Pariyerum Perumal

Pariyerum Perumal (transl. The Emperor who mounts a Horse) is a 2018 Indian Tamil-language drama film written and directed by Mari Selvaraj, and produced by Pa. Ranjith. The film stars Kathir and Anandhi, while Yogi Babu and G. Marimuthu appear in supporting roles. It follows Pariyan (Kathir), who belongs to an oppressed caste and enters into law college with a lot of hope, and strikes up a friendship with Jothi Mahalakshmi (Anandhi), who belongs to an upper caste, which irks Jothi's family members. He wakes up to the realities of caste oppression and discrimination, after being harassed by them.

Pariyerum Perumal is the directorial debut of Selvaraj, and drew inspiration from his 2012 short story collection Thamirabaraniyil Kollapadathavaragal (transl. Those not killed in the Thamirabarani) and 2013 serial Marakave Ninaikiraen (transl. I think only to forget). It is the first feature film produced by Ranjith's Neelam Productions. The film, announced in October 2016, was shot between January 2017 and March 2018, with Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi as the primary filming locations. The music was composed by Santhosh Narayanan, with cinematography handled by Sridhar and editing done by Selva R. K.

Pariyerum Perumal released on 28 September 2018, and received critical acclaim, with critics praising the technical aspects, direction, screenplay, performance of the film's cast, especially Kathir's performance. The film received four Ananda Vikatan Cinema Awards, including Best Story and Best Director for Selvaraj, six nominations at the 8th SIIMA Awards, receiving two wins, four nominations at the 66th Filmfare Awards South, winning Best Film. The film was honoured at the 16th Chennai International Film Festival, receiving an award for the best feature, and was also screened at the 49th International Film Festival of India.