Porkkaalam (transl. Golden Age) is a 1997 Indian Tamil-language drama film written and directed by Cheran. The film stars Murali, Meena and Sanghavi. It was released on 30 October 1997,[1] Diwali, and became a huge success. The film was remade in Telugu as Manikyam, in Hindi as Meri Pyaari Bahania Banegi Dulhania,[2] and in Kannada as Odahuttidavalu.[3]
| Porkkaalam | |
|---|---|
 Poster | |
| Directed by | Cheran |
| Written by | Cheran |
| Produced by |
|
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Priyan |
| Edited by | K. Thanikachalam |
| Music by | Deva |
Production company | Roja Combines |
Release date |
|
| Country | India |
| Language | Tamil |
Plot edit
The film deals with the social stigma associated with a disabled girl in a rural milieu. Manikkam (Murali) is a potter by profession. He has a sister, who is born dumb. Murali has to struggle a lot as the handicraft industry is a dying industry and a good amount of money is taken away by his father (Manivannan), who is a drunkard and a gambler. But, he tries to hide his sorrows by having fun with his sister and servant (Vadivelu), who is also his trusted friend. He is in love with his neighbour Maragatham (Meena), a weaver. He wants to get his sister married to a noble man. But many reject her as she is dumb. Finally, one man agrees to marry his sister but on condition that Manikkam must offer dowry. Manikkam then sells many things dearer to him to get money for the dowry. But, that money is taken away by his father and the marriage falls through. Yet (Vadivelu) offers to marry his sister without asking dowry and Murali goes home along with Vadivelu to convey this happy news to his sister. But it was too late as the sister commits suicide. Manikkam as a penance decides to marry a disabled girl.
Cast edit
- Murali as Manikkam
- Meena as Maragadham
- Sanghavi as Muthamma
- Manivannan as Ramaiya
- Vadivelu as Thangamani
- Rajeshwari as Panchavarnam
- C. R. Saraswathi as Kalyani
- Delhi Ganesh as Subbaiya
- Ilavarasu as Rasu
- Bala Singh as Sundaram
- Crane Manohar
- Scissor Manohar
- Kanal Kannan as Postman (special appearance)
- Cheran as Photographer (special appearance)
Soundtrack edit
The soundtrack was composed by Deva. The lyrics were penned by Vairamuthu.[4][5] The song "Thanjavooru Mannu Eduthu" was played at the funeral of S. R. Nathan in 2016.[6]
Track list
| No. | Title | Singer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Chinna Kanangkuruvi" | Krishnaraj, Febi Mani, Malaysia Vasudevan | 06:13 |
| 2. | "Karuvella Kaatukkulae" | Sujatha Mohan, Anuradha Sriram, Arunmozhi | 05:28 |
| 3. | "Thanjavooru Mannu Eduthu" | Krishnaraj | 05:25 |
| 4. | "Chingucha Chingucha" | K. S. Chithra | 04:40 |
| 5. | "Oona Oonam" | Deva, Kovai Kamala | 04:49 |
| Total length: | 26:35 | ||
Reception edit
Ji of Kalki said despite being an age old theme of brother and sister, Cheran handled it skilfully and appreciating the performances of Murali and the actress who portrayed his sister but called Vadivelu's character and his song as unnecessary.[7] During the 100th day function of Arunachalam, Rajinikanth appreciated this film and gifted a gold chain to Cheran.[8]
Accolades edit
Cheran won the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Director, and Meena won the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actress.[9] Cheran also won the Dinakaran Cinema Award for Best Director.[10]
References edit
- ^ Cheran 👑 [@cherandirector] (30 October 2019). "1997 Oct 30th .. My second film porkalam was released... 22 years completed.. Still all memories in my mind.. Thanks to producer, artiste and technicians." Archived from the original on 10 January 2024. Retrieved 10 January 2024 – via Instagram.
- ^ Arunachalam, Param. BollySwar: 2001–2010. Mavrix Infotech. p. 63. ISBN 9788193848203.
- ^ RGV (2 September 2006). "Odahuttidavalu Kannada Movie". Nowrunning. Archived from the original on 5 March 2023. Retrieved 10 January 2024.
- ^ "Porkkaalam". JioSaavn. 30 October 1997. Archived from the original on 25 May 2023. Retrieved 25 May 2023.
- ^ "Porkalam Tamil Audio Cassette By Deva". Banumass. Archived from the original on 8 January 2024. Retrieved 10 January 2024.
- ^ "Kollywood number served as a funeral song". The Hindu. 27 August 2016. Archived from the original on 11 January 2024. Retrieved 11 January 2024.
- ^ ஜி. (30 November 1997). "பொற்காலம்". Kalki (in Tamil). p. 80. Archived from the original on 25 February 2023. Retrieved 24 April 2022 – via Internet Archive.
- ^ தினேஷ்குமார், ப. (30 October 2017). "மாற்றுத்திறனாளிகளின் குரலாக ஒலித்த பொற்காலம்..! #20yearsOfPorkkaalam …". Ananda Vikatan (in Tamil). Archived from the original on 24 May 2023. Retrieved 24 May 2023.
- ^ "Awards Tamilnadu Government Cinema Awards For 1997 Announced: Best Film Award For "Arunachalam", "Surya Vamsam"". Dinakaran. 27 November 1998. Archived from the original on 1 January 2008. Retrieved 27 June 2023.
- ^ "DINAKARAN CINEMA AWARD – 1997". Dinakaran. Archived from the original on 15 June 1998. Retrieved 6 October 2023.
External links edit
- Porkkaalam at IMDb
