Vallal

Vallal is a 1997 Indian Tamil-language drama film written and directed by Raj Kapoor. The film stars Sathyaraj, Meena, Manorama, Goundamani, Senthil and Sangeetha. It was released on 19 April 1997. The film was remade in Telugu as Raayudu.

Plot
Durairasu loves Madhavi but she doesn't reciprocate his love and marries her uncle. Once Virumandi and Madhavi's husband get into a fight. Unfortunately Madhavi & her husband passes away. So Durairasu does not marry anyone & devotes his life for Madhavi's daughter Chella kili. Because of this issue there was a break in the family, Thulasi who is Virumandi's wife and Durairasu's Sister and he were separated. This made Virumandi very angry so he always wants to avenge. Durairasu save a girl Annam from the sea, who doesn't want to divulge her past. As time passes, Annam gets closer into the family and Kamakshi Durairasu's mother asks Durairasu to marry Annam. And this creates a problem for Chella kili as she loses Durairasu's attention, she comes out of her family and stays in Virumandi's house. Later Thulasi explains the whole story to her and lets her go to her father. In the end Annam, Durairasu, Chella kili, Kamakshi, Chithapu live together happily.

Production
Shobana Vignesh was initially selected to play a role in the film alongside fellow actresses Meena and Roja. The first promotional campaign however featured Sangita's name instead of Shobana, prompting Meena to attempt to leave the project, citing potential reduced prominence owing to a third lead actress. The director Raj Kapoor subsequently asked her to stay on, assuring importance. After the release of the film, Meena criticised Raj Kapoor for his false assurances. The film marked the debut of cinematographer Ramji who earlier assisted P. C. Sreeram.

Soundtrack
Soundtrack was composed by Deva and lyrics were written by Vaali.

Release and reception
When the film was struggling with its release, it was Vijayakanth who helped the film in getting its release. R. P. R. of Kalki praised the performance of Sangeetha who equally performed with Sathyaraj while also praising Deva's music and Meena's performance but felt the film's lengthy first half could have been reduced to avoid lagging. K. N. Vijiyan of New Straits Times wrote, "Though the story may be nothing new, in Raj Kapoor's hands, the movie proves praiseworthy". The film did well at box-office.