Simla Special

Simla Special is a 1982 Indian Tamil-language comedy film directed by Muktha Srinivasan,[1] starring Kamal Haasan in the lead role. S. V. Shekher, Sripriya, Thengai Srinivasan, Y. G. Mahendran and Manorama appear in supporting roles. It was released on 14 April 1982.[2]

Simla Special
Theatrical release poster
Directed byMuktha Srinivasan
Written byVisu
Produced byMuktha V. Ramaswamy
Starring
CinematographyM. Karnan
Edited byV. P. Krishnan
C. R. Shanmugam
Music byM. S. Viswanathan
Production
company
Muktha Films
Release date
  • 14 April 1982 (1982-04-14)
CountryIndia
LanguageTamil

Plot

Gopu is a budding theatre artist. He and his close friend Babu own a popular troupe that performs low-budget comedy plays. To help Babu pay for his sister's wedding, they accept a commission to perform a set of plays for Tamilians in Simla. One of the plays is titled Simla Special and is written by Mahalakshmi.

While Kamal is in Simla, Babu receives a telegram intended for Gopu informing him of Gopu's mother being seriously ill. Fearing the loss of the money if they renege on the Simla commission, Babu keeps the information from Gopu. Gopu subsequently finds out about his mother's illness when a friend calls to tell him that her situation has worsened. However, for the sake of his friend's sister, he decides to continue acting. He also keeps the information to himself, thinking that if Babu knew, he'd insist that Gopu go back to be by his mother's side.

On the last day of their engagement, Gopu finds the telegram in Babu's coat pocket and realises his friend's deception. He breaks off his friendship with Babu — but is forced to stay for one last encore before he leaves. While he is performing, Babu receives a call that Gopu's mother has recovered. All is forgiven and the friends reunite.

Cast

Production

Kamal Haasan, besides acting as the male lead, also choreographed one song in the film: "Unakenna Mele Ninraai".[3] The film was prominently shot in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh.[4]

Soundtrack

Soundtrack was composed by M. S. Viswanathan, with lyrics by Vaali.[5] The song "Unakenna Mele" is set in Sindhu Bhairavi raga.[6][7]

Track listing
No.TitleSingersLength
1."Unakenna Mele Nindrai"S. P. Balasubrahmanyam4:48
2."Thanjavur Melam"S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, Malaysia Vasudevan4:55
3."Look Love Me Dear"S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, S. Janaki4:35
4."Kuthura Kuthulla"Malaysia Vasudevan, Manorama4:20
Total length:18:38

Reception

Kalki gave the film a mixed review, criticising the story, cinematography for not perfectly capturing Shimla but praised Shekher's acting.[8]

References
  1. "Muktha Srinivasan was a people's person". Cinema Express. 30 May 2018. Archived from the original on 25 November 2021. Retrieved 11 March 2021.
  2. "ஏப்ரல் 14ம் தேதியில் வெளியான திரைப்படங்கள்..." Screen4Screen (in Tamil). 14 April 2021. Archived from the original on 16 April 2021. Retrieved 21 October 2023.
  3. Rangan, Baradwaj (16 October 2014). "Enriching cinema, Kamal style". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 5 February 2017. Retrieved 4 February 2017.
  4. Das, Swairik (6 September 2014). "How Does Indian Cinema Influence the Travel and Tourism Industry in India?". Tour My India. Archived from the original on 26 November 2022. Retrieved 21 October 2023.
  5. "Simla Special (1982)". Raaga.com. Archived from the original on 3 December 2013. Retrieved 7 June 2020.
  6. "Ragas hit a high". The Hindu. 20 September 2013. Archived from the original on 26 December 2018. Retrieved 7 June 2020.
  7. "Light and melodious". The Hindu. 10 May 2013. Archived from the original on 23 July 2018. Retrieved 7 June 2020.
  8. "சிம்லா ஸ்பெஷல்". Kalki (in Tamil). 9 May 1982. p. 43. Archived from the original on 12 May 2023. Retrieved 12 May 2023.
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