Sigappu Rojakkal(1978)
Sigappu Rojakkal is a 1978 Indian Tamil-language psychological crime thriller film directed and co-written by Bharathirajaa. The film stars Kamal Haasan and Sridevi in lead roles, with Goundamani, K. Bhagyaraj, and Vadivukkarasi in supporting roles. The story follows Dileep, a wealthy industrialist who secretly murders women after having sex with them, planting red rose bushes over their graves. Inspired by real-life serial killers Raman Raghav and a Bombay-based killer from Tirunelveli, the film marked a departure from Bharathirajaa's earlier village-based films. It was a commercial success, running for 175 days in theaters, and won Filmfare Awards for Best Actor and Best Director. The music was composed by Ilaiyaraaja, and the cinematography was handled by P. S. Nivas.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- Aha, Airtel Xstream Play, YouTube
- Theatrical Release
- 10 October 1978
- Director
- Bharathiraja
- Language
- Tamil
- Runtime
- 2h 15m
- Rating
- 7.5/10
Storyline
A charming businessman named Dileep hides a dark secret: he seduces and murders women, burying them in his garden under red rose bushes. When he marries the innocent Sarada, she slowly uncovers his horrifying double life. As she discovers the truth, she must fight to survive her husband's murderous rage.
“Every red rose hides a dark secret.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Sigappu Rojakkal
Cast reunions in this film: Goundamani & Ilayaraja (75 films together), Kamal Haasan & Ilayaraja (60 films together), Ilayaraja & Sridevi (23 films together), Bharathiraja & Ilayaraja (21 films together), K. Bhagyaraj & Ilayaraja (16 films together), and Kamal Haasan & Sridevi (13 films together).
Trivia
- The film's title 'Sigappu Rojakkal' translates to 'Red Roses', symbolising both romance and danger in the story.
- This was one of the earliest films where actor Kamal Haasan played a character with a dual personality.
- Director Bharathiraja chose the name 'Minerva' for the company, referencing the Roman goddess of wisdom and strategic warfare.
- The movie was partly shot in Ooty, a popular hill station, which was uncommon for thrillers of that era.
- Actress Sridevi, who played the female lead, was already a major star in Tamil and Telugu cinema when she did this film.
- The film's climax uses minimal dialogue, relying heavily on visuals and music to create tension.
- It was released the same year as another landmark Bharathiraja film, 'Kizhakke Pogum Rail', but had a darker tone.