Watch Enga Ooru Pattukaran
- 1987
- 2 hr 9 min
Enga Ooru Pattukaran is a Tamil-language romantic drama film released in 1987. The film was directed by Gangai Amaran, and Ramarajan and Rekha played the lead roles. The music was composed by Ilaiyaraaja, and the movie was produced by S S Karuppa Sami under the Seven Arts Productions banner. The movie revolves around a village boy named Raja, played by Ramarajan, who is in love with his childhood friend Janaki, played by Rekha. Janaki, however, is already engaged to the village head's son, and the two seem to be deeply in love. Manikkam, the village head, is a corrupt man who exploits his power and wealth to suppress the villagers and maintain his authority.
The plot thickens when Manikkam decides to sell a piece of land that belongs to the village temple, and Raja disapproves of this idea. He rallies the other villagers and leads a protest against the sale. Janaki, who sees Raja's passion and dedication, begins to realize that he is the person she truly loves. The rest of the story is about Raja's fight against corruption, for the right to Janaki's hand in marriage, and for the well-being of his fellow villagers.
One of the most significant aspects of Enga Ooru Pattukaran is its exploration of the power dynamics in a village setting. The film portrays how the wealthy and influential sometimes use their status to exploit and control the poor and powerless, even going so far as to violate cultural and religious norms. In this context, Raja emerges as a hero who dares to challenge the status quo, mobilizing the villagers against oppression and injustice, and inspiring them to fight for their rights.
Another crucial theme in the movie is love and loyalty. Raja is portrayed as a person with unwavering loyalty towards his friends and a strong belief in true love, which he feels for Janaki. Even though she is already engaged, he doesn't try to break her commitment, but instead chooses to prove his worthiness as a suitor. His determination and faith in his love eventually win over Janaki's heart.
The film's music by Ilaiyaraaja is another aspect of the movie that has been widely appreciated. The songs and background score effectively capture the emotions of the characters and the mood of the scenes. In particular, the song "Kuyil Pattu" became a chartbuster, and its melody is still remembered fondly by Tamil music lovers.
The visuals in the film are simple yet compelling, capturing the idyllic beauty of a small village in southern India. The cinematography by V. Ranga is effective in portraying not just the beauty but also the struggles of rural life. The movie also has a few comic scenes that add a touch of humor and lightness to an otherwise serious narrative.
Overall, Enga Ooru Pattukaran is a socially relevant and engaging movie that explores themes of love, loyalty, and justice in a village setting. The film's portrayal of grassroots activism and its commentary on corruption and exploitation give it a timeless quality that remains relevant today. Ramarajan and Rekha deliver memorable performances, making their characters' romantic journey heartwarming and believable. The movie is still watched and enjoyed by audiences today, cementing its place as a classic of Tamil cinema.