learn that Collector and Surya are brothers and admires Surya for not parting with him in spite of discovering his identity. During the process of surrendering to the Collector, assuring him completely stopping their activities, Deva is shot. Surya, in a fit of rage, kills the person who was the cause for Deva's death and surrenders to the Police after performing the final rites of his close associate. The Collector goes to another place on a new posting accompanied by his wife. The mother opts to stay with her elder son, Surya.

The film went onto become famous across the globe.

[edit] Cast

• Rajnikanth
• Mammooty
• Srividya
• Sobhana
• Arvind Swamy
• Amrish Puri
• Srividya
• Bhanupriya
• Nagesh
• Amrish Puri
• Geetha
• Chaaru Haasan

[edit] Soundtrack

Thalapathi: The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

The music score that accompanies the film was composed by Ilaiyaraaja. The soundtrack features 7 songs composed by Ilaiyaraaja.

Track listing:

1. “Yamunai Aatrile” (1:22) – Mithaali
2. “Rakkama Kaiya Thattu” (7:10) – S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, Swarnalatha,
3. “Sundari Kannal” (7:14) – S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, S. Janaki
4. “Kaattukuyilu” (5:32) – S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, Yesudas
5. “Putham Puthu Poo” (5:00) – Yesudas, S. Janaki
6. “Chinna Thayaval” (3:23) – S. Janaki
7. “Margazhithan” (2:39) – Chorus

The background score and soundtrack for the movie were very well received upon release. The songs "Sundari Kannal" and "Yamunai Aatrile" were particularly popular. Ilaiyaraaja's composition "Rakkama Kaiya Thattu" from the score was amongst the songs listed in a BBC World Top Ten music poll.^[1] "Putham Puthu Poo" was notably absent from the film due to time constraints and therefore it's instrumental version is used in the film.

Elements of the track "“Kaattukuyilu” are sampled in the song "Bamboo Banga" on M.I.A.'s 2007 album Kala.

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• Thalapathi at the Internet Movie Database
• Thalapathi - Classic Movie Review and Gallery
• Reminiscing Mani Ratnam's movies: Thalapathi