Annai Oru Aalayam(1979)
'Annai Oru Aalayam' is a 1979 Indian Tamil-language adventure drama film directed by R. Thyagarajan. The film stars Rajinikanth as Vijay, an animal hunter, alongside Sripriya, Anjali Devi, and Mohan Babu. It is a remake of the 1976 Hindi film 'Maa' and was simultaneously shot in Telugu as 'Amma Evarikaina Amma'. The story follows Vijay, who traps wild animals for profit, until a baby elephant he captures forces him to confront the cruelty of his actions. The film prominently features real elephants, including the calf Ganesh and the elder female Rathi. It received mixed reviews from critics, with Ananda Vikatan rating it 52 out of 100, praising its cinematography and the second half's emotional impact. The music, composed by Ilaiyaraaja, includes the enduring festival favourite 'Appane Appane'. The film was a commercial success and is noted for its strong message about animal welfare and maternal love.
Annai Oru Aalayam is streaming on Hungama Play and Airtel Xstream Play.
Where to watch:Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- Hungama Play, Airtel Xstream Play, Eros Now, Plex, YouTube
- Theatrical Release
- 31 December 1979
- Director
- R. Thyagarajan
- Language
- Tamil
- Rating
- 7.5/10
Storyline
Vijay makes a living by trapping wild animals and selling them. His mother begs him to stop, but he ignores her. One day, he captures a baby elephant. The mother elephant goes on a destructive rampage through the town. Vijay must decide between profit and doing the right thing. He chooses to help the baby elephant find its mother, leading to a dangerous journey through the forest.
“A mother's love is the strongest force.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Annai Oru Aalayam
Cast reunions in this film: Rajinikanth & Ilayaraja (58 films together), Sripriya & Ilayaraja (19 films together), Ilayaraja & Suruli rajan (19 films together), Rajinikanth & Suruli rajan (15 films together), Sripriya & Rajinikanth (13 films together), and Devar films & R. Thyagarajan (12 films together).
Trivia
- This was the first film where Rajinikanth played a character who traps and sells wild animals.
- The film's director R. Thyagarajan was also a popular actor in supporting roles during that era.
- The elephant rescue scenes were reportedly filmed in the forests of Tamil Nadu with real elephants.
- The movie released the same year as Rajinikanth's blockbuster 'Billa', showcasing his versatility.
- Actress Sripriya, who played the female lead, was a well-known dancer in South Indian cinema.
- The film's title translates to 'Mother is a Temple', reflecting its theme of motherhood.
- It is one of the few films where Rajinikanth's character has a conflict centered on wildlife.