Arunachalam

Directed by Sundar C, “Arunachalam” (1997) is an action romantic film. It features Rajinikanth in a dual role, and includes Soundarya and Rambha. The film follows an orphan who learns that he is the son of the late multimillionaire Vedhachalam. To claim his inheritance, he must spend thirty crores within a month, without donating, gifting, or acquiring assets, setting off a series of humorous and challenging situations as he attempts to fulfil the unusual condition.

In Alanganallur, Arunachalam is a much-awarded, well-travelled, progressive young panchayat headman, a good family man. As his sister Arundhati’s wedding looms, their estranged aunt Umayal comes home, along with her daughter, named Vedhavalli. To regain her family’s favour, Umayal attempts to make amends by planning her daughter’s marriage to her cousin. As Arunachalam’s wedding unfolds, a man called Chokkalingam attempts to disrupt the ceremony, but Arunachalam sees to it that her wedding proceeds as wished.

Vedhavalli, the younger one, develops feelings for Arunachalam, but his grandmother forbids their marriage. Meanwhile, Arunachalam's brother, Sakthivel, faces a dilemma with a poor girl who loves him. Arunachalam offers to forfeit his family property to support Sakthivel, but a family secret is revealed: Arunachalam is an adopted orphan. He then leaves for Madras.

In Madras, Arunachalam learns that he is the rightful heir to a vast fortune but must spend Rs. 30 crores within 30 days to inherit it. He embarks on extravagant spending but faces opposition from corrupt businessmen trying to steal his inheritance. After completing the challenge, he uses his last funds to help a friend, fulfilling the conditions and gaining his father’s wealth. Ultimately, he decides to use it for the public good, wins back his grandmother's approval, and marries Vedhavalli.

“Arunachalam” mixes action, comedy and drama into a funny, moving story powered by a unique premise. Providing tons of laughs, tears, and inspiration along the way, the heart-pounding adventure makes a great case for living your life in the fast lane. Even when it takes some of the expected narrative twists, it’s able to maintain audience loyalty through its table-shaking antics, larger-than-life pageantry, annoyingly endearing characters, and happy, capitalist-inspired ending.