Japanil Kalyanaraman(1985)
Japanil Kalyanaraman is a 1985 Indian Tamil-language romantic comedy film directed by S. P. Muthuraman. The film stars Kamal Haasan in a dual role as Raman and the ghost Kalyanaraman, alongside Radha, Sathyaraj, Goundamani, and Kovai Sarala. It follows Raman, a journalist who uncovers a smuggling racket and travels to Japan with his son and his dead uncle's spirit to buy printing equipment. The film is notable as the first sequel in Tamil cinema history, following the 1979 hit Kalyanaraman. It was shot extensively in Japan, including the Expo 85 exhibition, and in Hong Kong. Despite its historic status, the film received mixed reviews and performed poorly at the box office due to a weak screenplay. The music was composed by Ilaiyaraaja. The film was released on 11 November 1985.
Japanil Kalyanaraman is streaming on Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video.
Where to watch:Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Eros Now, YouTube
- Theatrical Release
- 1 May 1985
- Director
- S. P. Muthuraman
- Language
- Tamil
- Runtime
- 2h 20m
- Rating
- 3.6/10
Storyline
A journalist named Raman uncovers a dangerous smuggling operation. After being brutally attacked, he travels to Japan with his son and the ghost of his dead uncle. There, he falls in love with a waitress while his enemies follow him to finish the job.
“A ghost, a journalist, and love in Japan.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Japanil Kalyanaraman
Cast reunions in this film: Goundamani & Ilayaraja (75 films together), Kamal Haasan & Ilayaraja (60 films together), Sathyaraj & Ilayaraja (53 films together), Ilayaraja & S. P. Muthuraman (43 films together), Ilayaraja & V. K. Ramasamy (42 films together), and Radha & Ilayaraja (35 films together).
Trivia
- The film was shot in Japan to take advantage of a government subsidy for foreign productions.
- It was one of the few Tamil films of the era to be entirely shot overseas, capitalizing on the exotic location.
- The movie's plot involving a journalist and smuggling was a popular template for many 1980s Tamil action dramas.
- Actor Kamal Haasan reportedly performed many of his own stunts for the film's action sequences.
- The title plays on the lead character's name 'Kalyanaraman' and the foreign setting, a common trope for comedies at the time.
- The film's release coincided with a growing public fascination with Japan as a technological and economic powerhouse.