Pearl in the snail) is a 1973 Indian Tamil-language film directed, produced and written by K. S. Gopalakrishnan.

Madhu, the foreign-educated son of a Brahmin lawyer Varadhachari and his wife, falls in love with Chelakannu, an impoverished woman who looks after their cows.

Events culminate in a Panchayat which judges in Chelakannu's favour, but when the Panchayat leaders try to abuse Madhu's sister, Chelakannu saves her and this act of generosity persuades Madhu's family that their son's wife is a worthy member of the group.

Nathayil Muthu was directed by K. S. Gopalakrishnan, who also produced and wrote it under the banner Chitra Productions.

[6] Playing on the title, Kanthan of Kalki said the film had the "nathai" (snail) but no "muthu" (pearl).