Punnagai Mannan

Punnagai Mannan (1986) : Brief Review -

One the Finest Musical Rom-Com Tragedy Ever Made in India which has its own experimental theories in Mainstream Features. How the hell it has remained Underrated? Whatever Romantic Comedies and Tragedies you have have seen before 90s, try and remember all the theories and forget them all at once. Because Punnagai Mannan is new experiment in Mainstream cinema that has more than expected and more than demanded in every aspect. The film begins on different note from other romantic movies. While all the regular tragedies had death factor saved for the climax, this film starts its engine with that tragic note. And how. Totally different, experimental, something that we haven't seen before. A failed suicide attempt also explores a disowned life formula when Kamal Haasan asks Court to hang him instead of 1 year sentence. At the same time we meet Kamal Haasan's 2nd role where he is seen in Charlie Chaplin's shoes. Then another suicide attempt but for childish mistake and new Love story begins. Now tell me how many Indian Films have had so much in store just for the basic plotting? Kamal Haasan is a terrific as an actor in both the roles. His Chaplin acts are stunning, one of them also inspired his own 'Apoora Sarodharagal' and additionally we are blessed to see his Dancing skills. In Sagara Sangmam he ruled in Classical dance form but here it was completely opposite, a modern form of Dance and he has nailed it. Revathi looks so beautiful as Malini and her dancing skills are absolutely top notch. Ilaiyaraaja's Music is Fine but the songs have made this film little longer. Otherwise, the screenplay is very engaging. I enjoyed it thoroughly and didn't feel bored even for a moment which i felt somewhat for other high rated comedies of Kamal Haasan. This is an Evergreen Classic by K. Balachander, some stuff like one of its own kind in this Rom-Com genre.

RATING - 8/10*

By - #samthebestest.

K.Balachander is one of the most intelligent film makers in Tamil Cinema, who is at present making his 100th film. So in his long, illustrious career, he's made several classics,"Punnagai Mannan" being one of his finest. It is interesting to note that he lets Kamal(the hero) and Illayaraja(Music) dominate the proceedings. The story is a beautifully written, well enacted one- that of a man struggling to face the bitter realities of life in trying to start a "second" life. The music, both the songs and the background score, is mind boggling-especially "Kaala Kaalamaaga," "Singalathu" and "Enna Satham" being great songs. The background score accompanied by the graceful dance of Kamal and Revathi (the heroine) is a highlight for the movie, so also Kamal's performance in another role-Chaplin Chellappa-the comic genius. All said and done, the climax is quite dissapointing and doesnt keep in line with the tone of the movie. The climax feels very contrived...other than that, a wonderful musical

Punnagai mannan is an unimmitable love story, written and directed by K. Balachander, one of the greatest directors in Indian cinema. This story begins with the suicidal attempt of Sethu and Ranjani, in which Sethu is 'unfortunately' not dead. After a year in prison for the offense of attempting suicide, Sethu comes back and tries to lead a new life, but still in the memories of Ranjani. Meanwhile he meets Revathy, and saves her from attempting suicide and explains the stupidity of committing suicide as an experienced customer. This makes Revathy to fall in love with Sethu. The movie then moves on as a template love story except for the humor provided by Chaplin Chellappa. Chellapa is Sethu's uncle, also played by Kamal haasan. The movie then ends with a tragic note, unlike all the feel-good love stories of classic tamil cinema. The film has got exceptional music and background score by Maestro Illayaraja. The music for which kamal and revathy provide an outstanding dance performance was played by academy award winner, A.R.Rahman, when he was a keyboardist in Illayaraja's troop. This musical piece, though was not Rahman's own composition, was the first to be a part in a movie, originating from A.R.R's keyboard. This movie is backed by K.Balachander's excellent screenplay, and outstanding performances by all the people who've actually lived rather than acted in the movie. The movie also won Kamal haasan's third national award and proved the excellence of the living legend, yet again. This movie is surely a milestone in history of romance in tamil cinema.

Outstanding scenes in the movie: The first day of Sethu as a dance tutor and he counts 1....2.....3....

All the dance sequences.

And obviously, the unforgettable climax....!!

This movie is definitely one of the best movies made in Tamil. You can give anything for Kamal's performance as Sedhu and Ilayaraja's music. The story is beautifully told with some hilarious and touching side tracks as well - that of Chaplin Chellapa (Kamal again) and Sri Vidhya. Revathi proves her skill with her dancing and acting. The movie is a delight to watch an is not just another romantic flick.The romance on screen is poetry brought to screen..........

The songs are mesmerizing and each frame a treat to the eyes. The dance sequence of Kamal and Revathi just before the wonderful scene in which Kamal tells Revathi of his love are top-notch !! There may be different views on the ending. But I felt it was just very different and gave a touch of poignancy to the whole movie. Lastly, I'll bet anything that you simply cannot resist falling in love with Kamal after watching this movie. I did !!!

The crew of the movie itself a great one to list down. K.B, Kamal Hassan, Sri Vidya, Revathy, Delhi Ganesh. Again, K.B proved he is a good screenplay writer than a director. I would call the movie to be a hit because of its screeplay. Second comes the performance of the actors.

Yet again, this film is a major hit in music. I would call this movie released in the golden period of Tamil cinema, where what ever Ilayaraja composed came out to be a music, rhythm what ever you call it as.

The plot is all about Sedhu (Kamal Hassan) and his couple of love stories. One with Rekha who is dead in a suicide attempt with Sedhu (ofcourse Sedhu escapes in a tragic way. You people should watch this scene. OMG... its out standing performance... Kamal Hassan brings out the real expression when his beloved is dead infront of him.. and he cant even die...). Then comes the love of Revathy. She is real cute and acted well.

And another character named Chaplin Chellappaa (played by Kamal again) is also good and comic. The scenes where he tries to make kids laugh are so nice. Simple and neat performance by Sri vidya.

Overall, the film is so enjoyable till the climax. Watch the unexpected climax. I would have given only 6.5/10 if the climax is 'subam'