Naan Avanillai(1974)
'Naan Avanillai' is a 1974 Indian Tamil-language crime drama film directed by K. Balachander. It stars Gemini Ganesan in multiple roles as a conman who marries women using different identities. The supporting cast includes Lakshmi, Jayabharathi, Jayasudha, and Rajasulochana. The story follows David Ashirvadham, a man who woos and marries four women while pretending to be four different men. He is arrested and brought to court, but his ability to switch languages and identities confuses everyone. The film is based on the Marathi play 'To Mee Navhech' by Pralhad Keshav Atre. It was a commercial and critical success, with Ganesan winning the Filmfare Award for Best Tamil Actor. The film was released on June 7, 1974.
Quick Facts
- Theatrical Release
- 24 May 1974
- Director
- K. Balachander
- Language
- Tamil
- Runtime
- 2h 30m
- Rating
- 7.5/10
Storyline
A charming conman named David Ashirvadham marries four women using fake identities. When they discover his fraud, they unite to bring him to court. But David refuses to reveal his real name, speaking multiple languages to confuse the judge. The trial becomes a battle of wits between the conman and the women he betrayed.
“He was every woman's dream and every man's nightmare.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Naan Avanillai
Cast reunions in this film: M. S. Viswanathan & Thengai Srinivasan (57 films together), Lakshmi & M. S. Viswanathan (36 films together), Kamal Haasan & M. S. Viswanathan (28 films together), K. Balachander & M. S. Viswanathan (27 films together), M. S. Viswanathan & Gemini Ganesan (27 films together), and Kamal Haasan & Thengai Srinivasan (23 films together).
Trivia
- The film was inspired by a real-life conman case reported in Tamil magazines in the 1970s.
- Director K. Balachander initially wanted Kamal Haasan for the lead, but cast Gemini Ganesan after seeing his performance in a dual role.
- This was the first Tamil film where actor Gemini Ganesan played a negative role as an anti-hero.
- The film's success led to a Hindi remake titled 'Hum Naujawan' in 1985, also directed by K. Balachander.
- The title 'Naan Avanillai' translates to 'I am not him', a key line repeated by the conman in the story.
- Actress Jayalalithaa, who played one of the four women, was reportedly hesitant about the role but was convinced by the director.
- The courtroom scenes were noted for their detailed and realistic presentation, which was uncommon in Tamil cinema at the time.