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{{short description|1992 film by R.K. Selvamani}}
{{For|the 1972 Malayalam film|Chemparathy}}
{{For|the 1972 Malayalam film|Chemparathy}}
{{Distinguish|Sembaruthi}}
{{Distinguish|Sembaruthi}}
{{short description|1992 film by R.K. Selvamani}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2024}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2015}}
{{Use Indian English|date=April 2024}}
{{Use Indian English|date=November 2015}}
{{Infobox film
{{Infobox film
| name          = Chembaruthi
| image          = Chembaruthi poster.jpg
| image          = Chembaruthi dvd.jpg
| caption        = Poster
| caption        = Official DVD Cover
| director      = [[R. K. Selvamani]]
| director      = [[R. K. Selvamani]]
| writer        = [[R. K. Selvamani]]<br />John Amirtharaj (dialogues)
| writer        = R. K. Selvamani<br />John Amirtharaj (dialogues)
| starring      = [[Prashanth]]<br />[[Roja (actress)|Roja]]
| producer      = [[Kovaithambi]]
| producer      = [[Kovaithambi]]
| starring      = [[Prashanth]]<br />[[Roja Selvamani|Roja]]
| cinematography = [[Ravi Yadav]]
| editing        = V. Udhayashankar
| music          = [[Ilaiyaraaja]]
| music          = [[Ilaiyaraaja]]
| studio        = Motherland Movies
| studio        = Motherland Movies
| distributor    =  
| distributor    = Balakrishna Pictures<ref>{{Cite news |date=24 April 1992 |title=Chembarutti |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=P9oYG7HA76QC&dat=19920424&printsec=frontpage&hl=en |access-date=18 April 2024 |work=[[The Indian Express]] |pages=4 |via=[[Google News Archive]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
| cinematography = [[Ravi Yadav]]
| editing        = V. Udhayashankar
| released      = {{film date|1992|4|17|df=y}}
| released      = {{film date|1992|4|17|df=y}}
| runtime        = 146 minutes
| runtime        = 146 minutes
Line 22: Line 21:
| language      = Tamil
| language      = Tamil
}}
}}
'''''Chembaruthi''''' ({{trans|[[Hibiscus]]}}) is a 1992 Indian [[Tamil language|Tamil]]-language [[romantic drama film]] written and directed by [[R. K. Selvamani]] and produced by Kovai Thambi. The film stars [[Prashanth]] and [[Roja (actress)|Roja]] (in her acting debut), while [[Mansoor Ali Khan (actor)|Mansoor Ali Khan]], [[Nassar (actor)|Nassar]], [[Radha Ravi]], and [[Bhanumathi Ramakrishna|Bhanumathi]] play supporting roles. The film was partially re-shot in Telugu as ''Chamanti''. The music was composed by [[Ilaiyaraaja]], while editing was done by V. Udhayashankar and cinematography by [[Ravi Yadav]]. The film released on 17 April 1992 and was a super hit at the box office.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Prasanth |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/tamil/profile.php?id=16006107&cid=2409 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140427191618/http://www.sify.com/movies/tamil/profile.php?id=16006107&cid=2409 |archive-date=27 April 2014 |access-date=27 October 2017 |website=[[Sify]]}}</ref> It was remade in [[Hindi]] as ''[[Aao Pyaar Karen]]'' (1994).<ref>{{Cite book |last=Arunachalam |first=Param |title=BollySwar: 1991–2000 |publisher=Mavrix Infotech |isbn=9788193848210 |page=439}}</ref> and in [[Bengali language|Bengali]] [[Bangladesh]] as ''[[Ontore Ontore]]'' (1994).
'''''Chembaruthi''''' ({{translation|[[Hibiscus]]}}) is a 1992 Indian [[Tamil language|Tamil]]-language [[Teen film|teen]] [[romantic drama film]] written and directed by [[R. K. Selvamani]] and produced by [[Kovaithambi]]. The film stars [[Prashanth]] and [[Roja Selvamani|Roja]] (in her [[Tamil cinema|Tamil]] debut), while [[P. Bhanumathi]], [[Nassar (actor)|Nassar]], [[Radha Ravi]], and [[Mansoor Ali Khan (actor)|Mansoor Ali Khan]] play supporting roles. It was partially re-shot in Telugu as ''Chamanti'' with [[Kaikala Satyanarayana|Satyanarayana]] replacing [[M. N. Nambiar]].<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIdpGlS9sPY&t=584s |title=Chamanthi {{!}} Telugu Full Movie {{!}} Prasanth {{!}} Roja {{!}} Vasavi {{!}} V9 Videos |date=14 November 2016 |language=Te |publisher=v9 Videos |time=9:44 |via=[[YouTube]]}}</ref> The music was composed by [[Ilaiyaraaja]], while editing was done by V. Udhayashankar and cinematography by [[Ravi Yadav]]. The film was released on 17 April 1992 and was a major box office success.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Prasanth |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/tamil/profile.php?id=16006107&cid=2409 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140427191618/http://www.sify.com/movies/tamil/profile.php?id=16006107&cid=2409 |archive-date=27 April 2014 |access-date=27 October 2017 |website=[[Sify]]}}</ref> It was remade in [[Hindi]] as ''[[Aao Pyaar Karen]]'' (1994).<ref>{{Cite book |last=Arunachalam |first=Param |title=BollySwar: 1991–2000 |publisher=Mavrix Infotech |isbn=9788193848210 |pages=439}}</ref>


== Plot ==
== Plot ==
The film is a story about the love of two teenagers from different social classes. Raja ([[Prashanth]]) is the grandson of a rich businesswoman ([[Bhanumathi Ramakrishna|Bhanumathi]]) and is settled in London. He comes to a village in India to see his grandmother. Chembaruthi ([[Roja (actress)|Roja]]) is the sister of a poor fisherman Pandy ([[Radha Ravi]]), who works in Raja's grandmother's house. The couple first sees each other during Raja's birthday party, and it is love at first sight for Raja. They meet often, and their love grows leaps and bounds. Raja's grandmother wants him to marry Pinky (Adeen Khan), the daughter of a rich seafood exporter named Murugan ([[Nassar (actor)|Nassar]]). At the party, they announce their interest of Raja with Pinky. Raja realizes that his relationship with the daughter of a poor fisherman is not taken kindly by his eccentric grandmother, and when she comes to know of Raja's love for Chembaruthi, she accuses Pandy of using his sister's beauty and charm to trap Raja for his money. She even offers Pandy cash to have Chembaruthi stop seeing Raja. Pandy feels very humiliated by this accusation and reciprocates by insulting Raja's grandmother. Their talk enters a deadlock and spells doom for Raja and Chembaruthi's tender love.
Raja is the grandson of a rich businesswoman and is settled in London. He comes to a village in India to see his grandmother. Chembaruthi is the sister of a poor fisherman Pandi, who works in Raja's grandmother's house. The couple first sees each other during Raja's birthday party, and it is [[love at first sight]] for Raja. They meet often, and their love grows by leaps and bounds. Raja's grandmother wants him to marry Malathy, the daughter of a rich seafood exporter named Murugan. At the party, they announce Raja's interest in Malathy. Raja realises that his relationship with the daughter of a poor fisherman is not taken kindly by his eccentric grandmother, and when she discovers Raja's love for Chembaruthi, she accuses Pandi of using his sister's beauty and charm to trap Raja for his money. She even offers Pandi cash to have Chembaruthi stop seeing Raja. Pandi feels very humiliated by this accusation and reciprocates by insulting Raja's grandmother. Their conversation enters a deadlock, spelling doom for Raja and Chembaruthi's tender love.


Raja's grandmother then get him engaged to be married to Pinky in order to establish business ties with her rich father. Murugan also has his sister betrother to a fisherman named Kumar ([[Mansoor Ali Khan (actor)|Mansoor Ali Khan]]), but Raja and Chembaruthi run away from home. Raja's grandmother announces a reward for anyone who can help find her grandson. Murugan decides that he wants the money. He and his goons find the lovers, abduct them, and lock them up in a boat. Raja fights for Chembaruthi and saves her from drowning in the sea. Raja's grandmother then realizes that their love is very strong, and she does not want to stand in the way of their happiness. She and Pandy accept their love and give their blessings to the union.
Raja's grandmother then engages him to be married to Malathy in order to establish business ties with her rich father. Murugan also has his sister betrothed to a fisherman named Kumar, but Raja and Chembaruthi run away from home. Raja's grandmother announces a reward for anyone who can help find her grandson. Murugan decides that he wants the money. He and his goons find the lovers, abduct them, and lock them up in a boat. Raja fights for Chembaruthi and saves her from drowning in the sea. Raja's grandmother then realises that their love is very strong, and she does not want to stand in the way of their happiness. She and Pandi accept their love and give their blessings to the union.


== Cast ==
== Cast ==
 
{{Cast listing|*[[Prashanth]] as Raja Rathnam
*[[Prashanth]] as Raja
*[[Roja Selvamani|Roja]] as Chembaruthi (Voice over by [[Rohini (actress)|Rohini]])
*[[Roja (actress)|Roja]] as Chembaruthi
*[[P. Bhanumathi|Bhanumathi]] as Bhuvaneshwari
*[[Nassar (actor)|Nassar]] as Murugan
*[[Radha Ravi]] as Pandi
* Vaasavi as Malathi
*[[Mansoor Ali Khan (actor)|Mansoor Ali Khan]] as Kumar
*[[Mansoor Ali Khan (actor)|Mansoor Ali Khan]] as Kumar
*[[Nassar (actor)|Nassar]] as Murugan
*[[M. N. Nambiar]] as Raja Rathnam, Raja's grandfather
*[[Radha Ravi]] as Paandi
*[[M. N. Nambiar]] as Raja's grandfather
* [[Kaikala Satyanarayana|Satyanarayana]] as Raja's grandfather (Telugu version)
* [[Kaikala Satyanarayana|Satyanarayana]] as Raja's grandfather (Telugu version)
*[[Bhanumathi Ramakrishna|Bhanumathi]] as Raja's grandmother
*[[Vaishnavi (Malayali actress)|Vaishnavi]]
*[[Vaishnavi (Malayali actress)|Vaishnavi]]
*[[Hemalatha]]
*[[Hemalatha]]
Line 44: Line 43:
*Adeen Khan as Pinky
*Adeen Khan as Pinky
*John
*John
*[[S. Rajasekar]] as Raja's father
}}
== Production ==
After the success of ''[[Captain Prabhakaran]]'' (1991), director [[R. K. Selvamani]] decided to make a film completely with newcomers which became ''Chembaruthi''. He initially cast debutants such as Raman Kapoor from Mumbai, Suchithra Krishnamurthy and Gayathri (of ''[[Aranmanai Kili]]'') in lead roles; however after shooting half of the film, he was unimpressed and scrapped it. Selvamani eventually cast [[Prashanth]] and [[Roja Selvamani|Roja]] in the lead roles.<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 September 2013 |title=செல்வமணி டைரக்ட் செய்த 'செம்பருத்தி'யில் ரோஜா அறிமுகம் |url=http://cinema.maalaimalar.com/2013/09/07232207/selvamani-cinema-history.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130910060508/http://cinema.maalaimalar.com/2013/09/07232207/selvamani-cinema-history.html |archive-date=10 September 2013 |access-date=14 May 2024 |website=[[Maalai Malar]] |language=Ta}}</ref> During the production of ''[[Urudhi Mozhi]]'', its producer [[Ravi Yadav]] approached Saravanan Sivakumar, later known as [[Suriya]], to portray the lead role in ''Chembaruthi''; however Saravanan's father [[Sivakumar]] refused the offer.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=2 October 2005 |title=திக்... திக்... நிமிடங்கள்! |url=https://archive.org/download/kalki2005-10-02/kalki2005-10-02.pdf |access-date=23 April 2024 |magazine=[[Kalki (magazine)|Kalki]] |pages=20–23 |language=ta |via=[[Internet Archive]]}}</ref>


== Soundtrack ==
== Soundtrack ==
The music was composed by [[Ilaiyaraaja]]. The lyrics were written by [[Vaali (poet)|Vaali]], Muthulingham and [[Piraisoodan]].<ref>https://itunes.apple.com/in/album/chembaruthi-original-motion-picture-soundtrack/1279899810</ref> Ilayaraja completed the soundtrack within 40 minutes.<ref>https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/the-maestros-magic-continues/article3854443.ece</ref>
The music was composed by [[Ilaiyaraaja]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=1 January 1992 |title=Chembaruthi (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) |url=https://music.apple.com/in/album/chembaruthi-original-motion-picture-soundtrack/1577925205 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240424120244/https://music.apple.com/in/album/chembaruthi-original-motion-picture-soundtrack/1577925205 |archive-date=24 April 2024 |access-date=24 April 2024 |website=[[Apple Music]]}}</ref> He completed the soundtrack within 40 minutes.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kamath |first=Sudhish |author-link=Sudhish Kamath |date=3 September 2012 |title=The MAESTro's MAGIC continues |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/the-maestros-magic-continues/article3854443.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220108152658/https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/the-maestros-magic-continues/article3854443.ece |archive-date=8 January 2022 |access-date=8 February 2019 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> The song "Chalakku Chalakku" is set to the raga [[Chakravakam (raga)|Chakravakam]], "Chembaruthi Poovu" is set to [[Kapi (raga)|Kapi]],{{Sfn|Sundararaman|2007|p=126}} "Kadalila Ezhumbura Alaigala" is set to [[Sindhu Bhairavi (raga)|Sindhu Bhairavi]],{{Sfn|Sundararaman|2007|p=134}} "Nadandhal" is set to [[Keeravani]],{{Sfn|Sundararaman|2007|p=145}} and "Nila Kayum" is set to [[Sankarabharanam (raga)|Sankarabharanam]].{{Sfn|Sundararaman|2007|p=148}}
{{Infobox album
| name      = Chembaruthi
| type      = Soundtrack
| artist    = [[Ilaiyaraaja]]
| cover      =
| alt        =
| released  = 1992
| recorded  = 1992
| venue      =
| studio    =
| genre      = [[Soundtrack]]
| length    = 36:04
| label      = [[Pyramid Saimira|Pyramid]]<br>[[Lahari Music]]
| producer  = [[Ilaiyaraaja]]
| prev_title = [[Agni Paarvai]]
| prev_year  = 1992
| next_title = [[Magudam]]
| next_year  = 1992
}}


{{tracklist
{{track listing
| headline = Tamil
| headline = Tamil
| extra_column = Singer(s)
| extra_column = Singer(s)
| total_length = 36:04
| total_length = 36:04
| title1 = Sembaruthi Poovu
| title1 = Chembaruthi Poovu
| lyrics1 = [[Vaali (poet)|Vaali]]
| lyrics1 = [[Vaali (poet)|Vaali]]
| extra1 = [[K. S. Chitra]], [[Mano (singer)|Mano]], [[Bhanumathi Ramakrishna|Bhanumathi]]
| extra1 = [[K. S. Chithra]], [[Mano (singer)|Mano]], [[P. Bhanumathi|Bhanumathi]]
| length1 = 4:52
| length1 = 4:52
| title2 = Chalakku Chalakku
| title2 = Chalakku Chalakku
Line 84: Line 69:
| length3 = 1:12
| length3 = 1:12
| title4 = Pattu Poove
| title4 = Pattu Poove
| lyrics4 = Muthulingam
| lyrics4 = [[Muthulingam (poet)|Muthulingam]]
| extra4 = S. Janaki, Mano
| extra4 = S. Janaki, Mano
| length4 = 5:06
| length4 = 5:06
| title5 = Nadandhal
| title5 = Nadandhal
| lyrics5 = [[Piraisoodan]]
| lyrics5 = [[Piraisoodan]]
| extra5 = [[S. P. Balasubrahmanyam]]||05:04
| extra5 = [[S. P. Balasubrahmanyam]]
| length5 = 5:04
| length5 = 5:04
| title6 = Nila Kayum
| title6 = Nila Kayum
Line 95: Line 80:
| extra6 = S. Janaki, Mano
| extra6 = S. Janaki, Mano
| length6 = 4:49
| length6 = 4:49
| title7 = Kadalile Ezhugira
| title7 = Kadalile Ezhumbura Alaigala
| lyrics7 = Vaali
| lyrics7 = Vaali
| extra7 = [[Ilaiyaraaja]]
| extra7 = [[Ilaiyaraaja]]
Line 105: Line 90:
}}
}}


{{tracklist
{{track listing
| headline = Telugu (''Chamanthi'')<ref>{{cite web | url = https://open.spotify.com/album/3nRz4Xb9wuBXXTLCkJyhyF | website = [[Spotify]] | title = Chamanthi | access-date = 23 December 2020}}</ref>
| headline = Telugu (''Chamanthi'')<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 2014 |title=Chamanthi |url=https://open.spotify.com/album/3nRz4Xb9wuBXXTLCkJyhyF |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20230101060152/https://open.spotify.com/album/3nRz4Xb9wuBXXTLCkJyhyF |archive-date=1 January 2023 |access-date=23 December 2020 |website=[[Spotify]]}}</ref>
| extra_column = Singer(s)
| extra_column = Singer(s)
| total_length = 38:23
| total_length = 38:23
| title1 = Chamanthi Pushpa
| title1 = Chamanthi Pushpa
| lyrics1 = [[Veturi Sundararama Murthy]]
| lyrics1 = [[Veturi]]
| extra1 = [[S. P. Balasubrahmanyam]], [[K. S. Chithra]]
| extra1 = [[S. P. Balasubrahmanyam]], [[K. S. Chithra]], [[P. Bhanumathi]]
| length1 = 5:55
| length1 = 5:55
| title2 = Ide Rajayogam
| title2 = Ide Rajayogam
| lyrics2 = [[Rajashri]]
| lyrics2 = [[Rajasri (writer)|Rajasri]]
| extra2 = S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, K. S. Chithra
| extra2 = S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, K. S. Chithra
| length2 = 5:13
| length2 = 5:13
| title3 = Chakkani Chikkani Chilaka
| title3 = Chakkani Chikkani Chilaka
| lyrics3 = Rajashri
| lyrics3 = Rajasri
| extra3 = S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, K. S. Chithra
| extra3 = S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, K. S. Chithra
| length3 = 5:00
| length3 = 5:00
| title4 = Paala Ponge
| title4 = Paala Ponge
| lyrics4 = Rajashri
| lyrics4 = Rajasri
| extra4 = S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, K. S. Chithra
| extra4 = S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, K. S. Chithra
| length4 = 5:16
| length4 = 5:16
| title5 = Kadale Neeku Thalli Thandri
| title5 = Kadale Neeku Thalli Thandri
| lyrics5 = Rajashri
| lyrics5 = Rajasri
| extra5 = S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, K. S. Chithra
| extra5 = S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, K. S. Chithra
| length5 = 5:11
| length5 = 5:11
| title6 = Neekatha Needile
| title6 = Neekatha Needile
| lyrics6 = Veturi Sundararama Murthy
| lyrics6 = Veturi
| extra6 = S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
| extra6 = S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
| length6 = 5:14
| length6 = 5:14
| title7 = Kadali Meeda Ontariga
| title7 = Kadali Meeda Ontariga
| lyrics7 = Rajashri
| lyrics7 = Rajasri
| extra7 = S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, T. Srinivas
| extra7 = S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, T. Srinivas
| length7 = 5:16
| length7 = 5:16
| title8 = Vanjaram - Bit
| title8 = Vanjaram – Bit
| lyrics8 = Rajashri
| lyrics8 = Rajasri
| extra8 = [[Malaysia Vasudevan]]
| extra8 = [[Malaysia Vasudevan]]
| length8 = 1:14
| length8 = 1:14
Line 144: Line 129:


== Reception ==
== Reception ==
''The Indian Express'' wrote the film is "akin to formula Hindi film" and praised the performances, music and cinematography.<ref>https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=P9oYG7HA76QC&dat=19920501&printsec=frontpage&hl=en</ref>
''[[The Indian Express]]'' wrote the film is "akin to formula [[Hindi cinema|Hindi film]]" and praised the performances, music and cinematography.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1 May 1992 |title=Chembarathi |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=P9oYG7HA76QC&dat=19920501&printsec=frontpage&hl=en |access-date=8 January 2019 |work=[[The Indian Express]] |pages=7 |via=[[Google News Archive]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Supraja Sridharan of ''[[Kalki (magazine)|Kalki]]'' praised the director for conveying tender romantic feelings in an entertaining manner on the big screen while also praising the cinematography, editing and music.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=ஸ்ரீதரன் |first=சுப்ரஜா |date=24 May 1992 |title=செம்பருத்தி |url=https://archive.org/details/kalki1992-05-24/page/n47/mode/2up |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230331132805/https://archive.org/details/kalki1992-05-24/page/n47/mode/2up |archive-date=31 March 2023 |access-date=31 March 2023 |magazine=[[Kalki (magazine)|Kalki]] |page=46 |language=Ta |via=[[Internet Archive]]}}</ref>


== References ==
== References ==
<references />
{{reflist}}
 
== Bibliography ==
* {{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 ==
== External links ==
* {{IMDb title|0317230}}
* {{IMDb title}}
* {{Rotten Tomatoes}}
 
{{R. K. Selvamani}}
{{R. K. Selvamani}}


[[Category:1992 Indian films]]
[[Category:1992 Tamil-language films]]
[[Category:1990s teen romance films]]
[[Category:1992 films]]
[[Category:1992 films]]
[[Category:Indian films]]
[[Category:1992 romantic drama films]]
[[Category:Films about families]]
[[Category:Films about fishermen]]
[[Category:Films about interclass romance]]
[[Category:Films about kidnapping in India]]
[[Category:Films about the caste system in India]]
[[Category:Films directed by R. K. Selvamani]]
[[Category:Films scored by Ilaiyaraaja]]
[[Category:Films set in London]]
[[Category:Films set on boats]]
[[Category:Indian romantic drama films]]
[[Category:Indian romantic drama films]]
[[Category:Films scored by Ilaiyaraaja]]
[[Category:Indian teen romance films]]
[[Category:Tamil films remade in other languages]]
[[Category:Tamil films remade in other languages]]
[[Category:1990s Tamil-language films]]
[[Category:Tamil-language Indian films]]
[[Category:1992 romantic drama films]]
[[Category:Tamil-language romantic drama films]]
[[Category:Films directed by R. K. Selvamani]]

Latest revision as of 10:22, 3 March 2026


For the 1972 Malayalam film, see Chemparathy.
Not to be confused with Sembaruthi.

Chembaruthi
Poster
Directed byR. K. Selvamani
Produced byKovaithambi
Written byR. K. Selvamani
John Amirtharaj (dialogues)
StarringPrashanth
Roja
Music byIlaiyaraaja
CinematographyRavi Yadav
Edited byV. Udhayashankar
Production
company
Motherland Movies
Distributed byBalakrishna Pictures[1]
Release date
  • 17 April 1992 (1992-04-17)
Running time
146 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageTamil

Chembaruthi (transl. Hibiscus) is a 1992 Indian Tamil-language teen romantic drama film written and directed by R. K. Selvamani and produced by Kovaithambi. The film stars Prashanth and Roja (in her Tamil debut), while P. Bhanumathi, Nassar, Radha Ravi, and Mansoor Ali Khan play supporting roles. It was partially re-shot in Telugu as Chamanti with Satyanarayana replacing M. N. Nambiar.[2] The music was composed by Ilaiyaraaja, while editing was done by V. Udhayashankar and cinematography by Ravi Yadav. The film was released on 17 April 1992 and was a major box office success.[3] It was remade in Hindi as Aao Pyaar Karen (1994).[4]

Plot[edit | edit source]

Raja is the grandson of a rich businesswoman and is settled in London. He comes to a village in India to see his grandmother. Chembaruthi is the sister of a poor fisherman Pandi, who works in Raja's grandmother's house. The couple first sees each other during Raja's birthday party, and it is love at first sight for Raja. They meet often, and their love grows by leaps and bounds. Raja's grandmother wants him to marry Malathy, the daughter of a rich seafood exporter named Murugan. At the party, they announce Raja's interest in Malathy. Raja realises that his relationship with the daughter of a poor fisherman is not taken kindly by his eccentric grandmother, and when she discovers Raja's love for Chembaruthi, she accuses Pandi of using his sister's beauty and charm to trap Raja for his money. She even offers Pandi cash to have Chembaruthi stop seeing Raja. Pandi feels very humiliated by this accusation and reciprocates by insulting Raja's grandmother. Their conversation enters a deadlock, spelling doom for Raja and Chembaruthi's tender love.

Raja's grandmother then engages him to be married to Malathy in order to establish business ties with her rich father. Murugan also has his sister betrothed to a fisherman named Kumar, but Raja and Chembaruthi run away from home. Raja's grandmother announces a reward for anyone who can help find her grandson. Murugan decides that he wants the money. He and his goons find the lovers, abduct them, and lock them up in a boat. Raja fights for Chembaruthi and saves her from drowning in the sea. Raja's grandmother then realises that their love is very strong, and she does not want to stand in the way of their happiness. She and Pandi accept their love and give their blessings to the union.

Cast[edit | edit source]

Production[edit | edit source]

After the success of Captain Prabhakaran (1991), director R. K. Selvamani decided to make a film completely with newcomers which became Chembaruthi. He initially cast debutants such as Raman Kapoor from Mumbai, Suchithra Krishnamurthy and Gayathri (of Aranmanai Kili) in lead roles; however after shooting half of the film, he was unimpressed and scrapped it. Selvamani eventually cast Prashanth and Roja in the lead roles.[5] During the production of Urudhi Mozhi, its producer Ravi Yadav approached Saravanan Sivakumar, later known as Suriya, to portray the lead role in Chembaruthi; however Saravanan's father Sivakumar refused the offer.[6]

Soundtrack[edit | edit source]

The music was composed by Ilaiyaraaja.[7] He completed the soundtrack within 40 minutes.[8] The song "Chalakku Chalakku" is set to the raga Chakravakam, "Chembaruthi Poovu" is set to Kapi,[9] "Kadalila Ezhumbura Alaigala" is set to Sindhu Bhairavi,[10] "Nadandhal" is set to Keeravani,[11] and "Nila Kayum" is set to Sankarabharanam.[12]

Tamil
No.TitleLyricsSinger(s)Length
1."Chembaruthi Poovu"VaaliK. S. Chithra, Mano, Bhanumathi4:52
2."Chalakku Chalakku"VaaliS. Janaki, Mano4:54
3."Ada Vanjiram"PiraisoodanMalaysia Vasudevan, Chorus1:12
4."Pattu Poove"MuthulingamS. Janaki, Mano5:06
5."Nadandhal"PiraisoodanS. P. Balasubrahmanyam5:04
6."Nila Kayum"VaaliS. Janaki, Mano4:49
7."Kadalile Ezhumbura Alaigala"VaaliIlaiyaraaja5:01
8."Kadile Thanimaiyile"PiraisoodanNagore E. M. Hanifa, Mano5:06
Total length:36:04
Telugu (Chamanthi)[13]
No.TitleLyricsSinger(s)Length
1."Chamanthi Pushpa"VeturiS. P. Balasubrahmanyam, K. S. Chithra, P. Bhanumathi5:55
2."Ide Rajayogam"RajasriS. P. Balasubrahmanyam, K. S. Chithra5:13
3."Chakkani Chikkani Chilaka"RajasriS. P. Balasubrahmanyam, K. S. Chithra5:00
4."Paala Ponge"RajasriS. P. Balasubrahmanyam, K. S. Chithra5:16
5."Kadale Neeku Thalli Thandri"RajasriS. P. Balasubrahmanyam, K. S. Chithra5:11
6."Neekatha Needile"VeturiS. P. Balasubrahmanyam5:14
7."Kadali Meeda Ontariga"RajasriS. P. Balasubrahmanyam, T. Srinivas5:16
8."Vanjaram – Bit"RajasriMalaysia Vasudevan1:14
Total length:38:23

Reception[edit | edit source]

The Indian Express wrote the film is "akin to formula Hindi film" and praised the performances, music and cinematography.[14] Supraja Sridharan of Kalki praised the director for conveying tender romantic feelings in an entertaining manner on the big screen while also praising the cinematography, editing and music.[15]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "Chembarutti". The Indian Express. 24 April 1992. p. 4. Retrieved 18 April 2024 – via Google News Archive.
  2. ↑ Chamanthi | Telugu Full Movie | Prasanth | Roja | Vasavi | V9 Videos (in తెలుగు). v9 Videos. 14 November 2016. Event occurs at 9:44 – via YouTube.
  3. ↑ "Prasanth". Sify. Archived from the original on 27 April 2014. Retrieved 27 October 2017.
  4. ↑ Arunachalam, Param. BollySwar: 1991–2000. Mavrix Infotech. p. 439. ISBN 9788193848210.
  5. ↑ "செல்வமணி டைரக்ட் செய்த 'செம்பருத்தி'யில் ரோஜா அறிமுகம்". Maalai Malar (in தமிழ்). 7 September 2013. Archived from the original on 10 September 2013. Retrieved 14 May 2024.
  6. ↑ "திக்... திக்... நிமிடங்கள்!" (PDF). Kalki (in தமிழ்). 2 October 2005. pp. 20–23. Retrieved 23 April 2024 – via Internet Archive.
  7. ↑ "Chembaruthi (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)". Apple Music. 1 January 1992. Retrieved 24 April 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  8. ↑ Kamath, Sudhish (3 September 2012). "The MAESTro's MAGIC continues". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 8 January 2022. Retrieved 8 February 2019.
  9. ↑ Sundararaman 2007, p. 126.
  10. ↑ Sundararaman 2007, p. 134.
  11. ↑ Sundararaman 2007, p. 145.
  12. ↑ Sundararaman 2007, p. 148.
  13. ↑ "Chamanthi". Spotify. August 2014. Archived from the original on 1 January 2023. Retrieved 23 December 2020.
  14. ↑ "Chembarathi". The Indian Express. 1 May 1992. p. 7. Retrieved 8 January 2019 – via Google News Archive.
  15. ↑ ஸ்ரீதரன், சுப்ரஜா (24 May 1992). "செம்பருத்தி". Kalki (in தமிழ்). p. 46. Retrieved 31 March 2023 – via Internet Archive.{{cite magazine}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)

Bibliography[edit | edit source]

  • Sundararaman (2007) [2005]. Raga Chintamani: A Guide to Carnatic Ragas Through Tamil Film Music (2nd ed.). Pichhamal Chintamani. OCLC 295034757.

External links[edit | edit source]

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