Chatriyan

For the 2017 film, see Sathriyan (2017 film).

Chatriyan (transl. The Warrior) 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
Poster
Directed by	K. Subash
Written by	A. Varunan (dialogues)
Screenplay by	Mani Ratnam
Story by	Mani Ratnam
Produced by	Mani Ratnam S. Sriram
Starring	Vijayakanth Bhanupriya Revathi Thilakan
Cinematography	Y. N. Murali
Edited by	Raghu Baabu
Music by	Ilaiyaraaja
Production company	Aalayam Productions
Release date	17 October 1990 (1990-10-17)
Running time	130 minutes
Country	India
Language	Tamil

Chatriyan became a blockbuster at the box office and achieved cult status.

Plot

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.

Cast

• Vijayakanth as ACP Panneer Selvam alias Sathriyan
  • Master Vishnuvardhan as a young Sathriyan
• Bhanupriya as Banu
• Thilakan as Arumai Nayagam alias Annachi
• V. K. Ramasamy as Banu's grandfather and Sathriyan's house owner
• Vijayakumar as Sathriyan's godfather
• A. V. Ramanan as ASP Ramanan
• Delhi Ganesh as Jaya's father
• Ajay Rathnam as John Swaminathan
• Veeraraghavan as Dileep
• Vincent Roy as Manibharathi
• Kutty Padmini
• Baby Aarthi as Preethi
• Revathi as Jaya, Sathriyan's wife (cameo appearance)

Production

Chatriyan is the first film produced by Aalayam Productions.^[2]

Soundtrack

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"	Swarnalatha	05:31
"Pootukkal Pottalum"	S. Janaki	04:58
"Yaaru Pottadhu"	S. Janaki, Yuvan Shankar Raja	04:40

Release and reception

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]

Legacy

The 2016 Tamil film Theri was noted for its similarities to this film.^[9]