Watch Iruvar

Iruvar is a Tamil political drama movie released in 1997. Directed by the renowned filmmaker Mani Ratnam, the movie had an ensemble cast including Mohanlal, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Prakash Raj, Tabu, and Gautami. Iruvar is a story of two film actors, Anandan (Mohanlal) and Tamizhselvan (Prakash Raj), and their journey through the politics of Tamil Nadu. The movie was critically acclaimed and won several awards, including two National Film Awards.

Anandan and Tamizhselvan are childhood friends with different personality traits. Anandan is a charismatic actor who quickly rises to fame in the film industry, while Tamizhselvan is a well-read and politically aware person who wants to bring change to society. As Anandan becomes more famous and wealthy, he becomes unaware of the issues that affect the common people. On the other hand, Tamizhselvan, who is a staunch believer in social justice, becomes more involved in politics and realizes that he can make a change from within the system.

Tamizhselvan joins the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party, which was one of the major political parties in Tamil Nadu at that time. He becomes a member of the party's youth wing and slowly starts climbing up the political ladder. Meanwhile, Anandan, who is already famous, enters politics and joins the rival party, the All India Forward Bloc. The movie depicts the bitter rivalry between these two friends, who are now on either side of the political divide.

The movie also has a romantic subplot between Anandan and a young actress Pushpa (Aishwarya Rai Bachchan). Pushpa is new to the film industry and has to face several obstacles due to her lack of experience. She is cast opposite Anandan, and despite initial reluctance, falls in love with him. Pushpa has to face the repercussions of her relationship with Anandan and the rumors that the media creates around them.

The movie is set in the 1960s and 1970s, a time when Tamil Nadu was undergoing major political upheavals. The movie accurately portrays the political environment of the time and how different political ideologies clashed with each other. Anandan and Tamizhselvan's friendship is put to a severe test as they have to choose between their respective parties and their personal beliefs.

The movie has several iconic scenes, such as the memorable speech delivered by Tamizhselvan in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly. The scene is significant as it showcases Tamizhselvan's oratory skills and his commitment to social justice. Another memorable scene is Anandan's speech at a political rally, which shows the extent to which he has become blinded by his political ambition.

The cinematography by Santosh Sivan is stunning, and he captures the essence of Tamil Nadu's landscape and culture beautifully. The music by A. R. Rahman is another highlight of the movie, with several songs that are still popular among audiences.

Overall, Iruvar is a powerful movie that explores the complexities of friendship, politics, and social justice. The movie's nuanced portrayal of characters and its commentary on society make it a must-watch for anyone interested in Tamil cinema, politics, or history. The movie is a timeless classic that still resonates with audiences even after more than two decades of its release.

Iruvar is a 1997 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 45 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.4.