Meendum Kokila

Meendum Kokila
Theatrical Release Poster
Directed by G. N. Rangarajan
Produced by T. R. Srinivasan
Screenplay by Ananthu
Story by Hassan Brothers
Starring
Music by Ilaiyaraaja
Cinematography N. K. Viswanathan
Edited by K. R. Ramalingam
Production
company
Charuchitra Films
Distributed by Anadha
Release date
 14 January 1981
Country India
Language Tamil

Meendum Kokila (lit. Kokila, again) is a 1981 Indian Tamil-language drama film directed by G. N. Rangarajan from a screenplay written by Ananthu and story by Hassan Brothers. The film stars Sridevi and Kamal Hassan in the lead roles. Deepa, M. Krishnamoorthy, Thengai Srinivasan and Omakuchi Narasimhan are featured in supporting roles. The film's narrative follows a young woman who fights to win back her husband after his infatuation with an actress. The music for the film was composed by Ilaiyaraaja.

Meendum Kokila was released theatrically on 14 January 1981. The film upon its release was a critical and commercial success. Sridevi's performance in the titular role was widely praised and is considered by various critics and film historians as one of the finest and most authentic portrayals of an Indian Brahmin woman. For her performance, Sridevi received the Filmfare Award for Best Actress-Tamil.

Synopsis

Subramaniam, a lawyer is married to Kokila and has a daughter. Things go well until he meets Kamini, a movie star in a party. He gets attracted towards Kamini and becomes ready to sacrifice his own family for her. Kokila's efforts in bringing back her husband forms the rest of the story.

Cast

Production

The film was originally directed by J. Mahendran with Sridevi, Kamal Haasan and Rekha—in her Tamil cinema debut—playing prominent roles.[1][2] Rekha was the original choice for actress' role, and scenes featuring her were shot till 3000 feet.[1] Initially Mahendran opted out of the film after a song sequence was shot. Later as the film progressed Rekha pulled out citing no reason.[1] It was Kamal Haasan who requested G. Rangarajan to take over the film as director.[1][3] Rekha was replaced by Deepa.[1]

Soundtrack

The music was composed by Ilaiyaraaja.[4] The song "Radha Radha Nee" is based on the Shuddha Saveri raga.[5]

No.SongSingersLyricsLength (m:ss)
1Chinna Chiru VayathilK. J. Yesudas, S. P. SailajaKannadasan04:32
2Hey OraiyiramS. P. BalasubrahmanyamPanju Arunachalam03:55
3Ponnana MeniK. J. Yesudas, S. Janaki04:30
4Radha Radha NeeS. P. Balasubrahmanyam, S. JanakiKannadasan04:27

Reception and accolades

Meendum Kokila opened to widespread success. Sridevi's portrayal of a Brahmin woman trying to get back her husband was widely acclaimed and is considered by various critics and film commentators as one of the finest film performances of all-time. Sridevi received the Filmfare Award for Best Actress-Tamil;[6] the first of her four Filmfare Awards.[7] The film consolidated Sridevi's position as the biggest actress in South India.[8]

Re-release

The film's digitally restored version was also released in December, 2017.[9][10][11]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 "வரலாற்றுச்சுவடுகள் – திரைப்பட வரலாறு 944 – கமல்–ஸ்ரீதேவி நடித்த மீண்டும் கோகிலா". Daily Thanthi. 16 June 2008.
  2. ↑ Film World. T.M. Ramachandran. 1980. Retrieved 7 June 2013.
  3. ↑ Panicker, Prem (10 October 2003). "The magic that is Rekha". Rediff.com. Retrieved 7 June 2013.
  4. ↑ "Meendum Kokila". raaga. Retrieved 6 October 2013.
  5. ↑ Mani, Charulatha (3 August 2012). "A raga's journey: Joyful Suddha Saveri". The Hindu. Retrieved 12 September 2016.
  6. ↑ Sir Stanley Reed (1984). The Times of India Directory and Year Book Including Who's who. Bennett, Coleman. p. 234. Retrieved 7 June 2013.
  7. ↑ "Hawa Hawai girl Sridevi turns 49". Sify. 13 August 2012. Retrieved 7 June 2013.
  8. ↑ "Don't want Jhanvi in films at this age: Sridevi". The Indian Express. 24 September 2012. Retrieved 7 June 2013.
  9. ↑ "Kamal Haasan and Sridevi in theatres again". Behindwoods.com. 19 January 2018. Retrieved 19 January 2018.
  10. ↑ Subramanian, Anupama (18 November 2017). "An image makeover for Meendum Kokila". Deccan Chronicle. Retrieved 19 January 2018.
  11. ↑ "Kamal Haasan's classic hits to be re-release on the big screen". Indian Express. 16 April 2017. Retrieved 19 January 2018.
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