Aruvadai Naal(1986)
'Aruvadai Naal' (transl. Harvest Day) is a 1986 Indian Tamil-language romantic drama film directed by G. M. Kumar in his directorial debut. The film stars Prabhu as Muthuvel and Pallavi as Nirmala. The story follows an orphan Christian girl who abandons her dream of becoming a nun after falling in love with a village farmer. Their relationship faces opposition from the farmer's wealthy and controlling father, who arranges a forced marriage through a deceptive ritual. The film was praised by The Indian Express for its offbeat storytelling and courageous themes. Ilaiyaraaja composed the soundtrack, which includes the notable song 'Devanin Kovil'. The film was released on 1 November 1986, coinciding with Diwali.
Aruvadai Naal is streaming on Amazon Prime Video (Eros Now channel) and Eros Now.
Where to watch:Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- Amazon Prime Video (Eros Now channel), Eros Now, Airtel Xstream Play, YouTube, Hungama
- Theatrical Release
- 31 December 1986
- Director
- G. M. Kumar
- Language
- Tamil
- Runtime
- 2h 18m
- Rating
- 6.5/10
Storyline
A young nurse living in a convent dreams of becoming a nun. She is sent to a village where she meets a kind farmer and falls in love. But the farmer's cruel father tricks his son into marrying a young girl, destroying the lovers' future.
“Love harvested in tears”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Aruvadai Naal
Cast reunions in this film: Prabhu & Ilayaraja (60 films together), Ilayaraja & Pallavi (7 films together), Ilayaraja & G. M. Kumar (4 films together), Prabhu & Sivaji Production (3 films together), Prabhu & Pallavi (2 films together), and Pallavi & G. M. Kumar (2 films together).
Trivia
- This was the only Tamil film directed by G. M. Kumar, who was primarily known as an actor.
- The film's music was composed by Ilaiyaraaja, but it is not one of his widely remembered soundtracks.
- Actor-director Manivannan, known for his sharp dialogues, played a supporting role in the movie.
- The plot revolves around a conflict between religious vows and romantic love, a theme less common in 1980s Tamil cinema.
- The movie was not a major commercial success upon its release in 1986.
- It was shot extensively in rural Tamil Nadu to capture the village setting authentically.
- The film's title 'Aruvadai Naal' translates to 'The Day of the Sickle', symbolizing a decisive cut or separation.