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Nenjinile official poster

Nenjinile(1999)

5.4/10
Tamil minstheatrical

Nenjinile (1999) is an Indian Tamil-language crime action film directed by S. A. Chandrasekhar and written by A. C. Jairam. The film stars Vijay, Isha Koppikar, Devan, and Nizhalgal Ravi in key roles. The story follows Karna, a poor village youth who moves to Mumbai to earn money for his sister's wedding, but is forced into working as a hitman for a ruthless gang. The film explores themes of poverty, sacrifice, and moral compromise. Nenjinile was noted for its dark tone and Vijay's intense performance, which differed from his usual romantic roles. The film released in 1999 to mixed reviews but has since gained a cult following among Vijay fans.

Mood:
emotionaldarkuplifting
Where to watch:

Quick Facts

Streaming on
VI movies and tv, Sun NXT, Plex
Theatrical Release
25 June 1999
Director
S. A. Chandrasekhar
Language
Tamil
Rating
5.4/10

Storyline

A poor village boy named Karna goes to Mumbai to earn money for his sister's wedding. Unable to find honest work, he becomes a hitman for a local gang. When the gang plots to kill him, he must fight for his survival while trying to save his family's honor.

Love drove him to crime

Film Details

5.4Rating
Minutes
TamilLanguage
UCertificate
Release Date25 June 1999
Release Typetheatrical
Original TitleNenjinile

Parental Guide

Violence
Moderate
Language
Low
Sex / Nudity
Mild
Drugs
Mild
Intensity
Moderate

Where to Watch

Vibe & Tags

Mood
emotionaldarkuplifting
Themes
survivallovecorruptionfamily
Tonegritty
Pacingfast-paced
Complexitylight
Audiencemass
Best Withwith-partner
Violence3
Emotion4
Humor2
Rewatchability3

Cast & Crew

Reunion Meter

Frequent partnerships reunited for Nenjinile

Cast reunions in this film: Manivannan & Deva (53 films together), Deva & Roja Selvamani (22 films together), Nizhalgal Ravi & Deva (21 films together), Nizhalgal Ravi & Manivannan (15 films together), Manivannan & Roja Selvamani (14 films together), and Vijay & Manivannan (13 films together).

Trivia

  • The film's title 'Nenjinile' means 'in the heart' in Tamil, reflecting its romantic core.
  • This was the only Tamil film where Isha Koppikar acted as the female lead before focusing on other industries.
  • Director S. A. Chandrasekhar is actor Vijay's father, making this a father-son collaboration.
  • The movie's soundtrack by Deva included a hit song 'Kadhal Vandhuchu' that gained popularity.
  • A key action sequence was filmed at a famous Chennai market, adding to the film's urban setting.
  • The plot shares similarities with earlier village-to-city struggle stories common in 90s Tamil cinema.
  • Despite Vijay's rising stardom, the film had a mixed reception and moderate box office performance.

Frequently Asked Questions