Thirumalai

Story:

“Thirumalai” is a 2003 Indian Tamil-language masala film directed by Ramana and produced by Kavithalayaa Productions. The movie features Vijay and Jyothika in the lead roles, supported by a cast that includes Manoj K. Jayan, Avinash (making his Tamil debut), Vivek, Raghuvaran, Kausalya, and Karunas. Filming commenced in May 2002, initially planning for a Christmas 2002 release alongside Suriya’s “Mounam Pesiyadhe.” However, due to delays, the film was eventually released in October 2003, coinciding with Diwali.

“Thirumalai” achieved blockbuster status at the box office and received positive reviews from critics. It marked a significant turning point in Vijay’s career as he transitioned from a romantic hero to a leading action hero. The film’s storyline revolves around Thirumalai, a mechanic who falls in love with Shwetha after a chance meeting on New Year’s Day. Shwetha reciprocates his feelings, but her wealthy father, Ashok, disapproves of their relationship due to status differences. To separate them, Ashok assigns a gangster named Arasu to eliminate Thirumalai. The movie unfolds as Thirumalai attempts to escape from Arasu’s pursuit.

The film was not only a hit in Tamil cinema but also inspired remakes in other languages, including Telugu and Bengali. In the Telugu version titled “Gowri,” Sumanth and Charmme Kaur played the lead roles, while the Bengali adaptation, “Kotha Dao Sathi Hobe,” starred Shakib Khan and Apu Biswas. “Thirumalai” remains significant in Vijay’s filmography for its impact on his career and success at the box office.