16 Vayathinile

1977 film by Bharathiraja the album Pathinaru Vayathinile (album) November 2023 November 2023 16 Vayathinile.jpg Theatrical release poster Bharathirajaa Bharathirajaa S. A. Rajkannu Kamal HaasanSrideviRajinikanth P. S. Nivas R. Bhaskaran Ilaiyaraaja Sri Amman Creations Sri Amman Creations 1977 09 15 y 139 minutesRajadhyaksha Willemen 1998 433 India Tamil 5 lakh 16 VayathinileThe title was alternatively spelt as 16 Vayathinile! (At age 16; read as Pathinaaru Vayathinile) is a 1977 Indian Tamil-language romantic drama film co-written and directed by Bharathirajaa in his directorial debut. The film stars Kamal Haasan, Sridevi, and Rajinikanth, with Gandhimathi, Sathyajith and Goundamani in supporting roles. It focuses on the strengths and vulnerabilities of Mayil (Sridevi), a 16-year-old schoolgirl, and the challenges she faces and overcomes. The film was originally titled Mayil, and set to be funded by the National Film Development Corporation of India. When they backed out, it was picked up by S. A. Rajkannu who produced it under his banner Shri Amman Creations, and eventually retitled. 16 Vayathinile became the first Tamil film to be shot predominantly outdoors; Tamil films were primarily filmed in Madras studios. Its soundtrack album and background score were composed by Ilaiyaraaja, with cinematography by P. S. Nivas. P. Kalaimani wrote the film's dialogue. 16 Vayathinile was released on 15 September 1977, and was distributed by Rajkannu himself since no distributor was willing to buy it. Although written off by the media as an experimental film that would fail, the film received critical praise for Bharathiraja's script, Ilaiyaraaja's music and the performances of Haasan, Sridevi and Rajinikanth. It was commercially successful, with a 175-day theatrical run. It won numerous awards, including the National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer for S. Janaki; the Filmfare Award for Best Actor (Tamil) for Haasan and Special Commendation Award for Performance for Sridevi; and four State Awards, including Best Director for Bharathiraja and Best Actor for Haasan. 16 Vayathinile attained cult status in Tamil cinema and is considered a trendsetter of films depicting realistic portrayals of rural life. Making stars of its director and lead actors, it was remade in Telugu as Padaharella Vayasu (1978), in Hindi as Solva Sawan (1979), and in Malay as Melati Putih ms Melati Putih (1984). Plot Mayil is a 16-year old schoolgirl who lives in a village with Kuruvammal, her mother. Kuruvammal also takes care of a limping orphan who is dismissively called "Chappani" (Lame) by the villagers and does whatever he can to earn a living. Mayil's ambition is to become a teacher, and she hopes to marry a sophisticated, educated man; although Chappani is in love with her, she does not reciprocate his love. Sathyajith, an urban veterinarian, arrives in the village to work and falls in love with Mayil. Believing that Sathyajith is the right person for her, Mayil falls in love with him, to the point of refusing an opportunity to attend a teacher-training course in Madras to remain with him. Despite loving Sathyajith, she does not allow him to exploit her sexually, which disappoints him. Never intending a serious relationship with Mayil, he proceeds to his native place to marry another woman. When Mayil begs Sathyajith not to leave her, he says he befriended her for pleasure—not marriage. A dejected Mayil confesses about her relationship with Sathyajith to Kuruvammal, who quickly plans to betroth her to someone else. The village ruffian Parattaiyan—who lusts for Mayil—spreads rumours about her relationship with Sathyajith. Because of this, Mayil's engagement plans are halted and the village becomes hostile to her. Unable to bear the shame, Kuruvammal dies and leaves Chappani to take care of Mayil. Chappani takes good care of Mayil, cheering her up when she needs it. She warms to Chappani, making him more confident and assertive and grooming him and his manners, to the surprise of many in the village. Mayil tells him to slap anyone calling him "Chappani" and to respond only to those addressing him by his name, Gopalakrishnan. When Sathyajith and Parattaiyan dismissively call him "Chappani", Gopalakrishnan slaps them. Mayil and Gopalakrishnan celebrate his newfound courage. An insulted Parattaiyan later beats Gopalakrishnan badly. Mayil saves him and spits on Parattaiyan in revenge. Mayil decides to marry Gopalakrishnan, and sends him to the nearby town for buying wedding supplies. Learning of Gopalakrishnan's absence, Parattai goes to Mayil's house and tries to rape her. Gopalakrishnan returns to Mayil's house and pleads with Parattaiyan to leave her. When Parattaiyan refuses, Gopalakrishnan kills him with a rock and is arrested. He promises Mayil that he will return, and she waits every day for him. Cast Kamal Haasan as Gopalakrishnan (Chappani) Sridevi as Mayil Rajinikanth as Parattaiyan Gandhimathi as Kuruvammal Sathyajith as Sathyajith Goundamani as Koothu Gemini Rajeshwari as VelaiyammaPannerselvam Kanimozhi 27 June 2021 பிரபல பழம்பெரும் நடிகை காலமானார்... சோகத்தில் மூழ்கிய திரையுலகம்...! Legendary actress passes away... The film industry mourns! https://tamil.asianetnews.com/cinema/veteran-actress-gemini-rajeshwari-passed-away-qvcxqp live https://web.archive.org/web/20211007051948/https://tamil.asianetnews.com/cinema/veteran-actress-gemini-rajeshwari-passed-away-qvcxqp 7 October 2021 27 March 2025 Asianet News Tamil K. Bhagyaraj as a village physician (uncredited)https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2026/Jun/27/k-bhagyaraj-a-one-man-studio-who-made-underdogs-immortal K Bhagyaraj, a one-man studio who made underdogs immortal 27 June 2026 The New Indian Express 8 July 2026 Production Development Bharathiraja planned to write and direct a black-and-white film titled Mayil that would be funded by the National Film Development Corporation of India (NDFC),குமார் ந.வினோத் 15 September 2017 16 வயதினிலே - 40 ஆண்டுகள்: என்றும் வாழும் 'மயில்!' 16 Vayathinile – 40 Years: Everlasting 'Mayil'! https://www.hindutamil.in/news/supplements/hindu-talkies/95140-16-40.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20250424114558/https://www.hindutamil.in/news/supplements/hindu-talkies/95140-16-40.html 24 April 2025 11 June 2026 Hindu Tamil Thisai ta but according to him, the NFDC withdrew "at the last minute" without specifying a reason.Ilangovan R. 18 October 2013 Man behind the 1970s wave https://frontline.thehindu.com/arts-and-culture/cinema/man-behind-the-1970s-wave/article5189324.ece live https://web.archive.org/web/20150523102633/http://www.frontline.in/arts-and-culture/cinema/man-behind-the-1970s-wave/article5189324.ece 23 May 2015 23 May 2015 Frontline en The project was eventually picked up by S. A. Rajkannu who produced it under his banner Sri Amman Creations.Rajadhyaksha Willemen 1998 433 Mayil was eventually re-titled 16 Vayathinile,Suganth M 4 February 2016 Censoring, I think, should not be done in the modern world http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Censoring-I-think-should-not-be-done-in-the-modern-world/articleshow/50836289.cms deviated https://web.archive.org/web/20160210191446/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Censoring-I-think-should-not-be-done-in-the-modern-world/articleshow/50836289.cms 10 February 2016 15 February 2017 The Times of India en and marked Bharathirajaa's screenwriting and directorial debut. Its dialogue was written by P. Kalaimani.Rajadhyaksha Willemen 1998 433 P. S. Nivas was signed as cinematographer and R. Bhaskaran as editor.9 October 1977 16 வயதினிலே! https://www.vikatan.com/anandavikatan/2008-jul-23/vikatan-pokkisham/44703.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20190527043937/https://www.vikatan.com/anandavikatan/2008-jul-23/vikatan-pokkisham/44703.html 27 May 2019 27 May 2019 Ananda Vikatan ta Chitra Lakshmanan and K. Bhagyaraj worked as assistant directors.29 April 2013 ரஜினியைவிட கமலுக்கு அதிக சம்பளம்! Kamal's salary was higher than Rajini's! https://www.kungumam.co.in/Articalinnerdetail.aspx?id=5248&id1=67&issue=20130429 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20250611234924/http://www.kungumam.co.in/Articalinnerdetail.aspx?id=5248&id1=67&issue=20130429 11 June 2025 15 February 2017 Kungumam ta The latter provided suggestions for scenes and dialogues.Ramakrishnan M. 28 January 2017 Young guns https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/Young-guns/article17107898.ece live https://web.archive.org/web/20180412170446/http://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/Young-guns/article17107898.ece 12 April 2018 12 April 2018 The Hindu en Casting When the film was in development in black-and-white, Bharathiraja envisioned Nagesh in the role of Chappani.16 September 2018 சப்பாணி வேடத்தில் நாகேஷ் Nagesh as Chappani https://www.dinamani.com/weekly-supplements/dinamani-kondattam/2018/sep/16/%E0%AE%9A%E0%AE%AA%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%AA%E0%AE%BE%E0%AE%A3%E0%AE%BF-%E0%AE%B5%E0%AF%87%E0%AE%9F%E0%AE%A4%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%A4%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%B2%E0%AF%8D-%E0%AE%A8%E0%AE%BE%E0%AE%95%E0%AF%87%E0%AE%B7%E0%AF%8D-3000912.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20210709032233/https://www.dinamani.com/weekly-supplements/dinamani-kondattam/2018/sep/16/%E0%AE%9A%E0%AE%AA%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%AA%E0%AE%BE%E0%AE%A3%E0%AE%BF-%E0%AE%B5%E0%AF%87%E0%AE%9F%E0%AE%A4%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%A4%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%B2%E0%AF%8D-%E0%AE%A8%E0%AE%BE%E0%AE%95%E0%AF%87%E0%AE%B7%E0%AF%8D-3000912.html 9 July 2021 9 July 2021 Dinamani ta After it was changed to colour, he wanted Lakshmanan to sign Kamal Haasan for the role of Chappani, expecting to pay Haasan exchange1977 since the actor had received The exchange rate in 1975 was 8.3759 Indian rupees () per 1 US dollar (US$).Antweiler Werner 2015 Foreign Currency Units per 1 U.S. Dollar, 1948–2014 http://fx.sauder.ubc.ca/etc/USDpages.pdf https://web.archive.org/web/20150512095429/http://fx.sauder.ubc.ca/etc/USDpages.pdf 12 May 2015 23 May 2015 PACIFIC Exchange Rate Service en PDF for Aayirathil Oruthi (1975). When Haasan asked for ,exchange1977 Lakshmanan suggested that Bharathiraja offer the role to Sivakumar since the production unit could not afford Haasan's request; however, Bharathiraja saw Haasan as the ideal choice and agreed to pay him .exchange1977 In 2017, Haasan recalled, "Years ago, a man sporting a soiled dhoti and shirt came to my office to narrate a script. Had I turned the offer down on the basis of his dirty clothes, I wouldn't have been here talking to you. After listening to the script, I realised that he was such a genius and the movie was the cult classic [16 Vayathinile], and he was none other than ace Bharathiraja sir".24 January 2017 I am a Tamil porukki for whatever it is worth: Kamal Haasan https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/kollywood/240117/i-am-a-tamil-porukki-for-whatever-it-is-worth-kamal-haasan.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20170220072215/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/kollywood/240117/i-am-a-tamil-porukki-for-whatever-it-is-worth-kamal-haasan.html 20 February 2017 20 February 2017 Deccan Chronicle en Rajinikanth was cast as the village ruffian Parattaiyan.Ramachandran 2014 66 Bharathiraja stated in 2013 that although had finalised as the salary for Rajinikanth after the actor initially charged , he was ultimately paid .5 October 2013 Rajini & Kamal come together to promote '16 Vayathinile' http://www.sify.com/movies/rajini-kamal-come-together-to-promote-16-vayathinile-news-tamil-nkfkRIecigjsi.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/20151012045626/http://www.sify.com/movies/rajini-kamal-come-together-to-promote-16-vayathinile-news-tamil-nkfkRIecigjsi.html 12 October 2015 21 May 2016 Sify enexchange1977 Some years later, he stated that Rajinikanth's salary was lower than Haasan's due to him not being an established star then but claimed uncertainty about the exact salary details.Vandhana 18 September 2017 40 Years Of '16 Vayathinile': A Look Back at Bharathiraja's Daring Directorial Debut https://silverscreen.in/tamil/features/40-years-16-vayathinile-look-back-bharathirajas-daring-directorial-debut-2/ dead https://web.archive.org/web/20170922143459/https://silverscreen.in/tamil/features/40-years-16-vayathinile-look-back-bharathirajas-daring-directorial-debut-2/ 22 September 2017 3 December 2017 Silverscreen.in en However, in another interview, he said was the actor's final pay.15 December 2022 Rajinikanth got Rs. 3000 for his role in '16 Vayathinile', reveals Bharathiraja https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/rajinikanth-got-rs-3000-for-his-role-in-16-vayathinile-reveals-bharathiraja/articleshow/96254524.cms live https://web.archive.org/web/20221215142401/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/rajinikanth-got-rs-3000-for-his-role-in-16-vayathinile-reveals-bharathiraja/articleshow/96254524.cms 15 December 2022 13 January 2025 The Times of India en 16 Vayathinile marked Rajinikanth's first appearance in a colour film.Ramachandran 2014 66 Since the actor was not fluent in Tamil at the time, Bhagyaraj read him his lines and Rajinikanth repeated them until he mastered them.Sri 12 June 2010 K.Bhaagya Raj – Chitchat – Slide 1 http://www.telugucinema.com/c/publish/stars/interview_bhagyaraj_2010.php dead https://web.archive.org/web/20101230234821/http://www.telugucinema.com/c/publish/stars/interview_bhagyaraj_2010.php 30 December 2010 23 May 2015 Telugucinema.com en For the role of Mayil, Bharathiraja initially wanted a 16-year-old girl, but after meeting 14-year old Sridevi, offered her the role, which he said would be down-to-earth and de-glamourised; to his surprise, Sridevi readily accepted.25 February 2018 Kollywood remembers its own 'Mayil' https://www.dtnext.in/news/tamilnadu/kollywood-remembers-its-own-mayil live https://web.archive.org/web/20260511070920/https://www.dtnext.in/news/tamilnadu/kollywood-remembers-its-own-mayil 11 May 2026 DT Next en 10 May 2026 25 February 2018 Remembering late Superstar Sridevi on her birthday: Her 5 Filmfare Award-winning performances https://www.newindianexpress.com/galleries/entertainment/2018/feb/25/remembering-late-superstar-sridevi-on-her-birthday-her-5-filmfare-award-winning-performances-101287.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20191031003533/http://www.newindianexpress.com/galleries/entertainment/2018/feb/25/remembering-late-superstar-sridevi-on-her-birthday-her-5-filmfare-award-winning-performances-101287.html 31 October 2019 27 August 2021 The New Indian Express Bharathiraja said Sridevi's eyes had the "dreamy sparkle" that he envisioned the character Mayil with.Nayak 2019 30–31 For the role of Mayil's mother Kuruvammal, Bharathiraja wanted someone who could speak the village dialect fluently and chose Gandhimathi for her acting style.9 September 2011 Actor Kanthimathi dead http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/actor-kanthimathi-dead/article2438936.ece dead https://web.archive.org/web/20150523143048/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/actor-kanthimathi-dead/article2438936.ece 23 May 2015 12 December 2013 The Hindu en Receiving a salary of ,exchange1977 Bhagyaraj was initially considered for the veterinarian's role but declined as he wanted to concentrate on directing;Kumar S. R. Ashok 29 March 2007 A good feature film must be remembered for time to come http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/article1817490.ece https://web.archive.org/web/20150523140907/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/article1817490.ece 23 May 2015 12 December 2013 The Hindu en despite that, he still made a cameo appearance in the film.Suganth M. 13 February 2017 From ADs to actors in their guru's films http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/from-ads-to-actors-in-their-gurus-films/articleshow/57120245.cms https://web.archive.org/web/20170213070720/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/from-ads-to-actors-in-their-gurus-films/articleshow/57120245.cms 13 February 2017 15 February 2017 en The Times of India The role of the veterinarian went to newcomer Shabbir Ahmed, who was given the screen name Sathyajith during post-production. His scenes were shot in ten days.Ahmed Sameera 14 January 2015 Remember that doctor from the movie 16 Vayithinile? http://www.thenewsminute.com/entertainments/580 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20170215212200/http://www.thenewsminute.com/entertainments/580 15 February 2017 15 February 2017 The News Minute en4 October 2013 16 வயதினிலே புது டிரெய்லர் வெளியீடு - ஒரே மேடையில் கமல், ரஜினி 16 Vayathinile new trailer release – Kamal and Rajini on the same stage https://cinema.dinamalar.com/tamil-news/14840/cinema/Kollywood/16-vathinile-new-trailor-release---Kamal,-Rajini-in-same-stage.htm live https://web.archive.org/web/20170119151245/http://cinema.dinamalar.com/tamil-news/14840/cinema/Kollywood/16-vathinile-new-trailor-release---Kamal%2C-Rajini-in-same-stage.htm 19 January 2017 19 January 2017 Dinamalar ta Sathyajith was not well-versed in Tamil at the time of auditioning but dubbed in his own voice, even though Bharathiraja offered to have someone else dub for him.Pandirajan M. 27 February 2018 என்னோட 'மயில்ல்ல்ல்' மாடுலேஷனுக்கு தீவிர ரசிகை ஸ்ரீதேவி..! – '16 வயதினிலே' டாக்டர் சத்யஜித் https://cinema.vikatan.com/tamil-cinema/news/117575-16-vayathinile-doctor-character-artist-sathyajith-shares-his-experience-of-working-with-sridevi.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20180412080324/https://cinema.vikatan.com/tamil-cinema/news/117575-16-vayathinile-doctor-character-artist-sathyajith-shares-his-experience-of-working-with-sridevi.html 12 April 2018 12 April 2018 Ananda Vikatan ta Haasan, Sridevi, Rajinikanth and Gandhimathi were credited by their character names in the opening credits, rather than their actual names.26 December 2014 அடம்பிடிக்கும் மயிலு! The stubborn Mayil! https://www.hindutamil.in/news/supplements/hindu-talkies/26086-.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20210116114733/https://www.hindutamil.in/news/supplements/hindu-talkies/26086-.html 16 January 2021 27 August 2021 Hindu Tamil Thisai ta Filming Shot mainly in Mysore and Kollegal, 16 Vayathinile was the first Tamil film made predominantly outdoors and no sets were used.Nayak 2019 31Ramachandran 2014 67Shrikumar A. 26 January 2013 Rustic tone https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/rustic-tone/article4348016.ece dead https://web.archive.org/web/20150524050946/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/rustic-tone/article4348016.ece 24 May 2015 24 May 2015 The Hindu Due to budgetary constraints the crew could not afford a camera which could film slow motion and Sridevi had to run in slow motion for the song "Chendoora Poove".5 October 2013 When Sridevi spat on Rajinikanth! http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/When-Sridevi-spat-on-Rajinikanth/articleshow/23525928.cms? dead https://web.archive.org/web/20150523134656/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/When-Sridevi-spat-on-Rajinikanth/articleshow/23525928.cms 23 May 2015 12 December 2013 The Times of India en For his character, Haasan grew his curly hair long and wore lungis and khadi high-buttoned shirts.Raj Maya July 2010 Style Sutra: Kamal Haasan https://books.google.com/books?id=XDiv2uFwbIwC live https://web.archive.org/web/20210115171730/https://books.google.com/books?id=XDiv2uFwbIwC 15 January 2021 18 August 2019 South Scope 51 Bharathiraja also recalled that he showed a "handsome Kamal Haasan in an ugly way" as he wanted to prove that characters need not always be attractive, and to break this stereotype in the film industry.Suganth M. 22 May 2017 Yesteryear films had more heart; the present ones have more brain https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/yesteryear-films-had-more-heart-the-present-ones-have-more-brain/articleshow/58776151.cms? live https://web.archive.org/web/20170531113250/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/yesteryear-films-had-more-heart-the-present-ones-have-more-brain/articleshow/58776151.cms 31 May 2017 31 May 2017 The Times of India en In 2017 at a SICA function, Haasan recalled that he and Bharathiraja desired to take the film's cinematography like Ryan's Daughter (1970), but they did not have the required budget.22 January 2017 'வெப் வேர்ல்ட்-டின் பலத்தை உலகம் உணர்கிறது!' – SICA விழாவில் கமல் 'The world feels the strength of the Web World!' – Kamal at the SICA Function https://www.vikatan.com/cinema/tamil-cinema/news/78437-kamalhassan-speech-in-sica-funtion.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20170217071334/http://www.vikatan.com/cinema/tamil-cinema/news/78437-kamalhassan-speech-in-sica-funtion.html 17 February 2017 17 February 2017 Ananda Vikatan ta Bharathiraja wanted a speckled hen for a scene, but as Bhagyaraj could not find one, he coloured a white hen with ink.Nayak 2019 32 The scene where Mayil spits on Parattai required several takes before Rajinikanth insisted that Sridevi actually spit on him for real. While Bharathiraja wanted the film to follow a linear narration, it was Bhagyaraj's idea to begin the film with a flashback sequence. After the film completed its shoot, it was screened at least 20 times for the distributors, and the narrative switched every time between the linear and non-linear versions. Eventually, Rajkannu himself released the film, with the flashback narrative. A sequence featuring faulty lip sync was retained in the final cut after going unnoticed.Piousji 26 April 1981 Khaas Baat https://archive.org/details/dli.bengal.10689.20654/page/n429/mode/2up Sunday 51 Internet Archive 8 34 Themes 16 Vayathinile focuses on rural Tamil Nadu,Baskaran S. Theodore S. Theodore Baskaran 2009 Tamil Cinema – Diary of a Society on Celluloid http://www.embassyindia.es/archives/documents/indiaperspectives/IP_Eng_Jan-Mar.pdf https://web.archive.org/web/20160926121703/http://www.embassyindia.es/archives/documents/indiaperspectives/IP_Eng_Jan-Mar.pdf 26 September 2016 15 July 2016 India Perspectives 24–27 and the vulnerabilities of Mayil.Srivatsan 17 July 2016 Happy 75th Birthday Bharathiraja: Remembering the iconoclasts best films https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/happy-birthday-director-bharathiraja-tamil-films-329678-2016-07-17 live https://web.archive.org/web/20160926121906/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/happy-birthday-director-bharathiraja-tamil-films/1/716925.html 26 September 2016 12 August 2016 India Today Film critic Naman Ramachandran compared Parattaiyan to Rajinikanth's character Kondaji from Katha Sangama (1975), stating, "Like in that film, Rajinikanth is a card-playing wastrel with henchmen in tow. Just like the Thimmaraya character in Katha Sangama runs errands for Kondaji, here Chappani/Gopalakrishnan performs services for [Parattaiyan], but the similarity ends there because Thimmaraya is evil and Chappani is good." He also described 16 Vayathinile as the first film when a villainous character played by Rajinikanth does not have a change of heart or get away without being punished: "Here he pays for his deeds with his life."Ramachandran 2014 68 Saraswathy Srinivas of Rediff.com called Parattaiyan an "extension" of Rajinikanth's negative character from Moondru Mudichu (1976), but said that "the villainy is more pronounced and transparent here."Srinivas Saraswathy 21 May 2007 Rajnikath, the villain http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/may/21slid3.htm live https://web.archive.org/web/20150524124133/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/may/21slid3.htm 24 May 2015 14 December 2013 Rediff.com Film scholar Swarnavel Eswaran Pillai noted that the film was marked by "ambiguous and dark protagonists, new subjectivity, [and] avoidance of clichéd and cathartic closures".Pillai Swarnavel Eswaran 31 January 2012 The 1970s Tamil Cinema and the Post – classical Turn http://www.cla.temple.edu/chat/india/documents/Pillai.pdf dead https://web.archive.org/web/20160926121258/http://www.cla.temple.edu/chat/india/documents/Pillai.pdf 26 September 2016 15 July 2016 Temple University Kumuthan Maderya, writing for Jump Cut, described 16 Vayathinile as a "neo-nativity" film a story set in rural Tamil Nadu, valorising the rustic and foregrounding the lives of villagers.Maderya Kumuthan 2010 Rage against the state: historicizing the "angry young man" in Tamil cinema https://ejumpcut.org/archive/jc52.2010/Tamil/text.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20160926121543/http://ejumpcut.org/archive/jc52.2010/Tamil/text.html 26 September 2016 12 August 2016 Jump Cut 52 Ashis Nandy, in his 1998 book The Secret Politics of Our Desires, noted that doctors in Tamil films like 16 Vayathinile are always viewed with "a bit of suspicion" and remain complete outsiders "capable of seducing women and polluting the community".Nandy 1998 209 Music 16 Vayathinile (soundtrack) The soundtrack album and background score for 16 Vayathinile were composed by Ilaiyaraaja with lyrics by Kannadasan, Gangai Amaran and Alangudi Somu.Pathinaru Vayathunilae (1977) http://www.raaga.com/channels/tamil/moviedetail.asp?mid=t0000137 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20140815234254/http://www.raaga.com/channels/tamil/moviedetail.asp?mid=T0000137 15 August 2014 1 October 2013 Raaga.com en The soundtrack consisted of four songs, that blends folk and Western classical music, and released under the EMI Records label.http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/1176/16vayathinileback.jpg 16 Vayathinile Ilaiyaraaja Ilaiyaraaja liner notes en EMI Records 1977 24 May 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150524063529/http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/1176/16vayathinileback.jpg 24 May 2015 deadRamachandran 2014 67 Release Theatrical 16 Vayathinile was released on 15 September 1977.16 வயதினிலே (1977) At age 16 (1977) http://cinemaexpress.com/cinemaexpress/story.aspx?Title=16+%E0%AE%B5%E0%AE%AF%E0%AE%A4%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%A9%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%B2%E0%AF%87+%281977%29&artid=111016&SectionID=142&MainSectionID=142&SectionName=Review&SEO= dead https://web.archive.org/web/20160714122214/http://cinemaexpress.com/cinemaexpress/story.aspx?Title=16+%E0%AE%B5%E0%AE%AF%E0%AE%A4%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%A9%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%B2%E0%AF%87+%281977%29&artid=111016&SectionID=142&MainSectionID=142&SectionName=Review&SEO= 14 July 2016 14 July 2016 Cinema Express ta Rajkannu released the film himself after no distributors were willing to buy it. Although written off by the media as an experimental film that would fail, it became a commercial success, running for over 175 days in theatres,Sharadhaa A. 23 October 2013 Yesterday, once more https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/review/2013/oct/23/yesterday-once-more-529483.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20150524120138/http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/reviews/Yesterday-once-more/2013/10/23/article1849874.ece 24 May 2015 12 December 2013 The New Indian Express en and becoming a silver jubilee film.A silver jubilee film is one that completes a theatrical run of 175 days (25 weeks). The film earned $1 million at the box office according to a 2010 estimate by the magazine South Scope, and Rajkannu went into hiding to avoid income-tax raids.February 2010 Love Reels https://issuu.com/southscope/docs/feb2010 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20200820103857/https://issuu.com/southscope/docs/feb2010 20 August 2020 13 July 2016 South Scope 57 en Issuu 1 5 Critical reception The film received critical acclaim, with praise for Bharathiraja's script, Ilaiyaraaja's music and the performances of Haasan, Sridevi and Rajinikanth.Surendran Anusha Venkatraman Janane Radhakrishnan Sruthi 21 July 2016 Rajini: the actor before the hero https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/Rajini-the-actor-before-the-hero/article60529182.ece live https://web.archive.org/web/20170215090321/http://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/Rajini-the-actor-before-the-hero/article14501031.ece 15 February 2017 15 February 2017 The Hindu en The Tamil magazine Ananda Vikatan, in its review dated 9 October 1977, gave the film 62.5 marks out of 100, their highest rating for a Tamil film.9 February 2016 ஆனந்த விகடன் விமர்சனக் குழுவின் இரண்டாவது அதிகபட்ச மதிப்பெண்கள் 'விசாரணை'க்கு! Visaranai is the Ananda Vikatan review board's second highest rated film! http://www.vikatan.com/cinema/tamil-cinema/pokkisham/58778-anandha-vikatan-review-team-brakes-visaranai-mark.art live https://web.archive.org/web/20160210092328/http://www.vikatan.com/cinema/tamil-cinema/pokkisham/58778-anandha-vikatan-review-team-brakes-visaranai-mark.art 10 February 2016 27 June 2016 Ananda Vikatan ta The reviewer praised the film for representing village life with realism, and for avoiding the cliché of (studio) court and police station in its climax, but criticised the error in focusing. After seeing the film, Rajinikanth's mentor, the director K. Balachander wrote in a letter of appreciation to Bharathiraja, "You have hit the bull's eye".Rangarajan Malathi 22 April 2010 Another avatar https://www.thehindu.com/arts/Another-avatar/article16371793.ece live https://web.archive.org/web/20150524135612/http://www.thehindu.com/arts/another-avatar/article407697.ece 24 May 2015 24 May 2015 The Hindu en The writer of a Film Focus article in Tribune stated in 1983, "[Kamal Haasan] by his youthfulness alone has many years ahead of him to adorn the Tamil and Hindu screens, and going by his brilliance in Pathinaru Vayathinile, could even, displace [Sivaji Ganesan] with the passage of time" The reviewer concluded by describing "Sendhoora Poove" as a "silver lined melody that paced the film and added to its brilliance. Do not miss it at any cost."19 February 1983 FILM FOCUS Kamalahasan https://books.google.com/books?id=ZU8ZAAAAIAAJ&q=displace live https://web.archive.org/web/20210827063143/https://books.google.com/books?id=ZU8ZAAAAIAAJ&q=displace 27 August 2021 14 October 2020 Tribune Ceylon News Service 52–53 en Accolades At the 25th National Film Awards, S. Janaki won the National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer.1978 25th National Film Awards http://dff.nic.in/2011/25th_nff_1977.pdf dead https://web.archive.org/web/20170119143000/http://dff.nic.in/2011/25th_nff_1977.pdf 19 January 2017 19 January 2017 Directorate of Film Festivals en At the 6th Filmfare Awards South, Haasan won the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil, and Sridevi won the Special Commendation Award for Performance at the same ceremony.https://books.google.com/books?id=w8kQAQAAMAAJ&q=+sridevi The Times of India Directory and Year Book Including Who's who Bennett Coleman & Co. Ltd 1979 303 en 14 October 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20210827063143/https://books.google.com/books?id=w8kQAQAAMAAJ&q=+sridevi 27 August 2021 live The film won four Tamil Nadu State Film Awards: Best Director, Best Actor (Haasan), Best Music Director (Ilaiyaraaja) and Best Female Playback Singer (Janaki).https://hindi-movies-songs.com/joomla/media/History_of_Tamil_Cinema-1955.pdf History of Tamil Cinema International Film Festival of India 1991 111–115 en Tamil Nadu State AwardsRamachandran 2014 68 Rajinikanth won the Arima Sangam Award for Best Actor. Remakes 16 Vayathinile was remade in Telugu by K. Raghavendra Rao as Padaharella Vayasu (1978) and in Hindi by Bharathiraja as Solva Sawan (1979), with Sridevi reprising her role in both.4 October 2013 We've slowed down: Kamal Haasan on competition with Rajinikanth https://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-we-ve-slowed-down-kamal-haasan-on-competition-with-rajinikanth-1898329 live https://web.archive.org/web/20160521051001/http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-we-ve-slowed-down-kamal-haasan-on-competition-with-rajinikanth-1898329 21 May 2016 21 May 2016 Daily News and Analysis Indo-Asian News ServiceRajpal Roktim 21 May 2016 Happy Birthday Sridevi: 10 performances that make her the 'Last Empress' of Indian cinema http://www.news18.com/news/movies/happy-birthday-sridevi-10-performances-that-make-her-the-last-empress-of-indian-cinema-1038973.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20160521051226/http://www.news18.com/news/movies/happy-birthday-sridevi-10-performances-that-make-her-the-last-empress-of-indian-cinema-1038973.html 21 May 2016 21 May 2016 News18 It was also remade by M. Raj in Malay as Melati Putih ms Melati Putih (1984).Khorana 2013 161, 166 In October 2009, actor Ganesh revealed that he and his wife bought the remake rights of 16 Vayathinile for Kannada.Srinidhi Sharadha 23 October 2009 I want to return to big screen: Ganesh http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/news-interviews/i-want-to-return-to-big-screen-ganesh/articleshow/5148372.cms dead https://web.archive.org/web/20091024101101/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/news-interviews/i-want-to-return-to-big-screen-ganesh/articleshow/5148372.cms 24 October 2009 24 January 2016 The Times of India Legacy "I am [Bharathiraja's] very first fan ... These are not empty words. Before 16 Vayathinile release, when he showed me the film, I wrote him a letter of appreciation. That's why I say that I'm his first fan and proud to be so." - Director K. Balachander, on BharathirajaRamachandran 2014 68 right 25% 16 Vayathinile is considered a cult film and a landmark in Tamil cinema, diverging from traditional Tamil films of the time.Pillai Sreedhar 26 April 2007 Mother-son sentiment http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/article2244251.ece https://web.archive.org/web/20150524130428/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/article2244251.ece 24 May 2015 12 December 2013 The Hindu *http://www.sify.com/movies/rajini-kamal-come-together-to-promote-16-vayathinile-news-tamil-nkfkRIecigj.html Rajini & Kamal come together to promote '16 Vayathinile' Sify 5 October 2013 12 December 2013 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20150524130900/http://www.sify.com/movies/rajini-kamal-come-together-to-promote-16-vayathinile-news-tamil-nkfkRIecigj.html 24 May 2015 *http://www.rediff.com/movies/2008/may/20sli3.htm The best of Kamal Haasan Rediff.com 20 May 2008 12 December 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20150524130643/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2008/may/20sli3.htm 24 May 2015 Pavithra Srinivasan enTamil films were mostly made in studios in Chennai till then.Ramachandran 2014 67 With Annakili (1976), the film was a trendsetter for realistic portrayals of rural life,Ramachandran 2014 67 and made superstars of Sridevi, Haasan, and Rajinikanth,Swaminathan 2003 22 as well as boosting Goundamani's popularity.Raghavan Nikhil 21 May 2016 Return of the counter http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/goundamanis-upcoming-film-is-titled-enakku-veru-engum-kilaigal-kidaiyathu/article8629877.ece https://web.archive.org/web/20160624095833/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/goundamanis-upcoming-film-is-titled-enakku-veru-engum-kilaigal-kidaiyathu/article8629877.ece 24 June 2016 24 June 2016 The Hindu Outdoor shooting of films slowly started to increase after the release of 16 Vayathinile,2 May 2019 ஒருதலை ராகம் - அப்பவே அப்படி கதை!: ரிலீசாகி இன்றுடன் 39 வருடங்கள்! https://www.hindutamil.in/news/cinema/tamil-cinema/163688-39.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20210509120242/https://www.hindutamil.in/news/cinema/tamil-cinema/163688-39.html 9 May 2021 24 October 2022 Hindu Tamil Thisai ta but also led to decline of films shot in studios.Shivakumar S. 23 August 1985 Firmly in showbiz https://x.com/sshivu/status/1997266970094473476/photo/1 live https://web.archive.org/web/20260326121732/https://pbs.twimg.com/media/G7e3uYCboAAg8gh?format=jpg&name=medium 26 March 2026 4 April 2026 The Indian Express 14 en According to Naman Ramachandran and S. Shiva Kumar of The Hindu, Haasan's performance was considered a tour de force by critics since he was typecast as a romantic hero at that time.Ramachandran 2014 68Shiva Kumar S. 27 August 2009 'I'm a limelight moth' http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/im-a-limelight-moth/article10126.ece dead https://web.archive.org/web/20150524141328/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/im-a-limelight-moth/article10126.ece 24 May 2015 24 May 2015 The Hindu en The dialogue "Idhu Eppadi Irukku?" (How’s this then?), spoken by Parattaiyan, became very popular;Ramachandran 2014 68 IANS and Rediff included it on their lists of lines popularised by Rajinikanth.13 December 2013 Rajinikanth's punchnama http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/rajinikanths-punchnama/article5453029.ece https://web.archive.org/web/20150524140648/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/rajinikanths-punchnama/article5453063.ece 24 May 2015 14 December 2013 The Hindu subscription live IANS Manisha Lakhe, writing for Forbes India, noted that 16 Vayathinile "paved the way for unkempt villains who had a singularly disgusting laugh."Lakhe Manisha 27 September 2010 Why Rajinikanth Rocks http://forbesindia.com/printcontent/17592 https://web.archive.org/web/20121010104701/http://forbesindia.com/printcontent/17592 10 October 2012 19 January 2016 Forbes India A digitally remastered version of the film was being planned for a late 2013 release; although its trailer was released in October that year,Kandavel Sangeetha Vijayakumar Sanjay 5 October 2013 Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan bring back 35-year-old 'Ninaithale Inikkum' http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/media/entertainment/rajinikanth-kamal-haasan-bring-back-35-year-old-ninaithale-inikkum/articleshow/23553234.cms live https://web.archive.org/web/20170218052704/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/media/entertainment/rajinikanth-kamal-haasan-bring-back-35-year-old-ninaithale-inikkum/articleshow/23553234.cms 18 February 2017 25 January 2016 The Economic Times en the version failed to see a theatrical release.Ramesh Neeraja 14 July 2016 With '16 Vayathinile' slated for re-release, we look at Bharathiraja's failed heroes http://blogs.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tracking-indian-communities/why-his-main-men-were-also-rans/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20160927054106/http://blogs.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tracking-indian-communities/why-his-main-men-were-also-rans/ 27 September 2016 14 July 2016 The Times of India In July 2007, S. R. Ashok Kumar of The Hindu asked eight Tamil directors to list their all-time favourite Tamil films; seven–C. V. Sridhar, K. Balachander, Mahendran, K. Bhagyaraj, Mani Ratnam, K. S. Ravikumar and Ameer–named 16 Vayathinile. According to Ratnam, the film was "memorable for its script, high standard and realism."Ashok Kumar S. R. 13 July 2007 Filmmakers' favourites http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/article2272999.ece https://web.archive.org/web/20141011060705/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/article2272999.ece 11 October 2014 24 May 2015 The Hindu South Scope included Haasan's performance on its list of "Kamal's best performances" in July 2010. S. Shiva Kumar of The Hindu included the film on his December 2010 list of "Electrifying Rajinikanth-Kamal Haasan films" with Moondru Mudichu (1976), Avargal (1977) and Aval Appadithan (1978).Shiva Kumar S. 31 December 2010 Immortality ode https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/Immortality-ode/article15613306.ece https://web.archive.org/web/20160120063529/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/immortality-ode/article1019422.ece 20 January 2016 24 May 2015 live The Hindu In April 2013 News18 included the film on its list of "100 greatest Indian films of all time", saying that it was a "decisive move away from the studio-bound productions and paved the way for successful integration of subaltern themes and folk arts into mainstream commercial cinema."17 April 2013 100 Years of Indian Cinema: The 100 greatest Indian films of all time http://www.news18.com/photogallery/movies/100-years-of-indian-cinema-the-100-greatest-indian-films-of-all-time-903065-77.html https://web.archive.org/web/20131226001756/http://ibnlive.in.com/photogallery/13200-85.html 26 December 2013 6 May 2013 News18 77 In August 2015, News18 included the film in its list of "10 performances that make [Sridevi] the 'Last Empress' of Indian cinema". In November the same year, Daily News and Analysis included the film in its list of "Films you must watch to grasp the breadth of Kamal Haasan's repertoire".7 November 2015 Birthday special: Films you must watch to grasp the breadth of Kamal Haasan's repertoire http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-birthday-special-films-you-must-watch-to-grasp-the-breadth-of-kamal-haasan-s-repertoire-2143008 https://web.archive.org/web/20160305111657/http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-birthday-special-films-you-must-watch-to-grasp-the-breadth-of-kamal-haasan-s-repertoire-2143008 5 March 2016 4 March 2016 Daily News and Analysis In Bharathiraja's second directorial venture Kizhakke Pogum Rail (1978), a character named "Mayil" and her husband "Chappani" are mentioned, which journalists interpreted as the 16 Vayathinile characters, making this the first attempt in Tamil cinema to launch a shared universe.சுகுமாறன் 14 March 2024 Cinematic Universe: தமிழில் முதன் முதலில் சினிமாட்டிக் யுனிவர்ஸ் எடுத்தவர் யார்? எப்படி தெரியுமா? https://tamil.abplive.com/entertainment/director-bharathiraja-cinematic-universe-16-vayathinile-kizhakke-pogum-rail-lcu-lokesh-kanagaraj-172542 live https://web.archive.org/web/20240314062921/https://tamil.abplive.com/entertainment/director-bharathiraja-cinematic-universe-16-vayathinile-kizhakke-pogum-rail-lcu-lokesh-kanagaraj-172542 14 March 2024 22 March 2024 ABP Nadu ta 16 Vayathinile was spoofed in Murattu Kaalai (2012) by Vivek, whose character Saroja is called "Mayil" by Cell Murugan's character (a veterinarian similar to Sathyajith's character in the film).Mannath Malini 17 June 2012 'Murattu Kaalai' (Tamil) http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/reviews/article544240.ece https://web.archive.org/web/20150524143540/http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/reviews/article544240.ece 24 May 2015 14 December 2013 The New Indian Express enRangarajan Malathi 16 June 2012 Murattu Kaalai – Not as raging ... http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/murattu-kaalai-not-as-raging/article3536437.ece https://web.archive.org/web/20160908041504/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/murattu-kaalai-not-as-raging/article3536437.ece 8 September 2016 24 May 2015 The Hindu In Sivaji: The Boss (2007), Vivek's character delivers one of Rajinikanth's catchphrases and concludes with "Idhu eppadi irukku?" (How’s this then?).Sivaji: The Boss 2007 motion picture ta AVM ProductionsJune 2026 The film's title and characters have inspired other film titles such as Parattai Engira Azhagu Sundaram (2007), Mayilu (2012)28 October 2012 Mayilu Movie Review http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movie-reviews/Mayilu/movie-review/17015816.cms dead https://web.archive.org/web/20121122185350/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movie-reviews/Mayilu/movie-review/17015816.cms 22 November 2012 20 May 2016 The Times of India en and 36 Vayadhinile (2015).Mishra Nivedita 20 March 2015 36 Vayathinile: Watch Jyothika's emotional journey to self discovery http://www.hindustantimes.com/regional/36-vayathinile-first-look-jyothika-is-back-and-how/article1-1328208.aspx dead https://web.archive.org/web/20150525054909/http://www.hindustantimes.com/regional/36-vayathinile-first-look-jyothika-is-back-and-how/article1-1328208.aspx 25 May 2015 25 May 2015 Hindustan Times en 16 Vayathinile was also used as the title of Bharathiraja's son Manoj's debut studio album.May 1999 Multi-talented Manoj http://www.newtamilfilms.com/news/archive/may1999.html usurped https://web.archive.org/web/20010306122607/http://www.newtamilfilms.com/news/archive/may1999.html 6 March 2001 22 March 2024 New Tamil Films Online en Notes exchange1977 The exchange rate in 1977 was 8.7386 Indian rupees () per 1 US dollar (US$) References Bibliography Khorana Sukhmani Crossover Cinema: Cross-Cultural Film from Production to Reception Routledge 2013 978-0-415-63092-4 en Nandy Ashis https://books.google.com/books?id=5-mFd5pfgNsC&q=vayadhinile&pg=PA209 The Secret Politics of Our Desires: Innocence, Culpability and Indian Popular Cinema Palgrave Macmillan 1998 1-85649-516-7 en Nayak Satyarth Satyarth Nayak Sridevi: The Eternal Screen Goddess Sridevi: The Eternal Screen Goddess Penguin Random House 2019 9789353056780 India en Rajadhyaksha Ashish Ashish Rajadhyaksha Encyclopaedia of Indian Cinema Willemen Paul Paul Willemen British Film Institute and Oxford University Press 1998 0-19-563579-5 en 1994 Ramachandran Naman Naman Ramachandran Rajinikanth: The Definitive Biography Rajinikanth: The Definitive Biography Penguin Books 2014 978-81-8475-796-5 2nd en 2012 Swaminathan Roopa Kamalahasan, the consummate actor Rupa & Co. 2003 9788129103031 en External links Category:1977 directorial debut films Category:1977 films Category:1977 Indian films Category:1977 romantic drama films Category:1977 Tamil-language films Category:Films directed by Bharathiraja Category:Films scored by Ilaiyaraaja Category:Films with screenplays by Bharathiraja Category:Indian nonlinear narrative films Category:Indian romantic drama films Category:Tamil films remade in other languages Category:Tamil-language Indian films Category:Tamil-language romantic drama films