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Mudhalvan

  • 1999
  • 2h 49m
IMDb RATING
8.4/10
9.1K
YOUR RATING
Arjun Sarja, Cochin Hanifa, Manisha Koirala, Laila, Manivannan, Raghuvaran, Sushmita Sen, Vadivelu, and Vijayakumar in Mudhalvan (1999)
Political DramaActionDramaThriller

A man accepts a challenge to act as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu for one day only, and makes such a success of it that soon he is embroiled in political intrigue.A man accepts a challenge to act as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu for one day only, and makes such a success of it that soon he is embroiled in political intrigue.A man accepts a challenge to act as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu for one day only, and makes such a success of it that soon he is embroiled in political intrigue.

  • Director
    • S. Shankar
  • Writers
    • S. Shankar
    • Sujatha
  • Stars
    • Arjun Sarja
    • Manisha Koirala
    • Raghuvaran
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    8.4/10
    9.1K
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • S. Shankar
    • Writers
      • S. Shankar
      • Sujatha
    • Stars
      • Arjun Sarja
      • Manisha Koirala
      • Raghuvaran
    • 14User reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 3 wins & 2 nominations total

    Photos44

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    Top cast13

    Edit
    Arjun Sarja
    Arjun Sarja
    • Pugazhendhi
    • (as Arjun)
    Manisha Koirala
    Manisha Koirala
    • Thenmozhi
    Raghuvaran
    Raghuvaran
    • Aranganathan
    Vadivelu
    Vadivelu
    • Balvesham
    Cochin Hanifa
    Cochin Hanifa
    • CM's PA
    Laila
    Laila
    • 'Kalakkal' Shuba
    Vijayakumar
    Vijayakumar
    • Thenmozhi's father
    • (as Vijay Kumar)
    Manivannan
    Manivannan
    • Chief Secretary
    Kalairani
    Kalairani
    • Pugazhendhi's mother
    Omakuchi Narasimhan
    • Vadivelu's Uncle
    Sushmita Sen
    Sushmita Sen
    • Special Appearance (Song - Shakalaka Baby)
    Surya
    • Manohar
    GK Aanantha Varshan
    • Injured College Student
    • (uncredited)
    • Director
      • S. Shankar
    • Writers
      • S. Shankar
      • Sujatha
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews14

    8.49.1K
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    Featured reviews

    9bharathsachin

    Musical hit

    The movie revolves around how educated youngsters could make a change in politics..Apart from the plot , its the music which holds the movie perfectly..The way how director emotes the story was perfect.. Humours had worked , dialogues had worked , emotions had worked..The fight scene with local guys while arresting was the only negative in this movie..If that was a direct arrest , it would be more beautiful.. Mudhalvan , a must watch entertainer..
    6knsrinu

    Political drama

    Every south Indian chills about shankar's film. Though this film seems to be novel work but lacks some basics regarding politics. Always shankar takes lot of attention on photography. He might have studied something about the current political strategies.

    Music is by A.R. Rahman. We can't criticize about his talent. Manisha koyirala doesn't suit very well in this film.

    The director has to show what really politics is?? Simply showing how one can do crazy things in a single day is ridiculous. Of course every one in the country has a vision to make their country corrupt free.

    Only music and photography part of the film is commendable. Rest of the things are crazy and simply ridiculous. Last but not least I am very much impressed by Raghuvaran's action.
    10srininet1

    Read and u'll know how good it is!!!

    You all may find this review to be a little exaggerated but that is exactly the truth. Nothing but the truth. I have to say, till this date, except for a few exceptions like the movies by Shyam Benegal or Satyajit Ray or for that matter, Satya and Khamoshi, Sholay, Angoor and a few others, I haven't seen such a DIFFERENT and THOUGHT PROVOKING, PRAISE INVOKING AND MARVELLOUS movie as Mudhalvan.

    It is and will remain an eye-opener for all those in the Indian film industry who have been experimenting with the same love formula umpteen number of times and in effect, producing some of the most sensationally boring love stories of all times (Example: Kaho..Naa Pyar Hai). Hitting us like a bullet, the plot moves swiftly, never leaving any time to think. The story and screenplay, by Shankar himself, deserve mention for being creative, complete and utterly enjoyable to watch.

    Shankar deserved an award for making this movie with such style and technique, while also keeping the story and other aspects in mind.

    Pros. Award winning direction, dialogues, script, music, background music, cinematography, first-rate performances by Arjun, Manivannan, Raghuvaran and above all, the super climax, and excellent song picturization.

    Cons. Manisha, who looks too flabby and old in some scenes
    10vishnu_karthiklu

    Cult Classic!

    The movie revolves around Pugazhendi, a journalist who gets a chance to become one day CM of Tamilnadu. What happens next forms the crux of the story. Arjun as Pugazhendi and Raghuvaran as Aranganathan were apt. Manisha Koirala doesn't have much job. Other character artists like Manivannan, Vadivelu did thier job pretty well. Shankar's story and screenplay are totally lit. Coming to the technicalities, Production value, set designs, fight choreography, CGI were totally great (at that time). Music by A. R. Rahman is a highlight. The movie runs for around 3 hours, but you never feel lag. Shankar succeeds in giving a commercial movie with some social message. Highly recommended movie!
    9Kalki

    A film with a sincere message. Rarity in Indian films.

    The movie has its usual cinematic moments. But, the message comes from the heartfelt anguish. The happenings in the country currently attest to this fact and instead of just pointing out the problems, this attempts to point out some of the solutions as well. Very commendable.

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Rajinikanth was approached for the role of Pugazhendhi but turned it down.
    • Goofs
      When a student tries to board a bus, the bus is crowded at the end and in next second, it seems free from crowd and then the crowd returns.
    • Quotes

      Pugazhendi's Friend: Poda Panni!

    • Connections
      Referenced in Budget Padmanabhan (2000)
    • Soundtracks
      Kurukku Chiruththavale
      Performed by Hariharan and Mahalakshmi Iyer

      Produced by A.R. Rahman

      Written by Vairamuthu

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    FAQ17

    • How long is Mudhalvan?Powered by Alexa

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • November 7, 1999 (India)
    • Country of origin
      • India
    • Language
      • Tamil
    • Also known as
      • The Chief Minister
    • Filming locations
      • Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
    • Production companies
      • Ayngaran Music
      • Five Star
      • S. Pictures
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Gross worldwide
      • ₹500,000,000
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      • 2h 49m(169 min)
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • DTS
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.85 : 1

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