Mouna Raagam (1986) - Silent Symphony
This was arguably the film that announced Mani Ratnam to the Tamil film industry as a talent to watch out for.
An excellent script by Ratnam himself, cinemotagraphy by PC Sriram and a lilting score by Illayaraja made it a hit with both critics and moviegoers.
The storyline is about a newly-married woman (Revathy) who refuses to forget her ex-lover (Karthik) in favor of her husband (Mohan). The latter graciously agrees to divorce her, but only after the court-stipulated one-year period.
The film is about the re-drawing of emotional boundaries during that period in limbo -- told with sensitivity, and a surprisingly sure touch from a novice.
Trivia
The film was very well received upon release, by critics and audiences alike, with the script, dialogue, acting and direction particularly gaining plaudits.
The film was an instant hit and earned Mani Ratnam due recognition for his filmmaking artistry and scriptwriting.
The film was featured at an Indian film festival in Israel in 2005.
The role played by Karthik as Manohar in this film is included in Roll of Honour of the Film and Television Institute of India (Pune) as one of the best supporting roles in a film.
Soundtrack
The soundtrack features five songs composed by Ilaiyaraaja, with lyrics provided by poet Vaali:
Nilavae Vaa - S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
Mandram Vandaa - S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
Chinna Chinna - S. Janaki
Oh Megam Vanthatho - S. Janaki
Panivizhum Iravu - S. Janaki, S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
Mandram Vandaa - S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
Chinna Chinna - S. Janaki
Oh Megam Vanthatho - S. Janaki
Panivizhum Iravu - S. Janaki, S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
The songs Nilavae Vaa and Mandram Vandaa proved particularly popular upon release.
Awards
1986 Best Film
1987 National Film Awards (India)
Won - Silver Lotus Award - Best Regional Film (Tamil)
What a great movie from a great Director .... still fresh in my mind!
Source : Rediff & Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
No comments:
Post a Comment