Aravindhan is a 1997 Indian Tamil-language film written and directed by newcomer T. Nagarajan and produced by T. Siva. The film stars Sarathkumar, Parthiban, Nagma, and Oorvasi in the lead roles, while Visu, Prakash Raj, Anandaraj, and Thilakan play supporting roles. The film marks the debut of noted music composer Yuvan Shankar Raja, musician Ilaiyaraaja's youngest son, and the debut of cinematographer R. Rathnavelu. The film is based on the 1968 Kilvenmani massacre, in which 44 people were burnt alive.

Plot

Aravindhan is preparing to clear IPS to become a police officer. But after he sees Thamizhvannan, shown as a Naxalite, being shot dead by police, Aravindhan starts a fight against police and corrupt politicians. Aravindhan gets supported by the people for his strict fight against corruption. Anu loves Aravindhan, but her father does not accept the relation. The police wants to put Aravindhan in jail for the politicians, so Aravindhan goes into hiding. On the way, he hides in Gayathri's home. The police tries to catch Aravindhan but at the same time, thinks Gayathri tried to give shelter to Aravindhan, so Gayathri's father dies. Now Aravindhan understands that he has to save Gayathri, so he takes her with him to a factory area to stay. Aravindhan works in the factory, and life goes along smooth for him as he marries Gayathri and has a child. Once in the factory, the manager does not give a fair price to the workers, which Aravindhan protests, so he beats the manager very poorly. The factory people now identify Aravindhan's true identity as a Naxalite. The police comes in search of Aravindhan, who finally surrenders in court. In jail, Aravindhan writes many anti-corruption articles. This gives Aravindhan wide public support to get elected as a minister. The corrupt politicians want to avoid this uprising and hire a gunman to shoot Aravindhan. During a stage speaking with many people around, the gunman shoots and kills Aravindhan, thus precluding him from becoming minister.