Mudhalvan is a 1999 Indian Tamil-language political action drama film co-produced, co-written and directed by Shankar. The film stars Arjun, Manisha Koirala, and Raghuvaran in lead roles, while Vadivelu and Manivannan appear in supporting roles. The film featured an award-winning soundtrack composed by A. R. Rahman, cinematography by K. V. Anand, and dialogue by Sujatha. Many members of the DMK government of Tamil Nadu believed that the antagonist was modelled on M. Karunanidhi, the CM & Supreme Leader of the DMK. Subsequently, the film received release issues and oppressive pressure from the DMK.