Paayum Puli is a 1983 Tamil-language martial arts film directed by S. P. Muthuraman, written by Panchu Arunachalam and produced by AVM Productions. The film, inspired from the 1978 film The 36th Chamber of Shaolin, stars Rajinikanth and Radha, alongside Jaishankar, Silk Smitha and R. N. Sudarshan, with K. Balaji making a cameo appearance. The music was composed by Ilaiyaraaja, while cinematography and editing were handled by Babu and R. Vittal respectively. Paayum Puli was released on 14 January 1983, coinciding with Pongal. The film became a commercial success at the box office.

Plot

Bharani, a meek person, joins a martial arts school and trains to become a martial artist, in order to exact revenge against Balram, a smuggler responsible for the death of Bharani's sister Sumathi.

Cast

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Cameo appearance

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Production

S. P. Muthuraman and Panchu Arunachalam, who were cashing on the popularity of Bruce Lee and his martial arts films, designed the story of Paayum Puli with Judo. K. K. Rathnam being hired as the action choreographer. and The film was inspired by 1978 film The 36th Chamber of Shaolin. AVM Productions initially wanted A. C. Tirulokchandar to play the antagonist, but he declined the offer. Karate Mani, a stuntman was later cast in the role, but he walked out and the role finally went to Jaishankar.

Soundtrack

The music was composed by Ilaiyaraaja and lyrics were written by Vaali. Pothukittu oothuthadi is the popular song from the movie even today. The disco song "Aadi Maasam" was well received, and it was later remixed by Srikanth Deva in Thottupaar. The film was dubbed into Telugu as Debbaku Debba and the lyrics were written by Rajashri

Release and reception

Paayum Puli was released on 14 January 1983, coinciding with Pongal. Thiraignani of Kalki said the real pouncing tigers of the film were the hero and the technicians. Paayum Puli was a commercial success, completed a 133-day run at theatres and grossed over inr 20000000. The makers wanted to release the film in Sri Lanka, but got into trouble as the title had "Puli" (Tiger), perceived as alluding to the LTTE. It was decided to release the film in the country with the title Irumbu Karangal, but the film did not release there.