Complex and controversial, this bold romantic drama delves into the social norms that govern romantic relationships, and taboos surrounding relationships that are deemed inappropriate by society.
Rebellious and headstrong, Prasanna (Kamal Haasan) leaves his wealthy father to lead life on his own terms. He is nursed back to health by a classical singer Bhairavi (Srividya) after a bloody street-side fight. The two are slowly attracted to each other and decide to marry in spite of their age difference and a past relationship that Bhairavi is still inextricably tied to.
In the meantime, Prasanna's father (Major Sundararajan) embarks on a relationship with the young Ranjini (Jayasudha), who just happens to be Bhiaravi's daughter (born to her out of wedlock). This convoluted situation with Prasanna's father wanting to marry his would-be daughter-in-law, and Prasanna himself wanting to marry his would-be mother in law, becomes further complicated by an unexpected twist when, Bhairavi's long-lost husband (Rajinikanth) comes into picture.
Did you know? This film was controversial upon release as it examines relationships between people with wide age gaps, which challenged Indian social mores. Read More
This film marked the debut of Rajinikanth, who has since gone on to become one of Tamil cinema's most successful and iconic actors.
This film was controversial upon release as it examines relationships between people with wide age gaps, which challenged Indian social mores.
This movie one great critical and commercial acclaim, winning many awards and accolades including three National Film Awards and three Filmfare Awards South.
This movie was remade by Balachander into Hindi as Ek Nai Paheli (1984) with Kamal Haasan and Hema Malini in the main lead.
Due to its phenomenal success, it was also remade into Telugu as 'Thoorpu Padamara'.
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