Irumbukkottai Murattu Singam (Eng: The Iron Fort’s Furious Lion) is a 2010 Indian Tamil western comedy film directed by Chimbu Deven, starring choreographer-turned-actor Lawrence Raghavendra, Padmapriya, Lakshmi Rai, Sandhya in lead roles. The film is a “Western adventure comedy film” based on cowboy stories, which is set in the 19th century paying homages to many western films. The film’s shooting commenced in April 2009 and was released on 7 May 2010 to positive reviews. In Tamil cinema, after the movie Ganga (1972) starring Jaishankar, this is a full length cowboy movie being taken after 38 years. The movie was appreciated to be in the standards of an original Italian cowboy movies. Irumbukkottai Murattu Singam comically highlights the current world politics.
The town of Jayshankarapuram, home of Tamil-speaking cowboys, is ruled by a one-eyed tyrant named Kizhakku Kattai (Nassar) (literally translating to East Wood), who rules over other villages as well, and is always surrounded by his assistants, a cowgirl named Pakki (Lakshmi Rai) and an outlaw named Ulakkai (Sai Kumar). In order to free their town from Kattai’s rule, Bilagiri James (Mouli), Dagelandi (Ilavarasu), Jada (Ramesh Khanna), and Viruma (Vaiyapuri) travel to a neighboring town, Holaypuram, to seek out a savior.
There, they encounter Singaram (Lawrence Raghavendra), a man with a noble heart who has been sentenced to death for duty negligence. The gang saves Singaram from execution and explains their situation. Singaram learns why he was chosen. The brave Singam (Lawrence Raghavendra) was the previous marshal of Jayashankarapuram who bore a striking resemblance to Singam, and also was the only one who stood up to Kattai’s tyranny. Singam disappeared under mysterious circumstances years ago, and the town was left defenseless.
Singaram is brought to the village and passed off as Singam. Singaram learns to adapt to his new name, learning all the hero’s skills and tricks. He wins the respect of the village seniors, which includes Paandu Paramu (Delhi Ganesh) and Keluthi Amma (Manorama). Soon, Baali (Padmapriya) falls for Singaram. Soon, he surpasses the original hero’s prowess, though initially, it is due to dumb luck. In between the hero’s and the villain’s camp is a Red Indian village where the tribals are pure vegetarians. With the introduction of this village, Athirikesa (M. S. Bhaskar), the leader of the tribal group, his father Rangula (Senthil), and his beautiful daughter Thumbi (Sandhya) are also introduced.
The villagers at Jayashankarapuram find a map that is hidden in their “MGR Timesquare”, but it is only one half they have. They have to find the other half to hunt for treasure that is preserved and hidden somewhere far away. Kattai has other plans. He negotiates a deal of freeing prisoners in exchange of the treasure. Do Singaram and the folks find the treasure?
Directed by Chimbu Deven
Produced by Kalpathi S.Aghoram, Kalpathi S.Ganesh & Kalpathi S.Suresh
Written by Chimbu Deven
Starring Lawrence Raghavendra, Padmapriya, Lakshmi Rai, Sandhya
Music by Original songs: G. V. Prakash Kumar Background Score: Sabesh-Murali
Cinematography Alagappan N
Edited by Raja Mohammad
Production AGS Entertainment
Release date 7 May 2010
Running time 140 minutes
Country India
Language Tamil
