Paayum Puli (1983)

Paayum Puli  is a 1983 Tamil-language martial arts film directed by S. P. Muthuraman and written by Panchu Arunachalam. Produced by AVM Productions, the film stars Rajinikanth and Radha. Inspired by The 36th Chamber of Shaolin (1978), it revolves around a meek young man who learns martial arts to seek vengeance from a gang of criminals who murdered his sister.

Paayum Puli was released on 14 January 1983, Pongal day. The film was a commercial success and completed a 133-day run at the box office.

Plot

When a smuggler kills his sister, Bharani, a meek man vows to deliver justice for her death and joins a martial arts school. He trains hard there to become a master fighter, honing his fighting skills. Taking on a new identity, Paayum Puli (Pouncing Tiger), he sets off for revenge, but the affection of a beautiful woman Revathy soon puts a hitch in his plans.

Cast

Rajinikanth as Bharani (Paayum Puli)

Radha as Revathy

Jaishankar as Ranjith

K. Balaji as master of martial arts (guest appearance)

R. N. Sudarshan as Balram

V. K. Ramasamy as Uncle of Ceylon sundari

Manorama as Ceylon sundari

Thyagarajan as Thiyagu

Y. G. Parthasarathy as Gopalakrishnan

Sathyaraj as a Gangster in Radha's Tea Stall

Silk Smitha as Roopa

Janagaraj as Chinnasamy

Y. G. Mahendra as Mahi

LIC Narasimhan as Hotel manager

Azhagu as a Fighter – Uncredit

Anumanthu

Justin

Indira

Production

Cashing on the huge popularity of Bruce Lee and his martial arts films, S. P. Muthuraman and Panchu Arunachalam designed the story of a meek person who takes training in a martial arts school to avenge the death of his sister. Judo. K. K. Rathnam was the action choreographer, and the film was inspired by The 36th Chamber of Shaolin (1978). The production company AVM Productions initially wanted A. C. Tirulokchandar to play the antagonist, but he declined. Karate Mani, a stuntman was later cast in the role, but he walked out. The role finally went to Jaishankar.

Soundtrack

The music was composed by Ilaiyaraaja and lyrics were written by Vaali. The disco song "Aadi Maasam" was well received and it was later remixed by Srikanth Deva in Thottupaar (2010).

1. "Appakada Annakili" - Malaysia Vasudevan, P. Susheela

2. "Aadi Maasa Kaathadikka" - S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, S. Janaki

3. "Pothukkittu Oothuthadi" - Malaysia Vasudevan, P. Susheela

4. "Vaa Vaa Maama" - S. Janaki

Release and reception

Paayum Puli was released on 14 January 1983, Pongal day. Thiraignani of Kalki said the real pouncing tigers of the film were the hero and the technicians.The film was a commercial success, completed a 133-day run at theatres. The makers wanted to release the film in Sri Lanka, but got into trouble as the title had "puli" (tiger), perceived as alluding to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam. It was decided to release the film in the country with the title Irumbu Karangal (transl. Iron hands), but the film still did not release there.

PAYUM PULI - KALKI REVIEW

(30.01.1983 தேதியிட்ட கல்கி இதழிலிருந்து . .  .)