Achamillai Achamillai: Difference between revisions

Achamillai Achamillai
Achamillai Achamillai
	Poster
Directed by	K. Balachander
Written by	K. Balachander
Produced by	Rajam Balachander; Pushpa Kandaswamy
Starring	Rajesh; Saritha;
Cinematography	B. S. Lokanath
Edited by	N. R. Kittu
Music by	V. S. Narasimhan
Production; company	Kavithalayaa Productions
Release date	18 May 1984;
Running time	161 minutes
Country	India
Language	Tamil

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Achamillai Achamillai (transl. No fear, no fear) is a 1984 Indian Tamil-language political drama film written and directed by K. Balachander. It stars Rajesh and Saritha, with Pavithra, Jeyagopi, Delhi Ganesh, Charle and Delhi Nayakar in supporting roles. It revolves around a selfless idealist whose morality declines when he takes to politics, alienating his wife in the process.

Achamillai Achamillai was released on 18 May 1984 and received critical acclaim. It won three awards at the 32nd Filmfare Awards South, as well as the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil. The film's title refers to a poem written by Subramania Bharati.^[2]

Plot

Thenmozhi is a textile factory worker in a village. She develops a liking for Ulaganathan, an idealist in the same village who is respected for his integrity and selflessness. Upon the approval of Ulaganathan's father Brahmanayagam, Ulaganathan and Thenmozhi marry on 15 August, India's Independence Day. The couple lead a happy life and work for the welfare of the village.

Members from the Yellow political party want Ulaganathan to join them. At first he declines, but they lure him by promising to provide him with a ministerial position if the party wins. Thenmozhi becomes upset with the developments as she notices a significant change in Ulaganathan's attitude. She argues with him frequently about this, but he is unfazed. When Thenmozhi becomes pregnant, she goes to her visually impaired father's home for delivering the child.

By the time Thenmozhi returns with their child, a son, Ulaganathan has left the Yellow party to join the opposing Purple party, the result of party switching. He also shifts to a new house gifted by the Purple party. Thenmozhi, who is unable to accept his lack of loyalty, futilely argues with him. He orders her to remain completely obedient to him without arguing or advising. The rift between them becomes wider when Thenmozhi refuses to satisfy Ulaganathan's sexual desires, citing his lack of loyalty.

Alangaram, who previously wanted to marry Ulaganathan, becomes his mistress and Ulaganathan neglects Thenmozhi. Alangaram and her mother slowly take control over the household, with Brahmanayagam powerless. Thenmozhi's brother Suthanthiram, who had run away in childhood, returns and fights for his sister's rights, but fails as he is silenced by Ulaganathan with money. All of this causes Thenmozhi to leave with her child to her father's home. Once when she is not home, the child which was left in her father's custody, takes infant steps, and is washed away in a flood. Ulaganathan arranges for his father-in-law's eye surgery, and Thenmozhi becomes isolated with everyone supporting Ulaganathan.

With Ulaganathan's party having become weaker, he is advised by the party chief to assemble more members to make the party stronger. Ulaganathan plans to organise a communal riot in the village to lure people to his side. Alangaram overhears this, tells Thenmozhi, but drowns in quicksand when escaping Ulaganathan's henchmen. Thenmozhi asks Ulaganathan to end his atrocities and surrender. But he mocks her and advises her to join him for the upcoming Independence Day ceremony, which is also their wedding anniversary.

The next day, Thenmozhi comes to the ceremony, where a statue of Mahatma Gandhi is to be unveiled by Ulaganathan, with a large garland of flowers and garlands him. As Ulaganathan expresses happiness about his wife's apparent return to his side, she takes a knife hidden in the garland and stabs him to death. The police arrest Thenmozhi and Suthanthiram sombrely sits under the Gandhi statue.

Cast

Rajesh as Ulaganathan^[1]
Saritha as Thenmozhi^[1]
Pavithra as Alangaram^[3]
Ahalaya as Sudali
Delhi Ganesh as Brahmanayagam
Delhi Nayakar as Suthanthiram (credited as Prabhakar)^[2]
Charle as Patchi (Petchiappan)
Jeyagopi as Palavesam^[4]
Vairam Krishnamoorthy
Veeraiah
Radha Ravi as a henchman (uncredited)

Production

The film was produced by Kavithalayaa Productions, Balachander's production house. Apart from direction, he took charge of the story, screenplay, and dialogue. Cinematography and editing were handled by B. S. Lokanath and N. R. Kittu, respectively.^[5] The song "Odukira Thanniyila" was shot at a waterfall in Courtallam and most of the scenes were shot in places near Courtallam.^[6]^[7]

Themes and analysis

Achamillai Achamillai is a satire on the Indian political system. Its underlying theme is party switching, a common phenomenon that exists in the country's political system, and its impact on small-time politicians.^[3] Balachander added a dwarf character named Suthanthiram (transl. Freedom) to metaphorically depict that the freedom of the nation is stunted.^[2]^[8]

Soundtrack

The soundtrack was composed by debutante V. S. Narasimhan.^[8]^[9] He claimed he had been recommended to Balachander by Ilaiyaraaja.^[10] The songs "Aavaram Poovu" and "Odukira Thanniyila" attained popularity.^[11] According to Erode Thamizh Inban, the song "Kaiyila Kaasu" for which he wrote lyrics was banned by radio stations as it was too political in nature.^[12]

Track listing
No.	Title	Lyrics	Singers
1.	"Aavaram Poovu"	Vairamuthu	S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, P. Susheela
2.	"Karisal Tharisu"	Erode Thamizhanban	Vani Jairam
3.	"Kaiyila Kaasu"	Erode Thamizhanban	S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
4.	"Odukira Thanniyila"	Vairamuthu	Malaysia Vasudevan, P. Susheela
5.	"Pudhiru Poda"	Vairamuthu	Malaysia Vasudevan, S. Janaki

Release and reception

Achamillai Achamillai was released on 18 May 1984 to critical acclaim. The film had a 100-day run in theatres and was commercially successful.^[13] It was the only Tamil film to be screened at the 'Indian Panorama' 10th International Film Festival of India in 1985.^[14] A contemporary review from Ananda Vikatan stated that while everyone at the time was using cinema for entertainment, Balachander used it as a weapon to attack the evils of the society.^[15] Jayamanmadhan of Kalki praised the acting of the star cast, Narasimhan's music and Balachander's direction.^[16] The film received criticism for showcasing violence. Some critics were concerned about the idea that even educated people would be corrupted if they come to politics, while a few others opined that the film did not provide a solution for the problem.^[8]

Accolades

Year	Event	Category	Nominee	Outcome	Ref.
1984	32nd National Film Awards	Best Feature Film in Tamil	V. Natarajan (Producer) K. Balachander (Director)	Won	^[17]
	32nd Filmfare Awards South	Best Film – Tamil	V. Natarajan	Won	^[8]
		Best Director – Tamil	K. Balachander	Won
		Best Actress – Tamil	Saritha	Won

Legacy

Achamillai Achamillai is widely regarded as one of the finest that Balachander has directed.^[11] In a 2006 interview with The Hindu, Balachander listed the film as one of his favourites.^[18] G. Dhananjayan, in his 2011 book The Best of Tamil Cinema: 1977 to 2010, called the film a bold attempt by K. Balachander after Thanneer Thanneer (1981), and lauded the director for his dialogue filled with sarcasm.^[8] Analysing the dominance of female characters in Balachander's films, Baradwaj Rangan listed the heroine of Achamillai Achamillai as an example.^[19]

References

^ ^a ^b ^c Rajadhyaksha & Willemen 1998, p. 463.
^ ^a ^b ^c Raman, Sruthi Ganapathy (2 September 2017). "August 15 is a character in K Balachander's 'Achamillai Achamillai'". Scroll.in. Archived from the original on 29 November 2021. Retrieved 21 March 2022.
^ ^a ^b Dhananjayan 2011, p. 86.
^ Basumani K (6 July 2017). "திறமைசாலி நடிகர்களுக்கு மரியாதையே இல்லை! - வருந்தும் சென்னை தொலைக்காட்சியின் முதல் நடிகர்". Ananda Vikatan (in Tamil). Archived from the original on 4 July 2022. Retrieved 3 July 2022.
^ Banerjee & Srivastava 1988, p. 12.
^ Aiyappan, Ashameera (11 July 2020). "K Balachander: A master, a mentor, a father". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 16 July 2020. Retrieved 21 March 2022.
^ பாலச்சந்தர், கே. (7 May 1995). "நினைவலைகள் – 40" (PDF). Kalki (in Tamil). pp. 56–59. Retrieved 17 April 2024 – via Internet Archive.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e Dhananjayan 2011, p. 87.
^ "Achamillai Achamillai". AVDigital. Archived from the original on 20 January 2021. Retrieved 1 April 2022.
^ "வைரமுத்துவின் கயமைத்தனம்…". Patrikai (in Tamil). 11 July 2022. Archived from the original on 22 October 2022. Retrieved 22 October 2022.
^ ^a ^b Srinivasan, Pavithra (24 December 2014). "K Balachander's finest films". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 1 January 2015.
^ ராணிமைந்தன் (30 July 2000). "பதிலென்ன பாலசேகரன்?". Kalki (in Tamil). p. 80. Archived from the original on 30 June 2023. Retrieved 30 June 2023 – via Internet Archive.
^ Dhananjayan 2011, pp. 86–87.
^ "Indian Cinema 1984" (PDF). Directorate of Film Festivals. p. 5. Archived from the original (PDF) on 6 October 2014. Retrieved 31 December 2014.
^ "சினிமா விமர்சனம்: அச்சமில்லை அச்சமில்லை". Ananda Vikatan (in Tamil). 3 June 1984. Archived from the original on 22 March 2022. Retrieved 21 March 2022.
^ ஜெயமன்மதன் (10 June 1984). "அச்சமில்லை அச்சமில்லை". Kalki (in Tamil). p. 2. Archived from the original on 9 February 2023. Retrieved 1 May 2023 – via Internet Archive.
^ "32nd National Film Festival – 1985" (in Hindi). Directorate of Film Festivals. p. 50. Archived from the original on 26 September 2013. Retrieved 31 December 2014.
^ Ashok Kumar, S. R. (10 February 2006). "At 100, going strong". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 27 February 2018. Retrieved 1 January 2015.
^ Rangan, Baradwaj (24 December 2014). "A ladies' man". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 25 December 2014. Retrieved 1 January 2015.

Sources

Banerjee, Shampa; Srivastava, Anil (1988). One Hundred Indian Feature Films: An Annotated Filmography. Taylor & Francis. ISBN 978-0-8240-9483-6.
Dhananjayan, G. (2011). The Best of Tamil Cinema, 1931 to 2010: 1977–2010. Galatta Media. OCLC 733724281.
Rajadhyaksha, Ashish; Willemen, Paul (1998) [1994]. Encyclopaedia of Indian Cinema. British Film Institute and Oxford University Press. ISBN 0-19-563579-5.

External links

Achamillai Achamillai at IMDb
‹The template AllMovie title is being considered for deletion.› Achamillai Achamillai at AllMovie
Achamillai Achamillai at Rotten Tomatoes

[FOOTNOTERajadhyakshaWillemen1998463-1] Rajadhyaksha & Willemen 1998, p. 463.

[scroll-2] Raman, Sruthi Ganapathy (2 September 2017). "August 15 is a character in K Balachander's 'Achamillai Achamillai'". Scroll.in. Archived from the original on 29 November 2021. Retrieved 21 March 2022.

[FOOTNOTEDhananjayan201186-3] Dhananjayan 2011, p. 86.

[4] Basumani K (6 July 2017). "திறமைசாலி நடிகர்களுக்கு மரியாதையே இல்லை! - வருந்தும் சென்னை தொலைக்காட்சியின் முதல் நடிகர்". Ananda Vikatan (in Tamil). Archived from the original on 4 July 2022. Retrieved 3 July 2022.

[FOOTNOTEBanerjeeSrivastava198812-5] Banerjee & Srivastava 1988, p. 12.

[6] Aiyappan, Ashameera (11 July 2020). "K Balachander: A master, a mentor, a father". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 16 July 2020. Retrieved 21 March 2022.

[7] பாலச்சந்தர், கே. (7 May 1995). "நினைவலைகள் – 40" (PDF). Kalki (in Tamil). pp. 56–59. Retrieved 17 April 2024 – via Internet Archive.

[FOOTNOTEDhananjayan201187-8] Dhananjayan 2011, p. 87.

[9] "Achamillai Achamillai". AVDigital. Archived from the original on 20 January 2021. Retrieved 1 April 2022.

[10] "வைரமுத்துவின் கயமைத்தனம்…". Patrikai (in Tamil). 11 July 2022. Archived from the original on 22 October 2022. Retrieved 22 October 2022.

[rediff-11] Srinivasan, Pavithra (24 December 2014). "K Balachander's finest films". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 1 January 2015.

[12] ராணிமைந்தன் (30 July 2000). "பதிலென்ன பாலசேகரன்?". Kalki (in Tamil). p. 80. Archived from the original on 30 June 2023. Retrieved 30 June 2023 – via Internet Archive.

[FOOTNOTEDhananjayan201186–87-13] Dhananjayan 2011, pp. 86–87.

[14] "Indian Cinema 1984" (PDF). Directorate of Film Festivals. p. 5. Archived from the original (PDF) on 6 October 2014. Retrieved 31 December 2014.

[15] "சினிமா விமர்சனம்: அச்சமில்லை அச்சமில்லை". Ananda Vikatan (in Tamil). 3 June 1984. Archived from the original on 22 March 2022. Retrieved 21 March 2022.

[16] ஜெயமன்மதன் (10 June 1984). "அச்சமில்லை அச்சமில்லை". Kalki (in Tamil). p. 2. Archived from the original on 9 February 2023. Retrieved 1 May 2023 – via Internet Archive.

[NFA-17] "32nd National Film Festival – 1985" (in Hindi). Directorate of Film Festivals. p. 50. Archived from the original on 26 September 2013. Retrieved 31 December 2014.

[18] Ashok Kumar, S. R. (10 February 2006). "At 100, going strong". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 27 February 2018. Retrieved 1 January 2015.

[19] Rangan, Baradwaj (24 December 2014). "A ladies' man". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 25 December 2014. Retrieved 1 January 2015.

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@@ Line 8: / Line 8: @@
 | writer         = K. Balachander
 | producer       = Rajam Balachander<br />Pushpa Kandaswamy
-| starring       = {{ubl|[[Rajesh (actor)|Rajesh]]|[[Saritha]]}}
+| starring       = {{ubl|[[Rajesh (Tamil actor)|Rajesh]]|[[Saritha]]}}
 | cinematography = [[B. S. Lokanath]]
 | editing        = N. R. Kittu
 | music          = [[V. S. Narasimhan]]
 | studio         = [[Kavithalayaa Productions]]
-| released       = {{start date|df=yes|1984|05|18}}
+| released       = {{Film date|df=y|1984|05|18}}
 | runtime        = 161 minutes{{sfn|Rajadhyaksha|Willemen|1998|p=463}}
 | country        = India
@@ Line 19: / Line 19: @@
 }}
-'''''Achamillai Achamillai''''' ({{translation|No fear, no fear}}) is a 1984 Indian [[Tamil language|Tamil]]-language [[political drama]] film written and directed by [[K. Balachander]]. It stars [[Rajesh (actor)|Rajesh]] and [[Saritha]], with Pavithra, [[Achamillai Gopi|Jeyagopi]], [[Delhi Ganesh]], [[Charle]] and Delhi Nayakar in supporting roles. It revolves around an selfless idealist whose morality declines when he takes to politics, alienating his wife in the process.
+'''''Achamillai Achamillai''''' ({{translation|No fear, no fear}}) is a 1984 Indian [[Tamil language|Tamil]]-language [[political drama]] film written and directed by [[K. Balachander]]. It stars [[Rajesh (Tamil actor)|Rajesh]] and [[Saritha]], with Pavithra, [[Achamillai Gopi|Jeyagopi]], [[Delhi Ganesh]], [[Charle]] and Delhi Nayakar in supporting roles. It revolves around a selfless idealist whose morality declines when he takes to politics, alienating his wife in the process.
 ''Achamillai Achamillai'' was released on 18 May 1984 and received critical acclaim. It won three awards at the [[Filmfare Awards South|32nd Filmfare Awards South]], as well as the [[National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil]]. The film's title refers to a poem written by [[Subramania Bharati]].<ref name="scroll" />
@@ Line 34: / Line 34: @@
 With Ulaganathan's party having become weaker, he is advised by the party chief to assemble more members to make the party stronger. Ulaganathan plans to organise a communal riot in the village to lure people to his side. Alangaram overhears this, tells Thenmozhi, but drowns in quicksand when escaping Ulaganathan's henchmen. Thenmozhi asks Ulaganathan to end his atrocities and surrender. But he mocks her and advises her to join him for the upcoming Independence Day ceremony, which is also their wedding anniversary.
-The next day, Thenmozhi comes to the ceremony, where a statue of [[Mahatma Gandhi]] is to be unveiled by Ulaganathan, with a large garland of flowers and garlands him. As Ulaganathan expresses happiness about his wife's apparent return to his side, she takes a knife hidden in the garland and stabs him to death. The police arrest Thenmozhi and Suthanthiram sombrely sits under Gandhi's statue.
+The next day, Thenmozhi comes to the ceremony, where a statue of [[Mahatma Gandhi]] is to be unveiled by Ulaganathan, with a large garland of flowers and garlands him. As Ulaganathan expresses happiness about his wife's apparent return to his side, she takes a knife hidden in the garland and stabs him to death. The police arrest Thenmozhi and Suthanthiram sombrely sits under the Gandhi statue.
 == Cast ==
+{{Cast listing|
-* [[Rajesh (actor)|Rajesh]] as Ulaganathan{{sfn|Rajadhyaksha|Willemen|1998|p=463}}
+* [[Rajesh (Tamil actor)|Rajesh]] as Ulaganathan{{sfn|Rajadhyaksha|Willemen|1998|p=463}}
 * [[Saritha]] as Thenmozhi{{sfn|Rajadhyaksha|Willemen|1998|p=463}}
 * Pavithra as Alangaram{{Sfn|Dhananjayan|2011|p=86}}
@@ Line 44: / Line 45: @@
 * Delhi Nayakar as Suthanthiram (credited as Prabhakar)<ref name="scroll" />
 * [[Charle]] as Patchi (Petchiappan)
-* [[Achamillai Gopi|Jeyagopi]] as Palavesam<ref>{{Cite web |last=Basumani K |date=6 July 2017 |title=``திறமைசாலி நடிகர்களுக்கு மரியாதையே இல்லை!'' - வருந்தும் சென்னை தொலைக்காட்சியின் முதல் நடிகர் |url=https://cinema.vikatan.com/tamil-cinema/91500-tv-actor-gopi-interview |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220704021929/https://cinema.vikatan.com/tamil-cinema/91500-tv-actor-gopi-interview |archive-date=4 July 2022 |access-date=3 July 2022 |website=[[Ananda Vikatan]] |language=ta}}</ref>
+* [[Achamillai Gopi|Jeyagopi]] as Palavesam<ref>{{Cite web |last=Basumani K |date=6 July 2017 |title=''திறமைசாலி நடிகர்களுக்கு மரியாதையே இல்லை!'' - வருந்தும் சென்னை தொலைக்காட்சியின் முதல் நடிகர் |url=https://cinema.vikatan.com/tamil-cinema/91500-tv-actor-gopi-interview |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220704021929/https://cinema.vikatan.com/tamil-cinema/91500-tv-actor-gopi-interview |archive-date=4 July 2022 |access-date=3 July 2022 |website=[[Ananda Vikatan]] |language=ta}}</ref>
 * Vairam Krishnamoorthy
 * Veeraiah
-* [[Radha Ravi]] as Henchman (uncredited)
+* [[Radha Ravi]] as a henchman (uncredited)
+}}
 == Production ==
-The film was produced by [[Kavithalayaa Productions]], Balachander's production house. Apart from direction, he took charge of the story, screenplay, and dialogue. Cinematography and editing were handled by [[B. S. Lokanath]] and N. R. Kittu, respectively.{{Sfn|Banerjee|Srivastava|1988|p=12}} The song "Odukira Thanniyila" was shot at a waterfall in [[Courtallam]] and most of the scenes were shot in places near Courtallam.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Aiyappan |first=Ashameera |date=11 July 2020 |title=K Balachander: A master, a mentor, a father |work=[[The New Indian Express]] |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2020/jul/11/-k-balachander-a-master-a-mentor-a-father-2168087.html |url-status=live |access-date=21 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200716052959/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2020/jul/11/-k-balachander-a-master-a-mentor-a-father-2168087.html |archive-date=16 July 2020}}</ref><ref name="kalki">{{Cite magazine |last=பாலச்சந்தர் |first=கே. |author-link=K. Balachander |date=7 May 1995 |title=நினைவலைகள் – 40 |url=https://archive.org/details/kalki1995-05-07/page/n55/mode/2up |url-status=live |magazine=[[Kalki (magazine)|Kalki]] |language=Ta |pages=56–59 |archive-url=https://archive.ph/PxCDo |archive-date=9 February 2023 |access-date=8 February 2023}}</ref>
+The film was produced by [[Kavithalayaa Productions]], Balachander's production house. Apart from direction, he took charge of the story, screenplay, and dialogue. Cinematography and editing were handled by [[B. S. Lokanath]] and N. R. Kittu, respectively.{{Sfn|Banerjee|Srivastava|1988|p=12}} The song "Odukira Thanniyila" was shot at a waterfall in [[Courtallam]] and most of the scenes were shot in places near Courtallam.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Aiyappan |first=Ashameera |date=11 July 2020 |title=K Balachander: A master, a mentor, a father |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2020/jul/11/-k-balachander-a-master-a-mentor-a-father-2168087.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200716052959/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2020/jul/11/-k-balachander-a-master-a-mentor-a-father-2168087.html |archive-date=16 July 2020 |access-date=21 March 2022 |work=[[The New Indian Express]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=பாலச்சந்தர் |first=கே. |author-link=K. Balachander |date=7 May 1995 |title=நினைவலைகள்&nbsp;– 40 |url=https://archive.org/download/kalki1995-05-07/kalki1995-05-07.pdf |access-date=17 April 2024 |magazine=[[Kalki (magazine)|Kalki]] |pages=56–59 |language=Ta |via=[[Internet Archive]]}}</ref>
 == Themes and analysis ==
@@ Line 56: / Line 58: @@
 == Soundtrack ==
-The soundtrack was composed by debutante [[V. S. Narasimhan]].{{Sfn|Dhananjayan|2011|page=87}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Achamillai Achamillai |url=https://avdigital.in/products/achamillai-achamillai |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120214000/https://avdigital.in/products/achamillai-achamillai |archive-date=20 January 2021 |access-date=1 April 2022 |website=AVDigital}}</ref> He claimed he had been recommended to Balachander by [[Ilaiyaraaja]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=11 July 2022 |title=வைரமுத்துவின் கயமைத்தனம்… |url=https://patrikai.com/vairamuthus-deceit-speech-in-kb-sir-memorial-function/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221022144132/https://patrikai.com/vairamuthus-deceit-speech-in-kb-sir-memorial-function/ |archive-date=22 October 2022 |access-date=22 October 2022 |website=Patrikai |language=ta}}</ref> The songs "Aavaram Poovu" and "Odukira Thanniyila" attained popularity.<ref name="rediff" />
+The soundtrack was composed by debutante [[V. S. Narasimhan]].{{Sfn|Dhananjayan|2011|page=87}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Achamillai Achamillai |url=https://avdigital.in/products/achamillai-achamillai |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120214000/https://avdigital.in/products/achamillai-achamillai |archive-date=20 January 2021 |access-date=1 April 2022 |website=AVDigital}}</ref> He claimed he had been recommended to Balachander by [[Ilaiyaraaja]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=11 July 2022 |title=வைரமுத்துவின் கயமைத்தனம்… |url=https://patrikai.com/vairamuthus-deceit-speech-in-kb-sir-memorial-function/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221022144132/https://patrikai.com/vairamuthus-deceit-speech-in-kb-sir-memorial-function/ |archive-date=22 October 2022 |access-date=22 October 2022 |website=Patrikai |language=ta}}</ref> The songs "Aavaram Poovu" and "Odukira Thanniyila" attained popularity.<ref name="rediff" /> According to Erode Thamizh Inban, the song "Kaiyila Kaasu" for which he wrote lyrics was banned by radio stations as it was too political in nature.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=ராணிமைந்தன் |date=30 July 2000 |title=பதிலென்ன பாலசேகரன்? |url=https://archive.org/details/kalki2000-07-30/page/n81/mode/2up |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230630162932/https://archive.org/details/kalki2000-07-30/page/n81/mode/2up |archive-date=30 June 2023 |access-date=30 June 2023 |magazine=[[Kalki (magazine)|Kalki]] |page=80 |language=ta |via=[[Internet Archive]]}}</ref>
+{{track listing
-{{tracklist
 | headline = Track listing
 | extra_column = Singers
@@ Line 71: / Line 73: @@
 | note2 =
 | writer2 =
-| lyrics2 = Erode Thamizh Inban
+| lyrics2 = Erode Thamizhanban
 | music2 =
 | extra2 = [[Vani Jairam]]
 | length2 =
-| title3 = Kayiala Kaasu
+| title3 = Kaiyila Kaasu
 | note3 =
 | writer3 =
-| lyrics3 = Vairamuthu
+| lyrics3 = Erode Thamizhanban
 | music3 =
 | extra3 = S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
@@ Line 99: / Line 101: @@
 == Release and reception ==
-''Achamillai Achamillai'' was released on 18 May 1984 to critical acclaim. The film had a 100-day run in theatres and was commercially successful.{{Sfn|Dhananjayan|2011|pages=86–87}} It was the only Tamil film to be screened at the 'Indian Panorama' [[International Film Festival of India|10th International Film Festival of India]] in 1985.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Indian Cinema 1984 |url=http://iffi.nic.in/Dff2011/FrmIP1984Award.aspx?PdfName=IP1984.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006102636/http://iffi.nic.in/Dff2011/FrmIP1984Award.aspx?PdfName=IP1984.pdf |archive-date=6 October 2014 |access-date=31 December 2014 |publisher=Directorate of Film Festivals |page=5}}</ref> A contemporary review from ''[[Ananda Vikatan]]'' stated that while everyone at the time was using cinema for entertainment, Balachander used it as a weapon to attack the evils of the society.<ref>{{Cite web |date=3 June 1984 |title=சினிமா விமர்சனம்: அச்சமில்லை அச்சமில்லை |url=https://www.vikatan.com/arts/nostalgia/41271--2 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220322030533/https://www.vikatan.com/arts/nostalgia/41271--2 |archive-date=22 March 2022 |access-date=21 March 2022 |website=[[Ananda Vikatan]] |language=ta}}</ref><!-- Kalki review: https://archive.org/details/kalki1984-06-10/page/n2/mode/2up --> The film received criticism for showcasing violence. Some critics were concerned about the idea that even educated people would be corrupted if they come to politics, while a few others opined that the film did not provide a solution for the problem.{{Sfn|Dhananjayan|2011|page=87}}
+''Achamillai Achamillai'' was released on 18 May 1984 to critical acclaim. The film had a 100-day run in theatres and was commercially successful.{{Sfn|Dhananjayan|2011|pages=86–87}} It was the only Tamil film to be screened at the 'Indian Panorama' [[International Film Festival of India|10th International Film Festival of India]] in 1985.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Indian Cinema 1984 |url=http://iffi.nic.in/Dff2011/FrmIP1984Award.aspx?PdfName=IP1984.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006102636/http://iffi.nic.in/Dff2011/FrmIP1984Award.aspx?PdfName=IP1984.pdf |archive-date=6 October 2014 |access-date=31 December 2014 |publisher=[[Directorate of Film Festivals]] |page=5}}</ref> A contemporary review from ''[[Ananda Vikatan]]'' stated that while everyone at the time was using cinema for entertainment, Balachander used it as a weapon to attack the evils of the society.<ref>{{Cite web |date=3 June 1984 |title=சினிமா விமர்சனம்: அச்சமில்லை அச்சமில்லை |url=https://www.vikatan.com/arts/nostalgia/41271--2 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220322030533/https://www.vikatan.com/arts/nostalgia/41271--2 |archive-date=22 March 2022 |access-date=21 March 2022 |website=[[Ananda Vikatan]] |language=ta}}</ref> [[Subha (writers)|Jayamanmadhan]] of ''[[Kalki (magazine)|Kalki]]'' praised the acting of the star cast, Narasimhan's music and Balachander's direction.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=ஜெயமன்மதன் |author-link=Subha (writers) |date=10 June 1984 |title=அச்சமில்லை அச்சமில்லை |url=https://archive.org/details/kalki1984-06-10/page/n2/mode/2up |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230209060746/https://archive.org/details/kalki1984-06-10/page/n2/mode/2up |archive-date=9 February 2023 |access-date=1 May 2023 |magazine=[[Kalki (magazine)|Kalki]] |page=2 |language=Ta |via=[[Internet Archive]]}}</ref> The film received criticism for showcasing violence. Some critics were concerned about the idea that even educated people would be corrupted if they come to politics, while a few others opined that the film did not provide a solution for the problem.{{Sfn|Dhananjayan|2011|page=87}}
 == Accolades ==
@@ Line 134: / Line 136: @@
 == Legacy ==
-''Achamillai Achamillai'' is widely regarded as one of the finest that Balachander has directed.<ref name="rediff" /> In a 2006 interview with ''[[The Hindu]]'', Balachander listed the film as one of his favourites.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ashok Kumar |first=S. R. |date=10 February 2006 |title=At 100, going strong |work=[[The Hindu]] |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/at-100-going-strong/article3217145.ece |url-status=live |access-date=1 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180227043754/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/at-100-going-strong/article3217145.ece |archive-date=27 February 2018}}</ref> [[G. Dhananjayan]], in his 2011 book ''The Best of Tamil Cinema: 1977 to 2010'', called the film a bold attempt by K. Balachander after ''[[Thanneer Thanneer]]'' (1981), and lauded the director for his dialogue filled with sarcasm.{{Sfn|Dhananjayan|2011|page=87}} Analysing the dominance of female characters in Balachander's films, [[Baradwaj Rangan]] listed the heroine of ''Achamillai Achamillai'' as an example.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rangan |first=Baradwaj |author-link=Baradwaj Rangan |date=24 December 2014 |title=A ladies' man |work=[[The Hindu]] |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/tribute-to-k-balachander-by-baradwaj-rangan/article6722637.ece |url-status=live |access-date=1 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141225123025/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/tribute-to-k-balachander-by-baradwaj-rangan/article6722637.ece |archive-date=25 December 2014}}</ref>
+''Achamillai Achamillai'' is widely regarded as one of the finest that Balachander has directed.<ref name="rediff" /> In a 2006 interview with ''[[The Hindu]]'', Balachander listed the film as one of his favourites.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ashok Kumar |first=S. R. |date=10 February 2006 |title=At 100, going strong |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/at-100-going-strong/article3217145.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180227043754/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/at-100-going-strong/article3217145.ece |archive-date=27 February 2018 |access-date=1 January 2015 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> [[G. Dhananjayan]], in his 2011 book ''The Best of Tamil Cinema: 1977 to 2010'', called the film a bold attempt by K. Balachander after ''[[Thanneer Thanneer]]'' (1981), and lauded the director for his dialogue filled with sarcasm.{{Sfn|Dhananjayan|2011|page=87}} Analysing the dominance of female characters in Balachander's films, [[Baradwaj Rangan]] listed the heroine of ''Achamillai Achamillai'' as an example.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rangan |first=Baradwaj |author-link=Baradwaj Rangan |date=24 December 2014 |title=A ladies' man |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/tribute-to-k-balachander-by-baradwaj-rangan/article6722637.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141225123025/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/tribute-to-k-balachander-by-baradwaj-rangan/article6722637.ece |archive-date=25 December 2014 |access-date=1 January 2015 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref>
 == References ==
 {{reflist|refs=
 <ref name="NFA">{{Cite web |title=32nd National Film Festival&nbsp;– 1985 |url=http://iffi.nic.in/Dff2011/Frm32ndNFAAward.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130926054317/http://iffi.nic.in/Dff2011/Frm32ndNFAAward.aspx |archive-date=26 September 2013 |access-date=31 December 2014 |publisher=[[Directorate of Film Festivals]] |page=50 |language=hi}}</ref>
-<ref name="scroll">{{Cite web |last=Raman |first=Sruthi Ganapathy |date=2 September 2017 |title=August 15 is a character in K Balachander’s ‘Achamillai Achamillai’ |url=https://scroll.in/reel/846755/august-15-is-a-character-in-k-balachanders-achamillai-achamillai |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129105012/https://scroll.in/reel/846755/august-15-is-a-character-in-k-balachanders-achamillai-achamillai |archive-date=29 November 2021 |access-date=21 March 2022 |website=[[Scroll.in]]}}</ref>
+<ref name="scroll">{{Cite web |last=Raman |first=Sruthi Ganapathy |date=2 September 2017 |title=August 15 is a character in K Balachander's 'Achamillai Achamillai' |url=https://scroll.in/reel/846755/august-15-is-a-character-in-k-balachanders-achamillai-achamillai |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129105012/https://scroll.in/reel/846755/august-15-is-a-character-in-k-balachanders-achamillai-achamillai |archive-date=29 November 2021 |access-date=21 March 2022 |website=[[Scroll.in]]}}</ref>
 <ref name="rediff">{{Cite web |last=Srinivasan |first=Pavithra |date=24 December 2014 |title=K Balachander's finest films |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/k-balachanders-finest-films/20141224.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924145655/http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/k-balachanders-finest-films/20141224.htm |archive-date=24 September 2015 |access-date=1 January 2015 |website=[[Rediff.com]]}}</ref>
 }}
 == Sources ==
-* {{Cite book |last=Banerjee |first=Shampa |title=One Hundred Indian Feature Films: An Annotated Filmography |last2=Srivastava |first2=Anil |publisher=Taylor & Francis |year=1988 |isbn=978-0-8240-9483-6}}
+* {{Cite book |last1=Banerjee |first1=Shampa |title=One Hundred Indian Feature Films: An Annotated Filmography |last2=Srivastava |first2=Anil |publisher=Taylor & Francis |year=1988 |isbn=978-0-8240-9483-6}}
-* {{Cite book |last=Dhananjayan |first=G. |title=The Best of Tamil Cinema, 1931 to 2010: 1977–2010 |publisher=Galatta Media |year=2011 |oclc=733724281 |author-link=G. Dhananjayan}}
+* {{Cite book |last=Dhananjayan |first=G. |author-link=G. Dhananjayan |title=The Best of Tamil Cinema, 1931 to 2010: 1977–2010 |publisher=Galatta Media |year=2011 |oclc=733724281}}
-* {{Cite book |last1=Rajadhyaksha |first1=Ashish |title=Encyclopaedia of Indian Cinema |last2=Willemen |first2=Paul |publisher=[[British Film Institute]] and [[Oxford University Press]] |year=1998 |isbn=0-19-563579-5 |author-link=Ashish Rajadhyaksha |author-link2=Paul Willemen |orig-date=1994}}
+* {{Cite book |last1=Rajadhyaksha |first1=Ashish |author-link=Ashish Rajadhyaksha |title=Encyclopaedia of Indian Cinema |last2=Willemen |first2=Paul |author-link2=Paul Willemen |publisher=[[British Film Institute]] and [[Oxford University Press]] |year=1998 |isbn=0-19-563579-5 |orig-date=1994}}
 == External links ==
 * {{IMDb title}}
 * {{AllMovie title}}
+* {{Rotten Tomatoes}}
 {{K. Balachander}}
 {{NationalFilmAwardBestFeatureFilmTamil}}
+{{Filmfare Award for Best Film – Tamil}}
-{{FilmfareAwardBestTamilMovie}}
+[[Category:1980s Indian films]]
 [[Category:1980s political drama films]]
 [[Category:1980s political satire films]]
@@ Line 161: / Line 165: @@
 [[Category:1984 films]]
 [[Category:Best Tamil Feature Film National Film Award winners]]
+[[Category:Fiction about mariticide]]
 [[Category:Films directed by K. Balachander]]
 [[Category:Films scored by V. S. Narasimhan]]
@@ Line 166: / Line 171: @@
 [[Category:Indian political drama films]]
 [[Category:Indian political satire films]]
-[[Category:Mariticide in fiction]]
+[[Category:Tamil-language Indian films]]
+[[Category:Works featuring villain protagonists]]
+{{Improve categories|date=April 2024}}