Home | Movies By Year | Movies from 1999
Thodarum
Buy Thodarum now from AmazonFirst, read the Wikipedia article. Then, scroll down to see what other TopShelfReviews readers thought about the movie. And once you've experienced the movie, tell everyone what you thought about it.
Wikipedia article
'Thodarum' is a 1999 Indian Tamil-language drama film directed by Ramesh Khanna, featuring Ajith Kumar, Devayani and Heera in the leading roles. The supporting cast of Manivannan, Vadivelu and Gemini Ganesan also play pivotal roles in the film. The film is the Tamil remake of 1996 Telugu film 'Maavichiguru', and was released on 14 January 1999.
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 and Meera tie the knot for the sake of a good life for her 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
*Gemini Ganesan as Seetha's grandfather
*Sowcar Janaki as Seetha's grandmother
*Manivannan
*Vadivelu as "Peon" Mani
*Vichithra as Radha
*Delhi Ganesh as Seetha's uncle
*Senthil
Production
Actor Ramesh Khanna made his debut as a director with the film after working as an apprentice to K. S. Ravikumar. Ravikumar was meant to remake the Telugu film 'Maavichiguru' (1996) starring Jagapati Babu and Aamani into Tamil for Sridevi Movie Makers, but his busy schedule meant that he recommended Ramesh Khanna to the producers. The remake was initially titled as 'Maa Vilakku' and was supposed to star Jayaram and Meena, but went through cast changes. Jayaram's falling popularity meant that Ajith Kumar was signed to replace him, while the actor requested that a change of lead actress. The film was revived under new title 'Thodarum' with new cast involving Ajith Kumar, Heera and Devayani.
Release
The film released on 14 January 1999 and received poor reviews upon release, with a critic from Indolink.com citing that the "cinematography and direction provide no room for discussion" and that "Devayani appears painfully artificial". 'The New Indian Express' also 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". 'Deccan Herald' wrote "Thodarum is a family melodrama, which on its own is not too bad, but [..] it falls completely flat."
Soundtrack
Soundtrack is composed by Ilaiyaraaja. Lyrics for the songs were written by Pulamaipithan, Gangai Amaran, Mu. Metha, Kamakodiyan, Arivumathi and Palani Bharathi.
References
Buy Thodarum now from Amazon
<-- Return to movies from 1999