Udhavikku Varalaamaa(1998)
Udhavikku Varalaamaa is a 1998 Indian Tamil-language comedy film directed by Gokula Krishnan. The film stars Karthik in four roles, alongside Devayani, Sangeetha, and Anju Aravind. The story follows a poor villager who adopts three religious identities to secure housing, employment, and funds for his mother's medical treatment. The film explores themes of deception, love, and forgiveness across Hindu, Muslim, and Christian communities. It was released on 16 January 1998 and failed commercially at the box office. Critics noted the film's farcical tone and Karthik's multiple disguises.
Quick Facts
- Theatrical Release
- 16 January 1998
- Director
- Gokula Krishnan
- Language
- Tamil
- Runtime
- 2h 30m 0
Storyline
A desperate son transforms into a Brahmin, a Muslim, and a Christian to save his dying mother. He must juggle three fake identities, three women who love him, and the constant fear of being caught. Can he get the money without losing everyone he loves?
“Three faces, one love, one lie”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Udhavikku Varalaamaa
Cast reunions in this film: Manivannan & Kovai Sarala (15 films together), Manivannan & Janagaraj (14 films together), Devayani & Manivannan (13 films together), Manivannan & Sirpy (11 films together), Karthik & Janagaraj (10 films together), and Manivannan & Karthik (9 films together).
Trivia
- The film's plot is loosely inspired by the 1994 Hindi film 'Milan', which itself was inspired by the 1993 American film 'The Three Musketeers'.
- Actor Karthik, known for romantic roles, performed all three religious disguises—Brahmin, Muslim, and Christian—without using a body double for comedy scenes.
- Director Gokula Krishnan was primarily a cinematographer; this was one of his few directorial ventures in Tamil cinema.
- The song 'Kadhal Vandhuchu' was filmed at the then-popular tourist spot VGP Golden Beach in Chennai.
- Composer Deva reused the tune of the song 'Kadhal Vandhuchu' later for a hit song in the 2001 Kannada film 'Preethse Preethse'.
- Actress Devayani and actor Karthik were paired together for the first time in this film, despite both being established stars in the 90s.
- The film's title 'Udhavikku Varalaamaa' translates to 'Is there a way for Udhavi?' referencing the protagonist's multiple identity struggles.