Thalaimuraigal (transl. Generations) is a 2013 Tamil-language film written, cinematography, edited, and directed by Balu Mahendra in his last directorial film. Produced by Sasikumar's Company Productions and Balu Mahendra's Cinema Pattarai, the film has Master Karthik and Balu Mahendra, while Sashikumar Subramani, Ramya Shankar, and Vinodhini Vaidyanathan appear in supporting roles and Sasikumar in a cameo appearance.[2] The film's score was composed by Ilaiyaraaja,[3] and the film released on 20 December 2013. At the 61st National Film Awards, the film won the Nargis Dutt Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration.

Thalaimuraigal
Theatrical poster
Directed byBalu Mahendra
Written byBalu Mahendra
Produced bySasikumar
Balu Mahendra
StarringMaster Karthik
Balu Mahendra
CinematographyBalu Mahendra
Edited byBalu Mahendra
Music byIlaiyaraaja
Production
company
Company Production
Distributed byCinema Pattarai
Release date
  • 20 December 2013 (2013-12-20)[1]
CountryIndia
LanguageTamil

Cast

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Production

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Four years after his last directional venture Adhu Oru Kana Kaalam, Balu Mahendra announced a project called Anal Kaatru in 2008, but the project was dropped due to unknown reasons.[4] In 2013, he announced that he would direct Thalaimuraigal. The film was made in 50 days on a shoestring budget of under ₹1 crore (worth ₹1.9 crore in 2021 prices). Apart from directing, Balu Mahendra revealed that he would play a pivotal role in the film.[5] Besides, Sasikumar who produced this film will appear in a cameo appearance.[5] Ramya Shankar, who appeared in the television series Saravannan Meenatchi, was selected to play a mother of 10 year old. Master Karthik, who earlier appeared in Ethir Neechal, was selected as the child artist. Sashikumar Subramani, who earlier appeared in Balu Mahendra's television series Kathai Neram and also played the roles of Rambha's brother in Anandham and Atul Kulkarni's brother in the Dhanush-starrer Padikkadavan, was selected to play an 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.[6] The film was shot entirely with Canon EOS 5D, a still camera.[7]

Critical reception

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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".[8] 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".[9] Behindwoods too gave 3.5 stars out of 5 and called it "an artistic piece of parallel cinema".[10] 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".[11] 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".[12] 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".[13]

Awards

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References

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  1. ^ "Balu Mahendra's Thalaimuraigal releases on December 20". Cinesine.
  2. ^ "Thalaimuraigal - Balu Mahendra is back". Sify. Archived from the original on 3 December 2013. Retrieved 26 December 2013.
  3. ^ "Thalaimuraigal first look revealed". The Times of India. 21 September 2013. Archived from the original on 24 September 2013. Retrieved 22 September 2013.
  4. ^ "Balu Mahendra's new movie". IndiaGlitz. 6 February 2008. Archived from the original on 7 February 2008. Retrieved 26 December 2013.
  5. ^ a b Karthik Subramanian (2 December 2013). "In a first, Balu Mahendra faces the camera". The Hindu. Retrieved 26 December 2013.
  6. ^ "Vinodhini grabs major roles now". Deccan Chronicle. 4 December 2013. Retrieved 26 December 2013.
  7. ^ Karthik Subramanian (7 December 2013). "The age of transition". The Hindu. Retrieved 26 December 2013.
  8. ^ "Thalaimuraigal Movie Review {4/5}: Critic Review of Thalaimuraigal by Times of India". The Times of India.
  9. ^ "Review: Thalaimuraigal is brilliant". Rediff. Retrieved 26 December 2013.
  10. ^ "Thalaimuraigal (aka) Thalaimuraigal review". Behindwoods. 20 December 2013. Retrieved 26 December 2013.
  11. ^ Malathi Rangarajan (21 December 2013). "Thalaimuraigal: For generations to come". The Hindu. Retrieved 26 December 2013.
  12. ^ "Movie Review : Thalaimuraigal". Sify. Archived from the original on 20 December 2013. Retrieved 26 December 2013.
  13. ^ "Tamil Cinema News | Tamil Movie Reviews | Tamil Movie Trailers - IndiaGlitz Tamil". Archived from the original on 20 December 2013.
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