Dharmathin Thalaivan is a 1988 Indian Tamil action-drama film directed by S. P. Muthuraman, starring Rajinikanth in dual roles, along with Prabhu, Suhasini, Kushboo, Nassar and Captain Raju in other roles. The movie is a remake of the 1978 Bollywood film Kasme Vaade. The film marked the debut of Kushboo in Tamil cinema. The film was declared a superhit at the box office and completed a 100-day run in many centres.

After Thai Veedu, Devar Films parted ways with Rajini. All the subsequent films they produced were flops which resulted in heavy losses. Director R. Thyagarajan openly accepted that they had a very good rapport with Rajini for sometime but due to unavoidable circumstances they lost their friendship with Rajini. They accepted that they are responsible for the issue and there's no mistake on Rajini side. Rajini wished to help them and did Dharmathin Thalaivan under Dandayudhapani Films banner. Dharmathin Thalaivan was the 21st collaboration between Rajinikanth and SP Muthuraman. The film saw Prabhu and Rajini pairing for second time after Guru Sishyan (1988). The film marked the debut of actress Kushboo in Tamil films. Kushboo revealed that the film happened "after I met Prabhu at a studio and he recommended my name to the producer" and she also recalled an instance when she struggled to learn and understand Tamil during the shoot.
The music composed by Ilaiyaraaja. The song "Thenmadurai" remains one of the famous songs from the film. The song "Muthamizh Kaviye" is based on Gaurimanohari Raga.

Dharmathin Thalaivan became a super hit and paid off all the losses of Devar. However it became the final production of Devar films and after that they left the industry. Indiaglitz wrote: "There was another side to our own Superstar and Dharmathin Thalaivan was a fine example for the same. He did the role of a passionate Tamil teacher with his usual swag".

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