'don-u don-u', it can be safely said that the characterization of Dhanush in the movie is not something that we normally associate to that of a don's. Rather, it is the character of a boy who grows up in a
particular area and goes on to become a thug by conquering the area which according to him, belongs to him. Tamil cinema in the past have come up with similar characters as it is easier for such a
character to express his heroism to the fullest and also indulge in local fights which in turn adds a commercial value to the movie. While a don exhibits class and has his own set of rules, a local rowdy doesn't play by the
rules which makes his character that much more interesting and the word 'interesting' serves any cinema well, let alone a Tamil cinema.
Rajinikanth in Baba Directed by Suresh Krissna, Baba has Rajinikanth playing a local rowdy (Dhadha). The movie is about how a rowdy with no moral values gets transformed into a deeply pious man with the intervention of a divine being.
Kamal Haasan in Vasool Raja MBBS This is the Hindi remake of Munna Bhai MBBS and the Tamil version was directed by Saran. The film narrates the story of a rowdy whose job is to collect money from people who are liable to pay others even as they refuse to do so. The movie turns into a comic caper when he decides to
Ajith in Dheena Dheena marked the directorial debut of AR Murugadoss. The film revolves around a loyal henchman who decides to stand up against his own chief in an attempt to fulfill his vow made by him to his boss' sister.
Vikram in Gemini This blockbuster film which was directed by Saran talks about an aspiring don who falls in love and decides to pursue a college degree. Vikram had played the role of a local rowdy with precision. The film also gave actor Kalabhavan Mani a recognition in Tamil cinema.
Surya in Aaru Directed by Hari of Singam fame, Aaru is about a local rowdy and a henchman who is tricked into aiding the assassination of his own friends by his chieftain. Once the henchman learns the truth, he begins a whole new journey seeking revenge.
Vijay in Pokkiri Pokkiri marked the directorial debut of Prabhu Deva in Tamil. Starring Ilayathalapathy Vijay, the film is about a ruffian who takes up whatever Jobs comes his way including murder. The movie undergoes a cinematic twist in the climax revealing that the rowdy is actually a police officer. It was a remake of the Telugu film of same name.
Madhavan In Ayutha Ezhuthu Directed by Mani Ratnam, Ayutha Ezhuthu talks about three characters, one belonging to that of a local thug, played to perfection by Madhavan. His character is about how a rowdy decides to give up on everything including his wife in search of great power.
Arya In Arinthum Ariyamalum Arinthum Ariyamalum stars Arya and Prakash Raj in pivotal roles and was directed by Vishnuvardhan. Raised by a local don, Arya grows into a formidable rowdy who abides by his father's rules.
Jayam Ravi in Deepavali Directed by Ezhil, Deepavali is about a local thug who is deeply respected in his area. He falls in love with a girl with a medical condition called post traumatic event disorder.
Dhanush In Pudhu Pettai Starring Dhanush, Sneha and Sonia Agarwal, this Selvaraghavan directorial is about an unworthy guy who gradually becomes a ruthless rowdy. Now we know Maari isn't the first film in which Dhanush is playing the role of a local rowdy.
