K. Bhagyaraj Special 4: Classic Film Review: “Darling Darling Darling”

K. Bhagyaraj’s ninth directorial was a marked move away from his previous films. While his earlier films focused on story and content, his ninth film – titled Darling Darling Darlingf – saw a greater focus on technical aspects and costumes.

K. Bhagyaraj plays the lead role opposite Poornima Jayaram (later Poornima Bhagyaraj) with Suman also playing an important role. The supporting cast includes Kallapetty Singaram, former child star Indhira, V. Gopalakrishnan, Senthamarai, Master Suresh and Baby Anju. The film also has memorable guest appearances by R. Pandiarajan and J. Livingstone.. Current social media influencer Mucherla Aruna also plays an important role in the film.

Raja (K Bhagyaraj), the son of estate watchman Singaram (Kallapetty Singaram) dreams of reuniting with his childhood sweetheart, Radha (Poornima) when she returns from studying overseas. He frequently shares his thoughts and dreams with his younger sister, Lakshmi (Indhira). The day finally arrives when Radha returns to Ooty.  How would things change for her in adulthood? This forms the rest of this lyrical love story, Darling Darling Darling.

In 1982, this was the definitive love story, and very little has changed 44 years later. The depiction of the special relationship between the young Raja and the young Radha are a sheer pleasure to watch.

The beautiful bond between Raja and his sister is truly heart-warming and their interesting relationship with their father is dominated by delightful humour.

Bhagyaraj’s depiction of the adult Raja is absolute perfection while Indhira’s portrayal of Lakshmi is convincing.

Poornima simply lives the role and her natural expressions play a huge part in the impact of her character in the story and to the audience.

Suman delivers a solid performance but is somewhat outshone by Kallapetty Singaram who is in scintillating form throughout the film.

V. Gopalakrishnan has always been a classy actor and he gets to shine brightly in his portrayal of Gopi, Ashok’s father.

Senthamarai, portraying Radha’s father, also delivers a magnetic performance.

Look out also for the short but memorable cameo by J. Livingstone.

Regardless of the source, this is one of the most memorable soundtracks and background score by the music duo, Shankar-Ganesh. Oh Nenje Neethaan paadum geethangal has taken on iconic status while many people have now forgotten about the chirpy duet Azhagiya Vizhigalin.

Ashokkumar’s cinematography is one of the major highlights of the film, capturing the mood and essence of each scene through a breathless display of artistic cinematography.

Darling Darling Darling released theatrically on 14 November 1982 and was later remade in Kannada as Premi No. 1.

Darling Darling Darling scores 9 points out of 10.

Watch the full movie by clicking the link below

Enjoy the song “Oh Nenje”

Enjoy the duet, “Azhagiya Vizhigallil”