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Nizhalgal(1980)
Tamil117 mins
Nizhalgal (1980) is a 117-minute Tamil film directed by Bharathiraja. Starring Ravi, B. Kannan and Nizhalgal Ravi. With an audience rating of 8.5/10, Nizhalgal stands as one of the notable Tamil releases of 1980.
Director:Bharathiraja
Mood:
emotionalinspiringdark
Where to watch:
OTT availability not confirmed yet. Check Netflix · Prime Video · Hotstar · ZEE5
Quick Facts
- Theatrical Release
- 6 November 1980
- Director
- Bharathiraja
- Language
- Tamil
- Runtime
- 1h 57m
- GudVibe Rating
- 8.5/10
Storyline
Three young friends struggle with unemployment and poverty, but they refuse to give up on their dreams. They ignore their parents' advice to take any available job, choosing to keep pushing forward instead. Their story reflects the challenges faced by many hopeful young people.
“Three friends. No jobs. Unbreakable dreams.”
Film Details
8.5Rating
117Minutes
TamilLanguage
UCertificate
Release Date6 November 1980
Release Typetheatrical
Parental Guide
Violence
Low
Language
Low
Sex / Nudity
Mild
Drugs
Mild
Intensity
Low
Vibe & Tags
Mood
emotionalinspiringdark
Themes
survivalidentityfriendshipfamily
Tonegritty
Pacingslow-burn
Complexitymoderate
Audiencearthouse
Best Withwith-partner
Violence2
Emotion4
Humor2
Rewatchability3
Reviews & Ratings
Your Rating
8.5/10Rating
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Cast & Crew
Trivia
- The film's title 'Nizhalgal' means 'shadows' in Tamil, reflecting the unseen struggles of common youth.
- This was the debut film for actor-director R. Sundarrajan, who played one of the three main friends.
- Director Bharathiraja cast many fresh, unfamiliar faces to emphasize the theme of raw, real-life struggle.
- The song 'Senthamizh Naadu' became an anthem for Tamil pride and is still remembered for its powerful lyrics.
- Cinematographer P. S. Nivas used natural lighting and real locations to create a gritty, realistic feel.
- The film's focus on unemployed youth resonated deeply during a period of economic hardship in Tamil Nadu.
- Despite its serious theme, the movie included humorous scenes to balance the narrative and connect with audiences.
Notable Collaborations
Frequent partnerships reunited in Nizhalgal
Music Composer-Money Lender59 films →
Mani-Music Composer41 films →
Gopi-Music Composer34 films →
Director-Composer21 films →
Director-Director of Photography17 films →
Gopi-Mani15 films →
Gopi-Money Lender14 films →
Mani-Money Lender14 films →
Actor-Composer13 films →
Director-Money Lender11 films →
Music Composer-Director of Photography9 films →
Money Lender-Director of Photography9 films →
Actor-Composer7 films →
Mani-Director of Photography6 films →
Music Composer-Gopi's father5 films →
Mani-Director4 films →
Gopi-Actor3 films →
Gopi-Director of Photography3 films →
Money Lender-Actor3 films →
Money Lender-Gopi's father3 films →






