| Chinna Mani | |
| Director: | M. Thilakarajan |
| Producer: | K. S. Srinivasan K. S. Sivaraman |
| Cinematography: | Shiva |
| Editing: | A. R. Pandiyan |
| Music: | Deva |
| Studio: | Shivashree Pictures |
| Runtime: | 135 minutes |
| Country: | India |
| Language: | Tamil |
Chinna Mani is a 1995 Indian Tamil-language drama film directed by M. Thilakarajan in his debut. The film stars Napoleon and Kasthuri with R. P. Viswam, Srividya, Anuradha, S. S. Chandran, Vadivelu and Anusha in supporting roles. It was released on 3 March 1995,[1] and was a box office failure.[2]
Duraisamy Thevar is a kind-hearted village chief while his father Pulikesi Thevar is the nearby wicked village chief. Duraisamy hate his father since he betrayed his mother and married another woman. Chinna Mani is a poor maid who is rejected by the villagers. Being married and a widow at her young age, the villagers think that she brings bad luck. Soon, Pulikesi Thevar's first wife falls sick and compels her son to marry as soon as possible. In hurry, Duraisamy Thevar marries Chinna Mani for soothing his sick mother. The entire village is then in shock. Later, Duraisamy tells Chinna Mani the reason why he didn't get married for so many years. In the past, Duraisamy was in love with a Christian woman Princy. Her brothers opposed to their love. Her despair to marry her lover increased; she immolated herself. Duraisamy accepts to live with Chinna Mani but doesn't want to touch her. What transpires later forms the crux of the story.
The music was composed by Deva, with lyrics written by Muthulingam, Kalidasan, Kadhal Mathi, S. Malar Maran and R. V. Udayakumar.[3]
| Song | Singer(s) | Length | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 'Chithirai Maasathu' | Deva, Ranga Babu | 4:57 | |
| 'Eesawari Unaiye' | 4:42 | ||
| 'Kiliye Kiliye' | Deva, K. S. Chithra | 4:53 | |
| 'Saarayam Venenga Saamy' | Bhuvana | 4:01 | |
| 'Vanthathu' | Krishnaraj, K. S. Chithra | 5:02 |
R. P. R. of Kalki praised the debutant director for elegant screenplay, crisp dialogues and neatly done twists while also praising Deva for his unique background score.[4]