Thenmazhai(1966)
Thenmazhai (Honey Rain) is a 1966 Indian Tamil-language romantic comedy film directed by Muktha Srinivasan and produced by V. Ramasamy. The film stars Gemini Ganesan and K. R. Vijaya in lead roles, with Major Sundarrajan, Nagesh, Cho, Sachu, and Manorama in supporting parts. The story follows Baskar, a sleepwalker who is blackmailed by Nagalingam after being framed for a murder he did not commit. The film features animated introductory credits and a soundtrack composed by T. K. Ramamoorthy with lyrics by Vaali. It was released on 23 September 1966 and received mixed reviews from critics, who praised the performances but found the music unsatisfactory.
Quick Facts
- Theatrical Release
- 31 December 1966
- Director
- Mukta V. Srinivasan
- Language
- Tamil
- Runtime
- 2h 22m 0
Storyline
Baskar sleepwalks and wakes up near a dead body. A cunning man named Nagalingam blames him for the murder and blackmails him. Baskar must marry a rich girl and give the dowry to Nagalingam. His secret wife Nirmala and two young friends race to expose the real killer before it is too late.
“A sleepwalker's nightmare becomes a love story.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Thenmazhai
Cast reunions in this film: Nagesh & Major Sundarrajan (43 films together), Nagesh & Manorama (39 films together), K. R. Vijaya & Nagesh (38 films together), Manorama & Major Sundarrajan (29 films together), Nagesh & Gemini Ganesan (25 films together), and K. R. Vijaya & Major Sundarrajan (22 films together).
Trivia
- This film was the first Tamil movie to be shot at the famous Ooty Botanical Gardens.
- The title 'Thenmazhai' refers to a rare weather phenomenon of honey-like rain mentioned in ancient Tamil literature.
- Actress K. R. Vijaya was cast after the director saw her performance in the Telugu film 'Pooja Phalam'.
- Comedian Nagesh's role was written specifically for him, continuing his successful partnership with the director.
- The film's music director, T. K. Ramamoorthy, was primarily known for his work in Malayalam cinema at the time.
- It was one of the few films where Gemini Ganesan played a character with significant comedic scenes alongside Nagesh.
- The movie's release coincided with a real period of unseasonal rains in Tamil Nadu, which was talked about in connection with the title.