Navarathinam(1977)
Navarathinam is a 1977 Indian Tamil-language road film written and directed by A. P. Nagarajan. It stars M. G. Ramachandran as Thangam, alongside Latha, Jayachitra, and Zarina Wahab. The story follows Thangam, a young man who leaves his home and travels across India, meeting nine women who each fall in love with him. The film was Nagarajan's final directorial work and his only collaboration with Ramachandran. MGR acted without remuneration due to the director's financial struggles, and most scenes were shot indoors at Sathya Studios. The film was released on 5 March 1977 and failed commercially, with critics citing weak plot execution and political overtones.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- Watcho, YouTube, JioTV
- Theatrical Release
- 31 December 1977
- Director
- A. P. Nagarajan
- Language
- Tamil
- Runtime
- 2h 30m 0
Storyline
Thangam leaves his controlling mother to find his own future. On the road, he meets nine women from different backgrounds. Each woman falls in love with him, but Thangam stays loyal to Manikkam, the first woman he met. He must navigate their affections while staying true to his heart.
“Nine gems, one golden heart.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Navarathinam
Cast reunions in this film: Latha & M. G. Ramachandran (12 films together), Kunnakudi Vaidyanathan & A. P. Nagarajan (8 films together), M. G. Ramachandran & Padmini (7 films together), Padmini & A. P. Nagarajan (6 films together), and Sripriya & Jayachitra (3 films together).
Trivia
- The film was originally planned with M.G. Ramachandran in the lead, but Sivaji Ganesan eventually played the role.
- It was the first Tamil film to be shot extensively in Mysore Palace, a location rarely used then.
- The movie's climax features a rare on-screen sword fight between Sivaji Ganesan and M.N. Nambiar.
- Director A.P. Nagarajan, known for mythologicals, made this as one of his few action-oriented social dramas.
- The title 'Navarathinam' refers to nine gems, but the film does not have nine main characters, playing on symbolic meaning.
- Composer M.S. Viswanathan recorded the songs in a single, long studio session to maintain continuity.
- Despite its star cast, the film had a moderate box office run compared to the director's earlier mythological hits.