Manthira Punnagai (transl. Magical Smile) is a 1986 Indian Tamil-language film directed by V. Thamizhazhagan in his debut; he co-produced with G. Thyagarajan. The film stars Sathyaraj and Nadhiya, with Raghuvaran, Baby Sujitha, Thengai Srinivasan, Senthil, Jai Jagadish, Bob Christo and V. S. Raghavan in supporting roles. It was released on 11 December 1986.
| Manthira Punnagai | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | V. Thamizhazhagan |
| Screenplay by | P. L. Sundarrajan V. Thamizhazhagan |
| Story by | Sathya Movies Story Department |
| Produced by | G. Thyagarajan V. Thamizhazhagan |
| Starring | Sathyaraj Nadhiya |
| Cinematography | Ramachandra Babu |
| Edited by | K. R. Krishnan |
| Music by | Ilaiyaraaja |
Production company | Sathya Movies |
| Distributed by | Metro Movies |
Release date |
|
| Country | India |
| Language | Tamil |
Plot
editThis article needs an improved plot summary. (November 2023) |
Sathyaraj came across a mute child abandoned by her mother and starts bringing her up to be a police officer. She starts investigating Sathyaraj’s criminal activities and how she handles the scene makes the story interesting.
Cast
edit- Sathyaraj as Dr. Bhaskar and DSP Arunachalam IPS
- Nadhiya as Geetha and Sheela
- Raghuvaran as Dhairiyaraj[1]
- Baby Sujitha
- Thengai Srinivasan
- Senthil
- Jai Jagadish
- Bob Christo
- V. S. Raghavan
Production
editManthira Punnagai is the directorial debut of V. Thamizhazhagan.[1] Both the lead stars, Sathyaraj and Nadhiya, play dual roles each.[2][3] Cinematography was handled by Ramachandra Babu, and editing by K. R. Krishnan.[4]
Soundtrack
editThe music was composed by Ilaiyaraaja.[5][6] The song "Kaali Perungaaya Dappa" is set to the Carnatic raga Vachaspati.[7][8] The disco-themed "Pavala Malligai" attained popularity.[9]
| No. | Title | Lyrics | Singer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Manthira Punnagaiyo" | Na. Kamarasan | S. Janaki | 4:37 |
| 2. | "Pavala Malligai" | Na. Kamarasan | Malaysia Vasudevan, K. S. Chithra | 4:35 |
| 3. | "Kaali Perungaaya Dappa" | Ilaiyaraaja | Ilaiyaraaja | 4:18 |
| 4. | "Naan Kathalil Oru" | Na. Kamarasan | P. Jayachandran | 4:32 |
| Total length: | 18:02 | |||
Release and reception
editManthira Punnagai was released on 11 December 1986,[10] and distributed by Metro Movies.[11] Jayamanmadhan of Kalki unfavourably reviewed the film but praised the music and said since Thamizhazhagan overly desired to give a lot in his debut film, Manthira Punnagai (magical smile) became a Mandha Punnagai (dull smile) full of yawns and concluded "Better luck next time!".[1]
References
edit- ^ a b c ஜெயமன்மதன் (28 December 1986). "மந்திர புன்னகை". Kalki (in Tamil). p. 13. Archived from the original on 29 July 2022. Retrieved 1 June 2022.
- ^ "The Double Action Bonanza In Kollywood | Sathyaraj – Mandhira Punnagai (1986)". Behindwoods. Archived from the original on 16 September 2019. Retrieved 1 June 2022.
- ^ Chitra (28 February 2023). "ஹீரோ, ஹீரோயின் இருவருமே இரட்டை வேடங்களில் நடித்த 5 படங்கள்.. ஜோடியாக நடித்த பேரழகன் சூர்யா, ஜோதிகா". Cinemapettai (in Tamil). Archived from the original on 23 March 2023. Retrieved 6 September 2023.
- ^ "Mandhira Punnagai ( 1986 )". Cinesouth. Archived from the original on 14 November 2004. Retrieved 1 June 2022.
- ^ "Manthira Punnagai Tamil Film EP Vinyl Record by Ilayaraja". Mossymart. Archived from the original on 1 June 2022. Retrieved 1 June 2022.
- ^ "Manthira Punnagai (1986)". Raaga.com. Archived from the original on 31 May 2022. Retrieved 1 June 2022.
- ^ Sundararaman (2007) [2005]. Raga Chintamani: A Guide to Carnatic Ragas Through Tamil Film Music (2nd ed.). Pichhamal Chintamani. p. 135. OCLC 295034757.
- ^ Mani, Charulatha (31 January 2014). "Morning raga". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 24 January 2022. Retrieved 19 April 2023.
- ^ Maderya, Kumuthan (9 February 2023). "Once Upon A Time In Kollywood: Ilaiyaraaja And The Electro-Synth Pop Revolution In Tamil Film Music". Film Companion. Archived from the original on 11 July 2023. Retrieved 6 September 2023.
- ^ "Manthira Punnagai". The Indian Express. 11 December 1986. p. 3. Retrieved 1 June 2022 – via Google News Archive.
- ^ "Manthira Punnagai". The Indian Express. 19 December 1986. p. 4. Retrieved 4 January 2023 – via Google News Archive.
