Thillu Mullu

Thillu Mullu, released in 1981, is a quintessential Indian comedy film that has achieved cult status over the years, particularly celebrated for Rajinikanth's unique comedic performance which was a breakaway from his conventional action-hero roles. Directed by the legendary K. Balachander and based on the story of the Hindi film Gol Maal (1979), Thillu Mullu crafts a narrative that encapsulates humor, wit, and the fine line between sincerity and deception, all wrapped in a delightful package of entertainment.

The film stars Rajinikanth in a double role, showcasing his versatility and comic timing, alongside Madhavi and Thengai Srinivasan, who deliver noteworthy performances that add to the charm and hilarity of the movie. The film's plot centers around the protagonist, Ayyampettai Arivudainambi Kaliyaperumal Chandran, commonly referred to as A.A.K. Chandran, a young and dapper graduate played by Rajinikanth. Chandran is in pursuit of a job and his quest leads him to a reputed firm run by a strictly traditional and upright businessman, Sivasubramaniam, brilliantly portrayed by Thengai Srinivasan. Sivasubramaniam values honesty and discipline above all else and takes a stern stance against modern youth's lifestyle choices, such as playing sports and enjoying leisure time.

Chandran, in an attempt to land the job, pretends to be a man of high moral values and austerity, in line with Sivasubramaniam's expectations. His ruse works, and he successfully gains employment. However, Chandran's troubles are far from over as he must constantly juggle between maintaining this facade at work and living his actual carefree lifestyle outside. This charade takes an uproarious turn when Chandran is spotted by Sivasubramaniam at a football match, threatening to reveal his actual fun-loving personality. In a spur-of-the-moment decision to save his job, Chandran concocts a story involving his identical twin brother, Indran, who is presented as the polar opposite of the conservative Chandran.

Chandran's inventiveness does not stop there. As circumstances spiral, he has to keep improvising and ends up involving his friends and loved ones in the ever-growing web of lies, with each lie leading to hilarious situations and more lies to cover the previous ones. The complicating presence of Madhavi's character, who becomes entangled with both Chandran and his fictitious brother Indran, adds a romantic layer to the existing chaos and confusion.

The film sparkles with situational comedy, sharp dialogues, and slapstick humor, largely driven by Chandran's desperate attempts to keep up the twin facade. His interactions with the suspicious and increasingly bewildered Sivasubramaniam serve as comedy gold, keeping the audience guessing how Chandran will steer through the madness he's created.

Adding to the satirical nature of the film is the way Thillu Mullu pokes fun at societal expectations and norms, as well as the meaningless rigidity in corporate culture. It touches on the extents to which one may go to secure a livelihood, and the thin veneer of respectability that people often adopt. Rajinikanth's impeccable comedic performance, as he switches between the traditionalist Chandran and the roguish Indran, underlines his wide range as an actor.

The film is also remarkable for its music, composed by the maestro M.S. Viswanathan, with the soundtrack becoming as popular as the movie itself. The songs, written by Kannadasan and Panju Arunachalam, are catchy and remain classics in Tamil cinema. These musical interludes serve not just as entertainment but also further the plot and contribute to the characterization.

Thengai Srinivasan deserves a special mention for his portrayal of the stern employer whose world of black and white is muddled into a comical grey by Rajinikanth's antics. Madhavi, as the female lead, carries her role with grace and effectiveness, playing a pivotal part in the escalating comedy of errors.

The comedic escapades culminate in a series of misunderstandings and revelatory moments, leading to a climactic resolution that stays in line with the light-hearted spirit of the film. Thillu Mullu is an enduringly enjoyable watch that marries script, performance, and music seamlessly to deliver a knockout comedy.

Even years after its release, Thillu Mullu continues to be a touchstone for comedy in Indian cinema, influencing numerous adaptations and parodies. Its legacy endures not only through the timeless humor but also through the cultural impact it left behind, proving that the film truly stands out as a classic within the genre.