| Pagalil Pournami | |
| Director: | V. M. C. Haneefa |
| Story: | V. M. C. Haneefa |
| Producer: | Kalavathi Das |
| Starring: | Sivakumar Radhika Raghu Lissy |
| Cinematography: | Ajayan Vincent |
| Editing: | P. Venkateswara Rao |
| Music: | Ilaiyaraaja |
| Studio: | Sri Kala International |
| Runtime: | 135 minutes |
| Country: | India |
| Language: | Tamil |
Pagalil Pournami is a 1990 Indian Tamil-language horror film directed by V. M. C. Haneefa. The film stars Sivakumar, Radhika, Rahman (credited as Raghu) and Lissy. It was released on 11 May 1990.
Sivakumar is acting as DSP Rajasekar, Radhika as Rajasekar's wife, Raghu as Rajasekar's brother, and Raghuvaran as a Hindu saint. Other notable cast members include Lissy, S. S. Chandran, Nassar, Somayajulu, Kovai Sarala, Baby Sangita, and V. M. C. Haneefa.
The film revolves around the lives of Rajasekar (Sivakumar) and his family, who reside in Chennai. Rajasekar's brother, Raghu, is a college student and shares a close bond with Rajasekar and his wife (Radhika). Raghu often relies on his sister-in-law for financial support and guidance.
One fateful day, Rajasekar arrests an influential person who threatens to harm him and his family. Meanwhile, Raghu plans a trip with his college friends and love interests to Kerala. He receives pocket money from Radhika and sets off on the journey.
Unbeknownst to Raghu, the resort he stays at, managed by Haneefa, is plagued by paranormal activities. During every New Moon, a vengeful spirit possesses an elderly woman and ruthlessly murders anyone staying in a particular room. Tragically, Raghu and his girl friend find themselves staying in the cursed room and fall victim to the ghost's wrath.
Upon discovering Raghu's disappearance, Rajasekar grows increasingly anxious and launches an investigation, suspecting foul play. He sets out with his wife to Kerala, determined to uncover the truth.
During their inquiry, Rajasekar learns from Haneefa about the existence of a malevolent ghost responsible for the killings. Seeking guidance, he seeks the help of Somaiya, a kind-hearted Christian Monk. Somaiya reveals that the ghost is the spirit of a young girl who died due to a fire accident caused by bullies during Diwali - A New Moon Day - who stayed in that cursed room. The girl's restless spirit possesses her grandmother and kills anyone who are staying in that room. The only way to stop her is to burn the person possessed before the ghost can move on to another host.
Meanwhile, Raghuvaran, portrayed as a saintly man with a deep love for all beings, becomes aware of the paranormal activities at the resort. He volunteers to assist in resolving the case, firmly believing that no ghost can overpower the power of God.
Raghuvaran performs a powerful Pooja based on his occult studies and rushes to save Rajasekar and Radhika, who have bravely volunteered to stay in the haunted room to put an end to the ghost's reign of terror. The ghost, now possessing her bedridden grandmother, transforms into a formidable entity armed with a large sword. She attempts to kill Rajasekar and Radhika, but Raghuvaran intervenes just in time. While Radhika manages to escape, Raghuvaran engages in a fierce battle with the possessed grandmother.
After a prolonged struggle, Raghuvaran manages to stab the grandmother with his blessed Trishul, causing the ghost to leave her body and enter a nearby python. Thinking the ordeal is over, they soon realize that Raghuvaran himself has become possessed. Another intense chase ensues, with Radhika desperately trying to ward off Raghuvaran's attacks. In a final act of desperation, Radhika throws petrol on Raghuvaran, who is about to overpower her. Sensing her imminent defeat, Sivakumar shoots Raghuvaran, who bursts into flames due to the petrol-soaked clothing. The ghost, trapped within Raghuvaran's burning body, relentlessly pursues them until they reach a nearby church. Raghuvaran eventually succumbs to the flames, fulfilling his promise to sacrifice himself and end the ghost's reign of terror.
Exhausted and emotionally drained, Sivakumar and Radhika board a boat, reflecting on their experiences and remembering the affection they shared with Raghu.
And so, the movie "Pagalil Pournami" concludes, leaving a lasting impression of the family's struggle against supernatural forces and the sacrifices made to protect their loved ones.
The soundtrack was composed by Ilaiyaraaja, and the lyrics were written by Vaali.[1] [2]
Pagalil Pournami was released on 11 May 1990.[3] N. Krishnaswamy of The Indian Express wrote, "From family melodrama to murder thriller to a horror line about spirits of dead persons hungering for revenge, Pagalil Pournami traverses a range of story scenarios haphazardly. While this is diverting, the additional fact that the denouement (the word of French origin) means untying the knots, only reveals that the filmmakers have tied themselves up into knots that they cannot unravel."[4] P. S. S. of Kalki wrote that according to the story, the full moon did not come during the day; the picture has become full moon during the day.[5]