Thalaivasal (film)


Thalaivasal is a 1992 Tamil drama film directed by Selva. The film features an ensemble cast consisting of S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, Anand, Sivaranjani, Bhanu Prakash, Nassar, Napoleon and newcomer Vijay in lead roles. The film, produced by Chozha Ponnurangam, had musical score by Bala Bharathi and was released on 3 September 1992.

Plot

Nachiappan College is considered to be one of the worst colleges of Chennai; everyday violence erupts between two final-year groups. The students are influenced by the local bigwig Beeda Settu, who sells ganja to the students and basically rules the college from outside. The first group is led by Sudhakar whereas the other one is led by Kalaiarasan. The college management and the police get tired of that situation. They decide that they need to change the principal. The vice-principal, Chandran, dies to sit in that post but the college management asks the successful Shanmugasundaram to take the post. His daughter Shobana will study in the same college. The rest of the story is how Shanmugasundaram succeeds in his mission.

Cast

The film score and the soundtrack were composed by film composer Bala Bharathi. The soundtrack, released in 1992, features 7 tracks with lyrics written by Vairamuthu.

Production

The success of the serial 'Neela Maala' facilitated Chozha Creations’ re-entry into film world and they gave the serial director Selva the opportunity to direct Thalaivasal. Except for playback singer S. P. Balasubrahmanyam and Nassar, most of the cast was new like Bhanu Prakash and Thalaivasal Vijay. It is a story revolving around college life which forms the foundation stone for the future of any individual.

Reception

The film completed a 100-day run at the box-office. The Indian Express wrote "Debutant writer-director Chelva has taken up a subject with which he does not seem to be familiar".