| Director: | K. Subash |
| Screenplay: | Mani Ratnam |
| Story: | Mani Ratnam |
| Producer: | Mani Ratnam S. Sriram |
| Cinematography: | Y. N. Murali |
| Editing: | Raghu Baabu |
| Music: | Ilaiyaraaja |
| Studio: | Aalayam Productions |
| Runtime: | 130 minutes |
| Country: | India |
| Language: | Tamil |
Chatriyan is a 1990 Indian Tamil-language crime drama film directed by K. Subash and written by Mani Ratnam, with dialogues by A. Varunan. The film stars Vijayakanth, Bhanupriya and Thilakan, with Revathi in a guest appearance. The music was composed by Ilaiyaraaja, while cinematography and editing were handled by Y. N. Murali and Raghu & Baabu.[1]
Chatriyan became one of the highest-grossing films of the early 1990s and achieved cult status.
ACP Panneer Selvam alias Sathriyan, an honest cop, gathers enough evidence against a local goon named Arumai Nayagam alias Annachi for his involvement in illegal activities. Annachi is sent to prison but avenges his arrest by killing Sathriyan's wife Jaya.
Consequently, Sathriyan quits the police force and takes care of his children, while renting an apartment. Banu, the apartment owner's granddaughter, gets introduced to Sathriyan's children and starts mingling with them. She eventually falls in love with Sathriyan and learns about his tragic childhood and meeting Jaya.
Meanwhile, Annachi is released from prison and realizes that he does not carry the same respect as he used to before going to prison. His anger against Sathriyan does not cease. Annachi challenges Sathriyan to join the police and fight him again. Sathriyan initially rejects the offer. Annachi tries to provoke Sathriyan by attacking his home and son. Out of frustration over his son's attack, Sathriyan joins the police and fights Annachi, who gets defeated by Sathriyan after an intense hand-to-hand combat.
Chatriyan is the first film produced by Aalayam Productions.[2]
The music was scored by Ilaiyaraaja, with lyrics written by Vaali.[3] [4] The song "Maalayil Yaaro" is set in Suddhadhanyasi raga.[5]
Track listing
| Song | Singers(s) | Length | |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Maalayil Yaro Manathodu" | 05:31 | ||
| "Pootukkal Pottalum" | 04:58 | ||
| "Yaaru Pottadhu" | 04:40 |
Chathriyan was released on 17 October 1990 alongside other major releases including Michael Madana Kama Rajan, Mallu Vetti Minor, Avasara Police 100, Sirayil Sila Raagangal, En Kadhal Kanmani, Amman Kovil Thiruvizha and Pudhupaattu.[6] [7] C. R. K. of Kalki praised the film for crisp dialogues, subtle emotions and cinematography.[8]
The 2016 Tamil film Theri was noted for its similarities to this film.[9]
