Dharma Chakkaram

Dharma Chakkaram is a 1997 Indian Tamil-language action drama film directed by K. S. Ravikumar and produced by Lakshmi Movie Makers. The film stars Vijayakanth, Rambha and Deepti Bhatnagar. It was released on 14 January 1997.

Plot
Chakkaravarthy, chief of the village manages the problems that endures the villagers. His past is marked by Vijayalakshmi, that they were to marry each other. Arumugam, a jealous enemy of Chakkaravarthy, challenges. What Chakkaravarthy accepts as long as he gives something. Arumugam puts on a fight competition only if he loses Vijayalakshmi to him in marriage. Confident, she orders to win him against Arumugam. But Chakkaravarthy loses and Vijayalakshmi sacrifices her life after marrying Arumugam.

Entering the village Vijayalakshmi who has the same name as the old one. Vijayalakshmi is rebellious and defended by Chakkaravarthy when confronted by the villagers. When she is tortured by Arumugam's goons, Chakkaravarthy comes to her rescue.

Production
Suvaluxmi and Laila had turned down the lead female role before Deepti Bhatnagar was selected.

Soundtrack
The music was composed by Deva, with lyrics by R. V. Udayakumar.

Release
The film was released on Pongal 1997 alongside Minsara Kanavu, Periya Thambi, Iruvar and Bharathi Kannamma. According to Indolink, the film "fared pretty well".

Legacy
Following Vijayakanth's death in 2023, Film Companion included the film in their list "7 Vijayakanth Films That Left an Indian Cinema Legacy".