‘Amaran’, ‘Thuppakki’, ‘Viswaroopam’ & More: Exploring Patriotism and Valor in Tamil Cinema – F’day Spl. Article by Naveen

Tamil cinema, known for its rich storytelling and vibrant narratives, has a long history of exploring various genres. Among them, films portraying protagonists as army personnel have stood out for their depictions of courage, patriotism, and sacrifice. These films often blend action, emotion, and drama, presenting the life of soldiers who face intense battles not only against external enemies but also personal dilemmas and internal conflicts. The latest example is ‘Amaran’ starring Sivakarthikeyan, which has emerged a blockbuster. Let’s take a look at some iconic Tamil films that feature army men as protagonists, each contributing to the narrative of bravery and national pride in their unique way.

‘Kandahar’ (2010)

Directed by Major Ravi, ‘Kandahar’ is a military action drama that stars Mohanlal, who plays the role of a retired Army officer named Colonel Jagannathan. While this film is a bilingual (also released in Malayalam), its Tamil version was well-received. The plot revolves around a terrorist hijacking a plane and holding the passengers hostage, while Colonel Jagannathan’s son, a young Army officer, is part of the military operations to rescue them. The film not only depicts the valor of the armed forces but also sheds light on the emotional cost of being in the military, especially when it involves the safety of loved ones.

Though the film is centered around the protagonist’s efforts as an army man, it touches on themes of duty, personal sacrifice, and the weight of leadership during high-stakes situations. The military action sequences are intense, and the film’s overall tone highlights the honor and patriotism that comes with being a soldier.

‘Payanam’ (2011)

‘Payanam’ is a 2011 Indian action thriller film that was written and directed by Radha Mohan. It was simultaneously filmed in Tamil and Telugu languages, the latter being titled ‘Gaganam’. The film’s plot is based on a flight hijacking incident. Payanam’s cast includes Nagarjuna, Prakash Raj, Poonam Kaur, Sana Khan, Rishi, Brahmanandam and Thalaivasal Vijay. The film was co-produced by Raj and Dil Raju, and was released on 11 February 2011 to critical and commercial success.

‘Viswaroopam’ (2013)

Directed by Kamal Haasan, ‘Viswaroopam’ is an action thriller that features Kamal Haasan as Wisam Ahmed Kashmiri, an intelligence officer in the Indian Army. The film’s narrative is complex, with elements of espionage, terrorism, and counterintelligence, exploring the life of an army man beyond just physical combat. Kamal Haasan’s portrayal of an undercover agent who faces both external enemies and internal emotional turmoil adds layers of depth to the character of a soldier.

What stands out in ‘Vishwaroopam’ is its portrayal of the mental and psychological toll of a soldier’s life, as Wisam struggles with his past and his role in the army. Kamal Haasan’s impeccable performance, combined with intense action sequences, takes the viewer into the world of covert military operations and the price of national security.

‘Thuppakki’ (2012)

Directed by A. R. Murugadoss, ‘Thuppakki’ is a fast-paced action thriller where Vijay plays the role of Major Vijay, an army officer who is assigned to track down and eliminate a sleeper cell of terrorists in Mumbai. The film showcases the protagonist’s tactical brilliance, physical prowess, and unwavering dedication to his country. As Major Vijay embarks on his mission, he balances his personal life with the intensity of his work as a soldier.

The film focuses on the intelligence and precision of military operations, highlighting Vijay’s character as not just a soldier but a strategist. His calm demeanor, coupled with intense combat sequences, made ‘Thuppakki’ a major commercial success, resonating with audiences as a quintessential film about a patriotic army man doing his duty for the nation.

‘Kaatru Veliyidai’ (2017)

‘Kaatru Veliyidai’ is a 2017 Indian Tamil-language romantic war film, produced, written and directed by Mani Ratnam. Made under the Madras Talkies banner, it features music composed by A. R. Rahman, cinematography by Ravi Varman and editing by A. Sreekar Prasad. The film stars Karthi and Aditi Rao Hydari, with Lalitha, Rukmini Vijayakumar, Delhi Ganesh and RJ Balaji and Shraddha Srinath playing other pivotal roles.

Set against the backdrop of the Kargil War of 1999, the film narrates the story of an Indian Air Force pilot who recalls his romance with a doctor in the lead up to the war, while being kept as a prisoner of war at a jail in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. ‘Kaatru Veliyidai’ marked Aditi’s comeback and Shraddha’s debut in Tamil cinema.