| Porkkaalam | |
|---|---|
 Poster | |
| Directed by | Cheran |
| Written by | Cheran |
| Produced by |
|
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Priyan |
| Edited by | K. Thanikachalam |
| Music by | Deva |
Production company | Roja Combines |
Release date |
|
| Country | India |
| Language | Tamil |
Porkkaalam (transl. Golden Age) is a 1997 IndianTamil-languagedrama film written and directed byCheran. The film starsMurali,Meena andSanghavi. It was released on 30 October 1997,[1]Diwali, and became a huge success. The film was remade inTelugu asManikyam (1999),[2] inHindi asMeri Pyaari Bahania Banegi Dulhania (2001),[3] and inKannada asOdahuttidavalu (2006).[4]
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Manikkam is a potter by profession. He has a sister, who is born mute. Murali has to struggle a lot as the handicraft industry is a dying industry and a good amount of money is taken away by his father Ramaiya, a drunkard and gambler. But, he tries to hide his sorrows by having fun with his sister and servant Thangamani, who is also his trusted friend. He is in love with his neighbour Maragatham, a weaver. He wants to get his sister married to a noble man, but many reject her as she is mute.
Finally, one man agrees to marry his sister but on condition that Manikkam must offerdowry. Manikkam then sells many things dearer to him to get money for the dowry. But, that money is taken away by his father and the marriage fails to go through. Thangamani offers to marry his sister without asking for dowry and Manikkam goes home along with Thangamani to convey this happy news to his sister. But it was too late as the sister commits suicide. Manikkam as a penance decides to marry a disabled girl.
The filming was held at Karighatta, Mysore.[5]
The soundtrack was composed byDeva, with lyrics byVairamuthu.[6][7] The song "Thanjavooru Mannu Eduthu" was played at the funeral of Singaporean politicianS. R. Nathan in 2016.[8]
| No. | Title | Singer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Chinna Kanangkuruvi" | Krishnaraj,Febi Mani,Malaysia Vasudevan | 06:13 |
| 2. | "Karuvella Kaatukkulae" | Sujatha Mohan,Anuradha Sriram,Arunmozhi | 05:28 |
| 3. | "Thanjavooru Mannu Eduthu" | Krishnaraj | 05:25 |
| 4. | "Chingucha Chingucha" | K. S. Chithra | 04:40 |
| 5. | "Oona Oonam" | Deva, Kovai Kamala | 04:49 |
| Total length: | 26:35 | ||
Ji ofKalki said despite being an age old theme of brother and sister, Cheran handled it skilfully and appreciating the performances of Murali and the actress who portrayed his sister but called Vadivelu's character and his song as unnecessary.[9] During the 100th day function ofArunachalam,Rajinikanth appreciated this film and gifted a gold chain to Cheran.[10]
| Event | Category | Recipients | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tamil Nadu State Film Awards | Best Director | Cheran | [11] |
| Best Actress | Meena | ||
| Dinakaran Cinema Awards | Best Director | Cheran | [12] |
| Cinema Express Awards | Best Actress | Meena | [13] |
