Thalaimuraigal

Thalaimuraigal
File:Thalaimuraigal.jpg Theatrical poster
Directed by	Balu Mahendra
Produced by	M. Sasikumar Balu Mahendra
Written by	Balu Mahendra
Starring	Sashikumar Subramani Ramya Shankar Vinodhini Vaidyanathan Balu Mahendra
Music by	Ilaiyaraaja
Cinematography	Balu Mahendra
Edited by	Balu Mahendra
Production company	Company Production
Distributed by	Cinema Pattarai
Release dates	20 December 2013 (2013-12-20)
Country	India
Language	Tamil

Thalaimuraigal (English: Generations) is a 2013 Tamil film written, cinematography, edited, and directed by Balu Mahendra. Produced by M. Sasikumar's Company Productions and Balu Mahendra`s Cinema Pattarai , the film has Sashikumar Subramani, Ramya and Master Karthik in lead roles along with Balu Mahendra in an important role. The film's score was composed by Ilaiyaraaja. At the 61st National Film Awards, the film won the Nargis Dutt Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration.

Plot

Aditya (Master Karthik) is a city bred child of a doctor couple who had an inter caste marriage. Due to circumstances Aditya is forced to spend a long time in village with his grandfather (Balu Mahendra) an old man who is fanatical about his religion, caste and his language. The old man turns the city bred English speaking Aditya into a real Tamil who speaks the language and understands the culture and traditions.

Cast

• Sashikumar Subramani as Sivaraman
• Ramya Shankar as Stella
• Vinodhini Vaidyanathan
• Master Karthick as Aditya
• Balu Mahendra as Subbu
• M. Sasikumar (Cameo)

Production

Four years after his last directional venture Adhu Oru Kanakaalam, Balu Mahendra announced a project called Anal Kaatru in 2008 but the project was dropped due to unknown reasons. In 2013, he announced that he would direct Thalaimuraigal. Apart from directing, Balu Mahendra revealed that he would play a pivotal role in the film. Besides, M. Sasikumar who produced this film will appear in a cameo appearance. Ramya Shankar who appeared in the television series Saravannan Meenatchi was selected to play a mother of 10 year old. Master Karthick who earlier appeared in Ethir Neechal was selected as child artist. Sasi who earlier appeared in Sashikumar Subramani's television series Kathai Neram and also played the roles of Rambha's brother in Anandham and Atul Kulkarni's brother in Dhanush starrer Padikkadavan was selected to play important role. Vinodhini Vaidyanathan who acted in films like Engaeyum Eppothum and Varuthapadatha Valibar Sangam was signed to play Balu Mahendra's daughter in the film. The film was shot entirely with Canon EOS 5D, a still camera.

Critical reception

The Times of India gave 4 stars out of 5 and wrote, "there is plenty of genuineness and warmth, which, elevated by the minimalist storytelling and genteel performances turn this simple film into the feel-good film of the year". Rediff gave 3.5 stars out of 5 and wrote, "Thalaimuraigal is a heartwarming tale of a grandfather coming to terms with his own conservative values and beliefs, while at the same time instilling in his grandson, a sense of pride and appreciation in his language and culture". Behindwoods too gave 3.5 stars out of 5 and called it "an artistic piece of parallel cinema". The Hindu wrote, "If Mahendra’s aim was to make a film that can compete on a global level, Thalaimuraigal is a concrete step in that direction". Sify wrote, "Thalaimuraigal is well crafted movie that strikes a chord and is a heart-warming story of a relationship between a grandfather and his grandson". Indiaglitz rated it 4.5 out of 5 and wrote, "Thalaimuraigal is an emotional, touching and beautiful film that will bring you closer to family", calling it "definitely one of Balu Mahendra's best".

Awards

• 2013 – Nargis Dutt Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration

External links

• Thalaimuraigal at IMDb