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Neengal Kettavai
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Wikipedia article
'Neengal Kettavai' is a 1984 Indian Tamil-language masala 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 Bhagyaraj, a widow living in Ooty, leads a peaceful life with her two sons. Jaishankar, a tourist who visits the place rapes her. In the act, Poornima dies leaving her two sons who witness the murder. The eldest son (Bhanu Chander) is raised by his maternal uncle while the younger brother (Thiagarajan) 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
*Thiagarajan as Arun
*Bhanu Chander as Ramu
*Archana as Radha
*Smitha as Arun's girlfriend
*Poornima Bhagyaraj as Ramu and Arun's mother
*Y. G. Mahendran as James
*Vanitha
*Somayajulu as music teacher
*Balan K. Nair as Stunt Master's friend./Uncle of Ramu and Arun
*Senthamarai as Stunt Master, Radha's father.
*Thengai Srinivasan as Director (Cameo)
*Jaishankar as Muthulingam
Production
Archana made her Tamil cinema debut with the film. The film, unlike Balu Mahendra's previous offbeat ventures, was an "outright commercial picture". He later claimed that he made the film to prove his critics that he could make commercial films. Hence he titled the film 'Neengal Kettavai' (What you asked for). A few scenes were shot at the VGP golden beach. The song "Oh Vasantha Raja" was shot at Brihadisvara Temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram.
Soundtrack
The soundtrack was composed by Ilaiyaraaja. The song "Kanavu Kaanum" is based on "Kasme Vaade" from 'Upkar' (1967). For the dubbed Telugu version 'Kodama Simhalu', the lyrics were written by L. Aathma Rao and Rajashri.
Reception
'Kalki' caustically commented, "Balu Mahendra, idhaiyaa kettom?" (Balu Mahendra, did we ask for ?). Despite the film's box-office success, Mahendra opted to continue making offbeat films.
References
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