Jolly(1998)
Jolly is a 1998 Indian Tamil-language coming-of-age drama film directed by Dilipkumar and produced by R. B. Choudary. The film stars Abbas, Keerthi Reddy, Kausalya, Livingston, and Khushbu. It follows Gowri Shankar, a poor young man who wants to go to Dubai but is persuaded by his mother and cousin to attend college instead. At college, he faces misunderstandings with a fellow student named Anitha, leading to his expulsion. The film combines romance, comedy, and family conflict. Critics were divided, with some praising its emphasis on education and others criticizing its uneven tone. The soundtrack was composed by newcomer Kavi and features nine songs. Jolly was released on 7 May 1998.
Quick Facts
- Theatrical Release
- 7 May 1998
- Director
- Dilip Kumar
- Language
- Tamil
- Runtime
- 2h 15m 0
Storyline
Gowri Shankar wants to escape poverty by working in Dubai. His mother and cousin force him to go to college instead. There, he accidentally ruins a painting belonging to the proud Anitha. A series of misunderstandings leads to his expulsion. Shankar must clear his name, win back trust, and choose between two women who love him.
“Education is the real escape.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Jolly
Cast reunions in this film: Vadivelu & Madhan Bob (16 films together), Vadivelu & Livingston (10 films together), Vadivelu & Kushboo (10 films together), Mansoor Ali Khan & Livingston (10 films together), Vadivelu & Mansoor Ali Khan (7 films together), and Livingston & Madhan Bob (6 films together).
Trivia
- This film was directed by Dilipkumar, who is also a well-known cinematographer in Tamil cinema.
- The movie's plot about going to Dubai for work reflected a common aspiration in Tamil Nadu during the late 1990s.
- Actor Sathyaraj played a supporting role, adding star power to the film's cast.
- The soundtrack was composed by Deva, a popular music director for many Tamil films in that era.
- It was released during a period when family dramas about overseas dreams were frequent in Tamil cinema.
- The film is not widely available on major streaming platforms today, making it a lesser-seen work from that time.