Nizhal Nijamagiradhu(1978)
'Nizhal Nijamagiradhu' is a 1978 Indian Tamil-language drama film directed by K. Balachander. It stars Kamal Haasan, Sumithra, Sarath Babu, and introduces Shoba to Tamil cinema. The story follows Indumathi, a woman who hates men, and her brother Venkatachalam, who abandons a pregnant servant. Sanjeevi, a friend, helps the servant and eventually wins Indumathi's love. The film is a remake of the Malayalam film 'Adimakal' and was praised for its emotional depth and strong performances. It was released on 24 March 1978.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- ErosNow, Prime Video, YouTube
- Theatrical Release
- 31 December 1978
- Director
- K. Balachander
- Language
- Tamil
- Runtime
- 2h 18m
- Rating
- 7.5/10
Storyline
Indumathi hates men and refuses to marry. Her brother's friend Sanjeevi teases her and secretly falls in love with her. Meanwhile, Venkatachalam gets a young servant pregnant and abandons her. Sanjeevi and a deaf man named Kasi step in to help the woman. Indumathi must drop her pride to find love, while the servant must choose between the man who hurt her and the one who cared for her.
“When illusion becomes reality, love finds a way.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Nizhal Nijamagiradhu
Cast reunions in this film: Kamal Haasan & M. S. Viswanathan (28 films together), K. Balachander & M. S. Viswanathan (27 films together), Kamal Haasan & K. Balachander (21 films together), Sarath Babu & M. S. Viswanathan (11 films together), M. S. Viswanathan & Sumithra (7 films together), and Kamal Haasan & Sarath Babu (6 films together).
Trivia
- This film was the first Tamil movie to be shot in the Ooty Rose Garden, a famous tourist spot.
- Director K. Balachander wrote the story after observing real-life attitudes toward marriage in conservative families.
- Actress Saritha, who played Indumathi, was only 16 years old during filming but portrayed an older, strong-willed woman.
- The movie's title, 'Nizhal Nijamagirathu', translates to 'The Shadow Becomes Real', hinting at hidden truths in relationships.
- It featured a cameo by veteran actor Nagesh in a comic role, though his scenes were edited down in the final cut.
- The film's climax was shot during heavy rain in Chennai, causing delays but adding a dramatic natural effect.
- Music composer M.S. Viswanathan reused one melody from an earlier Hindi film, adapting it for a key emotional scene here.