NEEDHI

Needhi is a colour production from Sujatha Cine Arts, the production company of (The Late) actor K.Balaji. The films stars Sivaji Ganesan, Jayalalitha, Sowcar Janaki, Manorama, R.S.Manohar, M.R.R.Vasu, Major Sunderrajan, J.P. Chandhrababu and K.Balaji.

Raja (Sivaji Ganesan) is a loner on the wrong side of morality. He is a truck driver and, because of his love for liquor, thinks nothing of driving his truck when seriously under the influence of liquor.

On one such trip he runs over a peasant, killing him in the process. In the trial that follows it is revealed that the man killed was the sole bread-winner of his family. To add some melodramatic effect, he also has a crippled father and a blind mother, as well as a wife and three children – all of whom face starvation following his death.

Raja’s sentence for the crime is to serve one year as the servant of the bereaved family. Naturally, they all loathe and detest him and Raja is faced with the biggest challenge of his life and also learns something about himself in the process.

Not exactly and unpredictable story, but undoubtedly a beautiful cinematic experience. The situation might well have been overdone, but it remains a moving story.

A.L.Naaraayanan’s scripting is commendable and plays a major role in the film having achieved evergreen status. I am not ashamed to admit that there were scenes during which I teared.

M.S.Visvanathan’s music is another plus point for the film and includes the immortal hit Naallai mudhal kudika maaten.

Made in 1972, this early film of director C.V.Rajendran shows a keen understanding of cinematic tastes of the time and what makes a good commercial film. Despite some clichés and some corny routines, Needhi is still as relevant today as it was when it was first released.

Needhi scores 7 points out of 10.

Vasantha Maaligai

Once a drunk, always a drunk : How true is that? That is the central issue handled by the blockbuster movie, Vasantha Maaligai, which starred Sivaji Ganesan, Vanishree, K.Balaji, Nagesh, Major Sunderrajan, V.S.Raagavan, Pandaribhai, Shrikanth, Senthaamarai and Sri Devi who was only a child star at the time.

Sivaji Ganesan plays a wealthy but hopeless drunk whose life revolves around alcohol. Virtual addiction is tested against the power of a woman in the form of Vanishree, but the metamorphosis is not a simple process – especially when the two begin to fall in love ; a relationship that seemed to be doomed almost once it had started.

Will reason triumph over the bottle? Can Love really conquer all? The answers to these questions make up the rest of the story of Vasantha Maaligai.

As can be expected, Sivaji Ganesan puts in an unforgettable performance, closely followed by Vansihree. K.Balaji leaves an indelible mark on the film while Nagesh is responsible fr some good comedy. There are also memorable performances from Major Sunderrajan, V.S. Raagavan, Pandaribhai and Shrikanth. Child star Sridevi also makes a lasting impression.

Vasantha Maaligai features the music of K.V.Mahadevan and the lyrics of Kannadassan and his nephew, Panju Arunachallam. The songs have since become immortal hits and includes such memorable tracks as Mayakkamenna, Yaarukaage and Irandu Manam Vehndum.

The moving story has been penned by Kousalya Devi while scripting is handled by Balamurugan. The clashes between Vanishree and Sivaji Ganesan are realistically handled.

Vijaya and Suresh Combines’ Vasantha Maaligai is an entertaining movie with a moral message and is sure to be enjoyed by all.

Vasantha Maaligai scores 7 points out 10.

Salangai Oli

K.Vishwanath’s Purnodhayaa Movie Creations is the production house behind the landmark film, SALANGAI OLI. Kamalhassan, Jayapradha and Sarathbabu share the lead roles, along with S.P.Sailaja – the younger sister of S.P.Balasubramanyam – making her acting debut. Others in the cast are Arunkumar, Saakshi Rungarao, V.Sathyanaraayanan, Krishnan Chaitanyaa, Premesvara Rao, Misro and Y.S.R.Moorthy. The film also sees special guest apperances by Geetha, Mohan and Manju Paarkavi.

As the title suggests, the film has a strong focus on India’s ancient art form, Bharatha Naatyam. It must, however, be pointed out that the film is much more than a docu-drama about Bharatha Naatyam. It is a powerful, intense tale of love and art; beautifully told, convincingly acted and expertly crafted by master director K.Vishwanath.

Kamalhassan plays the Bharatha Naatyam expert, Balakrishnan. He falls under the spotlight when he writes a scathing critique on a dance performance given by Kumarie Sailaja – played by S.P.Sailaja. Balskrishnan is opensly chastised for what is seen as an insensitive barrage of comments. He receives little support from his best friend, Raghu – played by Sarathbabu. When Sailaja’s mother hears of the incident, she is startled first by the name and then to hear of how Balakrishnan has degenerated into an alcoholic. How does Sailaja’s mother know Balakrishnan? What has turned this talented and cultured man into an alcoholic? The film then lapses into a flashback to answer these questions – but with the answers to these questions, come more searching questions. To find out more, watch this entertaining, unforgettable movie, SALANGAI OLI – a masterpiece from K.Vishwanath.

From the very first frame, it is very clear that this is a film with class. Director K.Vishwanath has painstakingly addressed all aspects of production, with special attention to the technical aspects. From the audiography to the artistic cinematography to the breathtaking choreography, SALANGAI OLI has excellence written all over the film. Vishwanath’s story has depth and intensity and his characters are all three dimensional. Panju Arinachallam’s scripting finds the perfect ground, without ever resorting to melodrama – and this is a film in which any scriptwriter might be tempted to use corn or melodrama. Fortunately, Panju Arunaachallam has not fallen into this trap.

As can be expected, SALANGAI OLI has some impeccable acting performances. Kamalhassan is magnificent in his portrayal of Balakrishnan. The intensity of the portrayal, the depth of the character and his dazzling dancing skills all combine in an unforgettable acting performance, Jayapradha is in a mature, intense and well-developed role – which is one of the film’s most memorable characters. Sarathbabu is in a brilliant character role as Balu’s friend, Raghu. S.P.Sailaja is in an impressive acting debut. A further point must be made here that this is a film in which even the smallest speaking part is portrayed with the same intensity and credibility as the rest of the film.

Music in SALANGAI OLI has been scored by Isai Nyaani Illaiyaraja and not enough can be said about his performance in this film. The songs are brilliantly tuned and the success of its soundtrack in the popularity charts at the time of its release bears ample testimony to this. Illaiyaraja’s background score is just as brilliant – and this is a film in which the background score is difficult to ignore. The film’s songs have been penned by Vairamuthu. Needless to say, dance choreography by Raghu and Seshu and Gopikrishna expose the beauty and intricacy of Bharatha Naatyam.

Art director Thotaa Tharani is not at his best while cinematography by Nivaas is in keeping with the high standards set by the rest of the film. From the artistic light diffusion, to low-ligh photography to the picturesque locations, Nivaas is simply superb.

Produced by A.D.T.Naagesvararao, SALANGAI OLI has story, screenplay and direction by K.Vishwanath and scripting by Panju Arunachallam. This is a film which will appeal to all, and because of its important message, should be viewed by all.

SALANGAI OLI scores 9 points out of 10.

PAAR MAGALLE PAAR

Talk to anyone about the golden era of Tamil films and one title that is sure to come up is Paar Magalle Paar, the super hit film directed by one of the top directors of the time, A.Bheemsingh.

In my opinion, this is one of Sivaji Ganesan’s most outstanding performances and one of the most memorable protagonists of all of Bheemsingh’s films.

Sivaji Ganesan plays the role of Zamindar Sivalingam, a wealthy businessman, incredibly bigoted, stubborn, domineering and altogether quite an obnoxious person.

While he is away on business, his wife Lakshmi gives birth to a baby girl but when he rushes back, eager, excited and delighted, there are two babies in the cradle and he is told that Lakshmi had given birth to twins – both girls.

For how long can any wife keep a secret such as this from her husband? When the secret is revealed, all hell breaks loose = but this is only the beginning of the problems.

Sivaji Ganesan’s performance in this film is outstanding and must surely rate as one of the best of his career. Sowcar Janaki plays the hapless wife who has to contend with the tantrums and vicious temper of her unreasonable husband.

M.R.Radha (father of Radharavi and Radhika) plays a most unusual role in this film and displays once again that he was a very classy actor decades ahead of his time.

Vijayakumarie, Pushpalatha and R.Muthuraman also put on impressive performances.

Paar Magalle Paar was also the very first film of comedian Cho (now an insightful political and social analyst). His is a very impressive debut performance.

Also appearing in major roles in Paar Magalle Paar are V.K.Ramasamy, Manorama and comedian Karunanidhi.

Music by Mellisai Mannargall Visvanathan-Ramamoorthy is on par with excellence of the rest of the film, with every song a melodious hit. My favourites are the title song and Avall Parrandha Ponaalle.

Scripting by Aaroor Dhaas makes it a film that one can watch over and over.

Paar Magalle Paar was a major milestone in Director Bheemsingh’s career and it is easy to see why.

Paar Magalla Paar scores 8 points out of 10.

Ootyvarai Uravu

I have, on numerous occasions, sung the praises of veteran director Shridhar. I have always believed that Shridhar was much too advanced for his time and this film, OOTY VARAI URAVU has only served to strengthen that view. Having cast Nadigar Thilagam Sivaji Ganesan and Punnagai Arasi K.R.Vijaya in the lead roles, one would expect Shridhar to weave a powerful emotion-packed drama and the initial scenes of the film lead one to expect just that. Then Shridhar displays his unquestionable artistic talent in gradually changing the focus from drama to comedy, while not ignoring the seriousness of the plot.

Co-starring with Sivaji Ganesan and K.R.Vijaya in OOTYVARAI URAVU are T.S.Baalaiah, R.Muthuraman, C.K.Naagesh, V.K.Ramasamy, L.Vijayalakshmi, Sachu, Sundhariebhai and Senthaamarai.

Ravi – played by Sivaji Ganesan – is a hardworking youngster whose business skills and dedication to duty has seen him take over the family business started by his father, Vedhaachallam – played by T.S.Balaiah. On a trip out of town, Ravi comes across a young girl who was a victim of a hit-and-run accident. After admitting her to hospital, Ravi resumes his journey. On the train, he glances through a newspaper and comes across a Missing Persons notice. Thinking nothing of this, he settles down to enjoy the journey when he, for the first time, notices that the other passenger in the compartment was the same person the person reported missing.

On questioning her, the girl – played by K.R.Vijaya – refuses to say anything about her reasons for running away but begs Ravi not to reveal to anyone that he had seen her. Later in that journey, the girl’s luggage falls from the luggage compartment and when Ravi leans over to pick it up, he is stunned to see a photograph of his father, with another woman. Letters accompanying the photograph reveal that Vijaya is the result of an extra-marital affair by Ravi’s father. When Ravi gets over the initial shock, he decides to handle the matter in a rather surprising manner but – as would soon be revealed – the events are much more complicated than they initially appear to be. To find out what happens next, watch Shridhar’s magnificent family entertainer, OOTY VARAI URAVU.

This is one of the most entertaining of Shridhar’s films I have seen thus far. The plot is filled with twists, some dramatic – others comic and, carrying the events through, are very realistic, believable characters. Sivaji Ganesan is once again in riveting form in yet another complex character.

Providing superb support and a healthy dose of glamour is a very youthful K.R.Vijaya. T.S.Balaiyah is in a delightful role but I could not help but think how the role would have been had it been portrayed by Nadigavel M.R.Radha. R.Muthuraman is in an unusual role while V.K.Ramasamy does full justic to his role. Naagesh and Sachu provide some great fun. L.Vijayalakshmi is also impressive. The best of the others are Senthaamarai and Sundhariebhai.

Music in OOTIVARAI URAVU has been scored by Mellisai Mannan M.S.Visvanathan and this is an unforgettable performance from him. Every one of the film’s six songs is a memorable hit from the beaty Thedinen Vandhadhu to the jolly Pudhu naadagathil oruy naayagi to the soulful Poo maalaiyil ohr malligai to the melodious Happy indru mudhal Happy – Every song was a melodious hit and has now graduated to evergreen status. The songs were all penned by Kaviyarasu kannadassan. Dance choreography by Pasumarthi Krishnamoorthy shows lots of experimentation but the end result is not quite pleasing. M.S.Visvanathan’s background score is very good.

Art director Ganga does well but has not broken out of the stylised mode. Cinematographer N.Balakrishnan has made maximum use of the colour format, especially in the film’s many beautiful outdoor locations. Balakrsihnan’s efforts are most commendable in the film’s six songs. His indoor scenes are less impressive.

Produced by Kovai Sezhiyan for K.C.Films, OOTIVARAI URAVU is entertainment at its very best and a film you will want to see over and over. This is a film that no video collection should be without and a film which showcases the immense talent of Director Shridhar.

OOTIVARAI URAVU scores 9 points out of 10.

Needhikku Pin Paasam

Saando M.M.A.Chinnappa Devar’s Devar Films is behind the film NEEDHIKKU PIN PAASAM, a film with Makkall Thilagam M.G.Ramachandhran and Abinaya Sarasvathi B.Saroja Devi in the lead roles. Others in the cast are Nadigavell M.R.Radha, S.V.Rungarao, M.N.Nambiar, S.A.Asogan, Saando M.M.A.Chinnappa Devar, S.M.Thirupathisamy, P.Kanaambaa, G.Sakunthala, Radha, Senthaamarai, Gemini Balu and P.K.Mohan.

MGR plays the talented advocate, Gopal. His elder brother Ramu, played by S.A.Asogan, is a state prosecutor and their father, Chandhrasekar – played by S.V.Rungarao – is a police inspector. Their mother, Sarasvathi is a medical doctor – played by P.Kanaamba. She has already picked out a bride for Gopal, the beautiful Prema – played by Radha while her husband, Chandhrasekar prefers that Gopal marries his niece Jaya – played by G.Sakunthala. Gopal, on the other hand, has fallen in love with a village lass, Gowri – played by B.Saroja Devi. Gopal has his hands full trying to convince first his father, then his mother that he does not want to marry the girl chosen for him, but he stops short of saying that he has already found his bride.

Then, events take a very dramatic turn and the result: Gopal is forced to make a decision that he does not quite like. To further complicate matters, Gowri’s murai maaman, Muthaiyan – played by M.N.Nambiar – is determined to marry Gowri. Just as matters seem to reach a palatable solution, a murder turns everything upside down once again. To find out more, watch this fascinating movie, NEEDHKKU PIN PAASAM.

Good acting performances from everyone make this film very enjoyable. Especially in the many tense dramatic scenes. Towering above everyone as usual is another gem of a performance from Nadigavell M.R.Radha.

Story and scripting is by Aaroor Dhaas, who has done well. Music by K.V.Mahadevan is good, with most of the songs very enjoyable.

Cinematography by N.S.Varma is excellent. Stunts by Shyaam Sunder are of average standard.

Produced by Saando M.M.A.Chinnappa Devar for Devar Films, NEEDHIKKU PIN PAASAM is a good family entertainer and scores 7 points out of 10.

Anballipu

Master director A.C.Thirulogachander, who delighted cinema audiences with hit films like ANBE VAA, ATHEY KANGALL and BABU was the first director to bring together on screen Nadigar Thilagam Sivaji Ganesan and Makkall Kalainyar Jaishanker. Titled ANBALIPPU, this film also stars B.Saroja Devi, M.N.Nambiar, Nagesh, Pandaribhai, V.K.Ramasamy and Senthaamarai.

Sivaji Ganesan plays the rural youngster Velu – well liked and greatly respected, despite being a poor, lowly labourer. He, however, owns his own piece of land and he works hard to earn a living off this land. His childhood friend was Raja – played by Makkall Kalainyar Jaishanker. Contrary to what Velu initially expects, everyone leads him to believe that Raja, having been educated overseas, will no longer see Velu as his friend. When Raja does return to the village, he proves everyone wrong and it seems that the Golden period has commenced for Velu.

Raja, however, has devised a complex plan to transform his little village first to a major town and then a city by building a mill and then following this with other related industries. This is where things begin to go wrong for the friends. Velu is a passionate farmer who regards the soil as his mother and father. One can imagine his reaction then when Raja tells him that he requires Raja’s land to build the mill. Velu finds it difficult to accept that good arable land should be wasted on industry at a time when India should have been looking to increase food production. Raja takes this refusal personally and the two friends now find themselves adversaries.

Events take a turn for the worse when the new arrival in the village, Vasudevan – played by M.N.Nambiar – decides to frame Velu for a crime he did not commit. Circumstances then threaten to destroy what was left of the friendship forever – or can matters still be rectified? If so, how? To find out, watch A.C.Thirulogachander’s classic movie, ANBALIPPU.

ANBALIPPU has some unforgettable acting performances. Sivaji Ganesan is simply fabulous in a kind of performance he seems to reserve for A.C.Thirulogachander. His portrayal of the principled youngster Velu underscores his immense talent and why he was then known as the undisputed Acting Hero as opposed to MGR who was seen as the Action hero. Jaishanker is in one of his best performances in a role that seems to bask in the golden light of Nadigar Thilagam. B.Saroja Devi is in a memorable role. Naagesh and V.K.Ramasamy provide the comedy track albeit at the expense of the main story. M.N.Nambiar plays his role with the usual venom while Pandaribhai and Senthaamarai are the best of the others.

Music in ANBALIPPU has been scored by Mellisai Mannar M.S.Visvanathan who has done a commendable job with the film’s background score. Visvanathan’s performance with the soundtrack is less impressive. None of the songs are very memorable. All the songs have been penned by Kaviyarasu Kannadassan. Dance choreographer A.K.Chopra does a good job with the film’s dances. Art director A.Balu does nothing out of the ordinary.

Stunt directors A.Vengetesan and Saminathan are very impressive especially in the fight sequence in the fire. Cinematographer Thambu handles his portfolio adequately.

Produced by J.Gandhiraj, ANBALIPPU has story and direction by A.C.Thirulogachander and scripting  by Aaroor Dhaas. Dhaas handles the dramatic scenes exceptionally well and much of the film’s dramatic highpoints can be attributed to Dhaas’s scriptwriting skills. The movie is a fabulous classic with a credible story and believable acting.

ANBALIPPU scores 8 points out of 10.

Moham Muppathu Varusham

The Indian weekly magazine ANANDHA VIGADAN is one of Tamil Nadu’s most popular weekly magazines. A popular feature in the magazine is the serialised version of various locally-written stories. The Rajinikanth- Sri Devi starrer, PRIYA, was an example of one such story being made into a movie. For the film MOHAM MUPPADHU VARUSHAM, the debut production of Sornambigaa Productions, yet another story from the Aanandha Vigadan comes to life on the silver screen – a story which proved to be very popular when it was first published. This is the film MOHAM MUPPADHU VARUSHAM.

Kamalhassan, Sumithra and Sri Priya head the cast in MOHAM MUPPADHU VARUSHAM -s supported by Jayalatchmee, Vijayakumar and Major Sunderrajan. Others in the cast are Veeraraaghavan, Sukumarie, Manorama, S.N.Latchmi. S.Ramarao, kaathaadi Ramamoorthy and S.L.Naarayanan.

The story is a refreshing break away from cinematic stereotypes in its exploration of new ground. What constitutes a happy marriage? How does one deal with apparent incompatibility? How does one go about turning a troubled marriage to a blissful one! This film does not purport to know all the answers to these questions, but it does provide some interesting food for thought.

Kamalhassan plays the dashing youngster Ramesh, who has just returned to India after spending a few years studying overseas. Determined to stay in touch with his roots, he arranges to meet a girl, then her family and then decides to marry the girl. She is Kasthurie – a very orthodox Brahman girl. Kasthurie’s parents – played by major Sunderrajan and Sukumarie – are ultra-liberal and fun-loving. Kasthurie barely knows her parents, having spent her entire childhood and teenage years with her widowed aunt – played by S.N.Latchmee. Consequently, Kasthurie is totally ignorant of the ways of the world, including how to be a good wife.

Meanwhile, Ramesh’s secretary is also in a troubled marriage. She is the modern girl Menaka – played by Jayalatchmee. Menaka is starved of attention from her husband Ravisanker – played by Vijayakumar. Ravisanker is not deliberately hurting her but he spends so much of time on his art that he quite forgets that his wife needs love and attention. What will become of these two troubled marriages? Do they follow a more conservative or orthodox approach to solving their problems or are more drastic measures called for. Watch the surprising turn of events in MOHAM MUPPADHU VARUSHAM.

Maniyan’s story has all the complexity of plot and richness of characterisation that any winning formula will have. The plot is credible and surprisingly honest in its approach. This, clearly, was a film more than two decades ahead of its time. Screenplay and scripting is by master director Magendran who directed films like JOHNNY and VISVAROOPAM. Magendran’s powerful dramatic exchanges throughout the film make for enthralling viewing.

Kamalhassan, as the dashing modern youngster plays his role brilliantly. As would be evident from the plot summary, the role is quite a challenging one and Kamalhassan handles this task expertly. Sumithra is in a soulful performance although it is difficult for one to empathise with such a character. Vijayakumar plays his role beautifully and this too is a challenging character with credible depth. Jayalatchmee is in quite a daring role as Ravisanker’s frustrated wife. Sri Priya brings into the film a fresh breath of air in a lively, vibrant and loveable role. Major Sunderrajan, S.N. Latchmee and Veeraraaghavan are the best of the others.

Music in MOHAM MUPPADHU VARUSHAM has been scored by Vijayabhasker. None of the songs are quite memorable but Vijayabhasker’s background score is very good. Lively dance choreography by Madhurai Ramu liven up the songs while Art Director Radha makes a solid contribution in the songs.

Babu’s cinematography explores new ground through some unusual angles and use of light. Babu’s indoor cinematography deserves special mention.

Produced by M.Shanthi Naaraayan for Sornaambiga Productions, MOHAM MUPPADHU VARUSHAM is a modern, palatable tale which will appeal to all – young and old. It will be of special interest to married people or those intending to marry soon.

MOHAM MUPPADHU VARUSHAM scores 8 points out of 10.

Padagotti

Padagotti is set in a fishing village and deals with a myriad of important issues that are still relevant today..

Maanickam (MGR) is the leader of a msall fishing community. In the same area, Alaiyappan (S.V.Ramadhaas) is the leader of a second group in opposition to Manickam’s group.

The enmity between the two groups goes way beyond competition. While Manickam is honest, compassionate and principled, his counterpart, Alaiyappan, is exactly the opposite, driven mainly by greed.

The person responsible for fuelling this enmity between the two groups is the man who stands to gain the nost from it all – The village Zamindar (M.N. Nambiar). Alaiyappan’s blind allegiance is to the Zamindar.

Padagotti takes an intense look at the hardship of the inhabitants of fishing villages and, particularly, how vulnerable the fishermen are. Many of these challenges still plaguye fishing communities today.

Padagotti has an original story by P.P. Chandhra with screenplay and direction by T. Prakash Rao. Scripting by Sakthi T.R.Krishnaswam is a major positive aspect of the film. There is excellent characterization and very realistic scripting.

Padagotti stars a muscular MGR opposite B. Saroja Devi. Saroja Devi plays the role of Muthazagi, the daughter of Alaiyappan, who predictably falls in love with Manicja,

M.N.Nambair handles the role of the Zamindar with minimal effort while S.A.Asogan, in the role of Chandhra, delivers a very stylised but entertaining performance. Nagesh and Manorama are responsible for some good comedy sequences.

Another major plus point for Padagotti is the music by the unbeatable duo, Visvanathan-Ramamoorthy. All the songs in this film were hits and includes the immortal Thotaal Poo Malarum. The background musical score is also very memorable.

Padagotti was filmed on location in some very scenic areas, so it is a very colourful film.

Boasting a very unusual story that is creatively handles, this film is a worthy addition to any DVD library.

RATING : 7/10

Nenjil ohr Aalayam

Kalyaankumar, R.Muthuraman, DEvika, Nagesh, Manorama and Baby Padmini star in Nenjil Ohr Aalayam, a black-and-white production of 1962 from Shridhar’s own production company, Chithralaya.

Shridhar, the director of films like Kaadhalikka Neramillai and Vennira Aadai, was a top director of his time. His films were fresh, innovative, thought-provoking and – above all – entertaining.

When I first watched Nenjil Ohr Aalayam, it was a lot of misgivings because, firstly, it was in black-and-white and, secondl;y, the lead star was someone I had never heard about before. However, in the very first minute – literally – it was very clear that Nenjil ohr Aalayam was a film with class.

The entire film is set in a nursing room run by a totally dedicated doctor, Dr Muralli (Kalyaankumar). The hospital and his patients are Dr Muralli’s life, and his dedication is so intense that there are even days when he does not go home.- this despite the fact that he has an ailing mother.

There is, however, a reason for Dr Muralli’s obsession with his job; Seetha, the girl he was so deeply in love with, married another man without a word of explanation to Dr Muralli. This left Dr Muralli not embittered, but emotionally devastated.

As fate would have it, a young couple, Mr and Mrs Venu arrive at the nursing home. The husband (R.Muthuraman) has cancer of the lung which is in a fairly advanced stage….And who is Venu’s wife? Seetha (Devika), Dr Muralli’s ex-lover.

With this as the central story, the film also has sub-plots dealing with the lives of other patients in the nursing home. Some good comic relief comes from Peter (Nagesh), the orderly, who falls hopelessly in love with one of the patients, Navaneedham (a very young Manorama).

Shridhar’s scripting is amazingly realistic and therefore very moving. Kalyaankumar, Devika and Muthuraman all put in splendid performances as does Baby Padmini in the role of Uma.

Nenjil ohr Aalayam marked the acting debut of comedian Nagesh and for South Africans his screen name in the film, Peter, stuck to their memories. Of course, Peter was also the name he took on when he was a Christian.

With Mellisai Mannargall Visvanathan-Ramamoorthy responsible for the music, one can expect some great songs and one would be right. My favourites are Yengirundhaalum Vaazhga and Ninaipathellaam Nadanthuvitaal – both sung by P.B. Srinivos.

Director Shridhar also handles the portfolios of story and scripting and does an outstanding job of all tghree. With an excellent story, a potent script, dynamic setting, melodious songs, moving lyrics and an innovative director, Nenjil ohr Aalayam is a film you simply cannot miss.