Murai Mappillai (transl. Eligible to marry groom) is a 1995 Indian Tamil-language film directed and co-written by Sundar C. The film stars newcomers Arun Vijay (known at the time as Arunkumar) and Kirthika, with Rajashree, Manivannan, K. Prabakaran, Goundamani and Senthil playing supporting roles. It was released on 15 December 1995.[1]
Kai Ezhuthu Gounder and Kai Naattu Gounder are the village's bigwig and best friends. Their children Raja and Indhu, who are classmates, hate each other, and quarrel continually. In contrast, their fathers want them to get married. Sorna, a dancer, comes to their village to separate the two friends. Raja and Indhu finally fall in love with each other. Sorna seduces the two friends and creates a conflict between them. In the past, Kai Ezhuthu Gounder and Kai Naattu Gounder attempted to rape Sorna's sister but before it happened, she chose to commit suicide. Since that day, Sorna wanted to take revenge. Raja and Indhu are then distraught by their fathers. Sorna only wanted to punish Kai Ezhuthu Gounder and Kai Naattu Gounder but not the young lovers, so she comes to their rescue. What transpires later forms the crux of the story.
The film marked the introduction of Arun Vijay, son of actor Vijayakumar into films. He was credited as Arunkumar. The first film Arunkumar signed was Love Story. But as its music composer, A. R. Rahman, was very busy, producer K. Prabakaran signed him up for Murai Mappillai directed by Sundar C.[2] During the making of the film, Sundar fell out with the makers, and the venture was finished by Anbalaya Prabhakaran.[3]Prabhu Solomon who went on to direct films like Mynaa (2010) and Kumki (2012) completed the post-production works of the film.[4]
Soundtrack
The music was composed by Swararaj, who debuted in Tamil cinema as composer with this film.[5] The lyrics were written by Vaali and Bharati Puthran.[6]
D. S. Ramanujam of The Hindu wrote, "One more offspring of a star makes a pleasing debut in Anbaalaya Films', Murai Maapillai. He is Arun Kumar, son of actor Vijaya Kumar. Producer-director K. Prabhakaran who introduced Prashanth a couple of years ago must have been quite pleased with his new discovery. The new hero is fairly tall and muscular and is not camera shy. He is good in fight scenes also and natural in the romance sequences. He has made good use of the exposure."[7]
