Table of Contents
18: Iruvar
Release date: 1997
IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
Director: Mani Ratnam
Duration: 2h 20m
Genre: Drama/Political drama
Cast: Mohanlal, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Prakash Raj
“Iruvar” is a Tamil political drama that revolves around the complex relationship between two friends turned political rivals, Anandan and Tamizhselvan, who are based on real-life figures M. G. Ramachandran and M. Karunanidhi respectively. The story follows their journey from being aspiring actors to influential political leaders in the state of Tamil Nadu. As they rise to power within the Dravidian movement, their friendship is tested by ambition, ideology, and the pursuit of power.
Amidst the backdrop of political intrigue and societal change, “Iruvar” explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the blurred lines between friendship and rivalry. The film depicts the tumultuous political landscape of Tamil Nadu and the impact of cinema on its culture and politics, offering a nuanced portrayal of the personal and political lives of its central characters.
