Iruvar is a 1997 Indian Tamil epic political drama film co-written, produced and directed by Mani Ratnam. The film, which is loosely based on the relationship between cinema and politics in Tamil Nadu, features Mohanlal in the lead role along with Aishwarya Rai, Prakash Raj, Revathi, Gautami, Tabu and Nassar in other pivotal roles. Rai, a former Miss World, made her screen debut through this film playing dual characters. The high-budget film had its soundtrack composed by A. R. Rahman and the cinematography was by Santosh Sivan. It was dubbed and released in Malayalam in the same name and in Telugu as Iddaru. This film marked Mohanlal's debut in Tamil cinema after having only a cameo in Gopura Vasalile.

The film was screened in the Masters section at the 1997 Toronto International Film Festival. Iruvar went on to become a critical success winning the Best Film award at the Belgrade International Film Festival and two National Film Awards. In 2012, Iruvar was included by critic Rachel Dwyer in the 2012 British Film Institute Sight and Sound 1000 greatest films of all time.

The film's soundtrack features six songs composed by A. R. Rahman with lyrics by Vairamuthu. It has songs ranging from pure Carnatic to Tamil folk and jazz. Rahman blended two Carnatic ragas—"Naatai" and "Ghambeera Naatai"—in "Narumugaye". "Venilla Venilla", sung by veteran singer Asha Bhonsle, and "Hello Mister Edirkatchi" are based on jazz music. "Udal Mannukku" and "Unnodu Naan Irundha" were recitals sung by actor Arvind Swamy. The songs "Hello Mister Edirkatchi", "Narumugaye" were popular.