Thappu Thalangal(1978)
Thappu Thalangal is a 1978 Tamil romantic crime drama film directed by K. Balachander. The film stars Rajinikanth as a thief who challenges societal norms, with Saritha in her debut role and Kamal Haasan in a special appearance. The story follows Raju, a man who turns to crime after his father is destroyed by a corrupt system, and his struggle to find love and redemption. The film is notable for its morally complex narrative that refuses to label its protagonist as purely good or evil. It was not a commercial success but has gained cult status for its bold themes and strong performances. The movie is available for streaming on YouTube.
Quick Facts
- Theatrical Release
- 30 October 1978
- Director
- K. Balachander
- Language
- Tamil
- Runtime
- 2h 11m
- Rating
- 7.5/10
Storyline
Raju is a thief who steals from the rich and gives to the poor. He falls in love with Geetha, a kind woman who does not know his secret. He wants to leave his criminal life behind and start fresh with her. But the police are closing in, and his past will not let him go easily.
“A thief with a heart of gold”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Thappu Thalangal
Cast reunions in this film: Kamal Haasan & K. Balachander (21 films together), Rajinikanth & Kamal Haasan (15 films together), Saritha & K. Balachander (7 films together), Rajinikanth & K. Balachander (6 films together), K. Balachander & Premalaya (4 films together), and Saritha & Rajinikanth (2 films together).
Trivia
- The film's title 'Thappu Thalangal' translates to 'Wrong Steps', reflecting the protagonists' moral struggles.
- It was one of the early films where director K. Balachander explored the life of a sex worker with a sympathetic lens.
- Actress Saritha, who played Sarasu, was praised for her bold performance in a complex role at a young age.
- The movie featured music by M.S. Viswanathan, with lyrics by Kannadasan, including the popular song 'Aayiram Thamarai'.