Thirumalai is a 2003 Indian Tamil-language action romance film written and directed by Ramana. This film stars Vijay and Jyothika, while Vivek, Raghuvaran, Kausalya and Karunas play supporting roles.
Produced by Kavithalayaa Productions banner, Thirumalai shows Vijay playing a bike mechanic of the Pudupet area in Chennai. This film was a turning point in Vijay's career as he transitioned himself into a leading action hero from a romantic hero in his acting career.[1] Filming began in March 2002 and was planned for a 2002 Christmas release, but the delays in dubbing sessions and some reshot scenes made it release by October 2003, during Diwali, and was declared as a successful venture at the box office, despite the delays.[2]
The film was remade in Telugu as Gowri[3] with Sumanth and Charmme Kaur in 2004. It was also remade in Bangladesh as Kotha Dao Sathi Hobe starring Shakib Khan in 2007...
Thirumalai (Vijay) is a mechanic who lives with his friends in Pudhupettai, Chennai. On the occasion of 2002 New Year's Eve, he meets Swetha (Jyothika) who wishes him good luck for the upcoming year, as happened, Thirumalai consider her as a good luck charm for him and falls in love with her. He begins stalking her. But she beats him up with the help of her goons. After realizing his good nature, she apologizes and reciprocates his feelings. This is opposed by her father Ashok (Avinash), who calls a thug named Arasu (Manoj K. Jayan), who has a reputation of being a big mafia crime boss in Chennai. Hence, Thirumalai fights with them and this makes Arasu realize all of his misbehavior. In the end, Arasu changes his mind about the match, and Ashok also realizes his mistakes. He accepts their love finally, and both reunite with each other.