Porkkaalam

Plot

Manikkam is a potter by profession. He has a sister, who is born mute. Murali has to struggle a lot as the handicraft industry is a dying industry and a good amount of money is taken away by his father Ramaiya, a drunkard and gambler. But, he tries to hide his sorrows by having fun with his sister and servant Thangamani, who is also his trusted friend. He is in love with his neighbour Maragatham, a weaver. He wants to get his sister married to a noble man, but many reject her as she is mute.

Finally, one man agrees to marry his sister but on condition that Manikkam must offer dowry. Manikkam then sells many things dearer to him to get money for the dowry. But, that money is taken away by his father and the marriage fails to go through. Thangamani offers to marry his sister without asking for dowry and Manikkam goes home along with Thangamani to convey this happy news to his sister. But it was too late as the sister commits suicide. Manikkam as a penance decides to marry a disabled girl.

Cast

• Murali as Manikkam
• Meena as Maragadham
• Sanghavi as Muthamma
• Manivannan as Ramaiya
• Vadivelu as Thangamani
• Rajeshwari as Panchavarnam
• C. R. Saraswathi as Kalyani
• Delhi Ganesh as Subbaiya
• Ilavarasu as Rasu
• Bala Singh as Sundaram
• Crane Manohar
• Scissor Manohar
• Kanal Kannan as the postman (special appearance)
• Cheran as the photographer (special appearance)

Production

The filming was held at Karighatta, Mysore.

Soundtrack

The soundtrack was composed by Deva, with lyrics by Vairamuthu. The song "Thanjavooru Mannu Eduthu" was played at the funeral of Singaporean politician S. R. Nathan in 2016.

Reception

Ji of Kalki said despite being an age old theme of brother and sister, Cheran handled it skilfully and appreciating the performances of Murali and the actress who portrayed his sister but called Vadivelu's character and his song as unnecessary. During the 100th day function of Arunachalam, Rajinikanth appreciated this film and gifted a gold chain to Cheran.

Accolades

References

References

1. Cheran 👑. (30 October 2019). "1997 Oct 30th .. My second film porkalam was released... 22 years completed.. Still all memories in my mind.. Thanks to producer, artiste and technicians..".
2. (9 October 1998). "జగదీశ్ కామ చిత్రంలో శృంగారం పుష్కలం!". [[Zamin Ryot]].
3. Arunachalam, Param. "BollySwar: 2001–2010". Mavrix Infotech.
4. RGV. (2 September 2006). "Odahuttidavalu Kannada Movie".
5. "Premachari {{!}} Back at Karighatta".
6. (30 October 1997). "Porkkaalam".
7. "Porkalam Tamil Audio Cassette By Deva".
8. (27 August 2016). "Kollywood number served as a funeral song". [[The Hindu]].
9. ஜி.. (30 November 1997). "பொற்காலம்".
10. தினேஷ்குமார், ப.. (30 October 2017). "மாற்றுத்திறனாளிகளின் குரலாக ஒலித்த பொற்காலம்..! #20yearsOfPorkkaalam ...". [[Ananda Vikatan]].
11. (27 November 1998). "Awards Tamilnadu Government Cinema Awards For 1997 Announced: Best Film Award For "Arunachalam", "Surya Vamsam"".
12. "DINAKARAN CINEMA AWARD – 1997".
13. (24 August 1998). "''Cinema Express'' awards presented".