Aasai Mugam (transl. Face of Desire) is a 1965 Indian Tamil-language film starring M. G. Ramachandran, inspired by The Man Who Knew Too Much. The film was released on 10 December 1965.
Aasai Mugam | |
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![]() Theatrical release poster | |
Directed by | P. Pullaiah |
Screenplay by | Aaroor Dass "Thuraiyoor" K. Murthy |
Story by | T. N. Balu |
Produced by | P. L. Mohan Ram |
Starring | M. G. Ramachandran B. Saroja Devi M. N. Nambiar |
Cinematography | P. L. Roy W. R. Subba Rao T. M. Sundar Babu |
Edited by | C. P. Jambulingam P. K. Krishnan S. R. Das K. R. Krishnan |
Music by | S. M. Subbaiah Naidu |
Production company | Mohan Productions |
Release date |
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Running time | 145 minutes |
Country | India |
Language | Tamil |
![]() | This article needs an improved plot summary. (September 2021) |
Because Ponniyam Kodhi, a marriage broker feels deceived on his commission by Bhavani Amma, the mother of Selvi, whom she is soon going to marry to a strong good match, attractive Manohar, the only son of big family, that of Siva Shankaran Pulai, an immense landowner, the matchmaker, out of revenge, damages the engagement. At the same moment, somewhere else, a gang led by Varada, the ex-manager of Siva Shankaran Pulai's domains plans with his walk-on a ruffian Vajravel, to appropriate all the fortune of his former boss, by usurping the identity of his son and more exactly, the face of Manohar. The affair is facilitated by a mysterious doctor and by a machine of his invention. Entranced by greed, Vajravel volunteers to undergo an operation of plastic surgery to look like his victim Manohar.
An adapted version of the song "Neeya Illai Naana" featured in the 2002 film Panchatantiram "Ennodu Kaadhal enru pesa vaithathu Neeya illa Naana".
The film was inspired by the 1934 and 1956 film versions of the novel The Man Who Knew Too Much. It was initially titled Ellam Arintha Manithan (transl. All Knowing Man), but Ramachandran objected as he felt it was "too pompous" and "big". He suggested Aasai Mugam, and that was chosen.[1] K. P. Ramakrishnan served as Ramachandran's body double.[2]
The music composed by S. M. Subbaiah Naidu, while lyrics written by Vaali.[3][4]
No. | Song | Singers | Lyrics | Length |
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1 | "Neeya Illai Naana" (x2) | T. M. Soundararajan & P. Susheela | Vaali | 03:21 / 04:23 (film version) |
2 | "Yaarukku Yaar Endru Theriyaadha" | T. M. Soundararajan & P. Susheela | 02:52 / 03:05 (film version) | |
3 | "Ennai Kadhalithal Mattum Pothuma" | T. M. Soundararajan & P. Susheela | 03:37 / 03:49 (film version) | |
4 | "Ethanai Periya" (Innoruvar Vaedhanai) | T. M. Soundararajan | 03:41 / 04:24 (film version) | |
5 | "Naal Oru Medai Pozhudhoru Nadippu" | T. M. Soundararajan | 03:26 / 03:12 (film version) |
Aasai Mugam was released on 10 December 1965.[5] T. M. Ramachandran of Sport and Pastime wrote "The film moves in such a fast manner that it sustains the interest of the audience throughout. The deft hand of veteran P. Pulliah can be seen in every foot of the film".[6] The Indian Express negatively reviewed the film, but praised the performances of Ramachandran and Saroja Devi, despite feeling their roles were not well written.[7] Kalki praised Ramachandran for showing diversity in the three roles he enacted.[8]