Adutha Varisu (1983)

ADUTHA VARISU - ENGLISH REVIEW

Adutha Varisu, directed by S. P. Muthuraman, is a stylish Tamil action drama starring Rajinikanth and Sridevi in the lead roles. The film is a remake of the Hindi film Raja Jani (1972), which itself draws inspiration from the classic Anastasia (1956).

The story follows Kannan, a small-time bounty hunter who is hired by a corrupt royal faction to find a girl to impersonate a missing heir to a wealthy zamindari family. He discovers a nomadic girl, Valli, and trains her to act as the lost princess. However, fate takes a turn when he realizes that Valli may, in fact, be the real heir, leading to a conflict between deception, loyalty, and truth.

Rajinikanth delivers a charismatic performance as Kannan, balancing charm, humour, and emotional depth. Sridevi shines in a dual-layered role that transitions from innocence to royal dignity with ease. The supporting cast, including Jaishankar, Cho Ramaswamy, and Manorama, adds strong backing to the narrative.

Ilaiyaraaja’s music is one of the film’s biggest strengths, with energetic tracks like “Aasai Nooru Vagai” and melodious numbers like “Pesa Koodathu” enhancing the film’s appeal. The stylish presentation, engaging screenplay, and vibrant soundtrack make the film a complete commercial entertainer of its time.

Overall, Adutha Varisu stands out as a well-crafted blend of drama, romance, and action, showcasing Rajinikanth’s rising stardom in the early 1980s Tamil cinema landscape.

ADUTHA VARISU - KALKI REVIEW