Iruvar (1997) — Tamil History

"Iruvar" (1997) is a Tamil-language epic political drama directed by Mani Ratnam, exploring the intertwined lives of two influential figures in Tamil Nadu's cinema and politics. The film follows Anandan (Mohanlal), a struggling actor, and Tamil Selvam (Prakash Raj), a rising political leader and scriptwriter, as they navigate the complex landscapes of fame and power. Their friendship evolves into rivalry as both vie for the top political position in the state, leading to inevitable conflict. Set against the backdrop of Tamil cinema and Dravidian politics, "Iruvar" delves into themes of ambition, loyalty, and the blurred lines between art and politics. The film's narrative is enriched by the performances of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who portrays dual roles as Pushpavalli and Kalpana, and Gautami Tadimalla as Ramani. The ensemble cast also includes Revathi, Tabu, and Nassar, each contributing depth to the story. The film's cinematography by Santosh Sivan and music by A. R. Rahman further elevate its storytelling. Upon its release in 1997, "Iruvar" received critical acclaim for its nuanced portrayal of political dynamics and the film industry. It was the first Tamil film to be screened at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in 2025 and was featured in the Masters section of the 1997 Toronto International Film Festival. The film won the Best Film award at the Belgrade International Film Festival and two National Film Awards, including Best Supporting Actor for Prakash Raj and Best Cinematography for Santosh Sivan. In 2012, critic Rachel Dwyer included "Iruvar" in the British Film Institute's Sight & Sound list of the 1000 greatest films of all time.