K. Bhagyaraj Special 3: Classic Film Review: Thooral Ninnu Pochu

Devan Nair

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K. Bhagyaraj’s seventh directorial, Thooral Ninnu Pochu, sees him play the lead role opposite Sulakshana. The supporting cast includes M.N. Nambiar, Senthamarai, Senthil, Meenakshi Amma and Sooriyakanth.

Chelladurai (K. Bhagyaraj), accompanied by his family, visits his prospective bride Mangalam (Sulakshana) who is shy and quite naïve. Mangalam’s father, Ponnambalam (Senthamarai) is a man who is set in his ways and dismisses the rumblings of disapproval of the alliance by his brother-in-law, Ayyavu (Sooriyakanth). What begins as a successful pairing between Chelladurai and Mangalam soon faces huge challenges that would test the love they have for each other.

K. Bhagyaraj’s intense characterisation turns this fairly ordinary premise to absorbing entertainment. The challenges are believable as are the characters’ reactions to the challenges. This is further strengthened by very powerful scripting.

The script and screenplay are supported by outstanding acting performances. K. Bhagyaraj as Chelladurai is once again a delight to watch, shining equally brightly in the romantic scenes, the comedy scenes and the scenes of intense emotion.

Sulakshana is well cast as the childlike Mangalam whose love for her family, especially her father, makes the narrative a very moving one.

M.N. Nambiar, in one of his earlier character roles, is simply brilliant, moving effortlessly from ferocity, empathy and determination to remarkable comedic timing.

Senthamarai is in one of the finest performances of his career as Mangalam’s father.

Sooriyakanth handles his challenging role well.

Not surprisingly, Illaiyaraja’s music forms one of the major highlights of the film, with immortal classics like Bhoopalum Isaikkum, Thanga Changili Minnum Paingili and Yerikarai Poongaatre among the memorable songs in the soundtrack. Illaiyaraja’s background score also provides brilliant support to the narrative.

B. Kalaiselvam’s cinematography is good, with some laudable experiments in lighting.

Thooral Ninnu Pochu was initially slated by some critics, but the box-office proved them wrong, with the film running for more than 300 days at Asia’s largest theatre, Madurai Thangam.

Thooral Ninnu Pochu was remade in Hindi as Mohabbat, in Telugu as Pelli Choopulu and in Kannada as Gowri Kalyana.

Thooral Ninnu Pochu scores 8 points out of 10.

Watch the full movie by clicking below.