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{{short description|1981 film by K. Bhagyaraj}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2025}}
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2025}}
{{Infobox film
| image = Mouna Geethangal.jpg
| caption = Poster
| director = [[K. Bhagyaraj]]
| writer = K. Bhagyaraj
| producer = K. Gobinathan
| starring = {{ubl|K. Bhagyaraj|[[Saritha]]}}
| cinematography = B. S. Basaviraj
| editing = T. Rajasekhar
| music = [[Gangai Amaran]]
| studio = Bhagavathi Creations
| released = {{film date|1981|1|23|df=y}}
| runtime = 148 minutes{{sfn|Dhananjayan|2011|p=54}}
| country = India
| language = Tamil
}}

'''''Mouna Geethangal''''' ({{translation|Silent Melodies}}) is a 1981 Indian [[Tamil language|Tamil]]-language [[romantic comedy]] [[Drama (film and television)|drama film]] written and directed by [[K. Bhagyaraj]]. The film stars Bhagyaraj himself alongside [[Saritha]], with S. Krishnamoorthy and [[Surya Kiran (director)|Master Suresh]] in supporting roles. It revolves around a man attempting to reconcile with his estranged ex-wife after five years.

The inspiration for the story came to Bhagyaraj from [[Jayakanthan]]'s short story ''Unmai Sudum'', and his own personal life. The film was produced by K. Gobinathan under Bhagavathi Creations, photographed by B. S. Basaviraj and edited by T. Rajasekhar, with music composed by [[Gangai Amaran]]. When the film was still under production, Bhagyaraj published the story as a [[Serial (literature)|serial]] in the magazine ''[[Kumudam]]''.

''Mouna Geethangal'' was released on 23 January 1981, and became a commercial success, running for over 25 weeks in theatres, and has been remade in several other Indian languages. The same year, it was remade in [[Hindi]] as ''[[Ek Hi Bhool]]'' and in [[Telugu language|Telugu]] as ''Sathyabhama''. In 1991 it was remade in [[Malayalam]] as ''Chanchattam'' and in 1993 in [[Kannada]] as ''[[Mane Devru]]''.

== Plot ==

A young woman and her son board a bus bound for [[Chennai|Madras]]. Another man later boards the same bus, and is shocked on seeing the woman and the boy.

In a flashback, the man (Raghunathan) and the woman (Suguna) appear for the same job interview. When Suguna learns that Raghu is more qualified than her and has better chances of getting selected, she poses as the manager of the organisation and tells Raghu that the vacancy is already filled, and he would be considered for a vacancy that is likely to arise after a week. Raghu believes her and leaves, and Suguna gets selected. Soon, Raghu lands at Suguna's house with gifts for her family members and pressurises Suguna to recommend his name for the vacancy she had discussed with him. Suguna gets worried and tries to avoid Raghu. Coincidentally, a vacancy arises and when an advertisement is released, Raghu attends the interview. Impressed with Raghu's qualifications and talents, the owner appoints him as the Assistant Manager. On joining duty, Raghu learns of Suguna's manipulation. Though initially angered, he gets attracted to her intelligence and falls in love with her. She returns his love and they marry.

After marriage, Suguna quits her job and becomes a housewife. She becomes possessive of Raghu and slightly insecure about his fidelity, vowing to commit suicide if he is ever unfaithful to her. Raghu leads a righteous life with her. He gets introduced to Suguna's friend Jaya, a widow, who seeks the couple's help to sort out an issue relating to her deceased husband's insurance claim. At Suguna's request, Raghu helps Jaya. Later when Raghu is going to Jaya's house, his clothes become soiled and he goes to a bathroom at Jaya's house to wash up. Jaya and Raghu end up having sex, but later regret it. Unable to cope with suppressing this fact from Suguna, Raghu comes home drunk. Raghu's behaviour makes Suguna suspicious and she discovers the truth. Devastated, she returns to her parents' house. Suguna's father says that her life should be with her husband, otherwise she should live on her own. Suguna files for and is granted divorce, later realising she is pregnant. She delivers a boy named Suresh and struggles with him.

In the present, set five years later, Suguna and Suresh travel to Madras by bus, and they meet Raghu. After reaching Madras, Suguna sees that Raghu is the new manager in her office. She tries to resign, but ultimately does not. Raghu tries to justify his predicament but Suguna continues to avoid him. He leases the house opposite Suguna's and tries to befriend Suresh, much to Suguna's annoyance. Suresh realises that Raghu is his father and bonds with him. Meanwhile, Suguna berates a colleague for inappropriate behaviour and he apologises, slowly comes closer to Suguna and she earns his trust. When Suguna learns that Raghu leaves office everyday to be with their son, she tries to threaten him. Raghu gives her 30 days to return to him, threatening to take a strong decision if she fails. During these 30 days, various incidents taking place in Suguna's life change her perception about men, specifically Raghu. Suguna learns that Raghu had been financially supporting her father.

Later, the colleague whom Suguna trusted boasts to the other employees about having an affair with Suguna. To "prove" it, he enacts a drama. He asks her to come to a lodge to take her son, who is believed to have been kidnapped, but locks her in the room. 15 minutes later, he goes out and pretends to have had sex with her. As a result, the entire office speaks ill of Suguna. She is devastated, but becomes pleasantly surprised when she overhears Raghu's comment on her character. Raghu says she is like fire as she would never allow anyone to touch her; if they did, she would burn them and herself. Raghu beats the colleague and forces him to openly confess to his plot. Suguna regrets misunderstanding Raghu and not forgiving him. She decides to return to Raghu, only to realise the 30-day deadline has ended, and he is remarrying. Suguna fails to stop the marriage and decides to commit suicide along with Suresh; he refuses and requests to live with his father. Before Suguna can commit suicide, however, she learns that the "remarriage" was merely an act. The family reunites.

== Cast ==
{{Cast listing|
* [[K. Bhagyaraj]] as Raghunathan<ref name="hindutamil" />
* [[Saritha]] as Suguna<ref name="hindutamil" />
* [[Kallapetti Singaram]] as Singaram
* S. Krishnamoorthy as the colleague<ref name="hindutamil" />
* T. S. Seshathiri as Suguna's father
* [[Kullamani]] as a peon
* Sivaraman as a co-passenger in bus
* [[Shanmugasundaram]]
* [[Senthil]]
* [[Surya Kiran (director)|Master Suresh]] as Suresh{{sfn|Dhananjayan|2011|p=54}}
* V. K. Padmini
* Meenakshi Paatti as Suguna's grandmother
* Gemini Rajeshwari as Maami
* [[Kovai Senthil]] as Senthil (uncredited role)
}}

== Production ==
The inspiration for the story of ''Mouna Geethangal'' came to [[K. Bhagyaraj]] from ''Unmai Sudum'', a short story by [[Jayakanthan]], and Bhagyaraj's own personal life. Bhagyaraj's then fiancé was possessive about him during their courtship days, and could not tolerate even small mistakes from him.{{sfn|Dhananjayan|2011|p=55}} In an interview with S. Shiva Kumar for ''[[Mid-Day]]'', Bhagyaraj said, "''Mouna Geethangal'' is a real story. It is something that happens to everybody or his neighbour".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Shiva Kumar |first=S. |date=2 January 1983 |title=Bhagyaraj: Playing the MGR role |url=https://ibb.co/s6GhRzn |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221114235356/https://ibb.co/s6GhRzn |archive-date=14 November 2022 |access-date=14 November 2022 |work=[[Sunday Mid-Day]] |pages=25}}</ref> Besides writing the script and directing, Bhagyaraj also starred as the lead actor. The film was produced by K. Gobinathan under Bhagavathi Creations, photographed by B. S. Basaviraj and edited by T. Rajasekhar.{{sfn|Dhananjayan|2011|p=54}} When the film was still under production, Bhagyaraj published the story as a [[Serial (literature)|serial]] in the magazine ''[[Kumudam]]''.<ref>{{Cite news |date=16 September 2004 |title=பழஞ்சோறு.....பழஞ்சோறு.....பழஞ்சோறு... |url=https://www.noolaham.net/project/22/2129/2129.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210424162707/https://www.noolaham.net/project/22/2129/2129.pdf |archive-date=24 April 2021 |access-date=24 April 2021 |work=Vaikarai |pages=13 |language=Ta}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Rajendran |first=Gopinath |date=29 September 2019 |title=Direction Dreams: Inexperienced directors are ruining the lives of producers |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/columns/2019/sep/29/direction-dreams-inexperienced-directors-are-ruining-the-lives-of-producers-14596.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115170416/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/columns/2019/sep/29/direction-dreams-inexperienced-directors-are-ruining-the-lives-of-producers-14596.html |archive-date=15 November 2020 |access-date=11 October 2019 |work=[[Cinema Express]]}}</ref>

== Soundtrack ==
The music was composed by [[Gangai Amaran]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mouna Geethangal Tamil Film EP Vinyl Record by Gangai Ameran |url=https://mossymart.com/product/mouna-geethangal-tamil-film-ep-vinyl-record-by-gangai-ameran/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210425174814/https://mossymart.com/product/mouna-geethangal-tamil-film-ep-vinyl-record-by-gangai-ameran/ |archive-date=25 April 2021 |access-date=25 April 2021 |website=Mossymart}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Mouna Geethangal (1981) |url=http://www.raaga.com/channels/tamil/moviedetail.asp?mid=t0000550 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130331085808/http://www.raaga.com/channels/tamil/moviedetail.asp?mid=t0000550 |archive-date=31 March 2013 |access-date=17 September 2013 |website=[[Raaga.com]]}}</ref> The song "Mookuthi Poo Melae" is set in [[Mayamalavagowla]] raga.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Mani |first=Charulatha |author-link=Charulatha Mani |date=11 November 2011 |title=A Raga's Journey – The magic of Mayamalavagowla |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/music/a-ragas-journey-the-magic-of-mayamalavagowla/article2618199.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115170416/https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/music/a-ragas-journey-the-magic-of-mayamalavagowla/article2618199.ece |archive-date=15 November 2020 |access-date=11 October 2019 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref>{{sfn|Sundararaman|2007|p=144}}

{{Track listing
| headline = Track listing
| extra_column = Singer(s)
| title1 = Mookuthi Poo Melae
| lyrics1 = [[Vaali (poet)|Vaali]]
| extra1 = [[K. J. Yesudas]], [[S. Janaki]]
| length1 = 4:51
| title2 = Daddy Daddy
| lyrics2 = [[Muthulingam (poet)|Muthulingam]]
| extra2 = [[Malaysia Vasudevan]], S. Janaki
| length2 = 4:02
| title3 = Mookuthi Poo Melae
| note3 = sad
| lyrics3 = Vaali
| extra3 = [[S. P. Balasubrahmanyam]]
| length3 = 4:37
| title4 = Masamo Margazhi Maasam
| lyrics4 = [[Kannadasan]]
| extra4 = Malaysia Vasudevan, S. Janaki
| length4 = 4:14
| total_length = 17:44 
}}

== Release and reception ==
''Mouna Geethangal'' was released on 23 January 1981.<ref name="hindutamil" /> On 8 February 1981, ''[[Ananda Vikatan]]'' gave the film an A rating, praising the screenplay and Bhagyaraj for integrating humour into the main story rather than making it a subplot. The reviewer also praised the lead actors for living through their roles.<ref>{{Cite web |date=8 February 1981 |title=மெளன கீதங்கள் |url=https://www.vikatan.com/arts/nostalgia/37166--2 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210426112915/https://www.vikatan.com/arts/nostalgia/37166--2 |archive-date=26 April 2021 |access-date=26 April 2021 |website=[[Ananda Vikatan]] |language=ta}}</ref> ''[[The Indian Express]]'' wrote, "''Mouna Geethangal'' is a different movie, good for a family audience".<ref>{{Cite news |date=15 August 1981 |title=Mouna Geethangal |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=lehLAAAAIBAJ&sjid=0I0DAAAAIBAJ&pg=5889%2C2899321 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240509101332/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=lehLAAAAIBAJ&sjid=0I0DAAAAIBAJ&pg=5889%2C2899321 |archive-date=9 May 2024 |access-date=28 May 2024 |work=[[New Straits Times]] |pages=19 |via=[[Google News Archive]]}}</ref> Nalini Sastry of ''[[Kalki (magazine)|Kalki]]'' praised Bhagyaraj's script, direction and acting while also praising the acting of Saritha and the child actor who she felt dominates everyone; she also praised the music, cinematography and editing.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=சாஸ்திரி |first=நளினி |date=8 March 1981 |title=மெளன கீதங்கள் |url=https://archive.org/details/kalki1981-03-08/page/n25/mode/2up? |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20231020114352/https://archive.org/details/kalki1981-03-08/page/n25/mode/2up? |archive-date=20 October 2023 |access-date=15 February 2024 |magazine=[[Kalki (magazine)|Kalki]] |page=24 |language=Ta |via=[[Internet Archive]]}}</ref> The film was a commercial success, running for over 25 weeks in Indian theatres.{{sfn|Dhananjayan|2011|p=56}} It was also successful in Malaysia, where it grossed almost $100,000 during its 43-day run in three theatres at Kuala Lumpur.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Vijiyan |first=K. |date=24 October 1981 |title=The problems of local Tamil film distributors |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=BWNPAAAAIBAJ&sjid=4I8DAAAAIBAJ&pg=2476%2C4975241 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405104904/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=BWNPAAAAIBAJ&sjid=4I8DAAAAIBAJ&pg=2476,4975241 |archive-date=5 April 2023 |access-date=26 April 2021 |work=[[New Straits Times]] |pages=18 |via=[[Google News Archive]]}}</ref>

== Remakes ==
''Mouna Geethangal'' was remade in [[Hindi]] as ''[[Ek Hi Bhool]]'' and in [[Telugu language|Telugu]] as ''Sathyabhama'', both released in 1981.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Pillai |first=Sreedhar |date=15 February 1984 |title=K. Bhagyaraj; The reigning king in the world of Madras film Hollywood |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/society-and-the-arts/films/story/19840215-k-bhagyaraj-the-reigning-king-in-the-world-of-madras-film-hollywood-802749-1984-02-14 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150312195641/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/k.-bhagyaraj-the-reigning-king-in-the-world-of-madras-film-hollywood/1/360453.html |archive-date=12 March 2015 |access-date=11 October 2019 |work=[[India Today]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sri |date=12 June 2010 |title=K.Bhaagya Raj – Chitchat |url=http://www.telugucinema.com/c/publish/stars/interview_bhagyaraj_2010_2.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101231103207/http://www.telugucinema.com/c/publish/stars/interview_bhagyaraj_2010_2.php |archive-date=31 December 2010 |access-date=25 April 2021 |website=[[Telugucinema.com]] |page=2}}</ref> In 1991 it was remade in [[Malayalam]] as ''Chanchattam'' and in 1993 in [[Kannada]] as ''[[Mane Devru]]''.{{sfn|Arunachalam|2020|pages=22–23}}

== References ==
<references>

<ref name="hindutamil">{{Cite news |last=ராம்ஜி |first=வி. |date=31 May 2020 |title='முந்தானை முடிச்சு' போலவே 'மெளன கீதங்கள்'; 'ஆல்டைம்' ஹிட்டடிக்கும் பாக்யராஜின் திரைக்கதை ஜாலம்! |url=https://www.hindutamil.in/news/blogs/557212-mouna-geethangal-remake.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030171748/https://www.hindutamil.in/news/blogs/557212-mouna-geethangal-remake.html |archive-date=30 October 2020 |access-date=24 April 2021 |work=[[Hindu Tamil Thisai]] |language=ta}}</ref>

</references>

== Bibliography ==
* {{Cite book |last=Arunachalam |first=Param |title=BollySwar: 1981–1990 |publisher=Mavrix Infotech |year=2020 |isbn=9788193848227}}
* {{Cite book |last=Dhananjayan |first=G. |author-link=G. Dhananjayan |title=The Best of Tamil Cinema, 1931 to 2010: 1977–2010 |publisher=Galatta Media |year=2011 |oclc=733724281}}
* {{Cite book |last=Sundararaman |title=Raga Chintamani: A Guide to Carnatic Ragas Through Tamil Film Music |publisher=Pichhamal Chintamani |year=2007 |edition=2nd |oclc=295034757 |orig-date=2005}}

== External links ==
* {{IMDb title}}
* {{Rotten Tomatoes}}

{{K. Bhagyaraj}}

{{Improve categories|date=April 2024}}

[[Category:1980s romantic comedy-drama films]]
[[Category:1981 Tamil-language films]]
[[Category:1981 comedy-drama films]]
[[Category:1981 films]]
[[Category:1981 Indian films]]
[[Category:1981 romantic comedy films]]
[[Category:Films about adultery in India]]
[[Category:Films directed by K. Bhagyaraj]]
[[Category:Films scored by Gangai Amaran]]
[[Category:Films set in Chennai]]
[[Category:Films with screenplays by K. Bhagyaraj]]
[[Category:Indian nonlinear narrative films]]
[[Category:Indian romantic comedy-drama films]]
[[Category:Tamil films remade in other languages]]
[[Category:Tamil-language comedy-drama films]]
[[Category:Tamil-language Indian films]]
[[Category:Tamil-language romantic comedy-drama films]]

Mouna Geethangal - Revision history

AnnaOgg388928: Creating The Stub More To Come...