Mullum Malarum (1978) Film Review

Mahendran began his film career as a writer and became a hugely successful one, shooting to prominence after scripting Sivaji Ganesan’s Thanga Pathakkam. After writing Aadu Puli Aattam, he wanted to make his directorial debut with Rajinikanth playing the lead role.

Mahendran had a strong dislike for the wordy, loud and verbose nature of film scripts of his time and wanted to break away from this style of filmmaking where the visuals overpower dialogue, where lovers breaking into song did not exist and where real issues are handled realistically. Producers were unimpressed and felt that his ideas would not translate into saleable films, but he persevered.

When he launched his first directorial, Mullum Malarum, he insisted on using Rajinikanth for the lead although most people – including his producers – thought it was a poor choice, but Mahendran was adamant that it should be Rajinikanth and nobody else in the lead role.

Mahendran teamed up with director and cinematographer Balu Mahendra who had just completed work on the film Kokila. Shoba was cast to play Rajinikanth’s sister. Kamalhaasan was approached to play the third lead, but he was heavily committed to other films and had to turn down the offer. This role was then offered to Sarath Babu. Jayalakshmi, Vennira Aadai Moorthy and Samikannu were among the supporting cast.

The film tells the story of orphans, Kaali (Rajinikanth) and Valli (Shoba) who suffered much trauma in their childhood before finding peace in a rural village. Kaali is a winch operator, and he is well liked and respected in his village. When he gets a new superior officer, Kumaran (Sarath Babu), the two of them get off to a bad start. The tension between these two continue to simmer. A series of unfortunate incidents drive a wedge between them, but the challenge for both of them is that Valli has since fallen in love with Kumaran. One of Kaali’s drunken stupors sees him undergoing a life-changing experience, presenting new challenges to him and to Valli.

Those who only watched Rajinikanth for the last 30 years in the film industry would have no idea about what a talented actor he was in his first decade in the film industry. Mullum Malarum was the first film that gave a glimpse into his vast talent and his ability to emote without melodrama.

Shoba, who committed suicide two years after the release of this film, was one of Tamil cinema’s most promising talents, with stunning beauty as a bonus. Her portrayal of Valli is an enchanting addition to her impressive roles.

Sarath Babu remained an under-utilised actor in the Tamil industry, and his role as Kumaran in Mullum Malarum gives yet another peek into his vast repertoire and versatility.

Jayalaxmi, who initially remains in the shadow of the other acting giants in the film, emerges to match them in the film’s second half – a testimony to her acting talent and the skill of Mahendran as a writer.

Illaiyaraja’s contribution to the film was a major one that contributed to the film’s success – This was not only through the memorable soundtrack that includes immortal hits like Senthaazham Poovil and Raaman Andaalum, butalso through his creative and arresting background score.

Balu Mahendra’s cinematography is another of the film’s highlights. Apart from the creative framing, his use of natural light was breathtakingly creative and set the standard for low-light cinematography.

Mullum Mallarum does not begin with a fast pace, but there is realistic development in the first half that still makes it very engaging. The second half is far more intense.

The film had a very slow start at the box-office and when Rajinikanth and Mahendran approached the producer, Venu Chettiar, to help in marketing the film, he bluntly refused, saying that the film did not deserve any publicity and that nothing could prevent its failure at the box-office.

Through positive word of mouth, the film picked up rapidly at the box-office, gathering momentum in the praise it was gathering from critics. It has since attained cult status and the subject of many film studies. It catapulted Mahendran to fame and still continues to be a reference point for many writers and directors.

What is remarkable about Mullum Malarum is the way each character has been realistically fleshed out. They are all flawed, believable and easy to identify with.

Mullum Malarum is a must-see film and a special treat for fans of Rajinikanth.

Mullum Malarum scores 8 points out of 10.