Minsara Kanna: Difference between revisions

What links here Related changes Page information Get shortened URL
Created by Flying Bee
Last edited March 14, 2026
← Older edit
VisualWikitext
UpdateBot (talk | contribs)
Bots
22,126 edits
No edit summary
reworked article for clarity per standard format
 
Line 1: Line 1:
{{short description|1999 film by K. S. Ravikumar}}
{{short description|1999 film by K. S. Ravikumar}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2015}}
{{Long plot|date=January 2026}}
{{Use Indian English|date=June 2023}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2023}}
{{Infobox film
{{Infobox film
| name          = Minsara Kanna
| image          = Minsara Kanna.jpg
| image          = Minsara Kanna.jpg
| caption        = Theatrical release poster
| caption        = Theatrical poster
| director      = [[K. S. Ravikumar]]
| director      = [[K. S. Ravikumar]]
| producer      = [[K. R. Gangadharan]]<br />Bhaumik Gondaliya
| screenplay    = K. S. Ravikumar
| writer        = K. S. Ravikumar
| story          = M. A. Kennedy
| story          = vijay
| producer      = [[K. R. Gangadharan]]
| starring      = [[Vijay (actor)|Vijay]]<br />[[Monica Castelino]]<br />[[Khushbu]]<br />[[Rambha (actress)|Rambha]]
| starring      = {{plainlist|
*[[Vijay (actor)|Vijay]]
*[[Khushbu Sundar|Khushbu]]
*[[Rambha (actress)|Rambha]]
*[[Monica Castelino|Monica]]
  }}
| cinematography = Ashok Rajan
| editing        = K. Thanigachalam
| music          = [[Deva (composer)|Deva]]
| music          = [[Deva (composer)|Deva]]
| cinematography = [[Ashok Rajan]]
| editing        = K. Thanigachalam
| studio        = K. R. G Movies International
| studio        = K. R. G Movies International
| released      = 9 September 1999
| released      = {{Film date|df=yes|1999|9|9}}
| runtime        = 159 minutes
| runtime        = 159 minutes
| country        = India
| country        = India
| language      = Tamil
| language      = Tamil
| gross          =
}}
}}


'''''Minsara Kanna''''' ({{translation|Electrifying man}}) is a 1999 Indian [[Tamil language|Tamil]]-language [[romantic comedy|drama]] film written and directed by [[K. S. Ravikumar]] (Ravi). The film stars [[Vijay (actor)|Vijay]], [[Monica Castelino]], [[Khushbu]] and [[Rambha (actress)|Rambha]], while an ensemble supporting cast includes [[Manivannan]], [[Mansoor Ali Khan (actor)|Mansoor Ali Khan]], [[R. Sundarrajan (director)|R. Sundarrajan]], [[Karan (actor)|Karan]] and [[Kovai Sarala]]. The film's title was derived from the song of the same name in ''[[Padayappa]]'', which was also directed by Ravikumar. The film saw Vijay and Rambha sharing the screen together for the third and final time after ''[[Ninaithen Vandhai]]'' (1998) and ''[[Endrendrum Kadhal]]'' (1999).
'''''Minsara Kanna''''' ({{translation|Electrifying darling}}) is a 1999 Indian [[Tamil language|Tamil]]-language [[romantic comedy]] film directed by [[K. S. Ravikumar]]. The film stars [[Vijay (actor)|Vijay]], [[Khushbu Sundar|Khushbu]], [[Rambha (actress)|Rambha]] and [[Monica Castelino|Monica]] in the lead roles, with [[Manivannan]], [[Karan (actor)|Karan]], [[R. Sundarrajan]] and [[Mansoor Ali Khan (actor)|Mansoor Ali Khan]] in supporting roles. The story is about how Vijay gets employed in Khushbu's house and develops romance towards Monica, Khushbu's sister.
 
''Minsara Kanna'' was shot mostly [[Ooty]], Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. The film has music composed by [[Deva (composer)|Deva]] and cinematography by Ashok Rajan. It was released on 9 September 1999 and failed at the box office but won the [[Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Audiographer]].


Kushboo appeared as one of the main lead actress of the film. The story is about how Vijay enters her house and developing his romance towards Monica, Kushboo's sister.<ref>[http://www.minsara-kanna.8m.com/ Minsara kanna Tamil Movie<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref>[http://www.cinesouth.com/cgi-bin/filmography/filmography.cgi?name=minsara%20kanna Filmography of minsara kanna<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> The music is composed by [[Deva (composer)|Deva]]. The film released on 9 September 1999 and became a commercial success at the box office.<ref name="India Today 2021">{{cite web | title=Master is blockbuster but can Vijay now step out of his comfort zone? | website=India Today | date=2021-01-16 | url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/master-is-blockbuster-but-can-vijay-now-step-out-of-his-comfort-zone-1759706-2021-01-16 | access-date=2021-05-03}}</ref>
== Plot ==
Indira Devi is a [[Misandry|misandrist]] business tycoon based in [[Ooty]]. She lives in a mansion with her assistant and [[Personal assistant|PA]] Priya. Indira Devi runs a garment business in which all of her employees are females, and even electricians are females. She has a strong dislike to the male gender due to a tragic past. Some of the women who work in her estates and houses are married but hide this from her.  She has a long-standing rivalry with Vedachalam, another businessman in the town, who end up swindling his own wealth and reputation to sabotage Indira Devi, due to his assistants foolishness.


==Plot==
The story shifts to Kasi, a young man who does any jobs that come to him for survival and cooks up a long story of trying to locate his father. He does so by naming individuals using city names to confuse the listener and irritate them. He does this once to the policemen who chase him for unknown reasons. Kasi ends up in Indira Devi's house to escape the police and in turn sees goons threatening Indira Devi for money. Kasi fights them and saves the ladies, which Indira doesn't bring herself to appreciate. Indeed, the goons are sent by Vedachalam and he is arrested. Priya takes an instant liking for Kasi. In a turn of events, Indira Devi has no choice but to appoint Kasi as her driver, something that astonishes the female staffs.
Indra Devi ([[Khushbu]]) is a rich and arrogant entrepreneur who lives in [[Udhagamandalam]]. She has a hatred for the opposite sex, which is such that she hires only female staff and refuses to allow men into her compound. Her staff includes her personal assistant Priya ([[Rambha (actress)|Rambha]]). One night, Kasi ([[Vijay (actor)|Vijay]]), while escaping from the police, enters into Indra's compound where he witnesses Indra and Priya cornered by goons who work for Indra's arch-rival Vedhachalam. Kasi subdues the goons and manages to convince Indra to make him as her bodyguard, thus becoming Indra's first male employee. Soon, Priya falls for Kasi, but the feeling is one-sided.


One day, Ishwarya ([[Monica Castelino]]), who is Indra's younger sister, arrives from [[Germany]], where she is pursuing her education. Ishwarya and Kasi hate each other and constantly play pranks and try to outsmart one another. Meanwhile, Indra, realising that her hatred for men has left her with no heir, decides to have Ishwarya marry Ashok, Vedhachalam's son. Vedhachalam agrees, with the intention to acquire all of Indra's wealth and properties. When Ashok goes to meet Ishwarya, he notices, to his shock, she and Kasi sharing a romantic moment. Ishwarya reveals that she had fallen in love with Kasi while in Germany and tells her story.
Indira's younger sister Ishwarya comes back from Germany after studies and is instantly at logger-heads with Kasi. Priya falls in love with Kasi. Once, a few goons stand on the compound wall and tease Ishwarya, prompting Indira Devi to consider a Gurkha. Kasi and the appointed Gurkha duel and Indira comes to a conclusion that both of them are equally strong. A young boy is then appointed as a helper in Indira Devi's household. Meanwhile, Vedachalam's son, Ashok is a friend of Ishwarya from Germany and is in love with her. Vedachalam plans to use Ashok to usurp Indira's wealth by marrying her sister Ishwarya to Ashok. He reaches Indira's house to talk about engagement but is chased away by Kasi. Ishwarya tells Indira that she is not in love with anyone, but Kasi doubts it. Later, a cook and his daughter are appointed in the house.  It then is revealed that Kasi's real name is Kannan, the cook is his father Devanathan, the Gurkha is his elder brother Krishna, the server boy is his younger brother Vetri, the cook's daughter is Kannan's sister Bhavana. They have come to Indira's house with a mission. Priya overhears this but Kasi's family tells a secret to her and she vows to help them.


Indra, who used to work in a garment factory, was in love with Indra Kumar, who refused to marry her after her face was disfigured in a fire accident. This incident made her hate men. Since then, she worked hard and became rich, and restored her face through [[plastic surgery]]. She also took care of and educated Ishwarya. On reaching adulthood, Ishwarya left for Germany to pursue higher studies, where she met Kasi, whose real name is Kannan, the son of industrialist Devanathan, and soon fell in love with him. In order to somehow convince Indra to get them married, Ishwarya and Kannan, along with Kannan's family, came to India. Kannan, Devanathan, Kannan's younger brother Vetri as well as Kannan's elder brother and younger sister took up work in Indra Devi's estate under the guise of bodyguard, cook, servant boy, security guard and servant maid respectively. Priya, on finding out about Kannan's love for Ishwarya, sacrificed her love and joined with Kannan and his family to help him and Ishwarya unite.
Kasi slowly becomes Indira's trustworthy person and is elevated to be appointed as the factory manager. Indira starts respecting him. Ishwarya once appoints a man to work in the factory and Indira throws him out, reprimanding Ishwarya. As part of the plan, Kasi and Priya do a romantic dance infuriating Indira who fires them both. Before leaving, Kasi makes Indira to realise the importance of men and women being together and how the society wrongly see single women, even if they are clean. Indira thinks about it and plans to arrange Ishwarya's wedding with Ashok. An overwhelmed Ashok runs to meet Ishwarya but is shocked to see her with Kasi aka Kannan instead. Considering Ashok as her best friend, Ishwarya tells Ashok about herself and Kannan. Kannan hails from a rich family and is from Germany as well. He gets acquainted with Ishwarya and they fall in love. Ishwarya tries to commit suicide as she cannot live without Kannan nor live with him. When asked, she reveals about Indira Devi and her lover Indra Kumar.


In the present day, Ashok, on hearing Ishwarya's story, decides to sacrifice his love. However, Indra is firm on getting Ishwarya and Ashok married. When she finds out the real reason for Kannan's presence in her house, she throws him and his family out and forcibly tries to get Ishwarya married to Ashok. But Ashok calls off the wedding and leaves the place with Vedhachalam, who reluctantly accepts his son's decision. Indra, in a fit of rage, attempts suicide, but is stopped by Kannan, who says that Ishwarya will die of guilt if she loses her for him. Kannan and his family decide to return to Germany, unsuccessful in their mission.
Indira worked as a tailor and lived in a hut with Ishwarya. Once, the hut catches fire and Indira, is unable to leave the hut as she becomes naked after her clothes catch fire. When men refuse to leave the premises due to them putting out fire, Indira gets trapped and her face is scarred due to the fire. She is recused and is refused by her lover who marries another woman, revealing that Indra Kumar only loved her beauty. Indira gets a great dislike for males after these incident and witnessing Ishwarya begging for food and shunned by men. She starts a feminist movement with her tailoring business and grows big in business. Ishwarya says that her sister would never approve her relationship and she too cannot oppose her sister. The family then plan to change Indira's mind. Ashok, having learnt of Kannan-Ishwarya true love, sacrifices his love, wishing them luck.


However, when Kannan and his family reach their home in Germany, they are in for a surprise; Indra and Ishwarya both are present. Indra, who has had a change of heart, wholeheartedly accepts Kannan's and Ishwarya's relationship and unites them. Indra Kumar too is present next to Indra, implying that Indra has forgiven him and they are both reunited.
Things take a turn when a woman, whose photo Devanathan had used to fool Indira as his deceased wife, is spotted by Indira. Kannan's plans are revealed and the group is arrested. Indira learns of Ishwarya's love and forces her marriage with Ashok. A fight between the Kannan, Krishna, Devanathan with Vedachalam's henchmen ensues. Indira threatens Ishwarya with her life, and Ishwarya locks herself in a room. Kannan gives up after Devanathan accuses Ishwarya of struggling between her love for Indira and Kannan. Ishwarya then tries to commit suicide. Kannan sings the love song, 'Unn Per Solla Aasai Thaan', prompting Ishwarya to come running towards Kannan, pushing Indira aside. Indira, disappointed, tries to commit suicide but Kannan saves her. He leaves Ishwarya with Indira. Learning of the true love between them, Indira goes to Germany with Ishwarya, ahead of Kannan's family and waits for them. Indra Kumar and Indira unite. Kannan and Ishwarya reunite as well.


==Cast==
== Cast ==
{{colbegin}}
{{Cast listing|
*[[Vijay (actor)|Vijay]] as Kannan (Kasi)
*[[Vijay (actor)|Vijay]] as Kannan (Kasi)
*[[Monica Castelino]] as Ishwarya
*[[Khushbu Sundar|Khushbu]] as Indra Devi
*[[Khushbu]] as Indra Devi
*[[Rambha (actress)|Rambha]] as Priya
*[[Rambha (actress)|Rambha]] as Priya
*[[Monica Castelino|Monica]] as Ishwarya
*[[Manivannan]] as Devanathan
*[[Manivannan]] as Devanathan
*[[Karan (actor)|Karan]] as Ashok, Vedhachalam's son
*[[Karan (actor)|Karan]] as Ashok
*[[R. Sundarrajan]] as [[Sub-inspector]] Shiva Kumar
*[[Mansoor Ali Khan (actor)|Mansoor Ali Khan]] as Vedhachalam
*[[Mansoor Ali Khan (actor)|Mansoor Ali Khan]] as Vedhachalam
*[[R. Sundarrajan (director)|R. Sundarrajan]] as Police inspector Shiva Kumar
*[[Anu Mohan (Tamil actor)|Anu Mohan]] as Police constable Vijay
*[[Manobala]] as Vedhachalam's henchman
*[[Manobala]] as Vedhachalam's henchman
*[[Anu Mohan (Tamil actor)|Anu Mohan]] as Police [[Constable]] Vijay
*Chandrakanth as Kannan's brother
*Bhavana as Kannan's sister
*Tharun Kumar as Indra Kumar
*[[Madhan Bob]] as Vedhachalam's henchman
*[[Madhan Bob]] as Vedhachalam's henchman
*[[Mahendran (actor)|Master Mahendran]] as Vetri
*[[Mahendran (actor)|Master Mahendran]] as Vetri
*B. H. Tharun Kumar as Indra Kumar
*[[Kovai Sarala]] as a Flower seller
*Bhavana as Kannan's sister
*[[Muthukaalai]] as a Bystander
*[[Muthukaalai]] as a Bystander
*[[Crane Manohar]] as Police constable
*[[Crane Manohar]] as Police constable
*[[Kovai Sarala]] as a flower seller
*[[C. R. Saraswathi]] as a Indra Devi's factory worker
*[[K. S. Ravikumar]] as Mahendran (Guest appearance)
*[[K. S. Ravikumar]] as Mahendran (Guest appearance)
{{colend}}
}}


==Production==
== Production ==
Following the success of ''[[Padayappa]]'' (1999), producer [[K. R. Gangadharan]] signed on [[K. S. Ravikumar]] to direct a film and was insistent that the title should be ''Minsara Kanna'', after the popular song from Ravikumar's earlier film. The story and script of the film was then  subsequently worked on by Ravikumar and co-written by M. A. Kennedy, who had previously worked in the film ''[[Pistha]]''.<ref>[http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/fr/2004/07/02/stories/2004070201930500.htm The Hindu : Waiting for a win<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> The film was launched at the Kavithalaya Studio, with Rajinikanth, Vijay, Ravikumar and K. Balachandar attending the inaugural event and the filming began in April 1999. The film saw the first and only collaboration to date between [[K. S. Ravikumar]] and [[Vijay (actor)|Vijay]], with the actor mentioning he was delighted with the pace and commitment that the director injected into production.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://biphome.spray.se/jeyam/vijai-in.htm |title=dinakaran<!-- Bot generated title --> |access-date=28 December 2011 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120709073540/http://biphome.spray.se/jeyam/vijai-in.htm |archive-date=9 July 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
The story and dialogue of ''Minsara Kanna'' were written by M. A. Kennedy, and the screenplay by director [[K. S. Ravikumar]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2 July 2004 |title=On a different track |url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/fr/2004/07/02/stories/2004070201930500.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040815004028/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/fr/2004/07/02/stories/2004070201930500.htm |archive-date=15 August 2004 |access-date=28 December 2011 |website=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=3 May 1999 |title="Minsaara Kaannaa"! |url=http://www.dinakaran.com/cinema/english/cinenews/03-05-99/vijai.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041116232028/http://www.dinakaran.com/cinema/english/cinenews/03-05-99/vijai.htm |archive-date=16 November 2004 |access-date=12 January 2022 |website=[[Dinakaran]]}}</ref> The film's title was derived from a song from Ravikumar's previous directorial ''[[Padayappa]]'' (1999).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rajitha |date=26 July 1999 |title=Ramya on a roll |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/1999/jul/26ss.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231027145813/https://www.rediff.com/movies/1999/jul/26ss.htm |archive-date=27 October 2023 |access-date=7 April 2025 |website=[[Rediff.com]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Priya |date=11 May 2024 |title=படையப்பா படத்தில் நடிக்க ஆசைப்பட்ட தளபதி..! ஆனாலும் நிறைவேறிய கனவு..! |url=https://news4tamil.com/interesting-facts-about-the-movie-minsara-kanna-movie/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250613035006/https://news4tamil.com/interesting-facts-about-the-movie-minsara-kanna-movie/ |archive-date=13 June 2025 |access-date=13 June 2025 |website=News4 Tamil |language=Ta}}</ref> It remains the only collaboration to date between Ravikumar and [[Vijay (actor)|Vijay]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=11 May 2022 |title=Director KS Ravikumar Opens Up About Missing Opportunity to Work With Vijay |url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/director-ks-ravikumar-opens-up-about-missing-opportunity-to-work-with-vijay-5155861.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220620163920/https://www.news18.com/news/movies/director-ks-ravikumar-opens-up-about-missing-opportunity-to-work-with-vijay-5155861.html |archive-date=20 June 2022 |access-date=15 June 2023 |website=[[News18]]}}</ref> with the actor mentioning he was delighted with the pace and commitment that the director injected into production.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Vijai's Exclusive Interview (Part&nbsp;– 1) |url=http://biphome.spray.se/jeyam/vijai-in.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120709073540/http://biphome.spray.se/jeyam/vijai-in.htm |archive-date=9 July 2012 |access-date=28 December 2011 |website=[[Dinakaran]]}}</ref> [[Priya Gill]] was initially approached,<ref name=":0" /> before debutant [[Monica Castelino]] got the opportunity to feature.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rajitha |date=4 November 1999 |title=Love makes the filmi world go round |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/1999/nov/04spice.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130518113054/http://www.rediff.com/movies/1999/nov/04spice.htm |archive-date=18 May 2013 |access-date=28 December 2011 |website=[[Rediff.com]]}}</ref> This was one of the last film roles of child actress Bhavana, who later shifted to television.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Subramanian |first=Anupama |date=13 July 2001 |title=Bhawana: "I cannot forget those days" |url=http://www.screenindia.com/20010713/rtam2.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011006200631/http://www.screenindia.com/20010713/rtam2.html |archive-date=6 October 2001 |access-date=18 November 2020 |website=[[Screen (magazine)|Screen]]}}</ref> Shooting took place in locations including [[Ooty]],<ref name=":1" /> Austria, Germany,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Minsara Kanaa |url=http://sify.com/movies/tamil/preview.php?ctid=5&cid=2423&id=6007179 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050107144158/http://sify.com/movies/tamil/preview.php?ctid=5&cid=2423&id=6007179 |archive-date=7 January 2005 |access-date=17 October 2023 |website=[[Sify]]}}</ref> and Switzerland; a few scenes were shot in the [[Alps]] area.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Aishwarya |first=S. |date=19 July 2010 |title=Beckoning Indian film-makers |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/Beckoning-Indian-film-makers/article16201753.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230615070921/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/Beckoning-Indian-film-makers/article16201753.ece |archive-date=15 June 2023 |access-date=15 June 2023 |website=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref>


It was initially reported that Vijay would play a dual role but this proved to be untrue. For the female lead role, [[Simran (actress)|Simran]] was approached by Vijay, but the actress refused the offer due to the role has not much importance than the second lead and the antagonist which is played by [[Khushbu]]. [[Priya Gill]] was approached before debutant [[Monica Castelino]] got the opportunity to feature.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dinakaran.com/cinema/english/cinenews/03-05-99/vijai.htm |title=Archived copy |website=www.dinakaran.com |access-date=12 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041116232028/http://www.dinakaran.com/cinema/english/cinenews/03-05-99/vijai.htm |archive-date=16 November 2004 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Furthermore, [[Roja (actress)|Roja]] was supposed to play the second lead in the film before [[Rambha (actress)|Rambha]] was confirmed. Actress Bhawana was signed on to play Vijay's sister in the film.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.screenindia.com/20010713/rtam2.html|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20011006200631/http://www.screenindia.com/20010713/rtam2.html|archive-date = 6 October 2001|title = Entertainment News: Latest Bollywood & Hollywood News, Today's Entertainment News Headlines}}</ref>
== Soundtrack ==
The soundtrack was composed by [[Deva (composer)|Deva]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Minsara Kanna (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) – EP |url=https://music.apple.com/ee/album/minsara-kanna-original-motion-picture-soundtrack-ep/1729621366 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/YJVYd |archive-date=14 March 2026 |access-date=14 March 2026 |website=[[Apple Music]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Minsara Kanna |url=https://avdigital.in/products/minsara-kanna |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230615073319/https://avdigital.in/products/minsara-kanna |archive-date=15 June 2023 |access-date=15 June 2023 |website=AVDigital}}</ref> The song "Un Per Solla" attained popularity.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2021-03-31 |title=Happy Birthday Sujatha Mohan: Five melodious songs of the expert singer |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/music/happy-birthday-sujatha-mohan-five-melodious-songs-of-the-expert-singer/photostory/81776899.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250613040931/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/music/happy-birthday-sujatha-mohan-five-melodious-songs-of-the-expert-singer/photostory/81776899.cms |archive-date=13 June 2025 |access-date=13 June 2025 |work=[[The Times of India]] |language=en}}</ref>


Shooting took place in and around [[Ooty]], [[East Coast Road|ECR]] area in [[Chennai]] and some scenes were shot predominantly in [[Germany]] where other few scenes were shot in [[Interlaken]] which is located in [[Switzerland]], with two songs being canned in the [[Alps]] area.<ref>[http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Chennai/article522276.ece The Hindu : Cities / Chennai : Beckoning Indian film-makers<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref>[http://www.rediff.com/movies/1999/nov/04spice.htm Rediff On The NeT, Movies: Gossip from the southern film industry<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
{{Track listing
 
| headline      = Track listing
==Soundtrack==
| extra_column  = Singer(s)
{{Infobox album
| title1        = Oodha Oodha
| name         = Minsara Kanna
| length1      = 5:56
| type        = [[Soundtrack]]
| lyrics1      = [[Vaali (poet)|Vaali]]
| artist       = [[Deva (composer)|Deva]]
| extra1        = [[Hariharan (singer)|Hariharan]], [[Harini (singer)|Harini]]
| cover       =  
| title2        = Boy Frienda
| alt          =  
| length2      = 5:16
| released    = 1999
| lyrics2      = Vaali
| recorded    =  
| extra2        = [[Mano (singer)|Mano]], [[Sujatha Mohan]]
| venue       =  
| title3        = Un Per Solla
| studio      =  
| note3         = solo
| genre        = [[Film soundtrack|Feature film soundtrack]]
| length3      = 2:11
| length       =  
| lyrics3       = Kalaikumar
| label       = [[Pyramid Saimira|Pyramid]]<br />Bayshore<br />[[Sa Re Ga Ma]]
| extra3        = Sujatha Mohan
| producer    =  
| title4       = Un Per Solla
| prev_title  = [[Nenjinile]]
| note4        = duet
| prev_year    = 1999
| length4      = 5:09
| next_title  = [[Kushi (2000 film)|Khushi]]
| lyrics4      = Kalaikumar
| next_year    = 2000
| extra4       = Hariharan, Sujatha Mohan
| title5        = Theemukka
| length5      = 5:04
| lyrics5       = Vaali
| extra5       = [[S. P. Balasubrahmanyam]],    [[K. S. Chithra]]
| title6        = Oh Uncle
| length6      = 5:26
| lyrics6      = [[Na. Muthukumar]]
| extra6        = Mano
| total_length  = 29:02<!-- Automatically generated with User:JPxG/TrackSum.js -->
}}
}}


The soundtrack of the film was composed by [[Deva (composer)|Deva]], was well received by the audience. The lyrics were written by [[Vaali (poet)|Vaali]], Kalaikumar, [[Na. Muthukumar]].
== Release ==
''Minsara Kanna'' was released on 9 September 1999.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Minsara Kanna |url=http://www.minsara-kanna.8m.com/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426075327/http://www.minsara-kanna.8m.com/ |archive-date=26 April 2012 |access-date=28 December 2011 |website=minsara-kanna.8m.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Minsara Kanna ( 1999 ) |url=http://www.cinesouth.com/cgi-bin/filmography/allCast.cgi?id=2226 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031103041513/http://www.cinesouth.com/cgi-bin/filmography/allCast.cgi?id=2226 |archive-date=3 November 2003 |access-date=15 June 2023 |website=Cinesouth}}</ref> According to Ravikumar, the film underperformed at the box office, potentially due to the successful run of ''Padayappa''.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvlFFK9jvL4 |title=Maathevan {{!}} KS Ravikumar {{!}} Rajinikanth {{!}} Kadhaiyadal {{!}} Pt 2 |date=18 July 2021 |language=Ta |publisher=Cineulagam |time=0:45 to 0:50 |time-caption=From |at=0:42 to 0:50 |access-date=15 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230615072632/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvlFFK9jvL4 |archive-date=15 June 2023 |url-status=live |via=[[YouTube]]}}</ref> Despite this, audiographer G. Ravi won the [[Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Audiographer]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 December 2000 |title=Awards: Tamilnadu Government Announces Cinema State Awards -1999 |url=http://www.dinakaran.com/cinema/english/awards/29-12-00/state.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080622010121/http://www.dinakaran.com/cinema/english/awards/29-12-00/state.htm |archive-date=22 June 2008 |access-date=15 August 2023 |website=[[Dinakaran]]}}</ref>


{| class="wikitable"
== Critical reception ==
![[Song]] !! [[Singers]] !! Lyrics
''[[The New Indian Express]]'' criticised Vijay's performance, saying comedy was not "his cup of tea" and that the "film drags on aimlessly" but praised Deva's soundtrack.<ref>{{Cite news |date=10 October 1999 |title=Music is all |url=http://www.cscsarchive.org:8081/MediaArchive/art.nsf/%28docid%29/3D74E60B82C3CC9D65256940006200D5?OpenDocument |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080408084550/http://www.cscsarchive.org:8081/MediaArchive/art.nsf/(docid)/3D74E60B82C3CC9D65256940006200D5?OpenDocument |archive-date=8 April 2008 |access-date=15 June 2023 |work=[[The New Indian Express]]}}</ref> ''[[Sify]]'' criticised the film's lack of originality, noting its similarities to ''[[Jodi (1999 film)|Jodi]]'' and ''[[Poovellam Kettuppar]]'', and added, "The only good thing about ''Minsara Kanna'' is that it offers some new twists and turns that will definitely retain viewer interest".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Minsara Kanna |url=http://sify.com/movies/tamil/review.php?id=6007183&ctid=5&cid=2429 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041229090553/http://sify.com/movies/tamil/review.php?id=6007183&ctid=5&cid=2429 |archive-date=29 December 2004 |access-date=13 June 2025 |website=[[Sify]]}}</ref> ''[[Deccan Herald]]'' also gave the film a negative review saying that Vijay "is painful to watch and even worse to listen to", and labelled the film "an exercise in how to waste a good movie".<ref>{{Cite web |date=10 October 1999 |title=Minsara Kanna (Tamil) |url=http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/oct10/entrevs.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19991127081718/http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/oct10/entrevs.htm |archive-date=27 November 1999 |access-date=7 November 2018 |website=[[Deccan Herald]]}}</ref> ''[[Ananda Vikatan]]'' rated the film 37 out of 100.<ref>{{Cite web |last=சார்லஸ் |first=தேவன் |date=22 June 2021 |title=பீஸ்ட் : 'நாளைய தீர்ப்பு' டு 'மாஸ்டர்'... விஜய்க்கு விகடனின் மார்க்கும், விமர்சனமும் என்ன? #Beast |url=https://cinema.vikatan.com/tamil-cinema/how-vijay-movies-scored-in-vikatan-reviews |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211008100344/https://cinema.vikatan.com/amp/story/tamil-cinema/how-vijay-movies-scored-in-vikatan-reviews |archive-date=8 October 2021 |website=[[Ananda Vikatan]] |language=ta |access-date=23 December 2021 }}</ref>
|----
|Oodha Oodha
|[[Hariharan (singer)|Hariharan]], [[Harini (singer)|Harini]]
|[[Vaali (poet)|Vaali]]
|-
|Boy Frienda
|[[Mano (singer)|Mano]], [[Sujatha Mohan]]
|[[Vaali (poet)|Vaali]]
|-
|Un Per Solla
|[[Sujatha Mohan]]
|Kalaikumar
|-
|Un Per Solla (duet)
|[[Hariharan (singer)|Hariharan]], [[Sujatha Mohan]]
|Kalaikumar
|-
|Theemukka
|[[S. P. Balasubrahmanyam]], [[K. S. Chithra|Chitra]]
|[[Vaali (poet)|Vaali]]
|-
|Oh Uncle
|[[Mano (singer)|Mano]]
|[[Na. Muthukumar]]
|-
|}


==Release==
Aurangazeb of ''[[Kalki (magazine)|Kalki]]'' panned the lengthy dialogues, poor flashback and performance of Vijay but praised the acting of the other actors, calling them as relief as they overshadow Vijay's acting.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=ஒளரங்கஜீப் |date=3 October 1999 |title=மின்சார கண்ணா |url=https://archive.org/details/kalki1999-10-03/page/88/mode/2up |access-date=14 June 2023 |magazine=[[Kalki (magazine)|Kalki]] |page=89 |language=Ta |via=[[Internet Archive]]}}</ref> D. S. Ramanujam of ''[[The Hindu]]'' wrote, "Humour and veiled innuendos are second nature to director K. S. Ravikumar, who schemes bountiful fun-filled situations with his screenplay based on M. A. Kennedy's weather-beaten story of taming a rich woman, who hates men". He also lauded Ashok Rajan's cinematography.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ramanujam |first=D. S. |date=17 September 1999 |title=Film Reviews: Minsara Kanna \ Pooparikka Varukirom \ Jodi |url=http://www.indiaserver.com/thehindu/1999/09/17/stories/09170223.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010413133154/http://www.indiaserver.com/thehindu/1999/09/17/stories/09170223.htm |archive-date=13 April 2001 |access-date=15 March 2024 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> K. N. Vijiyan of ''[[New Straits Times]]'' wrote, "Humour and the way Ravikumar narrates his story save this movie from being just another ordinary love story. Go for it for a fun time".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Vijiyan |first=K. N. |date=20 September 1999 |title=Vijay triumphs in fun love tale |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=PqdjAAAAIBAJ&sjid=pxQEAAAAIBAJ&pg=3932%2C1181556 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240621144041/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=PqdjAAAAIBAJ&sjid=pxQEAAAAIBAJ&pg=3932%2C1181556 |archive-date=21 June 2024 |access-date=15 March 2024 |work=[[New Straits Times]] |pages=Arts 4 |via=[[Google News Archive]]}}</ref>
The film released on 9 September 1999. The film opened to average reviews, with the critic of Indolink.com claiming the film "jogs along easily before becoming enmeshed in sentiments and cinematic cliches which make the last part of the movie all but watchable".<ref>[http://www.indolink.com/tamil/cinema/Reviews/articles/Minsaraa_Kanna_16184.html Minsaraa Kanna: Movie Review<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> [[The New Indian Express]] criticized Vijay's performance claiming "greatest actor", and that "film drags on aimlessly" though praised Deva's soundtrack.<ref>[http://www.cscsarchive.org:8081/MediaArchive/art.nsf/(docid)/3D74E60B82C3CC9D65256940006200D5 Film Review – The New Indian Express<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> ''[[Deccan Herald]]'' also gave the film a negative review labelling that Vijay "is painful to watch and even worse to listen to", labelling it is "an exercise in how to waste a good movie".<ref>{{cite web |title=Minsara Kanna (Tamil) |url=http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/oct10/entrevs.htm |work=Deccan Herald |access-date=7 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19991127081718/http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/oct10/entrevs.htm |archive-date=27 November 1999 |date=10 October 1999}}</ref> ''[[Ananda Vikatan]]'' rated the film 37 out of 100.<ref>{{Cite web |last=சார்லஸ் |first=தேவன் |date=22 June 2021 |title=பீஸ்ட் : 'நாளைய தீர்ப்பு' டு 'மாஸ்டர்'... விஜய்க்கு விகடனின் மார்க்கும், விமர்சனமும் என்ன? #Beast |url=https://cinema.vikatan.com/tamil-cinema/how-vijay-movies-scored-in-vikatan-reviews |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211008100344/https://cinema.vikatan.com/amp/story/tamil-cinema/how-vijay-movies-scored-in-vikatan-reviews |archive-date=8 October 2021 |access-date=7 December 2021 |website=[[Ananda Vikatan]] |language=ta}}</ref>


Post-release, the film garnered attention after video recording equipment was found at Suriyan Theatre in Chennai which had been showing the film. The equipment was found out to be a unit of a group known as Saravanas Video, who had been hired by a TV production company owned by director [[K. Balachander]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tamilstar.com/topnews/minsarak.shtml |title=Archived copy |website=www.tamilstar.com |access-date=12 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000818181527/http://www.tamilstar.com/topnews/minsarak.shtml |archive-date=18 August 2000 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Vijay's father [[S. Chandrasekhar]] intervened, seized the equipment and alleged that Balachander was potentially involved in piracy activities. Balachander subsequently stepped down as president from the trade union body [[FEFSI]], complaining that he was being harassed by Chandrasekhar. As a result, members of the film industry threatened to ban Vijay and Chandrasekhar from working on Tamil films.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tamilstar.com/topnews/cover.shtml |title=Archived copy |website=www.tamilstar.com |access-date=12 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000818181456/http://www.tamilstar.com/topnews/cover.shtml |archive-date=18 August 2000 |url-status=dead}}</ref> During the unofficial ban, actor [[Ajith Kumar]] notably spoke out in favour of Vijay.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tamilstar.com/topnews/ajith3.shtml |title=Archived copy |website=www.tamilstar.com |access-date=12 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000818181421/http://www.tamilstar.com/topnews/ajith3.shtml |archive-date=18 August 2000 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The parties later reconciled and Balachander withdrew his resignation.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tamilstar.com/topnews/cover2.shtml |title=Archived copy |website=www.tamilstar.com |access-date=12 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000818181435/http://www.tamilstar.com/topnews/cover2.shtml |archive-date=18 August 2000 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
== Post-release ==
Post-release, ''Minsara Kanna'' garnered attention after video recording equipment was found at Suriyan Theatre in Chennai which had been showing the film. The equipment was found out to be a unit of a group known as Saravanas Video, who had been hired by a TV production company owned by [[K. Balachander]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Shocking but is it true? |url=http://www.tamilstar.com/topnews/minsarak.shtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000818181527/http://www.tamilstar.com/topnews/minsarak.shtml |archive-date=18 August 2000 |access-date=12 January 2022 |website=Tamil Star Online}}</ref> Vijay's father [[S. A. Chandrasekhar]] intervened, seized the equipment and alleged that Balachander was potentially involved in piracy activities. Balachander subsequently stepped down as president from the [[Film Employees Federation of South India]] (FEFSI), complaining that he was being harassed by Chandrasekhar. As a result, members of the film industry threatened to ban Vijay and Chandrasekhar from working on Tamil films.<ref>{{Cite web |title=A cover-up operation? |url=http://www.tamilstar.com/topnews/cover.shtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000818181456/http://www.tamilstar.com/topnews/cover.shtml |archive-date=18 August 2000 |access-date=12 January 2022 |website=Tamil Star Online}}</ref> During the unofficial ban, actor [[Ajith Kumar]] notably spoke out in favour of Vijay.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catch Ajith privately |url=http://www.tamilstar.com/topnews/ajith3.shtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000818181421/http://www.tamilstar.com/topnews/ajith3.shtml |archive-date=18 August 2000 |access-date=12 January 2022 |website=Tamil Star Online}}</ref> The parties later reconciled and Balachander withdrew his resignation.<ref>{{Cite web |title=An end to the war |url=http://www.tamilstar.com/topnews/cover2.shtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000818181435/http://www.tamilstar.com/topnews/cover2.shtml |archive-date=18 August 2000 |access-date=12 January 2022 |website=Tamil Star Online}}</ref>


In February 2020, producer [[P. L. Thenappan]], who had bought the film's rights from [[K. R. Gangadharan]], announced plans to sue the makers of the Korean film ''[[Parasite (2019 film)|Parasite]]'' for plagiarism.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/producer-claims-bong-joon-hos-parasite-plagiarised-its-story-from-tamil-film-minsara-kanna-starring-vijay-8046971.html | title=Producer claims Bong Joon Ho's Parasite plagiarised its story from Tamil film Minsara Kanna starring Vijay-Entertainment News , Firstpost | date=16 February 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/parasite-plagiarism-row-minsara-kanna-producer-pl-thenappan-sends-intimation-mail-1647884-2020-02-19 | title=Parasite plagiarism row: Minsara Kanna producer PL Thenappan sends intimation mail }}</ref>
In February 2020, after the South Korean film ''[[Parasite (2019 film)|Parasite]]'' (2019) won the [[Academy Award for Best Picture]], netizens felt its story resembled that of ''Minsara Kanna''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Yadav |first=Nitesh |date=11 February 2020 |title=Tamil star Vijay's fans claim Oscar winner Parasite is inspired from his film |url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/entertainment/regional-cinema/vijay-fans-claim-oscar-2020-winner-parasite-is-inspired-from-his-tamil-film-588000 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250407163035/https://www.indiatvnews.com/entertainment/regional-cinema/vijay-fans-claim-oscar-2020-winner-parasite-is-inspired-from-his-tamil-film-588000 |archive-date=7 April 2025 |access-date=7 April 2025 |website=[[India TV]] |language=en}}</ref> Subsequently, producer [[P. L. Thenappan]], who bought the rights of ''Minsara Kanna'' from [[K. R. Gangadharan]], announced his plans to sue the makers of ''Parasite'' for plagiarism.<ref>{{Cite web |date=16 February 2020 |title=Producer claims Bong Joon Ho's Parasite plagiarised its story from Tamil film Minsara Kanna starring Vijay |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/producer-claims-bong-joon-hos-parasite-plagiarised-its-story-from-tamil-film-minsara-kanna-starring-vijay-8046971.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220610221332/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/producer-claims-bong-joon-hos-parasite-plagiarised-its-story-from-tamil-film-minsara-kanna-starring-vijay-8046971.html |archive-date=10 June 2022 |access-date=10 June 2022 |website=[[Firstpost]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=19 February 2020 |title=Parasite plagiarism row: Minsara Kanna producer PL Thenappan sends intimation mail |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/parasite-plagiarism-row-minsara-kanna-producer-pl-thenappan-sends-intimation-mail-1647884-2020-02-19 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200220015938/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/parasite-plagiarism-row-minsara-kanna-producer-pl-thenappan-sends-intimation-mail-1647884-2020-02-19 |archive-date=20 February 2020 |access-date=22 November 2020 |website=[[India Today]]}}</ref> However, [[CJ Entertainment]], the producers of ''Parasite'', denied receiving any plagiarism charge.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Park |first=S. |date=18 February 2020 |title="Parasite" Reps Respond To Reports That Producer Of Indian Film "Minsara Kanna" Is Considering Plagiarism Lawsuit |url=https://www.soompi.com/article/1383724wpp/parasite-reps-respond-to-reports-that-producer-of-indian-film-minsara-kanna-is-considering-plagiarism-lawsuit |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220929173314/https://www.soompi.com/article/1383724wpp/parasite-reps-respond-to-reports-that-producer-of-indian-film-minsara-kanna-is-considering-plagiarism-lawsuit |archive-date=29 September 2022 |access-date=15 June 2023 |website=[[Soompi]]}}</ref> ''[[The Quint]]'' noted that the "premise of the boy's family working undercover in the girl's house" was already a popular trope in the 1980s,<ref>{{Cite web |date=10 February 2020 |title=Oscar-Winner 'Parasite' Isn't a Copy of Vijay's 'Minsara Kanna' |url=https://www.thequint.com/neon/social-buzz/oscar-winner-parasite-inspired-by-tamil-actor-vijay-film-claims-twitter |url-status=deviated |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200211164514/https://www.thequint.com/neon/social-buzz/oscar-winner-parasite-inspired-by-tamil-actor-vijay-film-claims-twitter |archive-date=11 February 2020 |access-date=7 April 2025 |website=[[The Quint]] |language=en}}</ref> while Aananth Daksnamurthy of ''[[ThePrint]]'' noted that infiltration by proxy is the only mutual theme in both films.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Daksnamurthy |first=Aananth |date=10 February 2020 |title=Oscar winner Parasite borrowed from 1999 Tamil film? Some in Chennai say yes |url=https://theprint.in/india/oscar-winner-parasite-borrowed-from-1999-tamil-film-some-in-chennai-say-yes/362836/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220227055012/https://theprint.in/india/oscar-winner-parasite-borrowed-from-1999-tamil-film-some-in-chennai-say-yes/362836/ |archive-date=27 February 2022 |access-date=7 April 2025 |website=[[ThePrint]]}}</ref>


==References==
== References ==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}


==External links==
== External links ==
* {{IMDb title|tt7562630}}
* {{IMDb title}}
* {{Rotten Tomatoes}}
 
{{K. S. Ravikumar}}
{{K. S. Ravikumar}}
[[Category:1999 films]]
[[Category:1999 films]]
[[Category:Indian films]]
[[Category:1999 Indian films]]
[[Category:1990s Tamil-language films]]
[[Category:1999 romantic comedy films]]
[[Category:1999 Tamil-language films]]
[[Category:Films directed by K. S. Ravikumar]]
[[Category:Films scored by Deva (composer)]]
[[Category:Films scored by Deva (composer)]]
[[Category:Films directed by K. S. Ravikumar]]
[[Category:Films set in Germany]]
[[Category:Films shot in Austria]]
[[Category:Films shot in Germany]]
[[Category:Films shot in Ooty]]
[[Category:Films shot in Switzerland]]
[[Category:Films shot in Switzerland]]
[[Category:Films shot in Germany]]
[[Category:Films with screenplays by K. S. Ravikumar]]
[[Category:Indian romantic comedy films]]
[[Category:Tamil-language Indian films]]
[[Category:Tamil-language romantic comedy films]]

Latest revision as of 15:41, 14 March 2026


Minsara Kanna
Theatrical poster
Directed byK. S. Ravikumar
Produced byK. R. Gangadharan
Screenplay byK. S. Ravikumar
Story byM. A. Kennedy
Starring
Music byDeva
CinematographyAshok Rajan
Edited byK. Thanigachalam
Production
company
K. R. G Movies International
Release date
  • 9 September 1999 (1999-09-09)
Running time
159 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageTamil

Minsara Kanna (transl. Electrifying darling) is a 1999 Indian Tamil-language romantic comedy film directed by K. S. Ravikumar. The film stars Vijay, Khushbu, Rambha and Monica in the lead roles, with Manivannan, Karan, R. Sundarrajan and Mansoor Ali Khan in supporting roles. The story is about how Vijay gets employed in Khushbu's house and develops romance towards Monica, Khushbu's sister.

Minsara Kanna was shot mostly Ooty, Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. The film has music composed by Deva and cinematography by Ashok Rajan. It was released on 9 September 1999 and failed at the box office but won the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Audiographer.

Plot[edit | edit source]

Indira Devi is a misandrist business tycoon based in Ooty. She lives in a mansion with her assistant and PA Priya. Indira Devi runs a garment business in which all of her employees are females, and even electricians are females. She has a strong dislike to the male gender due to a tragic past. Some of the women who work in her estates and houses are married but hide this from her. She has a long-standing rivalry with Vedachalam, another businessman in the town, who end up swindling his own wealth and reputation to sabotage Indira Devi, due to his assistants foolishness.

The story shifts to Kasi, a young man who does any jobs that come to him for survival and cooks up a long story of trying to locate his father. He does so by naming individuals using city names to confuse the listener and irritate them. He does this once to the policemen who chase him for unknown reasons. Kasi ends up in Indira Devi's house to escape the police and in turn sees goons threatening Indira Devi for money. Kasi fights them and saves the ladies, which Indira doesn't bring herself to appreciate. Indeed, the goons are sent by Vedachalam and he is arrested. Priya takes an instant liking for Kasi. In a turn of events, Indira Devi has no choice but to appoint Kasi as her driver, something that astonishes the female staffs.

Indira's younger sister Ishwarya comes back from Germany after studies and is instantly at logger-heads with Kasi. Priya falls in love with Kasi. Once, a few goons stand on the compound wall and tease Ishwarya, prompting Indira Devi to consider a Gurkha. Kasi and the appointed Gurkha duel and Indira comes to a conclusion that both of them are equally strong. A young boy is then appointed as a helper in Indira Devi's household. Meanwhile, Vedachalam's son, Ashok is a friend of Ishwarya from Germany and is in love with her. Vedachalam plans to use Ashok to usurp Indira's wealth by marrying her sister Ishwarya to Ashok. He reaches Indira's house to talk about engagement but is chased away by Kasi. Ishwarya tells Indira that she is not in love with anyone, but Kasi doubts it. Later, a cook and his daughter are appointed in the house. It then is revealed that Kasi's real name is Kannan, the cook is his father Devanathan, the Gurkha is his elder brother Krishna, the server boy is his younger brother Vetri, the cook's daughter is Kannan's sister Bhavana. They have come to Indira's house with a mission. Priya overhears this but Kasi's family tells a secret to her and she vows to help them.

Kasi slowly becomes Indira's trustworthy person and is elevated to be appointed as the factory manager. Indira starts respecting him. Ishwarya once appoints a man to work in the factory and Indira throws him out, reprimanding Ishwarya. As part of the plan, Kasi and Priya do a romantic dance infuriating Indira who fires them both. Before leaving, Kasi makes Indira to realise the importance of men and women being together and how the society wrongly see single women, even if they are clean. Indira thinks about it and plans to arrange Ishwarya's wedding with Ashok. An overwhelmed Ashok runs to meet Ishwarya but is shocked to see her with Kasi aka Kannan instead. Considering Ashok as her best friend, Ishwarya tells Ashok about herself and Kannan. Kannan hails from a rich family and is from Germany as well. He gets acquainted with Ishwarya and they fall in love. Ishwarya tries to commit suicide as she cannot live without Kannan nor live with him. When asked, she reveals about Indira Devi and her lover Indra Kumar.

Indira worked as a tailor and lived in a hut with Ishwarya. Once, the hut catches fire and Indira, is unable to leave the hut as she becomes naked after her clothes catch fire. When men refuse to leave the premises due to them putting out fire, Indira gets trapped and her face is scarred due to the fire. She is recused and is refused by her lover who marries another woman, revealing that Indra Kumar only loved her beauty. Indira gets a great dislike for males after these incident and witnessing Ishwarya begging for food and shunned by men. She starts a feminist movement with her tailoring business and grows big in business. Ishwarya says that her sister would never approve her relationship and she too cannot oppose her sister. The family then plan to change Indira's mind. Ashok, having learnt of Kannan-Ishwarya true love, sacrifices his love, wishing them luck.

Things take a turn when a woman, whose photo Devanathan had used to fool Indira as his deceased wife, is spotted by Indira. Kannan's plans are revealed and the group is arrested. Indira learns of Ishwarya's love and forces her marriage with Ashok. A fight between the Kannan, Krishna, Devanathan with Vedachalam's henchmen ensues. Indira threatens Ishwarya with her life, and Ishwarya locks herself in a room. Kannan gives up after Devanathan accuses Ishwarya of struggling between her love for Indira and Kannan. Ishwarya then tries to commit suicide. Kannan sings the love song, 'Unn Per Solla Aasai Thaan', prompting Ishwarya to come running towards Kannan, pushing Indira aside. Indira, disappointed, tries to commit suicide but Kannan saves her. He leaves Ishwarya with Indira. Learning of the true love between them, Indira goes to Germany with Ishwarya, ahead of Kannan's family and waits for them. Indra Kumar and Indira unite. Kannan and Ishwarya reunite as well.

Cast[edit | edit source]

Production[edit | edit source]

The story and dialogue of Minsara Kanna were written by M. A. Kennedy, and the screenplay by director K. S. Ravikumar.[1][2] The film's title was derived from a song from Ravikumar's previous directorial Padayappa (1999).[3][4] It remains the only collaboration to date between Ravikumar and Vijay,[5] with the actor mentioning he was delighted with the pace and commitment that the director injected into production.[6] Priya Gill was initially approached,[2] before debutant Monica Castelino got the opportunity to feature.[7] This was one of the last film roles of child actress Bhavana, who later shifted to television.[8] Shooting took place in locations including Ooty,[6] Austria, Germany,[9] and Switzerland; a few scenes were shot in the Alps area.[10]

Soundtrack[edit | edit source]

The soundtrack was composed by Deva.[11][12] The song "Un Per Solla" attained popularity.[13]

Track listing
No.TitleLyricsSinger(s)Length
1."Oodha Oodha"VaaliHariharan, Harini5:56
2."Boy Frienda"VaaliMano, Sujatha Mohan5:16
3."Un Per Solla" (solo)KalaikumarSujatha Mohan2:11
4."Un Per Solla" (duet)KalaikumarHariharan, Sujatha Mohan5:09
5."Theemukka"VaaliS. P. Balasubrahmanyam, K. S. Chithra5:04
6."Oh Uncle"Na. MuthukumarMano5:26
Total length:29:02

Release[edit | edit source]

Minsara Kanna was released on 9 September 1999.[14][15] According to Ravikumar, the film underperformed at the box office, potentially due to the successful run of Padayappa.[16] Despite this, audiographer G. Ravi won the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Audiographer.[17]

Critical reception[edit | edit source]

The New Indian Express criticised Vijay's performance, saying comedy was not "his cup of tea" and that the "film drags on aimlessly" but praised Deva's soundtrack.[18] Sify criticised the film's lack of originality, noting its similarities to Jodi and Poovellam Kettuppar, and added, "The only good thing about Minsara Kanna is that it offers some new twists and turns that will definitely retain viewer interest".[19] Deccan Herald also gave the film a negative review saying that Vijay "is painful to watch and even worse to listen to", and labelled the film "an exercise in how to waste a good movie".[20] Ananda Vikatan rated the film 37 out of 100.[21]

Aurangazeb of Kalki panned the lengthy dialogues, poor flashback and performance of Vijay but praised the acting of the other actors, calling them as relief as they overshadow Vijay's acting.[22] D. S. Ramanujam of The Hindu wrote, "Humour and veiled innuendos are second nature to director K. S. Ravikumar, who schemes bountiful fun-filled situations with his screenplay based on M. A. Kennedy's weather-beaten story of taming a rich woman, who hates men". He also lauded Ashok Rajan's cinematography.[23] K. N. Vijiyan of New Straits Times wrote, "Humour and the way Ravikumar narrates his story save this movie from being just another ordinary love story. Go for it for a fun time".[24]

Post-release[edit | edit source]

Post-release, Minsara Kanna garnered attention after video recording equipment was found at Suriyan Theatre in Chennai which had been showing the film. The equipment was found out to be a unit of a group known as Saravanas Video, who had been hired by a TV production company owned by K. Balachander.[25] Vijay's father S. A. Chandrasekhar intervened, seized the equipment and alleged that Balachander was potentially involved in piracy activities. Balachander subsequently stepped down as president from the Film Employees Federation of South India (FEFSI), complaining that he was being harassed by Chandrasekhar. As a result, members of the film industry threatened to ban Vijay and Chandrasekhar from working on Tamil films.[26] During the unofficial ban, actor Ajith Kumar notably spoke out in favour of Vijay.[27] The parties later reconciled and Balachander withdrew his resignation.[28]

In February 2020, after the South Korean film Parasite (2019) won the Academy Award for Best Picture, netizens felt its story resembled that of Minsara Kanna.[29] Subsequently, producer P. L. Thenappan, who bought the rights of Minsara Kanna from K. R. Gangadharan, announced his plans to sue the makers of Parasite for plagiarism.[30][31] However, CJ Entertainment, the producers of Parasite, denied receiving any plagiarism charge.[32] The Quint noted that the "premise of the boy's family working undercover in the girl's house" was already a popular trope in the 1980s,[33] while Aananth Daksnamurthy of ThePrint noted that infiltration by proxy is the only mutual theme in both films.[34]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "On a different track". The Hindu. 2 July 2004. Archived from the original on 15 August 2004. Retrieved 28 December 2011.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 ""Minsaara Kaannaa"!". Dinakaran. 3 May 1999. Archived from the original on 16 November 2004. Retrieved 12 January 2022.
  3. ↑ Rajitha (26 July 1999). "Ramya on a roll". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 27 October 2023. Retrieved 7 April 2025.
  4. ↑ Priya (11 May 2024). "படையப்பா படத்தில் நடிக்க ஆசைப்பட்ட தளபதி..! ஆனாலும் நிறைவேறிய கனவு..!". News4 Tamil (in தமிழ்). Archived from the original on 13 June 2025. Retrieved 13 June 2025.
  5. ↑ "Director KS Ravikumar Opens Up About Missing Opportunity to Work With Vijay". News18. 11 May 2022. Archived from the original on 20 June 2022. Retrieved 15 June 2023.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 "Vijai's Exclusive Interview (Part – 1)". Dinakaran. Retrieved 28 December 2011.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  7. ↑ Rajitha (4 November 1999). "Love makes the filmi world go round". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 18 May 2013. Retrieved 28 December 2011.
  8. ↑ Subramanian, Anupama (13 July 2001). "Bhawana: "I cannot forget those days"". Screen. Archived from the original on 6 October 2001. Retrieved 18 November 2020.
  9. ↑ "Minsara Kanaa". Sify. Archived from the original on 7 January 2005. Retrieved 17 October 2023.
  10. ↑ Aishwarya, S. (19 July 2010). "Beckoning Indian film-makers". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 15 June 2023. Retrieved 15 June 2023.
  11. ↑ "Minsara Kanna (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) – EP". Apple Music. Archived from the original on 14 March 2026. Retrieved 14 March 2026.
  12. ↑ "Minsara Kanna". AVDigital. Archived from the original on 15 June 2023. Retrieved 15 June 2023.
  13. ↑ "Happy Birthday Sujatha Mohan: Five melodious songs of the expert singer". The Times of India. 31 March 2021. Retrieved 13 June 2025.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  14. ↑ "Minsara Kanna". minsara-kanna.8m.com. Archived from the original on 26 April 2012. Retrieved 28 December 2011.
  15. ↑ "Minsara Kanna ( 1999 )". Cinesouth. Archived from the original on 3 November 2003. Retrieved 15 June 2023.
  16. ↑ Maathevan | KS Ravikumar | Rajinikanth | Kadhaiyadal | Pt 2 (in தமிழ்). Cineulagam. 18 July 2021. From 0:45 to 0:50. Archived from the original on 15 June 2023. Retrieved 15 June 2023 – via YouTube.
  17. ↑ "Awards: Tamilnadu Government Announces Cinema State Awards -1999". Dinakaran. 29 December 2000. Archived from the original on 22 June 2008. Retrieved 15 August 2023.
  18. ↑ "Music is all". The New Indian Express. 10 October 1999. Archived from the original on 8 April 2008. Retrieved 15 June 2023.
  19. ↑ "Minsara Kanna". Sify. Archived from the original on 29 December 2004. Retrieved 13 June 2025.
  20. ↑ "Minsara Kanna (Tamil)". Deccan Herald. 10 October 1999. Archived from the original on 27 November 1999. Retrieved 7 November 2018.
  21. ↑ சார்லஸ், தேவன் (22 June 2021). "பீஸ்ட் : 'நாளைய தீர்ப்பு' டு 'மாஸ்டர்'... விஜய்க்கு விகடனின் மார்க்கும், விமர்சனமும் என்ன? #Beast". Ananda Vikatan (in தமிழ்). Archived from the original on 8 October 2021. Retrieved 23 December 2021.
  22. ↑ ஒளரங்கஜீப் (3 October 1999). "மின்சார கண்ணா". Kalki (in தமிழ்). p. 89. Retrieved 14 June 2023 – via Internet Archive.
  23. ↑ Ramanujam, D. S. (17 September 1999). "Film Reviews: Minsara Kanna \ Pooparikka Varukirom \ Jodi". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 13 April 2001. Retrieved 15 March 2024.
  24. ↑ Vijiyan, K. N. (20 September 1999). "Vijay triumphs in fun love tale". New Straits Times. pp. Arts 4. Archived from the original on 21 June 2024. Retrieved 15 March 2024 – via Google News Archive.
  25. ↑ "Shocking but is it true?". Tamil Star Online. Archived from the original on 18 August 2000. Retrieved 12 January 2022.
  26. ↑ "A cover-up operation?". Tamil Star Online. Archived from the original on 18 August 2000. Retrieved 12 January 2022.
  27. ↑ "Catch Ajith privately". Tamil Star Online. Archived from the original on 18 August 2000. Retrieved 12 January 2022.
  28. ↑ "An end to the war". Tamil Star Online. Archived from the original on 18 August 2000. Retrieved 12 January 2022.
  29. ↑ Yadav, Nitesh (11 February 2020). "Tamil star Vijay's fans claim Oscar winner Parasite is inspired from his film". India TV. Archived from the original on 7 April 2025. Retrieved 7 April 2025.
  30. ↑ "Producer claims Bong Joon Ho's Parasite plagiarised its story from Tamil film Minsara Kanna starring Vijay". Firstpost. 16 February 2020. Archived from the original on 10 June 2022. Retrieved 10 June 2022.
  31. ↑ "Parasite plagiarism row: Minsara Kanna producer PL Thenappan sends intimation mail". India Today. 19 February 2020. Archived from the original on 20 February 2020. Retrieved 22 November 2020.
  32. ↑ Park, S. (18 February 2020). ""Parasite" Reps Respond To Reports That Producer Of Indian Film "Minsara Kanna" Is Considering Plagiarism Lawsuit". Soompi. Archived from the original on 29 September 2022. Retrieved 15 June 2023.
  33. ↑ "Oscar-Winner 'Parasite' Isn't a Copy of Vijay's 'Minsara Kanna'". The Quint. 10 February 2020. Archived from the original on 11 February 2020. Retrieved 7 April 2025.
  34. ↑ Daksnamurthy, Aananth (10 February 2020). "Oscar winner Parasite borrowed from 1999 Tamil film? Some in Chennai say yes". ThePrint. Archived from the original on 27 February 2022. Retrieved 7 April 2025.

External links[edit | edit source]

Retrieved from "https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Minsara_Kanna&oldid=467819"
Discover more