Karnan (2021 film)

Karnan (pronunciation^ⓘ) is a 2021 Indian Tamil-language action drama film directed by Mari Selvaraj, and produced by Kalaipuli S. Thanu. The film stars Dhanush, Rajisha Vijayan (in her Tamil debut), Lal, Yogi Babu, Lakshmi Priyaa Chandramouli and Natty Subramaniam. It features music composed by Santhosh Narayanan, cinematography handled by Theni Eswar, and editing done by Selva R. K. The film follows the titular character from a lower caste background as he fights for the rights of his people.

The film was began production in January 2020 and was completed that December, after delays in between due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was theatrically released on 9 April 2021 to critical acclaim. Though the film generated controversies for allegedly being influenced by the 1995 Kodiyankulam caste violence, it was a box office success and became one of the highest grossing Tamil films of 2021, despite its theatrical run being affected due to pandemic restrictions. Publications like The Indian Express named Karnan as one of the best Tamil films of 2021.