Mayil was directed by Durai and released in 1981. Durai is a prominent filmmaker in Tamil film industry.

Mayil stars Roopa alongside Shobha, Suruli Rajan, Vijayan. The film marks a collaboration between Roopa and director Durai within Tamil cinema.

Who composed the music for Mayil?

The music for Mayil was composed by Sankar Ganesh. Sankar Ganesh is a well-known name in Tamil film music, and the soundtrack contributes significantly to the film's identity.

Is Mayil suitable for family viewing?

Yes — Mayil holds a U certificate from the CBFC, meaning it is cleared for all ages including children.

Mayil(1981)

Tamil•153 mins•theatrical•Updated 3 May 2026

Mayil is a 1981 Tamil-language drama film directed by Durai. The film stars Sripriya as the titular character and Kamal Haasan as Raja. It follows a young woman trapped in a wealthy, orthodox household who fights against her father's decision to force her into an arranged marriage. The story explores themes of patriarchal control, female independence, and the courage required to break free from tradition. The film was noted for its strong female lead and social commentary on women's rights in 1980s Tamil society. It was released on January 1, 1981, in India.

Director:Durai

IMDb

Mayil (1981) OTT release date is not officially announced yet — GudVibe tracks its streaming availability daily.

Where to watch:

OTT availability not confirmed yet. Check Netflix · Prime Video · Hotstar · ZEE5

Quick Facts

Theatrical Release: 31 December 1981
Director: Durai
Language: Tamil
Runtime: 2h 33m

Storyline

Mayil is a young woman whose wealthy father controls every aspect of her life. When she falls in love with Raja, a kind man from a modest family, her father forbids the relationship and arranges her marriage to a rich suitor. Mayil must decide between obeying her father or fighting for her freedom and the man she loves.

“Her wings were meant to fly”