1982 film by Manivannan
Gopurangal Saivathillai ( transl. Gopurams do not tilt) is a 1982 Indian Tamil-language film directed by Manivannan and produced by P. Kalaimani. The film stars Mohan, Suhasini and Radha, while S. Ve. Shekher and Vinu Chakravarthy play supporting roles. It revolves around a man who is forcibly married to a woman he deems unattractive, and later begins a relationship with another woman.
"Gopurangal Saivathillai" is the directorial debut of Manivannan who wrote the screenplay from Kalaimani's story. It was released on 15 October 1982. The film was remade in Telugu as "Mukku Pudaka" (1983) with Suhasini reprising her role; in Kannada as "Brahma Gantu" (1985); and in Hindi as "Naseeb Apna Apna" (1986). The film was also the inspiration behind two Tamil TV series: "Kasthuri" (2006) and "Sundari" (2021).
Plot.
Arukkani is an illiterate village girl, and her father is upset at having not been able to find her a suitable groom. One day, her father meets his old friend Bhoothalingam and shares his sadness with him; Bhoothalingam proposes that his son Murali marry her, and Arukkani's father accepts. Murali is a handsome, educated man and a successful sales manager. On hearing of his father's plans, he is excited to meet his future bride. However, on his wedding day, he is shocked to see Arukkani, whom he considers ugly. He only begrudgingly marries her. Murali continues to resent her deeply for the way she looks.
Later, Murali wins an award for the best salesperson of the year. During the award ceremony in Delhi, he meets and befriends a young stylish girl called Julie. He then takes a transfer through work to Bangalore, leaving behind his father and wife, and lives in Julie and her brother Stanley's house. They fall in love, marry, and start their life. Two months later, Murali gets a telegram that his mother is sick and rushes home to find that it was a ruse. His dad forces him to take Arukkani with him to Bangalore. Grudgingly, Murali brings her to Bangalore and purposefully loses her in the railway station. However, as a twist of fate, Julie's elder brother meets Arukkani and brings her to their house that night. Arukkani is shocked upon discovering the truth but keeps quiet on her husband's name to save Murali. Julie hires Arukkani as a stay-in maid until her supposed husband returns. She eventually transforms Arukkani into a brown-skinned beauty and somewhat civilized girl.
A month later, both Arukkani and Murali's fathers pay them a visit. Arukkani's father discovers the truth and is shocked to the core, but Arukkani convinces him not to reveal the truth to Murali's father, fearing for her husband's safety. Arukkani's father agrees with a heavy heart. He convinces Murali's father to leave at midnight so as to leave the couple at privacy. Both Murali and Stanley start to like Arukkani. Finally, Julie learns the truth and sends Murali away with Arukkani, keeping her own pregnancy a secret.
Production.
 is the directorial debut of Manivannan, and was initially titled "Arukkani".
Soundtrack.
The music was composed by Ilaiyaraaja.
Release and reception.
"Gopurangal Saivathillai" was released on 15 October 1982. "Kalki" appreciated the film for its story, Manivannan's direction and Suhasini's performance.
Other versions.
 was remade in Telugu as "Mukku Pudaka" (1983) with Suhasini reprising her role; in Kannada as "Brahma Gantu" (1985); and in Hindi as "Naseeb Apna Apna" (1986). The film was also the inspiration behind two Tamil TV series: "Kasthuri" (2006) and "Sundari" (2021).
References.
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