Desiya Geetham

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Desiya Geetham is a 1998 Tamil political drama directed and written by Cheran, starring Murali and Rambha. The story follows a group of villagers who kidnap a chief minister and bring him to their village to help him understand the hardships they face. It was produced by Taras Creations with co-producers R. Chandru, Abuthahir, Sathish Kumar and G. V. Suresh Kumar, and features music by Ilaiyaraaja. The film runs 164 minutes and was released on 19 October 1998 during Diwali.

Desiya Geetham earned Cheran the Filmfare Best Director – Tamil award at the 46th Filmfare Awards South. Critics praised its focus on village problems like lack of water, bad roads and shortages of basic supplies. The plot also sparked political controversy, with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi reportedly unhappy about it, though Cheran invited him to watch the film. Some figures, including G. K. Moopanar and Rajinikanth, supported the film and its message.