Thillu Mullu(1981)
Thillu Mullu is a 1981 Indian Tamil-language comedy film directed by K. Balachander and written by Visu. The film stars Rajinikanth in a dual role as Chandran and his imaginary twin brother Indran. The supporting cast includes Thengai Srinivasan, Nagesh, Poornam Viswanathan, Sowcar Janaki, Madhavi, and Viji Chandrasekhar. The story follows a young man who lies to his traditional boss about having a twin brother to save his job after being caught at a football match. The film is a remake of the 1979 Hindi film Gol Maal. Critics praised Rajinikanth's comedic performance, which broke his action-hero image. Forbes India included Rajinikanth and Thengai Srinivasan's performances in its list of 25 Greatest Acting Performances of Indian Cinema in 2013. The film was released on 1 May 1981.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- Airtel Xstream Play
- Theatrical Release
- 1 May 1981
- Director
- K. Balachander
- Language
- Tamil
- Runtime
- 2h 22m
- Rating
- 7.5/10
Storyline
A young graduate named Chandran lies to his strict boss about his mother being sick so he can watch a football match. When his boss sees him at the match, Chandran pretends he has an identical twin brother named Indran. Now he must live two lives to keep his job and his love.
“One lie. Two lives. Endless laughter.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Thillu Mullu
Cast reunions in this film: Nagesh & M. S. Viswanathan (108 films together), M. S. Viswanathan & Thengai Srinivasan (57 films together), Lakshmi & M. S. Viswanathan (36 films together), K. Balachander & M. S. Viswanathan (27 films together), Nagesh & Thengai Srinivasan (25 films together), and Rajinikanth & Thengai Srinivasan (23 films together).
Trivia
- The film is a remake of the Hindi comedy 'Gol Maal', but with a Tamil twist.
- This was Rajinikanth's first full-fledged comedy role, breaking his action hero image.
- Director K. Balachander insisted Rajinikanth wear his own casual clothes for the character to feel natural.
- The famous 'Kadhalikka Neramillai' song was originally composed for another Balachander film but reused here.
- The movie's success led to a wave of comedy remakes in Tamil cinema during the early 80s.
- Actor Thengai Srinivasan, who played the boss, was a last-minute replacement for another actor.