Asuran (2020) is a Tamil-language action drama film directed by Vetrimaaran, based on the novel Vekkai by Poomani. The film stars Dhanush in a dual role alongside Manju Warrier, Prakash Raj, and others.
Set in rural Tamil Nadu, Asuran follows Sivasamy (Dhanush), a poor farmer from a lower caste who struggles to protect his family from the oppression of a powerful landlord. When his son Murugan is brutally murdered for standing up against the landlord’s injustices, Sivasamy’s younger son Chidambaram takes revenge, triggering a violent pursuit. To save his son, Sivasamy flees with him, recalling his own dark past of rebellion and bloodshed.
The film highlights caste-based oppression, social inequality, and the impact of violence on generations. Dhanush delivers a gripping performance, portraying both a fierce protector and a haunted man burdened by his past. Vetrimaaran’s raw storytelling, combined with G.V. Prakash Kumar’s haunting music, enhances the film’s emotional depth. Asuran was both a critical and commercial success, winning National Film Awards, including Best Actor for Dhanush, and is praised for its powerful narrative and intense action sequences.
