Kizhakkum Merkkum(1998)
Kizhakkum Merkkum is a 1998 Indian Tamil-language drama film directed and written by Kalanjiyam. The cast includes Napoleon, Nassar, Devayani, and Geetha in lead roles, with Manivannan, Thalaivasal Vijay, and Vichithra in supporting parts. The story follows Suryamurthy, who finds a husband for his sister Thillai, only to discover the man is a violent drunkard. Set in rural Tamil Nadu, the film explores themes of family loyalty, deception, and domestic abuse. It won the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Film Portraying Woman in Good Light, and lyricist Arivumathi won for Best Lyricist. The music was composed by Ilaiyaraaja. The film was released on 14 January 1998.
Quick Facts
- Theatrical Release
- 14 January 1998
- Director
- Kalanjiyam
- Language
- Tamil
- Runtime
- 2h 45m
- Rating
- 3.4/10
Storyline
A protective brother finds a husband for his sister, but the man turns out to be a drunkard and a womanizer. The sister suffers terrible abuse. The brother falls in love with his brother-in-law's sister, creating more conflict. He must find a way to save his sister and protect his own love.
“East meets West in a battle of love”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Kizhakkum Merkkum
Cast reunions in this film: Nassar & Ilayaraja (49 films together), Manivannan & Ilayaraja (41 films together), Nassar & Thalaivasal Vijay (20 films together), Thalaivasal Vijay & Ilayaraja (19 films together), Nassar & Manivannan (18 films together), and Manivannan & Thalaivasal Vijay (16 films together).
Trivia
- The film's director, Mu Kalanjiyam, was primarily known as a successful film distributor before making his directorial debut with this movie.
- Actor Livingston, who plays a key supporting role, was also a popular comedian and dialogue writer in Tamil cinema during that era.
- The movie features a cameo appearance by veteran actor Manorama, known as the 'Queen of Comedy' in Tamil film, in a special song sequence.
- This film was released during a period when family dramas centered on marriage and misunderstandings were a dominant trend in Tamil cinema.
- The soundtrack was composed by Ilaiyaraaja, but the film is considered one of his lesser-known works from the late 1990s.
- A subplot involving the drunkard character was noted for its portrayal of societal pressures around arranged marriages in the late 1990s.