Mogana Punnagai(1981)
"Mogana Punnagai" (transl. The Seductive Smile) is a 1981 Indian Tamil-language romance drama film written and directed by C. V. Sridhar. The film stars Sivaji Ganesan in the lead role, alongside Geetha Kumarasinghe, Jayabharathi, Padmapriya, and Anuradha. The story follows Raju, a wealthy businessman who experiences a series of tragic love affairs, losing four different women to death or rejection. The film was produced by photographer Sarathi and features a music score by M. S. Viswanathan with lyrics by Vaali. Upon its release on 14 January 1981, the film received mixed reviews, with critics praising the music and Nagesh's comedy but noting that Sivaji Ganesan's talent was underutilized. The film performed moderately in Tamil Nadu but was more successful in Sri Lanka.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- YouTube
- Theatrical Release
- 13 January 1981
- Director
- C. V. Sridhar
- Language
- Tamil
- Runtime
- 2h 8m
- Rating
- 7.4/10
Storyline
Raju is a wealthy businessman who has everything except love. Four women enter his life, each one offering him a chance at happiness. But every time he gets close to love, tragedy strikes. Geetha is killed on their wedding day. Radha rejects him for another man. Sarasu commits suicide after he refuses to marry her. Raju is left heartbroken and alone, with no hope left.
“Love always ends in tragedy.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Mogana Punnagai
Cast reunions in this film: M. S. Viswanathan & Sivaji Ganesan (110 films together), Nagesh & M. S. Viswanathan (108 films together), M. S. Viswanathan & Major Sundarrajan (54 films together), Nagesh & Major Sundarrajan (43 films together), Nagesh & Sivaji Ganesan (38 films together), and Sivaji Ganesan & Major Sundarrajan (38 films together).
Trivia
- This was the only Tamil film starring Geetha, a popular Sri Lankan actress, as the female lead.
- Director C. V. Sridhar was known for romantic films, but this was a rare drama centered on a father-daughter relationship.
- The film's title translates to 'Magical Smile', reflecting the central theme of a daughter's influence.
- It featured veteran actor Sivaji Ganesan in one of his later career fatherly roles, away from his typical heroic parts.
- The movie had a large ensemble of prominent actresses of the era, including Jayabharathi and Padmapriya.
- Composer M. S. Viswanathan, a legend, provided the score during a period of changing musical tastes in Tamil cinema.
- The producer, R. P. Sarathy, was a frequent collaborator with director C. V. Sridhar on many films.