1977 (film)

The film begins at a fishing hamlet in Tamil Nadu where an elderly Rajashekar is worshipped as a godfather by many. His amiable ways of living won him many friends. His son Vetrivel is an acclaimed scientist. He is received with gusto by the whole village after he returns winning awards from Central government. Unfortunately, a glance at a vernacular on a news report on Malaysia shocks Rajashekar, who immediately develops cardiac arrest and dies.

Vetrivel learns of the incident and decides to unravel the mystery behind the death. He sets off to Malaysia. Vetrivel gets acquainted with a local reporter Inba, who falls for him. With her help, he finds out a disturbing truth about his father's life. Rajashekar is former police officer in Malaysia who falls to the conspiracy of a baddie and is arrested for no fault of his. Rajashekar eventually pays the price for being honest by losing his family and settles down in Tamil Nadu with his young son.

In his quest to prove that his father is innocent, Vetrivel re-opens the case and gets the help of Chandhini, a lawyer who is the daughter of erstwhile public prosecutor, Gaandivan, who argued against Rajashekar 30 years ago. He also finds his mother in the process. The rest of the film is all but how Vetrivel rewrites history, proves his father's innocence, and avenges the bad elements.

1977 is the directorial debut of Dinesh Kumar, previously an advertisement filmmaker.^[2] R. Sarathkumar and Namitha paired for the third time after Aai and Chanakya.^[3] The film was prominently shot at Malaysia,^[4] including the Twin Towers.^[5] The editor Anthony was going to remove the "Awas Anjing" comedy track but actor Vivek was insistent to retain it.^[6]

The music was composed by Vidyasagar.^[7][8] Karthik of Milliblog wrote, "Vidyasagar's foray back into hardcore commercial work is just endurable".^[9]