Aayirathil Oruvan

“Aayirathil Oruvan” (2010) A fantastic Kollywood action-adventure film, written and directed by Selvaraghavan. Starring Karthi, Reemma Sen, Andrea Jeremiah, and Parthiban, the film mixes history and fantasy, with a quest to rescue a missing archaeologist taking explorers into the Chola dynasty’s lost world.


That adventure begins in 1279 AD as the Cholas, beset on all sides by the formidable Pandyas, escape to a hidden land with an endangered idol. Cut to present day 2008, where a search party is sent out for Chandramouli, an archaeologist who vanished while following the trail of Chola legacy. Under the fearless command of government officer Anitha, followed by Chandramouli’s daughter Lavanya and a battalion of porters led by Muthu, the nerve-wracking mission begins. Their quest takes them past deadly snares, powerful centaurs, and enchanted forests. Along the way, they find a hidden land occupied by Chola runaways, descendants of survivors of that same voyage, still waiting for a messenger from the gods to take them home. The three friends, Muthu, Anitha, and Lavanya, are taken, and the Cholas are convinced that one of them has the key to their own return.


The royal advisor figures out that it was Muthu who is the real messenger, but Anitha, who we learn is actually a Pandya, tricks the Cholas with black magic and takes over the throne. Her plan is to ruin the Cholas from the inside out. As the Chola king grows ever more paranoid, hostilities erupt when contemporary armed forces assault. After a heroic last stand, the Cholas are overwhelmed by numbers. Anitha’s lie is revealed, and before the advisor dies, he bestows present-day Muthu with magical abilities. Emboldened by his new powers, Muthu saves the last Chola prince and escapes, returning to India to complete the prophecy.


“Aayirathil Oruvan” is remarkable for its daring narrative, unconventional backdrop, and the way it weaves historical fiction with fantasy motifs. Karthi entrances as Muthu with his bristly charisma, and Parthiban’s portrayal of the Chola king is iconic. Selvaraghavan’s vision opens a window to that curious world, resulting in a fantastical, psychedelic, and often trippy film that ends up being a bold, progressive, and cinematic experience.