It was released on 24 September 1988, and composer Ilaiyaraaja won the Cinema Express Award for Best Music Director.

He lives with his younger brother Raju, his maternal uncle Rangarajan and his cousin Sumathi, who is also his love interest.

Balu's demise marks a turning point for Raju, who vows never to get angry and drink again.

Sumathi, who is devastated at Balu's death, goes into depression, dons the garb of a widow and vows never to marry.

One day, Raju encounters his brother's doppelgänger Shankar, a rowdy and thief who steals cars daily from the garage.

However, after hearing Raju's and Sumathi's sad story, Shankar undergoes a change of heart and he decides to mend his ways, eventually becoming a police informer.

Meanwhile, Sumathi is kidnapped by a smuggler Bhaskar, for whom Shankar once used to work, in order to force him to smuggle diamonds.

[12] The first look poster of Ghajinikanth (2018) had its lead character in an ethnic attire resembling Balu portrayed by Rajinikanth from Dharmathin Thalaivan.