Thodarum

Thodarum is a 1999 Indian Tamil-language drama film directed by Ramesh Khanna, starring Ajith Kumar, Devayani and Heera. The supporting cast includes Manivannan, Vadivelu and Gemini Ganesan. It is a remake of the 1996 Telugu film Maavichiguru, and was released on 14 January 1999.

Plot

Seetha is a possessive wife who suspects that all the women are throwing themselves at her husband Jayaram. Things get a little interesting after Meera enters the picture and ends up hugging Jayaram right in front of Seetha's eyes. Seetha is diagnosed with a deadly heart condition and decides to have Meera tie the knot for the sake of a good life for Jayaram and their young son. She even goes as far as getting a divorce from Jayaram to make him hate her. In the end, Seetha dies, Jayaram and Meera get married, and they name their baby Seetha.

Production

Actor Ramesh Khanna made his debut as a director with the film after working as an apprentice to K. S. Ravikumar. Ravikumar was meant to remake the Telugu film Maavichiguru into Tamil for Sridevi Movie Makers, but his busy schedule meant that he recommended Ramesh Khanna to the producers. The remake was initially titled as Maa Vilakku and was supposed to star Jayaram and Meena, but went through cast changes. Jayaram's falling popularity meant that Ajith Kumar was signed to replace him, while the actor requested a change of lead actress. The film was revived under new title Thodarum with new cast involving Ajith, Heera and Devayani.

Soundtrack

The soundtrack is composed by Ilaiyaraaja. The song "Oru Thulir" is set to the Carnatic raga Keeravani, and "Sernthu Vaazhum" is set to Sindhu Bhairavi.

Song	Singers	Lyrics	Length
"Shock Adikkum"	Hariharan, Gopika Poornima	Palani Bharathi	05:00
"Naanthaan"	Arunmozhi, Gangai Amaran, Malaysia Vasudevan, Sunandha, Devie Neithiyar	Gangai Amaran	07:22
"Oru Thulir"	Bhavatharini, P. Unnikrishnan	Kamakodiyan	05:03
"Yamma Yamma"	K. S. Chithra, S. P. Balasubrahmanyam	Mu. Metha	05:01
"Sernthu Vaazhum"	Ilaiyaraaja	Arivumathi	04:48
"Kanavanukkaga"	S. P. Balasubrahmanyam	Pulamaipithan	05:03

Release and reception

The film released on 14 January 1999. The New Indian Express gave the film a critical review citing that "the director tries hard to avoid small puddles of cliches, but unfortunately falls into an ocean instead" but claims that Devayani gives a "wonderfully controlled performance", while Heera and Ajith are just "adequate". Deccan Herald wrote "Thodarum is a family melodrama, which on its own is not too bad, but it falls completely flat." Dinakaran wrote, "The storyline of the picture starts as a mirthful family comedy. But in the end it turns out to be a harsh affair with such developments like sudden sacrifice and deadly disease and so on". D. S. Ramanujam of The Hindu gave the film a positive review, praising the cast performances, the comedy and cinematography.