Arul (film)

Arul is a 2004 Indian Tamil-language action film written and directed by Hari. It stars Vikram in the titular role, alongside Jyothika, Pasupathy, Kollam Thulasi and Vadivelu. The music was composed by Harris Jayaraj, while the cinematography and editing were handled by Priyan and V. T. Vijayan respectively.

Arul was released on 1 May 2004 and became a commercial success at the box office.

Plot
Arul Kumaran, a factory worker separated from his family of goldsmiths in Coimbatore, gets into a verbal fight with the corrupt MLA Gajapathy, which results in Arul killing Gajapathy. Arul surrenders to the cops, but is later released from prison. Sethupathy, Gajapathy's brother and a political kingmaker, wants to exact revenge on Arul for Gajapathy's death. A cat and mouse game ensues in which Arul takes responsibility of cleaning anti social elements and also becomes the kingmaker of Coimbatore.

Production
After the success of Saamy, Hari decided to renew the collaboration with Vikram for second time with Arul. Jyothika was selected as heroine pairing with Vikram for second time after Dhool. Vivek was originally a part of the cast but fell out with the director and was subsequently replaced by Vadivelu in the film.

Though the film's plot is set in the backdrop of Coimbatore, the film was entirely shot at Karaikudi and was completed within 45 days.

Music
The soundtrack album and background score were composed by Harris Jayaraj collaborating with Hari and Vikram for the third time.

Release
The film was released on 1 May 2004.

Critical response
Arul received mixed reviews from critics.

Nowrunning termed it as "long, stale, tedious and drab." Sify wrote "If you like Rambo style of films, Arul is worth investing". Indiaglitz wrote "An action-packed film for frontbenchers."