Tharai Thappattai(2016)
Tharai Thappattai is a 2016 Tamil-language psychological action drama film written, produced, and directed by Bala. The film stars M. Sasikumar as Sannasi and Varalaxmi Sarathkumar as Sooravali. It follows a karakattam dance troupe struggling to preserve their traditional art while facing poverty and exploitation. The music was composed by Ilaiyaraaja, marking his 1000th film, and won the National Film Award for Best Background Score. The film released on 14 January 2016 and received mixed reviews for its intense storytelling and performances.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- Vi Movies and TV, JioHotstar, Amazon Prime Video, YuppTV
- Theatrical Release
- 14 January 2016
- Director
- Bala
- Language
- Tamil
- Runtime
- 2h 30m
- Rating
- 6.7/10
Storyline
Sannasi leads a folk dance troupe that is slowly dying. His lead dancer and love, Sooravali, is forced into a marriage with a stranger. The stranger turns out to be a pimp who exploits her. Sannasi must fight to save her and the art they love.
“Dance, love, and survival against all odds.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Tharai Thappattai
Cast reunions in this film: Bala & Ilayaraja (4 films together), Ilayaraja & G. M. Kumar (4 films together), and M. Sasikumar & Ilayaraja (2 films together).
Trivia
- The film's title 'Tharai Thappattai' refers to a specific type of traditional Tamil folk drum used in village performances.
- Director Bala insisted on using real folk artists and musicians from rural Tamil Nadu to ensure authenticity in the performances.
- The character Karuppaiah, played by M. Sasikumar, was originally written to be even more menacing, but some scenes were toned down.
- The film's climax and violent themes led to it receiving an 'A' (Adults only) certificate from the Indian censor board.
- Despite its critical acclaim, the film had a very limited theatrical run and was a commercial failure at the box office.
- The movie includes authentic 'Karakattam' and 'Oyilattam' folk dance forms, rarely depicted in mainstream Tamil cinema.
- Composer Ilaiyaraaja recorded the folk-based songs live with traditional instruments and a large ensemble of folk musicians.
Frequently Asked Questions
News & Stories
Director Bala's \"Thaarai Thappattai\" Feature Film presented by B Studios & Company Production in association with Ayngaran International.\r\n
