Vanna Vanna Pookkal(1992)
Vanna Vanna Pookkal is a 1992 Indian Tamil-language romantic drama film directed, written, and edited by Balu Mahendra. The film stars Prashanth as Siva, Mounika as Shenbagam, and Vinodhini as Manoranjitham. The story follows Siva, a kind-hearted villager who saves a suicidal woman named Manoranjitham and brings her home. He falls in love with her, but she disappears on their wedding day due to a fatal illness. The film is noted for its realistic portrayal of love, sacrifice, and grief. It won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil at the 39th National Film Awards. The music was composed by Ilaiyaraaja. The film was released on 15 January 1992 and completed a 100-day run at the box office.
Quick Facts
- Theatrical Release
- 15 January 1992
- Director
- Balu Mahendra
- Language
- Tamil
- Runtime
- 2h 4m
- Rating
- 7.5/10
Storyline
A kind villager named Siva rescues a woman named Manoranjitham from suicide. He brings her home and falls in love with her. But on the day of their wedding, she vanishes. Siva must uncover the heartbreaking secret she is hiding before it is too late.
“Love blooms, then fades like flowers.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Vanna Vanna Pookkal
Cast reunions in this film: Balu Mahendra & Ilayaraja (15 films together), Prashanth & Ilayaraja (7 films together), and Ilayaraja & Mounika (3 films together).
Trivia
- The film's title was inspired by a popular Tamil song from the 1960s film 'Karnan'.
- This was one of the few films where Balu Mahendra did not handle the cinematography himself; it was shot by B. Kannan.
- Actress Rohini, who played Shenbagam, was also a noted dancer and choreographer in the Tamil industry.
- The film's music director Ilaiyaraaja reused the tune of the song 'Vanna Vanna Pookkal' from his earlier 1991 film 'Chinna Thambi'.
- The story is set in the quiet, rural backdrop of Theni district, a location Balu Mahendra frequently used for its natural beauty.
- Despite critical praise, the film had a modest box office run compared to Balu Mahendra's other works of that era.
- The film explores the theme of transient relationships, a recurring motif in many of Balu Mahendra's dramas.