Perazhagan

The story revolves around Chinna (Suriya), a village youth who receives sympathy because he is a hunchback and is lauded for selfless service to others. He covers up his handicap with humor. Unmindful of his looks, Chinna goes around looking for a suitable bride with the help of his friend Kuzhandhaisamy (Vivek). Brushing aside many insults hurled at him, he carries on.

In contrast is Karthik (also Surya), a violent college student who madly loves his classmate Priya (Jyothika). She meets Chinna, who assures her that she would get her married to the man of her dreams. However, she is killed in a fracas involving Varadhan (Bobby), a gangster, where she was hit and kicked brutally as Varadhan wanted to take revenge against Priya's father DCP Nair (Devan), who arrested him. Karthik and Chinna saw this, but Varadhan told him that he will get killed if he tells anyone what he saw. Karthik is framed as Priya's killer and gets arrested, but Chinna pleads Nair and tells the truth behind Priya's murder. Meanwhile, Chinna comes across an orphaned, poor, blind girl Shenbagam (Jyothika). He wins over her heart by helping her out when her brother (Thalaivasal Vijay) died.

After his efforts, she gains her vision (Priya's eyes are transplanted to her). This results in a tussle between Chinna and Karthik as to whom Shenbagam now belongs. However, fearing his looks, Chinna decides to give way to Karthik and ends up staying in a temple where Kuzhandhaisamy finds him and brings him to Shenbagam. Shenbagam does not care of looks and accepts him. Before their marriage, Varadhan returns to avenge Chinna. Karthik remembers Priya and avenges her death by killing Varadhan. Karthik approves Chinna and Shenbagam's wedding before being sent to jail. The film ends with the couple spending their honeymoon in Ooty.

The soundtrack, released on 15 April 2004, has six songs composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja with Pazhani Bharathi, Kabilan, Pa. Vijay, Thamarai and Snehan writing the lyrics of each one song.[3]

The satellite rights of the film were sold to Sun TV.[4] Upon release, NP Films bought the Telugu remake rights of the film. However, the remake did not undergo production and the film was dubbed and released in Telugu as Sundarangadu.[5]

Sify wrote, "The film makes you laugh and cry at the same time. However the highlight of the film is Surya as Chinna and he is extraordinary. Here is one of his most lovable performances as the handicap, though as the morose Karthik, he just passes muster. Jyothika is a revelation (also in her first dual role) as the bubbly Priya and the blind Shenbagham. In her first de-glamorised role as Shenbagham she has proved her histrionics. Vivek for a change has a full length role and he brings the house down with his one-liners. Music by Yuvan is average but the background score is good. Director Sasi Sankar has to be applauded for making a feel-good film without any violence, vulgarity or even bad words.".[6]Indiaglitz wrote, "Surya deserves appreciation for his astounding performance. He is at his best, be it humor or action. The actor has scored a hat trick with Perazhagan now following his Kaakha Kaakha and Pithamagan last year. After a long gap, Vivek has succeeded in evoking laughter. A tailor-made role for Vivek in which he really excels. Actress Malavika appear for a number. Also in the cast includes Manorama, Devan, T P Gajendran, a debutant Bobby and Muthukalai."[7]

Suriya reprises his role as Chinna in the song "Palla Palla" in Ayan.[10]

• Perazhagan at IMDb