Thodarum
1999 Indian Tamil-language film
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Thodarum (transl. Will continue) is a 1999 Indian Tamil-language drama film directed by Ramesh Khanna, starring Ajith Kumar, Devayani and Heera. The supporting cast includes Manivannan, Vadivelu and Gemini Ganesan. It is a remake of the 1996 Telugu film Maavi Chiguru, and was released on 14 January 1999.
| Thodarum | |
|---|---|
Poster | |
| Directed by | Ramesh Khanna |
| Screenplay by | Ramesh Khanna |
| Story by | S. V. Krishna Reddy |
| Based on | Maavichiguru (Telugu) |
| Starring | Ajith Kumar Devayani Heera |
| Cinematography | S. Moorthy |
| Edited by | K. Thanigachalam |
| Music by | Ilaiyaraaja |
Production company | Sri Devi Movie Makers |
Release date |
|
| Country | India |
| Language | Tamil |
Plot
Seetha is a possessive wife who suspects that all the women are throwing themselves at her husband Jayaram. Things get a little interesting after Meera enters the picture and ends up hugging Jayaram right in front of Seetha's eyes. Seetha is diagnosed with a deadly heart condition and decides to have Meera tie the knot for the sake of a good life for Jayaram and their young son. She even goes as far as getting a divorce from Jayaram to make him hate her. In the end, Seetha dies, Jayaram and Meera get married, and they name their baby Seetha.
Cast
- Ajith Kumar as Jayaram
- Devayani as Seetha
- Heera as Meera
- Manivannan
- Vadivelu as "Peon" Mani
- Gemini Ganesan as Seetha's grandfather
- Sowcar Janaki as Seetha's grandmother
- Delhi Ganesh as S. Vinayagam, Seetha's uncle
- Kaka Ravi as Kaka Gopal
- Oru Viral Krishna Rao
- Senthil as Gopi (guest appearance)
- Balu Anand (guest appearance)
- Vichithra as Radha (guest appearance)
- Kumar Natarajan as Vinayagam's friend (uncredited)[1]: 18:07
Production
Actor Ramesh Khanna made his debut as a director with the film after working as an apprentice to K. S. Ravikumar.[2][3] Ravikumar was meant to remake the Telugu film Maavichiguru (1996) into Tamil for Sridevi Movie Makers, but his busy schedule meant that he recommended Ramesh Khanna to the producers.[4] The remake was initially titled as Maa Vilakku and was supposed to star Jayaram and Meena, but went through cast changes.[5] Jayaram's falling popularity meant that Ajith Kumar was signed to replace him, while the actor requested a change of lead actress.[6] The film was revived under new title Thodarum with new cast involving Ajith, Heera and Devayani.[7]
Soundtrack
The soundtrack is composed by Ilaiyaraaja.[8] The song "Oru Thulir" is set to the Carnatic raga Keeravani,[9] and "Sernthu Vaazhum" is set to Sindhu Bhairavi.[10]
| Song | Singers | Lyrics | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Shock Adikkum" | Hariharan, Gopika Poornima | Palani Bharathi | 05:00 |
| "Naanthaan" | Arunmozhi, Gangai Amaran, Malaysia Vasudevan, Sunandha, Devie Neithiyar | Gangai Amaran | 07:22 |
| "Oru Thulir" | Bhavatharini, P. Unnikrishnan | Kamakodiyan | 05:03 |
| "Yamma Yamma" | K. S. Chithra, S. P. Balasubrahmanyam | Mu. Metha | 05:01 |
| "Sernthu Vaazhum" | Ilaiyaraaja | Arivumathi | 04:48 |
| "Kanavanukkaga" | S. P. Balasubrahmanyam | Pulamaipithan | 05:03 |
Release and reception
The film released on 14 January 1999.[11] The New Indian Express gave the film a critical review citing that "the director tries hard to avoid small puddles of cliches, but unfortunately falls into an ocean instead" but claims that Devayani gives a "wonderfully controlled performance", while Heera and Ajith are just "adequate".[12] Deccan Herald wrote "Thodarum is a family melodrama, which on its own is not too bad, but [..] it falls completely flat."[13] Dinakaran wrote, "The storyline of the picture starts as a mirthful family comedy. But in the end it turns out to be a harsh affair with such developments like sudden sacrifice and deadly disease and so on".[14] D. S. Ramanujam of The Hindu gave the film a positive review, praising the cast performances, the comedy and cinematography.[15]
