Mettukudi (/meɪttukudi/ transl. The House on the Hill) is a 1996 Indian Tamil-language comedy film directed by Sundar C., who also wrote the screenplay. The film stars Karthik, Gemini Ganesan, Goundamani, Nagma and Manivannan. The music was composed by Sirpy with cinematography by U. K. Senthil Kumar and editing by P. Sai Suresh. The film released on 29 August 1996. It is based on the 1990 Malayalam film His Highness Abdullah.^[2]

This article needs an improved plot summary. (March 2024)

The story starts in the 9th century. King Raja Raja Chola presents his valuable sword to his commander-in-chief, for playing a vital role in winning a war. It was preserved by his family descendants. This information was known by an archaeologist, who 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 Raja to do this job. He enters into the palace as the son (who ran off from the family in his childhood) of Kumarasamy, Gemini Ganesan's son-in-law. Initially, everything goes smoothly. However, Indhu, Gemini Ganesan's granddaughter, falls in love with Raja. The situation called for Raja to marry her. Later, Indhu discovers the truth and confronts him about stealing the sword.

In the meantime, Gemini Ganesan, not knowing Raja for what he came there for, gives the sword to him and asks him to look after it. This makes Raja realise his mistake and promises him to protect it. The climax occurs when Raja manages to protect the sword from the villain, and the family accepts Raja after learning the truth.

The film was predominantly shot at Lalitha Mahal, Mysore.^[3]

Soundtrack was composed by Sirpy and lyrics were written by Palani Bharathi.^[4][5]

R. P. R. of Kalki praised the performances of Gemini Ganesan and Thilakan but panned the editing for having kept the scenes lengthy and found the stuff revolving around sword unbelievable.^[6]