Meendum Kokila
1981 Indian film
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Meendum Kokila (transl. Kokila, again) is a 1981 Indian Tamil-language romantic comedy film directed by G. N. Rangarajan from a screenplay written by Ananthu and a story by Haasan Brothers. The film stars Kamal Haasan and Sridevi. Deepa, Suruli Rajan, Thengai Srinivasan and Omakuchi Narasimhan are featured in supporting roles. The narrative follows a young woman who fights to win back her husband after his infatuation with an actress.
| Meendum Kokila | |
|---|---|
Theatrical poster | |
| Directed by | G. N. Rangarajan |
| Screenplay by | Ananthu[1] |
| Story by | Haasan Brothers |
| Produced by | T. R. Srinivasan |
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | N. K. Viswanathan |
| Edited by | K. R. Ramalingam |
| Music by | Ilaiyaraaja |
Production company | Charuchitra Films |
Release date |
|
Running time | 139 minutes |
| Country | India |
| Language | Tamil |
Meendum Kokila was released theatrically on 14 January 1981.[2] Upon its release, the film was a critical and commercial success. For her performance, Sridevi received the Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Tamil. The film was dubbed in Telugu as Chilipi Mogudu and released on 4 September 1981.[3]
Plot
Subramaniam, a lawyer, is married to Kokila and has a daughter. Things go well until he meets Kamini, a movie star, at a party. He gets attracted to Kamini and becomes ready to sacrifice his own family for her. Kokila's efforts in bringing back her husband form the rest of the story.
Cast
- Kamal Haasan as Subramaniam
- Sridevi as Kokila
- Deepa as Kamini
- Suruli Rajan as Film Director
- S. N. Parvathy as Neighbour
- A. R. Srinivasan as Auditor
- "Nagesh" Krishnamurthy as Moorthy
- Baby Anju as Manju Subramaniam
- Thengai Srinivasan as Nattuvanar
- T. K. S. Natarajan as Film Star
Production
The film was originally directed by Mahendran with Sridevi, Kamal Haasan and Bollywood actress Rekha—in her Tamil cinema debut—playing the lead roles.[4][5] Rekha was the original choice for the role of Kamini, and scenes featuring her were shot till 3000 feet.[4] Mahendran opted out of the film after a song sequence was shot. Later, as the film progressed, Rekha pulled out, citing no reason.[4] It was Haasan who requested G. N. Rangarajan to take over the film as director.[4] Rekha's father Gemini Ganesan claimed he told her not to play "second fiddle" to Sridevi.[6] Rekha was replaced by Deepa.[7][8] Haasan's character in the film twitches his eye, for which he took inspiration from cricketer Krishnamachari Srikkanth.[9] After the film was screen for the Central Board of Film Certification, Rangarajan feared it would be given an A (adults only) certificate, but to his relief it was given U (unrestricted) without any cuts.[10]
Soundtrack
The music was composed by Ilaiyaraaja.[11][12] The song "Radha Radha Nee" is set in the raga Shuddha Saveri whereas "Chinnan Chiru Vayathil" is set in Abheri.[13] For the dubbed Telugu version Chilipi Mogudu, lyrics were written by Rajasri and Aarudra.[3]
- Tamil
| Song | Singers | Lyrics | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Chinna Chiru Vayathil" | K. J. Yesudas, S. P. Sailaja | Kannadasan | 04:32 |
| "Hey Oraiyiram" | S. P. Balasubrahmanyam | Panchu Arunachalam | 03:55 |
| "Ponnana Meni" | K. J. Yesudas, S. Janaki | 04:30 | |
| "Radha Radha Nee" | S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, S. Janaki | Kannadasan | 04:27 |
- Telugu
| Song | Singers | Lyrics | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Ninna Sandhya Velalo" | S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, S. P. Sailaja | Rajasri | 03:20 |
| "Radha Radha – Duet" | S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, P. Susheela | 03:26 | |
| "Oh Chinna Maata" | G. Anand, S. P. Sailaja | 03:22 | |
| "Hey Oorinchaku" | S. P. Balasubrahmanyam | Aarudhra | 02:56 |
Reception
Nalini Sastry of Kalki lauded Rangarajan's direction, Ananthu's dialogues, Viswanathan's cinematography and the performances of the main cast.[14] Sridevi received the Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Tamil;[15] the first of her four Filmfare Awards.[16] Just 17 years old, when released, the film's success consolidated Sridevi's position as the highest paid actress in South Indian cinema.[17]
