Ulavuthurai

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Ulavuthurai
Poster
Directed byD. S. Ramesh Selvan
Screenplay byD. S. Ramesh Selvan
Story byBalu Anand
Produced byA.S. Ibrahim Rowther (presenter)
Vijay Prabhakaran
Starring
CinematographyRajarajan
Edited byG. Gopinath
Music byShah
Production
company
I. V. Cine Arts
Distributed byLakshmi Movie Makers
Release date
  • 14 January 1998 (1998-01-14)
Running time
163 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageTamil

Ulavuthurai (transl. Vigilance department) is a 1998 Indian Tamil-language action film directed by D. S. Ramesh Selvan. The film stars Vijayakanth, Meena and Sanghavi, with Radha Ravi, Janagaraj, Carlos, Jassi Singh, and Hemanth Ravan, among others, play supporting roles. It was released on 14 January 1998,[1][2] and failed at the box office.[3]

Plot

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Commodore Vasanth Periyasamy (Vijayakanth) is a highly respected officer in the Indian Navy, known for his dedication, discipline, and unwavering sense of duty. His life, however, takes a tragic turn when his wife Meena (Meena) is kidnapped by a terrorist group seeking the release of their incarcerated comrades. In a tense negotiation led by the authorities, the exchange is carried out, but things go awry during the operation, leading to Meena’s untimely death. To Vasanth’s shock, the mission is sabotaged from within, and several corrupt senior naval officials are complicit in the betrayal.

Following this incident, Vasanth becomes the target of a conspiracy orchestrated by the same corrupt officials. Branded a traitor and wrongfully imprisoned, he is stripped of his rank and honor. Disillusioned and heartbroken, he adopts a new identity—Krishnamoorthy, a humble car driver—choosing anonymity over the scars of his past. He begins a quiet life, distancing himself from his former role in the armed forces.

Years later, a series of mysterious and fatal incidents involving naval officers at sea draws the attention of the intelligence bureau. With no clear answers and national security at stake, the government discreetly approaches Vasanth to return to service and investigate the unfolding crisis. Initially reluctant, he eventually agrees, compelled by a renewed sense of duty and the opportunity to seek justice for his wife’s death and the wrongs he endured.

Operating covertly under his assumed identity, Vasanth begins unraveling a complex web of sabotage and corruption within the Navy. His investigation reveals a dangerous nexus involving international smugglers, arms dealers, and high-ranking officials who are exploiting naval operations for personal gain. As he gets closer to the truth, Vasanth must also protect his now-teenaged daughter, who is unaware of her father’s true identity and past.

The film culminates in a high-stakes confrontation at sea, where Vasanth exposes the culprits and clears his name. With honor restored and justice served, he reclaims his rightful place in the Navy, but chooses to continue living a humble life, driven not by rank or recognition, but by the values he has always upheld.

Cast

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Production

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Ulavuthurai is the directorial debut of Ramesh Selvan,[5] and Vijayakanth's 125th film as an actor. It is the first Tamil film to have scenes shot underwater.[6][7][8]

Soundtrack

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The music was composed by Shah, with lyrics written by Vairamuthu.[9][10]

Song Singer(s) Duration
"Meena un Kannukulle" K. S. Chithra, Mano 5:09
"Kandu Piditthaya" Swarnalatha 4:23
"Love Love" Annupamaa, Harini 4:47
"Naadu Nam Naadu" Mano 1:43
"Nitham Uzhaikindra" S. P. Balasubrahmanyam 4:58
"Ullatthai Thirandhu" K. S. Chithra, Madhu Balakrishnan 5:16

Reception

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Ji of Kalki wrote this film is a treat for action lovers otherwise for people who except Vijayakanth from Chinna Gounder and Vaidehi Kathirunthal will end up getting different kind of alva.[11] D. S. Ramanujam of The Hindu wrote, "Time lag and continuity have been given a go by and barring the last fight on a moving train, where the hero Vijayakanth involves himself in a risky scene, the rest of the action is an oft- repeated routine". He added that "Age is fast catching up with Vijayakanth, but none can fault his performance".[12]

References

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  1. ^ "நட்சத்திர படப் பட்டியல்". Cinema Express (in Tamil). 1 December 2002. pp. 41–43. Archived from the original on 2 February 2024. Retrieved 2 February 2024.
  2. ^ "ulavuthurai ( 1998 )". Cinesouth. Archived from the original on 3 June 2006. Retrieved 13 July 2012.
  3. ^ "GOKUL'S TAMIL MOVIE REVIEWS". reocities.com. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 13 July 2012.
  4. ^ Kandu Piditthaya 4K Video Song | Ulavuthurai Movie Songs | Shah | Vijayakanth, Meena | Vairamuthu. Pyramid Audio. 23 October 2025. Event occurs at 1:05 to 1:08. Retrieved 24 October 2025.
  5. ^ V, Sankaran (22 March 2024). "கேப்டனால் அறிமுகமான இயக்குனர்!.. ஓபனிங் மாஸாக இருந்தும் பிக்அப் ஆகாமல் போன காரணம் என்ன?." CineReporters (in Tamil). Archived from the original on 24 August 2024. Retrieved 24 August 2024.
  6. ^ "'Guess' List!!!". Indolink. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 13 July 2012.
  7. ^ Kummar, S. R. Ashok (16 January 1998). "Impressive line-up of Tamil films". The Hindu. p. 26. Archived from the original on 18 January 1998. Retrieved 4 July 2023.
  8. ^ "The Hero of the Masses". oocities.org. Archived from the original on 1 February 2014. Retrieved 13 July 2012.
  9. ^ "Ulavuthurai (1998)". Raaga.com. Archived from the original on 29 May 2023. Retrieved 29 May 2023.
  10. ^ "Ulavuthurai, Kadhalukku Mariyathai Tamil Audio CDs By Ilaiyaraaja". VintageAV.shop. Archived from the original on 7 March 2024. Retrieved 7 March 2024.
  11. ^ ஜி (8 February 1998). "உளவுத்துறை". Kalki (in Tamil). p. 33. Archived from the original on 25 May 2023. Retrieved 27 May 2023 – via Internet Archive.
  12. ^ Ramanujam, D. S. (30 January 1998). "Ulavuththurai". The Hindu. p. 26. Archived from the original on 21 October 1999. Retrieved 3 July 2023.
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