Periya Thambi(1997)
Periya Thambi is a 1997 Indian Tamil-language drama film directed and co-produced by Chitra Lakshmanan. The film stars Prabhu and Nagma in lead roles, with Goundamani, Vijayakumar, and Thalaivasal Vijay in supporting roles. The story follows Siva, a city-dwelling young man who discovers his father has hidden his village family for years. He travels to the village to reunite his estranged father and uncle. The film explores themes of family pride, forgiveness, and love. It was released on 14 January 1997 during the Pongal festival. The music was composed by Deva with lyrics by Vairamuthu. The film received mixed reviews, with praise for its first half but criticism for a cliched second half.
Quick Facts
- Theatrical Release
- 14 January 1997
- Director
- Chithra Lakshmanan
- Language
- Tamil
- Runtime
- 2h 30m 0
Storyline
Siva lives happily in the city with his father and sister. When his sister gets engaged, he learns his father has a secret village family. Siva travels to the village alone. There he faces his angry uncle and falls in love with his cousin Selvi. He must heal old wounds to unite his family and marry his love.
“One brother can heal a family”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Periya Thambi
Cast reunions in this film: Goundamani & Deva (33 films together), Deva & Vijayakumar (29 films together), Goundamani & Vijayakumar (26 films together), Prabhu & Goundamani (18 films together), Prabhu & Vijayakumar (15 films together), and Thalaivasal Vijay & Deva (15 films together).
Trivia
- The film's director Chitra Lakshmanan was primarily known as a comedian and this was his directorial debut.
- The song 'Kadhal Vandhuchu' was shot in Ooty and became a popular romantic number of the year.
- Actor Napoleon, who played the stern uncle, was often cast as a villain but this role had a strong emotional family conflict.
- The movie's plot revolves around the Tamil cultural concept of 'sondham' or familial estrangement, a common theme in 90s dramas.
- Actress Roja, who played Selvi, was a major star at the time but this film was a more family-oriented role for her.
- The film's release coincided with a period where village-based family dramas were very popular in Tamil cinema.