Puthiya Vaanam (1988): watch the full film free, legally

Rajaratnam enters Shanthi Nagar

Military officer Jeevadurai is killed by Govindan, and his son Rajaratnam is raised by D.I.G. Pandidurai. Years later, Rajaratnam has become a police officer, married Devaki and had a son. Pandidurai transfers him to Shanthi Nagar, where Govindan, now called Kocha, controls the city through fear and his henchmen.

A remake with an Anbe Vaa title

Directed by R. V. Udayakumar, the 1988 Tamil-language action drama stars Sivaji Ganesan, Sathyaraj, Rupini and Gautami. Released on 10 December 1988, it remakes the 1987 Hindi film Hukumat and was Ganesan's 275th film.

The title comes from a song in Anbe Vaa (1966). Sathyaraj's character, M. G. Rajaratnam, or MGR, alludes to that film's lead actor M. G. Ramachandran. Hamsalekha composed the soundtrack.

Praise for performances and camerawork

The Indian Express said debutant cameraman Ravi Yadav gave the frames “a glow and sheen” under Udayakumar's direction. Kalki's P. S. S. praised Ganesan, Sathyaraj and Rupini's acting, Janagaraj and Charle's humour, Hamsalekha's music and the cinematography, while finding Gauthami underutilized. The critic also found all commercial ingredients made in equal proportions.

Film details from the Wikipedia article “Puthiya Vaanam”. Text adapted under CC BY-SA 4.0.