Mettukudi (1996)

Liberally spiced with modern cinematic elements, this extraordinary epic starts in the 17th century, when King Raja Cholan presents his valuable sword to his soldier for playing a vital role in winning a war. Ever since that historic day, the soldier's descendants have carefully preserved the sword. An archaeologist with knowledge of this sword's existence plans to steal it due to its monetary value. Presently Gemini Ganesan is charged with the care of the sword. The villain plans to send Karthik to do this job. He enters into the palace as the son (who ran of from the family in his childhood) of Manivannan, who is the son in law of Gemini Ganesan. Everything goes smoothly until Gemini Ganesan's granddaughter Nagma falls in love with him, even proposing marriage with Karthik. She feels betrayed when she comes to know the truth, and accuses him of being there only to steal the sword. Gemini Ganesan is totally enamoured by the man, trusts him completely, offers him the sword, and the responsibility to take care of it. Will Karthik abscond with the sword forever? Or, will he risk everything by choosing to protect the sword and the trusting family that took him in with so much love?