Sunday, October 9, 2011

Murattu Kaalai (1980 film)

Murattu Kaalai (ROUGH BULLOCK) was a blockbuster Rajnikanth's film of 1980s. This was the first film for Rajnikanth with AVM Productions. AVM had stopped producing films by 1970 and Murattukaalai was the re-entry into Tamil films. The famous song 'Podhuvaaga en manasu thangam' was featured in this film. This song is till date, one of the best Rajnikanth song and will remain so forever. Rajnikanth played the character named Kaalaiyan and he became a larger than life figure and a true superstar of Tamil film industry after this film. S.P.Muthuraman who directed this film went onto direct 25 films with Rajnikanth.

Directed byS.P.Muthuraman
Produced byAVM Productions
StarringRajnikanth
Jaishankar
Rati Agnihotri
Sumalatha
Music byIlayaraaja
Release date(s)20-Dec-1980
LanguageTamil

Murattu Kaalai

MURATTU KAALAI - REVIEW
Murattu Kaalai ( Tamil , 1980)
Director : S.P.Muthuraman
Cast: Rajinikanth , Rati Agnihotri , Jaishankar

One of Tamil Cinema's classics , "Murattu Kaalai" , is still considered evergreen . Released in 1980 , this movie catapulted Rajni to great heights and is considered to be one of his finest movies.
The story is rather cliched , but is acceptable , considering the era in which it was made. There are 2 neighbouring villages , and Kaaliyan ( Rajni) is the best "Jallikattu " ( bull-fighting) player in the vicinity. Kaaliyan also happens to be a rather prominent person in his village , but is very down to earth. Jaishankar holds the same position in the neighbouring village , but is a stark contrast to Kaaliyan . Jaishankar lives an extravagant lifestyle , complete with goondas for sidekicks. Jaishankar 's sister , and Kaaliyan have a brief romance.
Kaaliyan , however is very affectionate towards his brothers and his entire world revolves around them . Jaishankar , decides to marry off his sister to Kaaliyan , with an eye on his land. The marriage almost gets fixed , but Kaaliyan comes to know that Jaishankar's sister wants to split the bond between the brothers. He then calls off the marriage.

What happens after that is rather predictable , and involves a dozen sub-plots , as was the trend in those days. What stands out however is some fine acting by the cast .
Rajinikanth is such a delight to watch . This movie was made much before he was crowned the "Superstar" , and although we don't get to see the trademark Rajinikanth stuff in this movie , he comes up with a very fine performance. Comic timing was his forte those days , and the comedy scenes involving him are nice. There are a few " angry young man" scenes , which highlight his acting potential.
Jaishankar and his sister don't have much scope for acting and are rather monotonous in their performances. Rati Agnihotri as , the young Kannamma , who takes refuge under Kaaliyan , to escape the clutches of Jaishankar , comes up with a decent act . Y.Gee.Mahendra , as Kaaliyan's brother , comes across as a very funny character. He makes you laugh , in almost every frame involving him.
Technically , this film was a trend setter in Tamil Cinema. The stunt sequences , were such a novelty those days. The train fight sequence is worth mentioning , and is brilliantly shot. The locations for the movie are very beautiful , replete with lakes , waterfalls, and lush green fields.
There are some brilliant scenes . The one in which Jaishankar visits Kaaliyan's place to offer his sister's hand for marriage is one of the most hilarious sequences I have come across. Watch out for Y.Gee.Mahendra's body language in this scene. And of course the bull fighting sequences. There is also a brilliant scene in which Jaishankar's sidekick whips Kalliyan's brothers. Kaaliyan's anger is portrayed in such a ruthless manner , by the Superstar.
The songs , composed by Maestro Illayaraaja, are simply amazing. Of particular importance is the "Pothuvaga En manasu Thangam" , number. This is one of the most famous songs till date , and has still not lost its appeal. The song , picturized after Kaaliyan wins the bull fighting contest , is very well shot , with some wonderful lyrics , and will remain legendary forever.
Overall , the movie is decent . The time in which it was made is an important factor. This is such a trend setting movie , and is considered to be a cult. It has been referred to in quite a fewTamil movies , the latest being "Subramaniyapuram". Although it has many cliched scenes and characters , it does not really bore you , except in a few scene

Probably, Art Director A.K.Sekhar last film and first film with Rajnikanth, which got awards for Sekhar postumously.

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