Kalyanaraman (1979 film)

Kalyanaraman is a 1979 Indian Tamil-language supernatural comedy film directed by G. N. Rangarajan and written by Panchu Arunachalam.

The film stars Kamal Haasan and Sridevi, while V. K. Ramasamy, Major Sundarrajan, Thengai Srinivasan, V. S. Raghavan, Senthamarai, Pushpalatha, Manorama and Master Japan Kuppu play supporting roles.

It revolves around Kalyanam, a tea estate owner's son who is duped and murdered by a gang trying to seize the property.

Arunachalam initially wanted to make a film starring Haasan and Rajinikanth, and had the actors' dates ready.

Realising his son would not be able to manage the estate or even take care of himself after his death, Chinnadurai tries to get him married but Kalyanam does not like the prospective bride.

Samipillai tells Kalyanam he will fetch Raman and Rajalakshmi himself, and hires actors Kittu and Rangamani to pose as them.

With the help of Kalyanam, Raman restores Shenbagam's sanity, teaches Kuppu to read and write so he can testify.

[17] "Kaathal Vanthiruchu" was remixed for the film Vallavan (2006), by Ilaiyaraaja's son Yuvan Shankar Raja.

[21] Ananda Vikatan rated the film 57 out of 100, and in particular praised Haasan's performance, Viswanathan's cinematography and Rangarajan's direction.

[23] Anna appreciated Rangarajan's direction and said Haasan was well utilised, calling Kalyanaraman a worthy entertainer.

[24] Following the success of Kalyanaraman, Rangarajan directed Haasan in four more films; Meendum Kokila (1981), Kadal Meengal (1981), Ellam Inba Mayyam (1981) and Maharasan (1992).

[25] According to film historian G. Dhananjayan, Kalyanaraman established the comedy horror genre in Tamil cinema.