Ellam Inba Mayyam is a 1981 Indian Tamil-language film that sees iconic actor Kamal Haasan in the lead role, sharing screen with acclaimed actress Madhavi. The film is a riveting mix of drama, comedy, and romance, and is infused with elements of suspense and thrill that make it an engaging watch.

The narrative of Ellam Inba Mayyam revolves around Kamal Haasan who portrays the role of a young and lovable petty thief named Kumar. Kumar roams around the streets of Chennai, swindling and conning people with his roguish charm and quick-witted schemes. Madhavi plays the role of Geetha, an innocent woman who Kumar sweet-talks into loving him. However, what starts as a deceptive move, eventually, leads Kumar to develop genuine affection for Geetha.

On the other hand, Geetha, not knowing about Kumar's shenanigans, starts loving him intensely. She is portrayed as a character that embodies purity and virtuousness, contrasting sharply with Kumar's crafty demeanor. The chemistry between Kamal Haasan and Madhavi as Kumar and Geetha, respectively, features some interesting and heart-touching moments that form the crux of the narrative.

The unfolding events take an unexpected turn when Inspector Vijay, played by Jaishankar, enters the scene. A respectable police officer known for his righteousness, Vijay is adamant on catching Kumar who has been skillfully dodging the law. As a cat-and-mouse game ensues between the police officer and the charismatic thief, the shift in narrative gets seamless with Vijay’s pursuit of justice and Kumar's simultaneous attempt at protecting the person he loves and his own freedom.

As the plot thickens, the movie takes the viewers through unexpected twists and turn of events. As Kumar and Geetha’s relationship matures amid untamed circumstances, and the pressure from Inspector Vijay escalates, Kumar finds himself at a crossroads. The protagonist’s transformation in the film and his steps to make amends for his past mistakes bring emotional depth to the narrative.

Masterfully directed by G. N. Rangarajan, the riveting storytelling of Ellam Inba Mayyam is further enhanced by its remarkable music. Ilaiyaraaja, one of the most celebrated music directors in the Indian cinema, lends his midas touch to the film’s soundscape. The compelling music and well-penned songs of the movie blend perfectly with the storyline adding to the various moods and setting the tone for the unfolding cinematic journey.

The movie goes beyond the conventional motifs of romance and drama, touching upon themes like morality, redemption, and the ramifications of personal choices. Its screenplay is laced with a fair balance of humor and emotional gravity, making it as entertaining as it is poignant. The perfectly timed humor, mostly delivered through Kamal Haasan’s performance, contrasts well with the somber undertones, giving viewers a well-rounded cinematic experience.

Kamal Haasan, with his expressive acting skills, greatly embodies the complexity of his character – Kumar. His versatile performance makes the viewers feel compassion for a small-time thief, who is otherwise seen in a negative light. On the other hand, Madhavi, with her innocent charm and emotional portrayal of Geetha, leaves an indelible impact, along with Jaishankar, who convincingly pulls off the stern, determined cop character.

As the tale progresses, the film becomes an interesting study of the classic dilemma between the heart and mind, between love and responsibility. Echoing strong sentiments about love, human emotions and justice, it speaks volumes about the consequences of deception and the power of love and truth.

In conclusion, Ellam Inba Mayyam, with its engaging plot, memorable performances, and soul-stirring music, serves as an entertaining film that hooks the audience from beginning to end. The movie, while maintaining its commercial appeal, successfully stirs meaningful dialogues and offers an intriguing insight into human relationships and the turbulent journey of a flawed man seeking redemption. Its blend of comedy, drama, romance and suspense, along with unforgettable performances from its lead actors and compelling music score, makes it a timeless classic in Tamil cinema.