Manithan (1987 film)

The story revolves around Raja, who grows up in juvenile detention due to hitting his teacher with a table weight for falsely calling him a thief because he was born on Amavasya, a No Moon Day. He was born to a superstitious father who believes that a person born on Amavasya will surely turn into a criminal. When his imprisonment years are over, he joins the People Welfare Organisation in a local community and helps needy people. In due course, he gets enemies due to his good deeds. The rest of the story forms on how Raja succeeds over his enemies and disproves the false claims on him and the superstitions and prejudice that surrounded him. == Cast ==

V. C. Guhanathan developed a story named Amavasayil Pirandha Oruvanin Kadhai () which Panchu Arunachalam expanded into a screenplay. With Rajinikanth cast in the lead role, AVM titled the film Manithan () as they felt Rajinikanth was a fantastic human. Distributors objected to the title as there was a popular play with that title staged by the TKS Brothers, but AVM refused to change the title of their film. Rupini accepted to star in Manithan after another film she was doing, Sir I Love You, was shelved. Two streets were specifically created for the film inside AVM Studios. == Soundtrack ==

The music was composed by Chandrabose, with lyrics written by Vairamuthu. The title song was not originally intended to be added in the film as it did not have the right situation for the song to be placed; however Rajinikanth who was impressed with this song wanted to have this song in the film so it was picturised and placed in title credits. == Release ==

Manithan was released 21 October 1987, Diwali day. Despite facing competition from Nayakan, released on the same day, it became more successful, and a silver jubilee hit. The film's silver jubilee function was held at Rajeshwari Marriage Hall in late April 1988. Chandrabose won the award for Best Music Director at the 8th Cinema Express Awards. == Critical reception ==

N. Krishnaswamy of The Indian Express wrote, "It is a no-holds-barred commercial film, but the formula works." Jayamanmadhan of Kalki, however, reviewed the film more negatively for being too formulaic. Balumani of Anna praised the acting, humour, music and direction. == Legacy ==

Manithan was screened alongside other films of Rajinikanth like Murattu Kaalai, Pokkiri Raja, Paayum Puli at Albert theatre, on the occasion of his birthday on 12 December 2012. The film's title inspired that of a 2016 film. The 1987 film was re-released on 11 October 2025 after being digitally remastered. == Notes ==