Rickshawkaran is a 1971 Indian Tamil-language vigilante film directed by M. Krishnan and produced by R. M. Veerappan, who doubled as screenwriter. The film stars M. G. Ramachandran, Padmini and Manjula, with S. A. Ashokan, Major Sundarrajan and Manohar in supporting roles. It revolves around a rickshaw puller who witnesses a murder, and decides to unearth the mystery behind it.

Maruthur Gopalan Ramachandran , popularly known by his initials M.G.R., was an Indian actor, politician, and philanthropist who served as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu from 1977 until his death in 1987. He was the founder and first general secretary of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam. On 19 March 1988, Ramachandran was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honour. Ramachandran is regarded as one of the most influential politicians of post-independence India. Apart from Politics, as an Film Personality he has won One National Film Award, two Tamil Nadu State Film Awards and two Filmfare Award South in his Career.