Tamil Movie Thiruttu Purushan Part 1 -
Title: Thiruttu Purushan (1997): The Blueprint for Tamil Comedy-Capers That Still Holds Up
Slug: thiruttu-purushan-1997-tamil-comedy-review
Category: Tamil Cinema Retrospective
Reading Time: 4 minutes
If you grew up watching Sun TV in the early 2000s, there is a 99% chance you have seen Thiruttu Purushan . Even if you haven't, you’ve likely seen its clones. But let’s rewind to 1997—a year when Tamil cinema was dominated by heavy-hitting action dramas and romantic tragedies. Enter director Chitra Lakshmanan with a simple, hilarious, and wildly entertaining premise: What if a thief pretends to be your husband to save your marriage?
Here is why Thiruttu Purushan Part 1 (the “Part 1” is essential, as the sequel failed to capture the same magic) remains a gold standard for the "mistaken identity" comedy genre.
The Plot That Never Gets Old
The story revolves around Vijay (played by the late, great Vijayakanth ), a kind-hearted thief with a Robin Hood complex. He steals from the corrupt rich and gives to the needy. On the other side is Janaki ( Roja ), a middle-class woman caught in a web of lies. To appease her traditional father and save her sister’s wedding, Janaki lies that she is already married. The problem? She needs a husband to present to the family immediately .
Enter Vijay, who accidentally gets roped into playing the role of "Muthu," the fake husband. What follows is 150 minutes of pure chaos: hiding from the real fiancé, dodging the police who are after Vijay, and trying not to fall in love for real.
Why It Worked: The "Captain" Charm
This is not a Vijayakanth action film. He fires exactly zero bullets (okay, maybe one in a comedy scene). Instead, we see the "Captain" flexing his impeccable comic timing. Vijayakanth’s deadpan expressions as he lies through his teeth to Janaki’s father are legendary. He doesn't try to be a hero here; he tries to be a scared thief pretending to be a hero, and that vulnerability makes him adorable.
Roja perfectly complements him as the anxious, quick-thinking wife. Their chemistry isn't the sizzling kind; it’s the "we are going to get caught and killed by your dad" kind, which is infinitely funnier.
The Unsung Hero: Goundamani & Senthil
No review of Thiruttu Purushan is complete without bowing to the comedy track. Goundamani plays a corrupt police officer on Vijay’s trail, and Senthil plays his bumbling sidekick. Their subplot—interrogating a dummy, chasing shadows, and Goundamani’s iconic "Enna Koduma Saar Idhu?" (What a tragedy, sir!)—is a masterclass in slapstick. Even today, their dialogues are memes that transcend generations.
Music by Deva: The 90s Masala Booster
Let’s be honest: the plot was thin. But the Deva soundtrack thickened it up. Songs like Vaanam Thilathilakka and Ennai Thalatta Varuvala were chartbusters. They don’t necessarily move the story forward, but they provide the perfect interval break—showing the fake couple actually falling in love on lush, foreign sets (a mandatory 90s trope).
The "Part 1" Confusion (And Why We Ignore Part 2)
A quick note for new viewers: The film ends on a happy note. There was a Thiruttu Purushan Part 2 released in 2000 with a different cast (Sathyaraj and Devayani). While not a bad film, it is a completely different story. When fans say "Thiruttu Purushan," they mean the 1997 Vijayakanth-Roja version. The "Part 1" in the title feels like a quirky marketing gimmick rather than a cliffhanger.
Verdict: A Timeless Weekend Watch
Does Thiruttu Purushan have logical plot holes? Yes. Does the climax rely on the villain suddenly turning good? Absolutely. But does it matter? No.
In an era of hyper-realistic cinema and socially conscious messaging, Thiruttu Purushan is comfort food. It is the film you watch on a lazy Sunday afternoon when you don't want to think. It is a testament to the fact that a simple plot, executed with honest comedy and a charming lead, can outlive blockbusters.
Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – Pure, unadulterated 90s fun.
Watch it for: Vijayakanth’s smile, Goundamani’s rants, and the sheer chaos of a thief pretending to be a son-in-law.
Have you seen this classic? Or did you confuse it with the sequel? Let me know in the comments below!
The 1987 Tamil film Thiruttu Purushan (also stylized as Thirutu Purushan ) is a vintage drama directed by D. Karunakaran , featuring a cast that includes
. While it isn't a blockbuster widely known for its "Part 1" status in the modern cinematic universe sense, it is often revisited as a slice of 1980s Tamil cinema history. Review: Thiruttu Purushan (1987) Thiruttu Purushan
is a grounded drama that captures the era's focus on family dynamics and interpersonal relationships. Unlike the high-octane thrillers modern audiences might associate with similar titles (such as Susi Ganesan's Thiruttu Payale
), this film leans into the character-driven storytelling of the late '80s. Direction & Storytelling:
D. Karunakaran delivers a steady narrative that focuses on the lead characters' emotional arcs. The storytelling is typical for its time—methodical and focused on social or familial conflict. Performances: The film features
, who was a prominent leading lady in that decade, known for her expressive screen presence. Her performance provides the emotional weight necessary for the drama to land. Technical Aspects:
With music that fits the mid-80s aesthetic, the film manages to create a specific nostalgic atmosphere. It is relatively short by modern standards, with a runtime of approximately 72 minutes
If you are a fan of vintage Tamil cinema or are following the career of actresses like Nirosha, this is a passable watch. It lacks the polish of contemporary cinema but offers an authentic look at the low-budget dramas of its period. Note on "Part 1":
There is no official "Part 2" to this specific 1987 production. If you were looking for the crime thriller series Thiruttu Payale (which does have a sequel, Thiruttu Payale 2
), those are entirely different films directed by Susi Ganesan. Are you interested in a similar review for the Thiruttu Payale crime thriller series instead? Thiruttu Purushan | Watch Full Movie Online | Eros Now Tamil Movie Thiruttu Purushan Part 1
Thiruttu Purushan is a 2008 Tamil comedy film directed by Radha Bharathi , starring Rishi , Dhanshika , and Babu Ganesh . Plot Overview
The film revolves around a man who is a habitual petty thief. His life takes a turn when he falls in love and attempts to reform, leading to a series of comedic and dramatic situations as he tries to hide his past from his love interest and society. Key Details Release Year: 2008 Genre: Comedy / Drama Cast: Rishi (debut), Dhanshika, Babu Ganesh
Music: The soundtrack was composed by the actor Babu Ganesh himself. Interesting Facts
Title Meaning: The title Thiruttu Purushan translates to "Thieving Husband," which sets the tone for the film's premise of a husband with a secret criminal habit.
Dhanshika's Career: While Dhanshika later became famous for her roles in major films like Kabali (acting alongside Rajinikanth), this was one of her very early projects in the Tamil film industry.
Director's Background: Director Radha Bharathi is best known for the 1991 hit film Vaigasi Poranthachu , which launched the career of actor Prashanth.
The 1987 Tamil film Thiruttu Purushan was directed by D. Karunakaran . It features a cast led by
While "Thiruttu Purushan" exists as a standalone film from the late 80s, the term has also appeared in contemporary digital formats. For instance, there is a Tamil digital series or episodic content titled Thiruttu Purushan available on platforms like
It is important to distinguish this film from other similarly named Tamil titles that are sometimes confused with it: Thiruttu Payale (2006): A popular black comedy thriller directed by Susi Ganesan. Avathara Purushan (1996): A film starring actors like Anand.
If you are looking for a plot summary or a specific review of "Part 1," could you clarify if you are referring to the 1987 movie or a specific modern digital series Thiruttu Purushan | Watch Full Movie Online
The 2008 film Thiruttu Purushan is a Tamil adult comedy-drama that revolves around a web of infidelity, misunderstandings, and the chaotic consequences of a man's double life [1, 2]. The Core Plot The story follows
(played by Raman), a man who is married to a traditional and devoted woman named
[1, 2]. Despite his stable domestic life, Saravanan is a habitual philanderer who begins an illicit affair with another woman, Key Story Beats The Deception:
Saravanan manages his double life by telling elaborate lies to both women. To Sumathi, he is the hardworking, loyal husband; to Manju, he presents himself as a bachelor or a man in a failing marriage to gain her affection [1, 2]. The Entanglement:
The tension rises as Saravanan struggles to keep his two worlds from colliding. The plot utilizes classic "hide-and-seek" comedy tropes where he narrowly avoids being caught in compromising positions [2]. The Twist:
The situation takes a dark and complicated turn when a local thug/gangster becomes involved, leading to a climax where Saravanan's infidelity isn't just a moral failing, but a threat to his physical safety [1]. The Resolution:
Typical of the genre, the movie concludes with Saravanan’s web of lies unraveling. He is forced to face the consequences of his actions as both women eventually discover his true nature, leading to a dramatic showdown [1, 2].
The film is noted for its low-budget production style and its focus on "adult" themes, blending slapstick humor with the domestic drama of a cheating spouse [1, 2]. climax's resolution in more detail? Title: Thiruttu Purushan (1997): The Blueprint for Tamil
Thiruttu Purushan is a 1987 Indian Tamil-language drama directed by D. Karunakaran . The film's title, which translates to "Thieving Husband," sets the stage for a narrative centered on domestic conflict and social challenges common in 1980s Tamil cinema. Movie Profile: Thiruttu Purushan (1987) Director: D. Karunakaran Lead Cast: Raghu, Nirosha, Boby, and Sudhavani Release Date: March 7, 1987 Runtime: Approximately 1 hour and 12 minutes Streaming Status: Currently available to watch on Eros Now . Plot and Themes
While specific scene-by-scene details for this 1987 production are rare, the film follows the "Purushan" (husband) sub-genre popular during that era. These films often explored:
Domestic Friction: Marital discord often caused by financial struggles or societal pressures.
Character Archetypes: A protagonist who may be flawed or "thieving" (as the title suggests), often seeking redemption or navigating a complex family dynamic.
Social Realism: Similar to other dramas of the time like Purushan Pondatti , these films frequently addressed the role of women in the household and their journey toward independence. Related Cinematic Context
If you are looking for modern sequels or similar "Thiruttu" (Thief) themed titles, you may also be interested in:
Thiruttu Payale (2006): A high-stakes thriller involving blackmail and hidden secrets.
Thiruttu Payale 2 (2017): A spiritual successor focusing on digital privacy and social media obsession.
💡 Key Takeaway: The 1987 Thiruttu Purushan remains a classic example of late-80s Tamil family drama, featuring Nirosha in one of her early career roles.
Thiruttu Purushan (1987) is a Tamil film directed by D. Karunakaran. The movie stars Raghu, Nirosha, Boby, and Sudhavani in lead roles. Movie Background
The film is an older production, running approximately 72 minutes . While it is sometimes associated with more modern titles like Thiruttu Payale (2006) due to similar naming conventions ("Thiruttu" meaning thief), it is a distinct 1987 project. Cast and Crew Director: D. Karunakaran Starring: Raghu, Nirosha, Boby, and Sudhavani
Supporting Cast: Includes actors like Pandiarajan, Rekha, and Ashok Kumar. Music: Composed by Ilayaraja. Story Overview
Detailed plot summaries for this specific 1987 film are limited in mainstream databases, but it is categorized as a mature-genre film. In Tamil cinema, the title Thiruttu Purushan translates to "Thieving Husband," often implying a storyline focused on domestic drama, infidelity, or a husband leading a double life.
You can watch the full-length movie here to see the complete story unfold:
Searching for a "good article" or detailed review for the 1987 Tamil film Thiruttu Purushan
yields limited official long-form commentary, as it is an older, niche release. However, Movie Profile Release Date: March 7, 1987 Director: D. Karunakaran Lead Cast: Raghu, Nirosha, Boby, and Sudhavani Genre: Drama / Adult (Rated 18+) Runtime: Approximately 1 hour and 12 minutes Where to Watch
The film is primarily available through the following streaming platforms: Eros Now: Offers the full movie online for subscribers.
JioCinema: Often hosts content from the Eros Now library, though availability can vary by region. Notable Similar Titles
If you are looking for other Tamil films with "Purushan" in the title from that era, you might also be interested in: Enga Veetu Ramayanam (1987) : Starring S. Ve. Shekher in the role of "Pushpa Purushan". Uthama Purushan (1989) : A drama starring Prabhu and Revathi. Thiruttu Purushan | Watch Full Movie Online | Eros Now Enter director Chitra Lakshmanan with a simple, hilarious,
Feature: Thiruttu Purushan — Part 1
Logline
A charismatic small-time conman in Chennai juggles a double life — swindling the corrupt rich while hiding a secret plan to expose a deeper criminal network — until a determined female journalist and a relentless cop close in, forcing him to choose between redemption and survival.
Tone & Style
Darkly comic crime drama with emotional stakes.
Fast-paced, gritty Chennai locales; handheld camerawork for street scenes, polished framing for affluent settings.
Soundtrack: mix of folk, electronic beats, and melancholic melodies.