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 […]
Exploring the Enigma Called Illaiyaraja – Episode 10
Illaiyaraja’s first release for 1981 – Meendum Kokila – had an interesting history. It was to have been directed by Mahendran and was meant to mark the Tamil debut of actress Rekha, daughter of Gemini Ganesan. Mahendran and Rekha both dropped the project and Kamalhaasan then approached G.N. Rangarajan to direct the film, where the […]
R Madhavan’s film career is an inspiration to all – A look at the highlights of his career on his 55th birthday.
R. Madhavan was born on 1 June 1970 in North East India where he grew up and completed his education. He won a scholarship as a cultural ambassador to India in Canada where he stayed for a year before returning to India He began his acting career playing various roles in Hindi TV serials, including […]
K.S. Ravikumar turns 67 as he celebrates 35 years as a film director.
After apprenticing under various directors like Bharathiraja, Vikraman and K. Rangaraj, K.S. Ravikumar worked as co-director to Vikraman in the film Pudhu Vassantham produced by RB Choudary (father of actor Jiiva). Choudary noticed Ravikumar’s speed and attention to detail and signed him on to direct his next venture. Titled Puriyaadha Pudhir, this film marked K.S. […]
TOP 20 Tamil Songs for Week Ending 30 May 2025
This Week Title Film/Album Singer/s Lyric Music Last Week 1 Idhayaa Idhayam Murali Thaman S & Vishal Mishra Vivek Thaman S 1 2 Second Chance Independent GV Prakash Kumar, Naresh Iyer & Rakshitha Suresh Vairamuthu Sri B 6 3 Sittukoru Kattupada Othuvaruma School Shweta Mohan, Srisha Vijayasekar & Pariya Mali Illaiyaraja Illaiyaraja 7 4 Dillubaru […]
MAAMAN Film Review
Soori’s rapid growth as an actor has been astounding. Since making his debut as a lead actor in Viduthalai Part 1, his script selection, depth of portrayal and his ability to live his character has turned him into one of Kodambakkam’s most remarkable actors. After fiery performances in Viduthalai Parts 1 & 2 and then […]
Exploring the Enigma called Illaiyaraja – Episode 9
As indicated in Episode 8, by the middle of 1980, Illaiyaraja had become a household name and a much sought after music composer. Even those who had gleefully predicted a short career for him had to accept that he was now a major role-player. For the first time, listeners were taking careful note of the […]
Versatile actor Rajesh (75) passes away
Actor Rajesh, the charismatic and versatile actor of more than 150 films, has passed away at the age of 75. He is survived by his daughter Divya and son Deepak. Rajesh was born on 20 December 1949 and began his working life as a school teacher. He made his debut to films through K. Balachander’s […]
“Puthiya Vaarpugal” (1979) Film Review
Those who have been reading the series of articles on Illaiyaraja on Sigaram – Exploring the Enigma called Illaiyaraja – would be aware that Bharathiraja’s 1979 film, Puthiya Vaarpugal is still regarded as a landmark film. It marked Bharathiraja’s fifth film and his fourth Tamil film. It also marked his debut as a producer with […]
Remembering “Aachi” Manorama on her 88th Birth Anniversary
If ever one needed a female role model that was strong, decisive, successful and one capable of overcoming seemingly impossible odds, the first choice would probably be Jayalalitha. Second place would go to Manorama – an actress who constantly reinvented herself to eventually complete 1000 film and 5000 stage plays. Manorama’s real name was Gopishantha. […]