Virtuous Son) is a 1958 Indian Tamil-language historical action film directed by T. Prakash Rao.

Co-produced by C. V. Sridhar, who also wrote the screenplay, the film stars Sivaji Ganesan and Padmini, with M. K. Radha, M. N. Nambiar, K. A. Thangavelu, Ragini and Kannamba in supporting roles.

Uthama Puthiran is a remake of the 1940 Tamil film of the same name, itself based on The Man in the Iron Mask, the third part of the 1847–1850 novel The Vicomte of Bragelonne: Ten Years Later by Alexandre Dumas.

The film became a major commercial success, with a theatrical run of over 100 days, and established Ganesan as one of the most bankable stars in Tamil cinema.

To achieve his objective of ruling the country, Naganathan brings up Vikraman with all vices and does not allow him to bond with his mother.

After the king's death, Vikraman ascends the throne and hands over administrative controls to Naganathan, who indulges in all kind of looting by levying more taxes.

Parthiban assumes charge of the kingdom and introduces citizen friendly policies which are welcomed by the people.

After the success of Amara Deepam (1956), director T. Prakash Rao and co-writer C. V. Sridhar wanted their next film to be on a grander scale.

Rao decided on the folk tale of Valli, and he and Sridhar approached Sivaji Ganesan to star.

Rao and Sridhar then considered adapting The Man in the Iron Mask, the third part of the 1847–1850 novel The Vicomte of Bragelonne: Ten Years Later by Alexandre Dumas.

Though it had already been adapted in Tamil as Uthama Puthiran (1940), an unfazed Sridhar decided to remake the film as it had been more than 15 years since release.

[2][3] The remake's screenplay was written by Sridhar, who co-produced the film with his partners S. Krishnamoorthy and T. Govindarajan under the banner Venus Pictures.

[1] The song "Kaathiruppan Kamalakannan", is picturised on Padmini and her sister Ragini's characters performing a Bharatham dance.

[10] Yaaradi Nee Mohini", the first rock and roll dance song in Tamil cinema, is picturised on Bollywood dancer Helen.

[19] In a review dated 16 February 1958, the magazine Ananda Vikatan praised the acting by Ganesan, the grand making, songs and the fight scenes.

[20] Kanthan of Kalki lauded the cinematography but criticised the action choreography, comparing it unfavourably to Apoorva Sagodharargal (1949).

[25] Uthama Puthiran was the inspiration behind Imsai Arasan 23rd Pulikecei, a 2006 comedy film starring Vadivelu as the twins.