Mudhalvan

N. Pugazhendi "Pugazh" is a news reporter working for QTV in Chennai. One day, a riot occurs between the students and the bus drivers in the city following a communal clash that disrupts normal life. The Chief Minister of the state, Aranganathar, informs the police over wireless not to arrest the protesters as they belong to his community and political party. The conversation is recorded by Pugazh in his video camera. Pugazh meets Thenmozhi and falls for her honesty and bravery. However, her father does not accept the marriage proposal as he wants to get Thenmozhi married only to a government employee.

One day, QTV arranges a live interview with Aranganathar, and the anchor in charge left his job and joined another television channel UTV, a rival of QTV. Pugazh is thrilled and excited as he gets the opportunity to interview the CM. During the course of the interview, Pugazh unmasks many events done by Aranganathar and his party against the welfare of the state, for political reasons with the necessary evidence, and he also blames Aranganathar for not taking action while at the riot by evidencing his recorded video taken at the time of the riot. Aranganathar justifies his indifferent stands and challenges Pugazh to accept his post for a day so that he will realise the pressures faced on a daily basis. Pugazh, after a brief trepidation, accepts the challenge provided the constitution permits. Lawmakers confirm that such a provision is possible, and Pugazh is sworn in as the CM for 24 hours.

To everyone's surprise, Pugazh does not prefer speaking to the waiting media crew, but he gets into action immediately by collecting a list of irresponsible civil servants and issuing suspension letters immediately. He helps poor people rightfully reclaim houses allotted by the government and requests every Indian citizen to pay all required taxes even if it is for a day, highlighting the effects of avoiding the same. Mayakrishnan, an honest official, is the government secretary and helps Pugazh through his one-day mission. Finally, Pugazh digs a case of corruption against the ruling party leading to the arrest of multiple ex-ministers and even Aranganathar. The same night, Aranganar obtains bail through the attorney general, without even going to Jail. Within minutes of release, he takes Pugazh's success as his defeat and a demean to his long-standing political career and sends goons to kill Pugazh, who fights off and escapes with minor injuries.

Pugazh visits Pooncholai and is applauded by the villagers for his actions in the Agri department. He spends his day with Thenmozhi in peace. Meanwhile, Aranganathar's image is tarnished before the public, and all of his coalition parties refuse to support him to become CM again, resulting in the dissolution of the legislature, and precipitating a general election. Surveys from multiple media indicate enormous public support for Pugazh to become CM, leading to Aranganathar's anger. He uses his clout to get Pugazh's house partly demolished. Mayakrishnan meanwhile goes to the QTV office to convince Pugazh to come to politics, but Pugazh refuses and states that he is preparing for the TNPSC exam. QTV headquarters is then attacked heavily and Pugazh is nearly beaten to death.

The next morning, a huge crowd gathers in front of Pugazh's house, requesting him to contest in the upcoming election. Many political parties also come forward to get his support. However, Pugazh doesn't wish to contest as he wants to lead a normal life. Thenmozhi's father meets him and advises him not to go into politics while accepting his marriage to Thenmozhi, but Mayakrishnan makes Pugazh understand the vast support he has and shows the plight of people and advises him to sacrifice his comfort zone for the sake of achieving heights in the politics and doing good for the people. Finally, Pugazh accepts and contests in the ensuing election. His party wins by the vast majority of votes never seen in the political history of Tamil Nadu and takes all seats in the Legislature.

After assuming the office, Pugazh is keen on state development and gets busy with his schedule of doing welfare to the people, while Aranganathar and other politicians unite and plot to avenge their political failure. Aranganathar hired a hitman to kill Pugazh with the help of Chinnasamy, his right-hand henchman . Pugazh goes to see Thenmozhi in Pooncholai village through personal way but due to his Z cadre police security, he cancel the meeting. To avoid their presence Pugazh change his look as a traditional Tamil man by wearing white dhotis, yellow colour shirt and blue scarf. Pugazh goes to meet Thenmozhi without the police security's knowledge. Pugazh visits there and enjoys with Thenmozhi. But unfortunately the hitman came there after spotting Pugazh with the help of a man. Pugazh narrowly escapes from the murder attempt with the help of the Z Cadre security guard officials, who kill the hitman. Thenmozhi's father begged to Pugazh that he can't sent Thenmozhi with him due to his job or else he should resign it to join with Thenmozhi . Heartbroken Pugazh tells to his parents about the incident but they will help him by talking peacefully to Thenmozhi's father . Mayakrishnan phoned Pugazh to inform that someone has set a bomb in his house. When Pugazh hears this news from outside (there was no range inside the house, when Mayakrishnan phoned him), the bomb explodes by taking the lives of his parents. Pugazh gets devastated after seeing this . Enraged at learning that Aranganathar is behind in this who planned to bomb in Pugazh's home to kill him but unfortunately his parents get killed . Pugazh goes to Aranganathar to tell that why did he killed his parents instead of him. But he acts smartly that he didn't know about this incident. Pugazh challenges the latter that the law will not spare him. Aranganathar plans to create havoc in the state and has his men plant bombs across Chennai. Pugazh learns of this through a letter written by a priest who had accidentally sheltered these criminals (bomb planners) in latter's house. Pugazh and Mayakrishnan from Chinnasamy learn of the places where the bombs are being planted. The bomb squad defuses all the bombs except one.

Meanwhile, Aranganathar blames Pugazh to be the man behind the entire episode and claims it was a ploy to win public support. Pugazh realises that he will be prevented from performing his duties and invites Aranganathar to his office. As their conversation progresses, Pugazh pulls out a gun and shoots himself without causing any major injuries. He throws the gun to Aranganathar who catches it out of his reflexes. At the same time, the security guards officials rush in upon hearing gunfire and see Aranganathar pointing the gun at Pugazh. The security guards shoot and kill Aranganathar. A dying Aranganathar remembers his old interview with Pugazh, which had changed everything. Mayakrishnan blames the deceased Aranganathar for trying to kill the Chief Minister out of political rivalry.

Pugazh feels glad that he can continue his mission without being interrupted, but he also feels guilty for having staged a false incident to kill Aranganathar. He confesses to Mayakrishnan that even he has been forced to play the game of politics. Mayakrishnan supports him by consoling that he played politics only for a good cause and that Aranganathar deserves this. Thenmozhi's father realises the greatness of Pugazhendhi and consents to the marriage. Due to the administration by Pugazh, the state has become a highly developed state with world-class infrastructures,free of violence and free from corruption.

{{cast listing|

• Arjun as N. Pugazhenthi "Pugazh"
• Manisha Koirala as Thenmozhi
• Raghuvaran as Aranganathar
• Laila as Kalakkal Shuba
• Manivannan as Chief Secretary Maya Krishnan
• Vadivelu as Palavesham
• Artist Natanam as R. Narayanan, Pugazhenthi's father
• Kalairani as Pugazhenthi's mother
• Vijayakumar as Thenmozhi's father
• Cochin Haneefa as Chinnasamy, Aranganathar's right-hand henchman
• Fathima Babu as Maragadham, Aranganathar's wife
• S. V. Ramadoss as Minister Thirupathisamy, coalition party leader
• Besant Ravi as slum rogue
• Scissor Manohar as a bus driver in the student riot
• Surya as Manohar, Chief of Security for Pugazhenthi
• Sampath Ram as Sub-Inspector

• Kanal Kannan as auto driver (cameo appearance)
• Omakuchi Narasimhan as Palavesham's uncle
• Ahmed Khan as a dancer in Shakalaka Baby song (cameo appearance)
• Sushmita Sen in item number "Shakalaka Baby"

}}

Following the success of Jeans (1998), S. Shankar chose to make a political action film, which would later become Mudhalvan.{{Cite news |last=Rangarajan |first=Malathi |date=27 May 2012 |title=Maverick maker |work=The Hindu |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-cinemaplus/maverick-maker/article3460457.ece |url-status=live |access-date=11 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115160136/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-cinemaplus/maverick-maker/article3460457.ece |archive-date=15 January 2016}}

The lead role was initially written with Rajinikanth in mind, but he was unwilling to star in the film.{{Cite news |date=7 September 2013 |title=Rajinikanth was to do Shankar's 'Mudhalvan' |work=The Times of India |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/did-you-know-/Rajinikanth-was-to-do-Shankars-Mudhalvan/articleshow/22368963.cms |url-status=live |access-date=11 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150113044500/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/did-you-know-/Rajinikanth-was-to-do-Shankars-Mudhalvan/articleshow/22368963.cms |archive-date=13 January 2015}} Vijay was also considered by Shankar for the role, though the actor turned the offer down.{{Cite web |date=27 December 2011 |title=Shankar is the Spielberg of Indian cinema: Vijay |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/shankar-is-the-spielberg-of-indian-cinema-vijay-news-tamil-lmzmjUhiafh.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140305121203/http://www.sify.com/movies/shankar-is-the-spielberg-of-indian-cinema-vijay-news-tamil-lmzmjUhiafh.html |archive-date=5 March 2014 |access-date=27 December 2013 |website=Sify}}{{Cite news |last=Aishwarya |first=S. |date=11 February 2010 |title=Shankar connects with fans |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/Shankar-connects-with-fans/article15982755.ece |url-status=live |access-date=22 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230622072103/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/Shankar-connects-with-fans/article15982755.ece |archive-date=22 June 2023}} Shankar revealed that he even approached Kamal Haasan for the film, but he was doing Hey Ram at that time.{{Cite news |last=Srinivasan |first=Sudhir |date=11 October 2014 |title=Shankar and I |work=The Hindu |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/an-exclusive-interview-with-director-shankar/article6491753.ece |url-status=live |access-date=11 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115160136/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/an-exclusive-interview-with-director-shankar/article6491753.ece |archive-date=15 January 2016}}{{Sfn|Dhananjayan|2011|page=211}} Arjun, who had previously collaborated with Shankar in Gentleman (1993), was willing to offer bulk schedule dates for the film and was subsequently signed on.{{Sfn|Dhananjayan|2011|page=211}}

Shankar noted that he was interested in casting Meena as the lead actress, but opted against doing so as the actress was working with Arjun in another film in the same period, Rhythm (2000).{{Cite web |title=Shanker |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/tamil/interview.php?id=6006633&cid=2408 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140305121207/http://www.sify.com/movies/tamil/interview.php?id=6006633&cid=2408 |archive-date=5 March 2014 |access-date=27 December 2013 |website=Sify}}{{Cite web |last=Prasad |first=Ayyappa |title=A bundle of nerves, again! |url=http://www.screenindia.com/south.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19991118124233/http://www.screenindia.com/south.htm |archive-date=18 November 1999 |access-date=5 September 2020 |website=Screen}} Subsequently, Manisha Koirala, who worked with Shankar in Indian, was selected to play that role. Raghuvaran was signed to play the chief antagonist in the film, while Vadivelu and Manivannan were also chosen to play other characters. Despite reports that Shilpa Shetty was added to the cast in February 1999, it was later clarified to be untrue.{{Cite web |last=Rajitha |date=12 February 1999 |title=Do not disturb |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/1999/feb/12ss.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090215092929/http://www.rediff.com/movies/1999/feb/12ss.htm |archive-date=15 February 2009 |access-date=28 September 2008 |website=Rediff.com}} Laila, who had made her acting debut earlier in the year with Kallazhagar, was signed on to appear in the film. Originally, her role was supposed to feature throughout the film, but Shankar shortened her character, owing to her call sheet problems.{{Sfn|Dhananjayan|2011|page=211}} Renowned muralist Natanam and Kalairani were cast as Arjun's parents.{{Cite web |date=14 May 2013 |title=Muralist Natanam honoured |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/Muralist-Natanam-honoured/2013/05/14/article1588569.ece?service=print |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304104140/http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/Muralist-Natanam-honoured/2013/05/14/article1588569.ece?service=print |archive-date=4 March 2016 |access-date=11 September 2015 |website=The New Indian Express}}{{Cite web |date=18 June 2001 |title=Magic of metal |url=http://www.thehindu.com/2001/06/18/stories/13180073.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115160136/http://www.thehindu.com/2001/06/18/stories/13180073.htm |archive-date=15 January 2016 |access-date=11 September 2015 |website=The Hindu}}{{Cite web |date=11 January 2001 |title=Power-packed performer |url=http://www.thehindu.com/2001/01/11/stories/09110354.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115160136/http://www.thehindu.com/2001/01/11/stories/09110354.htm |archive-date=15 January 2016 |access-date=11 September 2015 |website=The Hindu}} S. Sashikanth, who went on to produce films like Thamizh Padam (2010) and Kaaviya Thalaivan (2014), and K. R. Mathivaanan, who directed Aridhu Aridhu (2010), worked as assistant directors.{{Cite news |last=Kamath |first=Sudhish |author-link=Sudhish Kamath |date=2 March 2012 |title=Why Not? |work=The Hindu |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/why-not/article2952125.ece |url-status=live |access-date=11 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115160136/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/why-not/article2952125.ece |archive-date=15 January 2016}}{{Cite news |last=Raghavan |first=Nikhil |date=26 December 2010 |title=Getting better |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-cinemaplus/Getting-better/article15608523.ece |url-status=live |access-date=22 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230622072752/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-cinemaplus/Getting-better/article15608523.ece |archive-date=22 June 2023}}

The film was jointly launched by S. Shankar and his co-director R. Madhesh in October 1998 at an event attended by actors and technicians from the Tamil film industry, with actors Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan being the special invitees.{{Cite web |last=Sandya |title=***Tamil Movie News*** |url=http://www.indolink.com/tamil/cinema/News/98/Nov/news1.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141219170120/http://www.indolink.com/tamil/cinema/News/98/Nov/news1.htm |archive-date=19 December 2014 |access-date=15 March 2011 |website=Indolink}} Production continued for several months, with reports suggesting that the film was delayed due to Manisha Koirala's unavailability though Shankar later stressed the production work demanded such delay. Parts of the film were also shot in Bikaner, Rajasthan while the team also shot extensively in rural Tamil Nadu.{{Cite web |last=Reddy |first=T. Krithika |date=5 November 1999 |title=Film maker with a Midas touch |url=http://www.cscsarchive.org:8081/MediaArchive/art.nsf/(docid)/82C77484216203FC65256940004BD6F1 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110725212136/http://www.cscsarchive.org:8081/MediaArchive/art.nsf/%28docid%29/82C77484216203FC65256940004BD6F1 |archive-date=25 July 2011 |access-date=15 March 2011 |website=The Hindu}} The film's cinematographer Anand later noted that the scenes involving crowds shot on Anna Salai, Chennai were among the hardest and most satisfying scenes he had worked on.{{Cite web |date=6 October 2013 |title=Rajini and Vijay couldn't do it for unknown reasons, K.V.Anand |url=http://behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-10/k-v-anand-talks-in-detail-about-his-mudhalvan-experience.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131227235602/http://behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-10/k-v-anand-talks-in-detail-about-his-mudhalvan-experience.html |archive-date=27 December 2013 |access-date=27 December 2013 |website=Behindwoods}} The song "Shakalaka Baby" was the last song to be shot, with Sushmita Sen selected to feature in a special appearance for the song.{{Cite web |date=29 October 1999 |title=Gentleman are back |url=http://www.cscsarchive.org:8081/MediaArchive/art.nsf/(docid)/C6382B502514142865256940004BD6FB |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110725212153/http://www.cscsarchive.org:8081/MediaArchive/art.nsf/%28docid%29/C6382B502514142865256940004BD6FB |archive-date=25 July 2011 |access-date=15 March 2011 |website=The Times of India}}{{Cite web |last=Venkatesh |first=Jyothi |date=28 April 2002 |title=Frank and forthright |url=http://www.cscsarchive.org:8081/MediaArchive/art.nsf/(docid)/E26EE954751EF176E5256BB4002A7B71 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110725212210/http://www.cscsarchive.org:8081/MediaArchive/art.nsf/%28docid%29/E26EE954751EF176E5256BB4002A7B71 |archive-date=25 July 2011 |access-date=15 March 2011 |website=Deccan Herald}}{{Cite web |date=1 March 2000 |title=Interview: Director Shankar Speaks Out His Mind |url=http://www.dinakaran.com/cinema/english/interviews/2000/3-1/shankar.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20001011064646/http://www.dinakaran.com/cinema/english/interviews/2000/3-1/shankar.htm |archive-date=11 October 2000 |access-date=12 January 2022 |website=Dinakaran}} Stunt master Peter Hein revealed that he worked as a body double for Arjun in the scene where he had to run nude on the streets.{{Cite news |date=15 April 2006 |title=Living on the edge |work=The Hindu |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/living-on-the-edge/article3190901.ece |url-status=live |access-date=11 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115160136/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/living-on-the-edge/article3190901.ece |archive-date=15 January 2016}}

The film dealt with the theme of a television cameraman who is forced to take over the duty of Chief Minister for one day. It also dealt with the concept of opportunities for educated people in politics and demonstrated it is possible to bring change in the country. The film's basic idea was inspired from Nixon-Frost interviews which were broadcast in 1977 and also inspired by Indian actor Sivaji Ganesan being named the honorary mayor of Niagara Falls, New York for one day during his visit to the United States.{{Sfn|Dhananjayan|2011|page=210}}{{Cite web |date=22 March 2022 |title=The Little-Known But Fascinating Connection Between Film Mudhalvan and Shivaji Ganesan |url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/the-little-known-but-fascinating-connection-between-film-mudhalvan-and-shivaji-ganesan-4896890.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220711064439/https://www.news18.com/news/movies/the-little-known-but-fascinating-connection-between-film-mudhalvan-and-shivaji-ganesan-4896890.html |archive-date=11 July 2022 |access-date=11 July 2022 |website=News18 |language=en}}

{{Infobox album

| name = Mudhalvan

| type = soundtrack

| artist = A. R. Rahman

| cover =

| alt =

| released = 31 October 1999

| recorded = Panchathan Record Inn, Chennai

| venue =

| studio = Panchathan Studios, A.M Studios

| genre = feature film soundtrack

| length = 36:19

| language = Tamil

| label = Five star audio

| producer = A. R. Rahman

| prev_title = Taal

| prev_year = 1999

| next_title = Pukar

| next_year = 2000

}}

The soundtrack features six songs composed by A. R. Rahman and lyrics penned by Vairamuthu.{{Cite web |title=Mudhalvan / Jodi |url=https://avdigital.in/products/mudhalvan-jodi |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230206214547/https://avdigital.in/products/mudhalvan-jodi |archive-date=6 February 2023 |access-date=22 June 2023 |website=AVDigital |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=20 October 1999 |title=Mudhalvan (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) |url=https://music.apple.com/in/album/mudhalvan-original-motion-picture-soundtrack/635851508 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230622073651/https://music.apple.com/in/album/mudhalvan-original-motion-picture-soundtrack/635851508 |archive-date=22 June 2023 |access-date=22 June 2023 |website=Apple Music}} The song "Shakalaka Baby" was re-edited by A. R. Rahman and featured on the international musical production Bombay Dreams, which ran in Europe and North America from 2002 to 2005. This version was also released as a single. A Mandarin Chinese remix of the track sung by Singaporean singer Kelly Poon was featured in her album In the Heart Of The World (2007).{{Sfn|Dhananjayan|2011|page=211}}

The release of the soundtrack was held at Sathyam Cinemas, Chennai, on 31 October 1999 with two songs from the film being performed on stage. The special guests for the event were actor Kamal Haasan and actress Sushmita Sen, who performed an item number in the film. The event was well attended by the cast and the crew of the film, with other guests including cinematographer P. C. Sriram, actress Sarika, and actor Suriya.{{Cite web |last=MR |date=31 October 1999 |title=First Shot |url=http://www.cscsarchive.org:8081/MediaArchive/art.nsf/(docid)/64C3D6F0142A9044652569400060594C |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110725212329/http://www.cscsarchive.org:8081/MediaArchive/art.nsf/%28docid%29/64C3D6F0142A9044652569400060594C |archive-date=25 July 2011 |access-date=15 March 2011 |website=The New Indian Express}}

The soundtrack was a success, and the initial day audio sale alone was more than three lakh units. All songs became chartbuster of Tamil Cinema.{{Cite news |last=Suganth |first=M |date=11 November 2011 |title=Audio CDs stay in tune with digital era |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/audio-cds-stay-in-tune-with-digital-era/articleshow/10685325.cms |url-status=live |access-date=22 June 2023 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230622074018/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/audio-cds-stay-in-tune-with-digital-era/articleshow/10685325.cms |archive-date=22 June 2023}} The song "Azhagana Rakshasiye" is based on Rithigowla Raga.{{Cite news |last=Mani |first=Charulatha |author-link=Charulatha Mani |date=25 November 2011 |title=Riveting Ritigowla |work=The Hindu |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/music/riveting-ritigowla/article2659559.ece |url-status=live |access-date=11 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115160136/http://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/music/riveting-ritigowla/article2659559.ece |archive-date=15 January 2016}}

{{Track listing

| headline = Tamil

| all_lyrics = Vairamuthu

| extra_column = Singer(s)

| title1 = Kurukku Chiruththavale

| extra1 = Hariharan, Mahalakshmi Iyer

| length1 = 6:42

| title2 = Mudhalvanae

| extra2 = Shankar Mahadevan, S. Janaki

| length2 = 5:29

| title3 = Uppu Karuvadu

| extra3 = Shankar Mahadevan, Kavita Krishnamurthy

| length3 = 5:38

| title4 = Azhagana Ratchashiyae

| extra4 = S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, Harini, G. V. Prakash Kumar

| length4 = 6:11

| title5 = Ulundhu Vithakkaiyilae

| extra5 = Srinivas, Swarnalatha, Hariharan, Mahalakshmi Iyer

| length5 = 6:05

| title6 = Shakalaka Baby

| extra6 = Vasundhara Das, Pravin Mani

| length6 = 5:23

| total_length = 35:28

}}

{{Track listing

| headline = Telugu

| all_lyrics = A. M. Ratnam

| extra_column = Singer(s)

| title1 = Nelluri Nerajana

| extra1 = Hariharan, Mahalakshmi Iyer

| length1 = 6:44

| title2 = Magadheera

| extra2 = S. Janaki, Shankar Mahadevan

| length2 = 6:41

| title3 = Utti Meeda Koodu

| extra3 = Shankar Mahadevan, Kavita Krishnamurthy

| length3 = 5:41

| title4 = Andala Rakshasive

| extra4 = S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, Harini

| length4 = 6:13

| title5 = Eruvaka

| extra5 = Swarnalatha, Srinivas

| length5 = 6:05

| title6 = Shakalaka Baby

| extra6 = Vasundhara Das, Pravin Mani, Devan Ekambaram

| length6 = 5:38

}}

The film's release prints were {{Convert|4876|m|ft|abbr=on}} long.{{Sfn|Dhananjayan|2011|page=210}} The film was released on 7 November 1999 while the Telugu dubbed version, Oke Okkadu released on 9 November 1999 which was also a blockbuster.{{Cite web |last=Jeevi |title=Oke Okkadu – A review |url=http://www.idlebrain.com/movie/archive/mr-oke.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220526083039/http://www.idlebrain.com/movie/archive/mr-oke.html |archive-date=26 May 2022 |access-date=10 July 2022 |website=Idlebrain.com}}{{Cite web |date=24 July 2019 |title=20 Glorious Years for Sri Venkateswara Creations |url=https://www.telugu360.com/20-glorious-years-for-sri-venkateshwara-creations/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220710062433/https://www.telugu360.com/20-glorious-years-for-sri-venkateshwara-creations/ |archive-date=10 July 2022 |access-date=10 July 2022 |website=Telugu360}}{{Cite web |date=25 January 2021 |title=Shristi becomes one-day CM of Uttarakhand! |url=https://www.thehansindia.com/news/national/shristi-becomes-one-day-cm-of-uttarakhand-668477 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220501064958/https://www.thehansindia.com/news/national/shristi-becomes-one-day-cm-of-uttarakhand-668477 |archive-date=1 May 2022 |access-date=1 May 2022 |website=The Hans India}} Upon release, the film won positive reviews and was successful at the box office. It was later remade in Hindi as Nayak.{{Cite web |title=Mudhalvan – the mega hit – celebrates 100 days |url=http://www.pvv.ntnu.no/~kailasan/mudhalvan/mudhalvan100day.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719224729/http://www.pvv.ntnu.no/~kailasan/mudhalvan/mudhalvan100day.htm |archive-date=19 July 2011 |access-date=15 March 2011 |website=pvv.ntnu.no}} The film went on to run for over one hundred days in cinemas with an event being held at Kamaraj Hall on 25 February 2000 to mark one hundred days since release. The event, similar to the launch, attracted several people from the film industry with Kamal Haasan, once again, being the chief guest of the event.

On 21 November 1999, Ananda Vikatan in its review gave 43 marks and appreciated the film stating that: "One can see Shankar's grandeur in the way he presented a social problem magnificently. Shankar has approached a serious social issue with usual entertainment elements".{{Sfn|Dhananjayan|2011|page=211}} The Hindu said "Shankar scores again". In regard to the lead performances, Arjun is described as having "acquitted himself with aplomb", while Manisha's performance was criticised with claims that she "lacks the freshness that one always associates her with". The critic also referred to Shankar's direction and Sujatha's dialogues as a "positive", while drawing praise to the videos of the songs describing that "every song and dance sequence seems a magnum opus by itself".{{Cite web |last=Rangarajan |first=Malathi |date=12 November 1999 |title=Mudhalvan |url=http://www.indiaserver.com/thehindu/1999/11/12/stories/09120222.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010413133853/http://www.indiaserver.com/thehindu/1999/11/12/stories/09120222.htm |archive-date=13 April 2001 |access-date=3 August 2024 |website=The Hindu}} The New Indian Express described the film as "absorbing" and praised certain scenes, although it criticised the videos of the songs as a "fiasco".{{Cite web |last=Ulaganathan |first=G. |date=14 November 1999 |title=Absorbing film |url=http://www.cscsarchive.org:8081/MediaArchive/art.nsf/(docid)/1B2DE58D8F77D2F165256941003DC8E8 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110725212302/http://www.cscsarchive.org:8081/MediaArchive/art.nsf/%28docid%29/1B2DE58D8F77D2F165256941003DC8E8 |archive-date=25 July 2011 |access-date=15 March 2011 |website=The New Indian Express}} Aurangazeb of Kalki praised the screenplay and certain scenes which make impact but panned the visual effects and felt the film has a documentary feel which is both positive and negative.{{Cite magazine |last=ஒளரங்கசீப் |date=28 November 1999 |title=முதல்வன் |url=https://archive.org/details/kalki1999-11-28/page/32/mode/2up |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230501114251/https://archive.org/details/kalki1999-11-28/page/32/mode/2up |archive-date=1 May 2023 |access-date=17 June 2023 |magazine=Kalki |pages=32–33 |language=ta |via=Internet Archive}}

Songs from the film's soundtrack inspired a number of Tamil film titles. Rama Narayanan directed a film titled Shakalaka Baby in 2002.{{Cite web |title=Shakalaka Baby |url=http://cinematoday2.itgo.com/Shakalaka%20Baby.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220183606/http://cinematoday2.itgo.com/Shakalaka%20Baby.htm |archive-date=20 December 2016 |access-date=9 December 2016 |website=cinematoday2.itgo.com}} A film titled Lukku Vida Thonalaiyaa, a line from the song "Shakalaka Baby", also began production in 2002 but was not released.{{Cite web |date=1 February 2002 |title="Lukku Vida Thonalaiyaa"! |url=http://www.dinakaran.com/cinema/english/cinenews/2002/01-2-02.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041029193710/http://www.dinakaran.com/cinema/english/cinenews/2002/01-2-02.html |archive-date=29 October 2004 |access-date=21 November 2020 |website=Dinakaran}} A dialogue from Mudhalvan, "Sushma, saamaan nikalo" inspired the title of the song "Saroja Saman Nikalo" from Chennai 600028 (2007).{{Cite news |date=2020-04-01 |title=Venkat Prabhu on Saroja Saman Nikalo song from Chennai 600028 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/venkat-prabhu-on-saroja-saman-nikalo-song-from-chennai-600028/articleshow/74928139.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201230063716/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/venkat-prabhu-on-saroja-saman-nikalo-song-from-chennai-600028/articleshow/74928139.cms |archive-date=30 December 2020 |access-date=2024-10-31 |work=The Times of India}}

The scenes, songs and dialogues from the film have been parodied in Budget Padmanabhan (2000),{{Cite AV media |title=Budget Padmanabhan |type=motion picture |language=ta |publisher=KRG Film International |year=2000 |time=1:40:28 to 1:40:43 |time-caption=From}} Kandha Kadamba Kathir Vela (2000),{{Cite AV media |title=Kandha Kadamba Kathir Vela |type=motion picture |language=Ta |publisher=Sri Thenandal Films |year=2000 |time=45:21 to 45:29 |time-caption=From}} Kanna Unnai Thedukiren (2001),{{Cite AV media |title=Kanna Unnai Thedukiren |type=motion picture |language=Ta |publisher=Arun Movie Makers and Enterprises |year=2001}}{{time needed|date=March 2024}} Run (2002),{{Cite AV media |title=Run |type=motion picture |language=ta |publisher=Sri Surya Movies |year=2002 |time=1:28:35 to 1:28:38 |time-caption=From}} Dubai Seenu (2007),{{Cite AV media |title=Dubai Seenu |type=motion picture |language=te |publisher=Universal Media |year=2007 |time=2:08:33 to 2:09:00 |time-caption=From}} Sivaji: The Boss (2007),{{Cite AV media |title=Sivaji: The Boss |type=motion picture |language=Ta |publisher=AVM Productions |year=2007 |time=1:12:07 to 1:12:10 |time-caption=From}} Singakutty (2008),{{Cite AV media |title=Singakutty |type=motion picture |language=ta |publisher=Tamil Screens |year=2008}}{{time needed|date=March 2024}} and Kaalaippani (2008).{{Cite AV media |title=Kaalai Pani |type=motion picture |language=Ta |publisher=Pasumpon Films |year=2008}}{{time needed|date=March 2024}} The film has also been spoofed in Star Vijay's Lollu Sabha with the same title with Santhanam as the main character.{{Cite news |last=S |first=Srivatsan |date=8 April 2020 |title=The rise and fall of 'Lollu Sabha': Director Rambala on the untold story |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/the-story-behind-lollu-sabha/article31289313.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231113060538/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/the-story-behind-lollu-sabha/article31289313.ece |archive-date=13 November 2023 |access-date=15 March 2024 |work=The Hindu |language=en}} In 2017 film Kavan, the interview scene was inspired from this film. Kavan was directed by K. V. Anand, who was the cinematographer of Mudhalvan.{{Cite web |last=Menon |first=Vishal |date=1 April 2017 |title=Kavan: reality bites |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/reviews/kavan-reality-bites/article17756123.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170401072113/http://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/reviews/kavan-reality-bites/article17756123.ece |archive-date=1 April 2017 |access-date=9 May 2022 |website=The Hindu}}

• Top Hero (2010 film), a Bangladeshi remake
• Servant of the People (2015 TV series) (2015–2019), Ukrainian comedy television series with similar concept{{Cite news |date=22 February 2022 |title=Will a stand-up comedian save Ukraine and the world from World War III? |url=https://nhpnews.com/will-a-stand-up-comedian-save-ukraine-and-the-world-from-world-war-iii/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225170246/https://nhpnews.com/will-a-stand-up-comedian-save-ukraine-and-the-world-from-world-war-iii/ |archive-date=25 February 2022 |access-date=25 February 2022 |work=NHP News |location=India}}

{{Reflist}}

• {{Cite book |last=Dhananjayan |first=G. |title=The Best of Tamil Cinema, 1931 to 2010: 1931–1976 |publisher=Galatta Media |year=2011 |isbn=978-81-921043-0-0 |author-link=G. Dhananjayan}}

• {{IMDb title}}
• {{Rotten Tomatoes}}

{{S. Shankar}}

{{Filmfare Award for Best Film – Tamil}}

{{A. R. Rahman}}

{{Sujatha}}

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