Uzhaipalli (Part 5)

Date of Release: 24.06.1993

Released Theaters: Albert, Abirami, Kamala, Crown, Sri Brinda (All 4 Shows)

Concurrent Releases: Rajadhi Raja Raja Kulothunga, Raja Marthanda, Kathavaraya Krishna Kama Rajan. (Meaning no significant competition).

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There was a huge expectation for this film, and none of the other major heroes were ready to release their movies at the same time. Uzhaipazhi was a major hit in Rajinikanth's career and a very important film. The Superstar overcame many obstacles and critics through this project.

Vijaya Vauhini Movies produced this film after a gap of several years. Director P. Vasu helmed the project following the grand success of Mannan. Unlike a remake, Vasu penned an original story based on the classic MGR formula film Enga Veetu Pillai.

Distributors Tussle

Exactly on the 100th day of the film Pandiyan, a tussle broke out between distributors and film stars. During a debate, distributors urged producers to control the salaries of stars. All major stars, including our Superstar, were invited to discuss the issue. Mid-session, Rajini Sir stood up and replied that he was not ready to reduce his salary and suggested they consider other options before walking out.

This became a massive issue. Distributors decided to impose a RED CARD on Rajini Sir, announcing they would not distribute his future films. This became the talk of Tamil Nadu in late January 1993. At that time, AVM’s Yejaman was ready for release; AVM Saravanan successfully requested that the Red Card not apply to his film since the release date was already set.

The issue was eventually brought to the attention of Chief Minister Jayalalitha and was resolved amicably just days before the release of Uzhaipazhi. Notably, the NSC rights for the film were released by Thalaivar’s own distribution company, Ramana Film Distributors.

Grand Pooja

On 5-2-1993, the grand pooja for Uzhaipazhi was held at Vijaya Vauhini Studio. The pooja proceeded even though the distributors' Red Card was still in effect. The media covered the event extensively. For example, the Maalai Murasu headline read: "PRACHANAIKU PIN RAJINI PADAPIDUPU" (Rajini starts shooting after the problem).

Vasuki Magazine published a two-page article titled "5 KODI NAYAGAN" (5 Crore Hero). During the pooja, veteran producer B. Nagireddy presented 101 gold coins to Rajini. The production house published an ad stating: "UZHAIPPALI INDRU MUTHAL UZAHAIKA THODANGUGIRAR" (The Laborer starts working from today).

Vasu completed the film in just 58 days.

Audio Release

The audio release was held at Vauhini Studios. Special guests included Chiranjeevi and Balakrishna. The music, composed by Ilayaraja (with re-recording by Karthik Raja), was a massive hit. The song "Oru Maina Kuruvi" was a chartbuster. Interestingly, a young Lawrence appeared as a group dancer in "Muthirai Ippodu."

Movie Release & Publicity

Due to the Red Card, many theater owners stepped up to release the movie directly, bypassing traditional distributors. Rajini has famously never forgotten these owners and continues to give them priority today.

Famous Marketing Slogans:
BOOMI NINDRATHILLAI – Earth Never Stops
AGAYAM VIZHNTHATHILLAI – Sky Never Falls Down
UZHAIPPALI THOTRATHILLAI – The Laborer Never Fails

Box Office Records

• Trichy: Released in 3 theaters; expanded to a 4th due to demand.
• Thiruvarur: Broke records of Thalapathy, Mannan, and Annamalai within 50 days.
• Thenkasi: Collected ₹1,75,659.10 in 16 days, which was ₹54,000 more than Yejaman.
• Kerala: Crossed 50 days in 10 centers and 100 days in 1 center.
• Overseas: Ran for over 30 days at the Hoover Theater in Singapore.

100 Days Centers (Tamil Nadu)

Center	Theater	Days
Chennai	Albert / Abirami	116 Days
Madurai	Mini Priya	142 Days
Erode	Abirami Complex	125 Days
Kovai	Anupallavi	100 Days
Dharmapuri	Anand	100 Days (1st Tamil film to do so)

Critical Reception

Most media gave excellent reviews. Daily Thanthi called it "The undefeated laborer," while Kumudam praised Rajini's performance in the scene where he meets Sujatha. Maalai Malar rated it one of the most talked-about movies of the year, highlighting the dialogue: "Yesterday a coolie, today an actor, but tomorrow??"

Despite the huge success, Rajini declined a grand 100-day function to avoid hurting those involved in the earlier distributor dispute. However, fans celebrated independently across the state.

C-Center Success

The film performed exceptionally in rural (C-Center) areas including Paramakudi (Ravi), Sivakasi (Ganesh), and many more. Even in the mid-2000s, the film continued to see noon-show releases in Chennai theaters like Megala and Broadway.

UZHAIPPALI NEVER DEFEATED!!!

- Tve Rajesh