Neengal Kettavai (transl. What you asked for) is a 1984 Indian Tamil-language masala film[1] written and directed by Balu Mahendra. It stars Thiagarajan, Bhanu Chander, Archana and Silk Smitha in major roles, while Jaishankar had an extended cameo as the antagonist. The film's soundtrack and background score were composed by Ilaiyaraaja. The film was commercially successful at the time of release.
Neengal Kettavai | |
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Directed by | Balu Mahendra |
Story by | Akila Mahendra |
Starring | |
Cinematography | Balu Mahendra |
Edited by | D. Vasu |
Music by | Ilaiyaraaja |
Production company | Filmco |
Release date |
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Running time | 132 minutes |
Country | India |
Language | Tamil |
This article needs an improved plot summary. (March 2022) |
Poornima Bhagyaraj, a widow living in Ooty, leads a peaceful life with her two sons. Jaishankar, a tourist who visits the place rapes her. In the act, Poornima dies leaving her two sons who witness the murder. The eldest son (Bhanu Chander) is raised by his maternal uncle while the younger brother (Thiagarajan) joins a blind music teacher as he has great interest in music. Years later he becomes a great singer. Meanwhile, his brother is trained effectively by his uncle learning martial arts with the intention of avenging the death of his mother as he very well remembers the culprit's face. With a turn of events leading to both sons joining together and take revenge for their mother's death forms the rest of the story.
Archana made her Tamil cinema debut with the film.[2] The film, unlike Balu Mahendra's previous offbeat ventures, was an "outright commercial picture". He later claimed that he made the film to prove his critics that he could make commercial films.[3] Hence he titled the film Neengal Kettavai (What you asked for).[4] A few scenes were shot at the VGP golden beach.[2] The song "Oh Vasantha Raja" was shot at Brihadisvara Temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram.[5]
The soundtrack was composed by Ilaiyaraaja.[6][7] The song "Kanavu Kaanum" is based on "Kasme Vaade" from Upkar (1967).[8][9] For the dubbed Telugu version Kodama Simhalu, the lyrics were written by L. Aathma Rao and Rajashri.[10]
No. | Title | Lyrics | Singer(s) | Length |
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1. | "Adiye Manam Nilluna" | Vaali | S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, S. Janaki | 5:14 |
2. | "Kanavu Kaanum" | Vairamuthu | K. J. Yesudas | 5:18 |
3. | "Naane Raja" | Na. Kamarasan | S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, S. Janaki | 4:25 |
4. | "Oh Vasantha Raaja" | Pulamaipithan | S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, S. Janaki | 4:23 |
5. | "Pillai Nila" (female) | Vairamuthu | S. Janaki | 4:20 |
6. | "Pillai Nila" (male) | Vairamuthu | K. J. Yesudas | 4:51 |
No. | Title | Lyrics | Singer(s) | Length |
---|---|---|---|---|
1. | "Nene Raja" | L. Aathma Rao | Ravichandra | 3:53 |
2. | "Edhi Paapam Edhi Shaapam" | Rajashri | Ramakrishna | 4:25 |
3. | "Edhi Bomma Muddula Gumma" | L. Aathma Rao | Chinna, Padma | 4:58 |
4. | "Poochendulo Viruyu" | Rajashri | P. Susheela | 4:13 |
5. | "O Vasantha Raagam" | L. Aathma Rao | P. Susheela, Radha Mohan | 4:06 |
6. | "Poochendulo Viruyu" (Sad) | Rajashri | Ramakrishna | 4:39 |
Kalki caustically commented, "Balu Mahendra, idhaiyaa kettom?" (Balu Mahendra, did we ask for this?).[1] Despite the film's box-office success, Mahendra opted to continue making offbeat films.[3]
Films directed by Balu Mahendra | |
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