Ulavuthurai ( transl. Vigilance department) is a 1998 Indian Tamil-language action film directed by Ramesh Selvan. The film stars Vijayakanth, Meena and Sanghavi, with Radha Ravi, Janagaraj, Carlos, Jassi Singh, and Hemanth Ravan, among others, play supporting roles. It was released on 14 January 1998,^[1][2] and failed at the box office.^[3]

This article needs an improved plot summary. (May 2023)

Several people die mysteriously in the sea, so the navy looks for its best officer Vasanth Periyasamy to investigate the case. Vasanth changes his identity into Krishnamoorthy. He is now a car driver and lives in disguise for his family's sake. In the past, he was married to the illiterate Meena and has a daughter named Priya. One day, a terrorist kidnapped Meena and threatened to kill her if Vasanth does not release his partners in jail. Meena was then killed in the rescue mission, and the terrorists were released because of corrupt naval officers. The Department of the Navy then sent Vasanth to jail, so Vasanth decides to forget the navy and becomes a simple car driver in disguise. The navy then finds Vasanth and compels him to join them. He finally accepts to solve this odd affair and investigate the sea murders.

Ulavuthurai is Vijayakanth's 125th film as an actor. It is the first Tamil film to have scenes shot underwater.^[4][5][6]

The music was composed by Shah, with lyrics written by Vairamuthu.^[7][8]

Ji of Kalki wrote this film is a treat for action lovers otherwise for people who except Vijayakanth from Chinna Gounder and Vaidehi Kathirunthal will end up getting different kind of alva.^[9] D. S. Ramanujam of The Hindu wrote, " Time lag and continuity have been given a go by and barring the last fight on a moving train, where the hero Vijayakanth involves himself in a risky scene, the rest of the action is an oft- repeated routine". He added that "Age is fast catching up with Vijayakanth, but none can fault his performance".^[10]