Watch Mullum Malarum

Mullum Malarum is a Tamil drama film released in 1978 which stars Rajinikanth, Sarath Babu, Jayalakshmi, and Fatafat Jayalaxmi in lead roles. The movie was directed by Mahendran and produced by Venu Chettiar. The film was Mahendran's debut as a director and is now considered one of his finest works. The movie revolves around the two brothers Kaliaperumal aka Kali (Rajinikanth) and Kumaran (Sarath Babu). Kali is an uneducated, ill-tempered, and arrogant mechanic who works in a village. He has no respect for authority and is always at loggerheads with his employer and others in the village. Kumaran, on the other hand, is educated, gentle, and humble. He works as a clerk in the village panchayat.

The movie is centered around the conflict between Kali and his employer and how it affects their relationship. Kali is a skilled and dedicated mechanic but his lack of education and his temper often causes him to clash with his boss. His boss, who is a wealthy landowner, sees Kali's skills as valuable but is frequently angered by his unpredictable and often confrontational behavior. Their relationship worsens when Kali falls in love with his boss's daughter Valli (Jayalakshmi). Valli loves Kali but her father, who is deeply opposed to Kali's behavior, forbids her from seeing him, thereby straining the relationship even further.

The film also explores the bond between Kali and Kumaran. Despite their differences, Kumaran tries to reason with Kali and bridge the gap between him and their boss. Kumaran is even willing to sacrifice his own happiness to keep Kali out of trouble. His love for his brother is put to the test when Kali's actions threaten to destroy the entire village.

The cinematography of the movie is exceptional, especially the way Mahendran captures the essence of rural life. The rustic beauty of the village, the conversations between the villagers, and the traditional customs are portrayed realistically. The film also has a soulful musical score composed by the famous composer Illayaraja.

The characters in the movie are well crafted, with each of them having a unique personality. Rajinikanth, Sarath Babu, and Jayalakshmi deliver outstanding performances. Rajinikanth, in particular, shines in his role as Kali, showcasing his versatility as an actor. The character of Kali is one of Rajinikanth's most nuanced portrayals, displaying a wide range of emotions and depth rarely seen in his later films.

The movie has a message about the importance of education, responsibility, and discipline. It shows how an illiterate person's arrogance can ruin his life and the lives of others around him. Kali's downfall is a result of his pride, lack of patience, and failure to understand the importance of maintaining cordial relationships with others.

Overall, Mullum Malarum is a beautifully crafted film that speaks to the human experience. It is a reflection of the societal conflicts and class differences that continue to exist in our world. The movie is a must-watch for Rajinikanth fans and anyone interested in Tamil cinema.

Mullum Malarum is a 1978 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 15 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.3.