Iruvar (1997)

English translation: The duo

Director: Mani Ratnam

Story: Vairamuthu, Suhasini, Mani Ratnam

Cast: Mohanlal, Prakash Raj, Aishwarya Rai, Gauthami

Music: A.R. Rahman

Time: 159 minutes

Bottom-line: Near-perfect performances, and biting dialogues

The film that Mani Ratnam considers to be his favourite, Iruvar is the tale of two friends, turning into competitors, and eventually, rivals. Loosely based on the lives of Tamil Nadu politicians M.G. Ramachandran and Kalaignar Karunanidhi (though the film claims no resemblance), this film portrays several important incidents in both the men’s lives: marriages, romances, rivalries and friendships.

1950s: Anandan (Mohanlal) is a struggling actor, playing just the roles of extras in films. He soon gets an audition for a lead role, and while practising, he meets Tamizhselvan (Prakash Raj), an aspiring writer. As the two of them converse, a debate turns into mutual admiration for each other. Anandan requests Tamizhselvan to write his dialogues for him, and with the latter’s help, Anandan gets the role. As Anandan and Tamizh bond even more, Tamizh introduces Anandan to his party leader (Nassar), and Anandan also becomes an integral part of the party. As Anandan’s fame grows exponentially due to his stardom, Tamizh starts to have second thoughts of keeping Anandan in the party. This slowly starts to break the friends apart, till Anandan eventually starts his own party.

Mohanlal as Anandan, with his first wife,
Pushpavalli (Rai)

 From the first encounter between Anandan and Tamizh, where they discuss religion and tradition, the main strength of the film is revealed through the lines of Tamizh: his dialogues, exchanges, and of course, few powerful monologues – especially the last one directed at Anandan – Suhasini can take a bow! That last monologue by Tamizh – emphasising the friendship and the journey through thick and thin – will definitely touch your heart. I liked the use of continuous takes in the film; the technique using the revolving camera to shoot the monologues really enhances the effect. 

The film is lengthy, yes, but it is absorbing and engaging. Anandan’s journey starts with his struggling film career, to his gradual success, with emphasis on his love life, and subsequent marriages to a village belle (played by Aishwarya Rai), and a second marriage to Ramani (Gauthami), and his relationship with actress Kalpana (also played by Rai). In the last half hour of the film, we see how he forms his own party to contest against Tamizh. Tamizh’s story focuses predominantly on his political career, with considerable time given to his romantic relationships as well. Despite a lot of time given to Anandan’s film shoots (and I didn’t like the soundtrack, and they took up too much screen time too!), the other incidents are portrayed beautifully, perfectly highlighting the gradual rise and fall of the friendship between Anandan and Tamizh, with the added effects of romance, old age and other catalytic events.

Anandan and Tamizhselvan (played by Prakash Raj)

Prakash Raj won the National Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Iruvar, and there’s no doubt that he deserved it. The way he delivers his lines itself shows his talent, and all his subtle emotions that indicate his feelings – especially those towards Anandan. Mohanlal and Aishwarya Rai – Iruvar is her debut film, believe it or not – have done extremely well too, and of course, extra credits should be given for pulling off the roles without knowing Tamil. Prakash Raj also had to dub for himself. The film features a huge cast, with a lot of minor roles played by Tabu, Delhi Ganesh and Revathy.     

 

Rai as Kalpana

 Somehow, I feel that Iruvar is Ratnam’s most “perfect” film, considering the amount of detail he has given to the acting, script and direction. Despite the initial controversy the film faced, this remains to be one of the best political films in all of Tamil cinema history.

My Rating: 3.5/5