Jathi Malli(1993)
Jathi Malli is a 1993 Indian Tamil-language drama film directed by K. Balachander. The cast includes Mukesh, Khushbu, Nassar, Vineeth, and Yuvarani. The story follows a ghazal singer recovering from her mother's murder who meets a taxi driver with a fabricated tragic past. Two young lovers from different religions try to unite them while the city erupts in caste riots. The film won the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Film despite mixed critical reviews and a weak box office performance. It was released on 14 January 1993.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- Airtel Xstream Play, YouTube
- Theatrical Release
- 14 January 1993
- Director
- K. Balachander
- Language
- Tamil
- Runtime
- 2h 33m
- Rating
- 4.3/10
Storyline
A grieving ghazal singer travels to a hill station to heal. She meets a taxi driver who tells her a lie about his family to make her feel better. Two young lovers from different religions try to bring them together. But caste riots tear the city apart and change everything.
“Love that blooms beyond caste”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Jathi Malli
Cast reunions in this film: Nassar & Charlie (29 films together), Kushboo & Charlie (11 films together), K. Balachander & Charlie (11 films together), Nassar & Madhan Bob (10 films together), Nassar & Vikram (9 films together), and Nassar & Kushboo (9 films together).
Trivia
- This was one of the few films where director K. Balachander also composed the music.
- The film's title 'Jathi Malli' refers to a specific, fragrant variety of jasmine flower native to Tamil Nadu.
- Actress Srividya, who played a key role, was a celebrated playback singer in real life, like her character.
- Major portions were shot in Ooty, with the hill station's misty weather becoming a visual theme.
- The film marked a rare screen pairing of actors Prabhu and Khushbu under Balachander's direction.
- It was released the same year as Balachander's more famous film 'Duet', which overshadowed its box office performance.
- The story explores the theme of found family, a common but less-discussed element in Balachander's dramas.