The 2002 Tamil film Ramanaa, directed by A. R. Murugadoss, has captured the hearts of action and vigilante film enthusiasts. Starring Vijayakanth as the titular character, alongside Ashima Bhalla and a cameo by Simran, the film follows a professor-turned-activist who forms an Anti-Corruption Force (ACF) to confront widespread corruption in Tamil Nadu.
For those interested in experiencing this impactful narrative, Ramanaa is available for streaming on Sun NXT.
The film opens with a gripping scene where 15 tahsildars (government officials) are abducted by a vigilante group led by Dr. M. Ramanaa. Haunted by personal tragedy, Ramanaa’s quest for justice stems from the loss of his family due to subpar construction work by a powerful contractor, Bhadrinarayanan. With a commitment to uncover and combat deep-rooted corruption, he recruits former students who now hold government positions, aiming to expose corrupt officials.
The climax of Ramanaa pits him against Bhadrinarayanan, delivering a taste of his own brutal tactics back to the antagonist. The stakes rise when Ramanaa’s identity is revealed in a bid to safeguard his students, resulting in a death sentence for him. Despite an outpouring of public support for his release, he chooses to face his fate with dignity, leaving behind a stirring message urging the public to resist corruption.
The film features notable performances, particularly by Vijayakanth as M. Ramanaa, Vijayan as Bhadrinarayanan, and Yugi Sethu as Constable Saravanan. The soundtrack by Ilaiyaraaja further enriches the film, showcasing a unique collaboration with Murugadoss that enhances its emotional impact.
Ramanaa received widespread acclaim, boasting an IMDb rating of 8.2/10. It won the 2002 Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Film, with Murugadoss also recognized for Best Dialogue Writer.
As Ramanaa continues to resonate with audiences, it remains a significant entry in the realm of Tamil cinema, highlighting the fight against corruption and the lengths one may go to achieve justice.
