Thappu Thalangal is a 1978 Indian crime drama film directed by K. Balachander and starring Rajinikanth.
The story revolves around Devu, a hitman who finds refuge at the home of Sarasu, a prostitute. As they develop feelings for each other, their relationship becomes complicated due to Devu's strained bond with his half-brother Soma, who mistreats him and frequently changes partners.
A significant plot point involves Devu's involvement in an incident related to a trade union leader delivering medicine; this event causes trauma when he witnesses the aftermath, leading him to suggest remapping the situation.
The film was simultaneously shot in Kannada and Tamil, with the latter version titled as Thappu Thalangal. It was widely appreciated for the performances of Rajinikanth and Saritha, who made her film debut in this movie.