Eight years after its release, Pariyerum Perumal continues to remain an important film in Tamil cinema. Starring Kathir and Anandhi and directed by Mari Selvaraj, the film was released on September 28, 2018. On its eighth anniversary, Kathir looked back at the journey of a film that became a major milestone in his career.Key HighlightsPariyerum Perumal completed eight years on September 28, 2026.The film marked Mari Selvaraj’s directorial debut.Kathir played the lead role of Pariyan, a law student from Tirunelveli.The film explored caste and social inequality through Pariyan’s experiences.Kathir had earlier described Pariyan as the “role of a lifetime.”Kathir Celebrates Eight Years of Pariyerum PerumalPariyerum Perumal was released in theatres on September 28, 2018. The film introduced audiences to Mari Selvaraj as a filmmaker and featured Kathir in the central role of Pariyan, alongside Anandhi, Yogi Babu and G. Marimuthu.The story follows Pariyan, a young law student in Tirunelveli, whose friendship with his college classmate Jyothi brings him face-to-face with caste-based discrimination. Rather than presenting the subject through a conventional commercial format, the film used Pariyan’s personal experiences to explore wider social realities.A Turning Point for KathirFor Kathir, Pariyerum Perumal became an important turning point. Before the film, he had appeared in movies including Madha Yaanai Koottam, Kirumi, Ennodu Vilaiyadu and Vikram Vedha.Speaking about the film in 2018, Kathir said he had gone out of his way to become part of the project after hearing about Mari Selvaraj’s script. He also described Pariyan as a role that would remain significant in his career.The actor’s performance as Pariyan became closely associated with the film and helped establish a different phase in his acting journey.Mari Selvaraj’s Debut Still ResonatesPariyerum Perumal was Mari Selvaraj’s first feature film as a director. Produced by Pa. Ranjith under Neelam Productions, the film combined social themes with a grounded story set largely around the Tirunelveli-Thoothukudi region.The film also featured music by Santhosh Narayanan, whose soundtrack included songs such as Karuppi and Vaa Rayil Vida Polaama.Its reception extended beyond its original theatrical run, with the film receiving several awards and later being remade in Kannada as Karki and in Hindi as Dhadak 2.Eight Years LaterAs Pariyerum Perumal completes eight years, its place in Tamil cinema continues to be discussed by audiences and critics. Kathir’s portrayal of Pariyan, Mari Selvaraj’s direction and the film’s exploration of caste and social inequality have kept it relevant years after its theatrical release.For Kathir, the film remains more than another credit in his filmography. It represents a defining chapter in his acting journey — one that continues to stay with audiences even eight years later.
