Manakanakku(1986)
Manakanakku is a 1986 Indian Tamil-language drama film directed by R. C. Sakthi. The cast includes Vijayakanth, Radha, Rajesh, Sarath Babu, and Ambika. Kamal Haasan makes a guest appearance as a film director, marking the only onscreen collaboration between Haasan and Vijayakanth. The story follows Lakshmi, a woman abandoned by her husband on her wedding night, and Ramanu, a man who marries her despite village gossip. The film explores themes of honour, love, and societal hypocrisy. It was produced by J. Manohar and features music by M. S. Viswanathan. The film received positive reviews for its dense storytelling and strong performances. It was released on 14 June 1986.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- YouTube
- Theatrical Release
- 1 May 1986
- Director
- R. C. Sakthi
- Language
- Tamil
- Runtime
- 2h 23m
- Rating
- 3.4/10
Storyline
Lakshmi is thrown out by her husband on their wedding night. She is shamed by her village. Ramanu, a kind-hearted man, falls in love with her and marries her. But the village turns against them, and a jealous friend spreads lies. Ramanu must fight to prove Lakshmi's innocence and protect their love.
“Love is the only calculation that matters”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Manakanakku
Cast reunions in this film: Vijayakanth & Sankar Ganesh (33 films together), Kamal Haasan & M. S. Viswanathan (28 films together), Sankar Ganesh & Rajesh (13 films together), Sankar Ganesh & Ambika (13 films together), Sarath Babu & M. S. Viswanathan (11 films together), and Vijayakanth & M. S. Viswanathan (10 films together).
Trivia
- This was the only film where real-life sisters Ambika and Radha did their own dubbing, not using voice artists.
- It features the only on-screen collaboration between Kamal Haasan and Vijayakanth, with Haasan in a cameo.
- The film's director, R.C. Sakthi, was a noted playwright and writer in Tamil theatre before moving to cinema.
- The title 'Manakanakku' translates to 'Mental Arithmetic', hinting at the film's themes of calculation and strategy.
- Vijayakanth's character is a cinematographer, a relatively rare professional role for a lead hero in 1980s Tamil cinema.
- The film was released during a period when Vijayakanth was rising to stardom as an action hero, making this a notable dramatic role.