Neengal Kettavai


Neengal Kettavai is a 1984 Tamil-language film written and directed by Balu Mahendra. It stars Thiagarajan, Bhanu Chander, Archana and Silk Smitha in major roles, while Jaishankar had an extended cameo as the antagonist. The film's soundtrack and background score were composed by Ilaiyaraaja. The film was commercially successful at the time of release.

Plot

Poornima Jayaram, a widow living in Ooty, leads a peaceful life with her two sons. Jaishankar, a tourist who visits the place gets tempted and rapes her. In the act, Poornima dies leaving her two sons who witness the murder. The eldest son is raised by his maternal uncle while the younger brother joins a blind music teacher as he has great interest in music. Years later he becomes a great singer. Meanwhile, his brother is trained effectively by his uncle learning martial arts with the intention of avenging the death of his mother as he very well remembers the culprit's face. With a turn of events leading to both sons joining together and take revenge for their mother's death forms the rest of the story.

Cast

made her Tamil cinema debut with the film. The film unlike Mahendra's previous ventures was an "outright commercial picture". He later claimed that he made the film to prove his critics that he could make commercial films. A few scenes were shot at the VGP golden beach.

Soundtrack

The soundtrack was comprised by Ilaiyaraaja. The song "Kanavu Kaanum" is based on "Kasme Vaade" from Upkaar.This song is in Harikhambhodhi raaga.

Reception

Despite the film's box-office success, Mahendra never opted to make more films of the same genre.