A Night of Decades-Spanning Glory
The Tamil film industry recently witnessed a rare spectacle of longevity and creative consistency. Veteran actor-director Radhakrishnan Parthiban, often hailed as the “maverick” of Kollywood, shared his overwhelming joy after receiving a staggering ten awards from the Government of Tamil Nadu.
In a social media post that blended his signature wit with deep gratitude, Parthiban described the physical exhaustion of repeatedly “climbing up and down the stage” to collect his trophies. The highlight of the evening, however, was a light-hearted exchange with actress Sai Pallavi. Seeing Parthiban’s frequent trips to the podium, Sai Pallavi reportedly quipped: “Why don’t you just put a chair on the stage and sit there to collect everything together?” This candid moment, captured and edited by Parthiban’s assistant, has since gone viral, showcasing the mutual respect between the veteran and the current generation of stars.
Securing the “Script” to the Future
While the awards celebrate his past, Parthiban is making strategic moves to protect his future. The filmmaker recently issued a formal public notice via his legal counsel, Vijayan Subramanian, asserting his “sole, absolute, and exclusive” ownership of 15 significant films in his career.
This legal maneuver follows a 15-day “window of invitation” where any entity claiming rights was asked to provide documentary proof. With the period now expired, Parthiban has slammed the door on future claims. This ensures he holds all theatrical, digital, satellite, and allied rights for a perpetual period across all languages.
The 15-Film Legacy Catalog
The list of films now legally fortified under Parthiban’s banner includes:
-
Puthiya Paathai (1989) – His explosive debut that redefined social dramas.
-
Pondatti Thevai (1990)
-
Sugamana Sumaigal (1992)
-
Ulle Veliye (1993)
-
Sarigamapadani (1994)
-
Pullakuttikaran (1995)
-
Abhimanyu (1997)
-
House Full (1999)
-
Ivan (2002)
-
Kudaikul Mazhai (2004)
-
Pachchak Kuthira (2006)
-
Kathai Thiraikathai Vasanam Iyakkam (2014)
-
Koditta Idangalai Nirappuga (2017)
-
Otha Seruppu Size 7 (2019) – The National Award-winning solo act.
-
Teenz (2024)
The Visionary’s Stance
Parthiban’s move is being viewed as a masterclass in intellectual property management for independent creators. By consolidating his rights, he simplifies the process for these classics to enter the modern OTT era, ensuring that the original creator—rather than defunct production houses—benefits from their digital afterlife.
As one fan noted on X (formerly Twitter), “Parthiban sir’s every word is a comedy, but his every move is a lesson in professional strategy.” Whether he is joking with Sai Pallavi or battling in the legal arena, Parthiban remains one of the most intriguing figures in Indian cinema today.
