Manmadha Leelai(1976)
Manmadha Leelai is a 1976 Indian Tamil-language romantic sex comedy film written and directed by K. Balachander. It stars Kamal Haasan as Madhu and Aalam as Rekha. The story follows Madhu, a married man who tries to seduce several women but fails every time. His wife Rekha discovers his attempts and leaves him, only to learn that her own father has had a lifelong affair. The film was controversial for its adult themes but later gained cult status. It was released on 27 February 1976.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- aha, YouTube, Plex
- Theatrical Release
- 1 May 1976
- Director
- K. Balachander
- Language
- Tamil
- Runtime
- 2h 41m
- Rating
- 7.5/10
Storyline
Madhu is a married man who dreams of being a womaniser. He tries to have affairs with multiple women, but every attempt ends in failure. His wife Rekha finds out and decides to leave him. Will Madhu lose everything, or can he change his ways?
“Cupid's tale of love and failure”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Manmadha Leelai
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), Y. Gee. Mahendra & M. S. Viswanathan (13 films together), M. S. Viswanathan & Radha Ravi (6 films together), and M. S. Viswanathan & Y. Vijaya (5 films together).
Trivia
- The film's title 'Manmadha Leelai' translates to 'Cupid's Play', referencing the god of love in Hindu mythology.
- This was the only Tamil film where actor Kamal Haasaan played a character named Madhu, a name he used in several Malayalam films.
- Director K. Balachander originally considered another actor for the lead before finalising Kamal Haasaan.
- The movie features a cameo by the famous comedian Nagesh in a brief but memorable role.
- It was released during a period when Tamil cinema was exploring more urban and middle-class stories.
- The film's music by M.S. Viswanathan included a hit song 'Aayiram Nilave Vaa' that remains popular.
- A subplot involving the wife's dilemma was considered bold for its time in addressing marital themes.