Amman Kovil Kizhakale


Amman Kovil Kizhakale is a 1986 Indian Tamil-language romantic drama film written and directed by R. Sundarrajan, starring Vijayakanth and Radha. It was released on 24 April 1986, and emerged a commercial success. Vijayakanth also won the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil. It was remade into Telugu as Khaidi No. 786 and Kannada as Nammoora Hammera.

Plot

Chinnamani lives in a village along with his adopted father, sister and his friends. Chinnamani sings well and always performs during the village temple festivals. Kanmani is a wealthy girl, and the only daughter of the village panchayat board president, who is arrogant. Kanmani, who boasts of being rich enters into clashes with Chinnamani and she decides to take revenge on Chinnamani as Chinnamani does not respect her. She decides to learn music from Chinnamani, pretending to love him and making him fall into her trap.
Chinnamani along with visitors go to Kanmani's house, but she embarrasses him in front of everyone. She also breaks his Harmonium for which in anger and in retaliation he breaks Kanmani's car and slaps her when she intervenes. Kanmani beats Chinnamani with whip as it was decided by the panchayat for punishing Chinnamani. Angered, Chinnamani marries Kanmani by tying the nuptial chain around her neck immediately without her consent. Kanmani's mother Janaki later tells the truth to Kanmani about Chinnamani.
Actually, Chinnamani is the son of Janaki's elder brother, who is a wealthy man. Kanmani's father worked under Chinnamani's father and Janaki loved him. But Kanmani's father usurps all the properties from Chinnamani's father after marrying Janaki and sends him out of town, and he later meets his demise due to a disease. Kanmani's father tried to kill young Chinnamani, but Janaki rescues him and sends him out on a coracle and later he gets adopted. She also reveals that Kanmani is the daughter of Ravichandran's illegitimate relationship with their house maid and Janaki raised her as her own daughter.
Hearing this, Kanmani realizes her mistake and decides to live together with Chinnamani, but he does not believe her. Kanmani mingled with the household and also helps in Chinnamani's sister getting back her speech, winning everyone's heart in the household. While she sings "Kalainera Poonguyil" Chinnamani joins her while she faints out of exhaustion, indicating his support for her.
Ravichandran decides to kill Chinnamani's brother-in-law and sends a few thugs. Chinnamani kills Ravichandran. Kanmani sends away Chinnamani to move his sister to safe place. As Chinamani moves, Kanmani accepts the murder and surrenders
She returns after a few years where she finds Chinnamani as mentally disturbed person searching for Kanmani whom he believes as not been taken care by hinn. Kanmani sings "Chinna mani kuyile" rekindling his memories, and uniting with Chinnamani.

Production

Sundarrajan wrote the story of Amman Kovil Kizhakale with Rajinikanth in mind. However, following the release of Poovilangu, he wanted to cast its lead actor Murali and Revathi, to no avail. After the success of Vaidehi Kathirunthal, he finalised Vijayakanth and Radha. The title was derived from a song from Sakalakala Vallavan. The filming began at Godavari river at Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh. Shooting took place in Kovur, Chennai. For the scene where Vijayakanth breaks Radha's car, Sundarrajan wanted a Maruti car to which the producer refused, leading to differences of opinions between them. Since Sundarrajan was persistent about the car, the producer finally bought the car and the scene was shot as per Sundarrajan's wish.

Soundtrack

The music was composed by Ilaiyaraaja. All lyrics were written by Gangai Amaran. The song "Chinnamani Kuyile" is set to Keeravani raga, "Poova Eduthu" is set to Mayamalavagowla, "Kaalai Nera" is set to Abhogi, and "Un Paarvayil" is set to Hamir Kalyani.

Release and reception

Amman Kovil Kizhakale was released on 24 April 1986. Jayamanmadhan of Kalki opined that although the film was dragging frequently, it could be watched to know what happens in the plot. Balumani of Anna praised the acting, dialogues, music, humour and climax. Vijayakanth won the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil, the Cinema Express Award for Best Actor – Tamil, and the Pesum Padam Award for Best Actor.