Dharma Durai (1991)
A Tamil action-drama classic starring Rajinikanth as a selfless man undone by the very brothers he devoted his life to protecting.
Dharma Durai - Movie Information
Dharma Durai - Plot
Dharmadurai, a simple villager, helps his brothers financially against his father's wishes. He goes to jail when one of them kills a man, unaware that his brothers are nothing short of evil.
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Dharma Durai - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Rajashekar
Main Cast
- Rajinikanth
- Gautami Tadimalla
- Madhu
- Charan Raj
- Vaishnavi
- Nizhalgal Ravi
- Ajay Rathnam
- Venniradai Moorthy
- Mohan Raj
- Senthil
Writers
- Panchu Arunachalam
Producers
- S. Ramanathan
Dharma Durai - FAQs
What is Dharma Durai about?
Dharma Durai follows Dharmadurai, a kind-hearted villager who defies his father to support his brothers financially. When one brother commits murder, Dharmadurai takes the fall and goes to prison, only to later realize that the brothers he sacrificed everything for are deeply selfish and corrupt.
Who plays the lead role in Dharma Durai?
Rajinikanth plays the lead role of Dharmadurai, a noble and self-sacrificing villager. The film also stars Gautami Tadimalla, Madhu, Charan Raj, Nizhalgal Ravi, Vaishnavi, Senthil, and Venniradai Moorthy in key supporting roles.
Why does Dharmadurai go to jail in the film?
Dharmadurai goes to jail because one of his brothers kills a man, and Dharmadurai, loyal to his family despite everything, ends up bearing the consequences. He is unaware at the time of just how morally corrupt his brothers truly are, making his sacrifice all the more tragic.
Who directed Dharma Durai (1991)?
Dharma Durai was directed by Rajashekar, a Tamil film director known for his work in South Indian cinema. The film was produced by S. Ramanathan and written by Panchu Arunachalam, a celebrated screenwriter in Tamil film history.
When was Dharma Durai released?
Dharma Durai was released on January 14, 1991, in India. The date coincides with Pongal, the Tamil harvest festival, a traditionally auspicious and commercially significant release window for major Tamil films.
Who composed the music for Dharma Durai?
The music for Dharma Durai was composed by the legendary Ilaiyaraaja, one of the most prolific and celebrated composers in Indian film history. His score and songs for the film contributed significantly to its emotional depth and popular appeal.
What genre is Dharma Durai?
Dharma Durai is an Action and Drama film. It blends high-energy action sequences with an emotionally resonant family drama, exploring themes of loyalty, betrayal, and self-sacrifice — hallmarks of the Tamil masala genre at its most compelling.
What are some movies similar to Dharma Durai?
If you enjoyed Dharma Durai, you might also appreciate Shane (1953), a classic tale of a noble outsider protecting others at personal cost, or Buffalo '66 (1998) and A Swedish Love Story (1970) for their emotionally driven character studies. The World of Apu (1959) is another acclaimed drama worth exploring.
More About Dharma Durai
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