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{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2014}}
{{Use Indian English|date=September 2022}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2022}}
{{Infobox film
{{Infobox film
| name          = Meendum Kokila
| image          = Meendum Kokila.jpg
| image          = Meendum Kokila.jpg
| caption        = Theatrical poster
| caption        = Theatrical poster
| director      = [[G. N. Rangarajan]]
| director      = [[G. N. Rangarajan]]
| screenplay    = [[Ananthu (screenwriter)|Ananthu]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=8 January 2018 |title=37 வருடத்துக்குப் பிறகு 'மீண்டும் கோகிலா' : இயக்குனர் நெகிழ்ச்சி |url=http://www.puthiyathalaimurai.com/newsview/23257/Kamalhassan-s-Meendum-kokila-re-released |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210324191823/https://www.googletagservices.com/tag/js/gpt.js |archive-date=24 March 2021 |access-date=24 March 2021 |website=[[Puthiya Thalaimurai]] |language=ta}}</ref>
| story          = Haasan Brothers
| producer      = T. R. Srinivasan
| producer      = T. R. Srinivasan
| screenplay    = [[Ananthu (screenwriter)|Ananthu]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=8 January 2018 |title=37 வருடத்துக்குப் பிறகு ’மீண்டும் கோகிலா’ : இயக்குனர் நெகிழ்ச்சி |url=http://www.puthiyathalaimurai.com/newsview/23257/Kamalhassan-s-Meendum-kokila-re-released |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210324191823/https://www.googletagservices.com/tag/js/gpt.js |archive-date=24 March 2021 |access-date=24 March 2021 |website=[[Puthiya Thalaimurai]] |language=ta}}</ref>
| story          = Haasan Brothers
| narrator      =
| starring      = {{ubl|[[Kamal Haasan]]|[[Sridevi]]|[[Unni Mary|Deepa]]}}
| starring      = {{ubl|[[Kamal Haasan]]|[[Sridevi]]|[[Unni Mary|Deepa]]}}
| music          = [[Ilaiyaraaja]]
| cinematography = [[N. K. Viswanathan]]
| cinematography = [[N. K. Viswanathan]]
| editing        = K. R. Ramalingam
| editing        = K. R. Ramalingam
| music          = [[Ilaiyaraaja]]
| studio        = Charuchitra Films
| studio        = Charuchitra Films
| distributor    = Anadha
| released      = {{Film date|df=yes|1981|1|14|ref1=}}
| released      = {{Film date|df=yes|1981|1|14}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Meendum Kokila (1981) |url=https://screen4screen.com/movies/meendum-kokila |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210324191827/https://screen4screen.com/movies/meendum-kokila |archive-date=24 March 2021 |access-date=24 March 2021 |website=screen4screen}}</ref>
| runtime        = 139 minutes
| runtime        = 139 minutes
| country        = India
| country        = India
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}}
}}


'''''Meendum Kokila''''' ({{trans|Kokila, again}}) is a 1981 Indian [[Tamil language|Tamil]]-language [[romantic comedy]] film directed by [[G. N. Rangarajan]] from a screenplay written by [[Ananthu (screenwriter)|Ananthu]] and story by Haasan Brothers. The film stars [[Kamal Haasan]] and [[Sridevi]]. [[Unni Mary|Deepa]],  M. Krishnamoorthy, [[Thengai Srinivasan]] and [[Omakuchi Narasimhan]] are featured in supporting roles. The film's narrative follows a young woman who fights to win back her husband after his infatuation with an actress. The music for the film was composed by [[Ilaiyaraaja]]. The film was dubbed in [[Telugu language|Telugu]] as ''Chilipi Mogudu''.
'''''Meendum Kokila''''' ({{translation|Kokila, again}}) is a 1981 Indian [[Tamil language|Tamil]]-language [[romantic comedy]] film directed by [[G. N. Rangarajan]] from a screenplay written by [[Ananthu (screenwriter)|Ananthu]] and a story by Haasan Brothers. The film stars [[Kamal Haasan]] and [[Sridevi]]. [[Unni Mary|Deepa]],  [[Suruli Rajan]], [[Thengai Srinivasan]] and [[Omakuchi Narasimhan]] are featured in supporting roles. The narrative follows a young woman who fights to win back her husband after his infatuation with an actress.


''Meendum Kokila'' was released theatrically on 14 January 1981. The film upon its release was a critical and commercial success. Sridevi's performance in the titular role was widely praised and is considered by various critics and film historians as one of the finest and most authentic portrayals of an Indian [[Brahmin]] woman.{{citation needed|date=June 2020}} For her performance, Sridevi received the [[Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Tamil|Filmfare Award for Best Actress-Tamil]].
''Meendum Kokila'' was released theatrically on 14 January 1981.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Meendum Kokila (1981) |url=https://screen4screen.com/movies/meendum-kokila |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210324191827/https://screen4screen.com/movies/meendum-kokila |archive-date=24 March 2021 |access-date=24 March 2021 |website=Screen 4 Screen}}</ref> Upon its release, the film was a critical and commercial success. For her performance, Sridevi received the [[Filmfare Award for Best Actress&nbsp;– Tamil]]. The film was dubbed in [[Telugu language|Telugu]] as ''Chilipi Mogudu'' and released on 4 September 1981.<ref name="Chilipi Mogudu">{{Cite web |title=Chilipi Mogudu |url=https://indiancine.ma/BINN/info |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230328025911/https://indiancine.ma/BINN/info |archive-date=28 March 2023 |access-date=29 November 2021 |website=Indiancine.ma}}</ref>


== Plot ==
== Plot ==
{{more plot|date=March 2021}}
{{more plot|date=March 2021}}
Subramaniam, a lawyer is married to Kokila and has a daughter. Things go well until he meets Kamini, a movie star in a party. He gets attracted towards Kamini and becomes ready to sacrifice his own family for her. Kokila's efforts in bringing back her husband forms the rest of the story.
Subramaniam, a lawyer, is married to Kokila and has a daughter. Things go well until he meets Kamini, a movie star, at a party. He gets attracted to Kamini and becomes ready to sacrifice his own family for her. Kokila's efforts in bringing back her husband form the rest of the story.


== Cast ==
== Cast ==
{{Cast listing|
* [[Kamal Haasan]] as Subramaniam
* [[Kamal Haasan]] as Subramaniam
* [[Sridevi]] as Kokila
* [[Sridevi]] as Kokila
* [[Unni Mary|Deepa]] as Kamini
* [[Unni Mary|Deepa]] as Kamini
*[[Suruli Rajan]] as Film Director
* [[Suruli Rajan]] as Film Director
*[[S. N. Parvathy]] as Neighbour
* [[S. N. Parvathy]] as Neighbour
*[[A. R. Srinivasan]] as Auditor
* [[A. R. Srinivasan]] as Auditor
* [[Krishnamoorthy (actor)|M. Krishnamoorthy]] (Nagesh Krishnamoorthy) as Moorthy
* "Nagesh" Krishnamurthy as Moorthy
* Baby [[Anju (actress)|Anju]] as Subramaniam and Kokila's Daughter
* [[Anju (actress)|Baby Anju]] as Manju Subramaniam
*[[Thengai Srinivasan]] as Nattuvanar
* [[Thengai Srinivasan]] as Nattuvanar
*[[T. K. S. Natarajan]] as Film Star
* [[T. K. S. Natarajan]] as Film Star
}}


== Production ==
== Production ==
The film was originally directed by [[Mahendran (filmmaker)|Mahendran]] with [[Sridevi]], [[Kamal Haasan]] and [[Bollywood]] actress [[Rekha]]—in her [[Tamil cinema]] debut—playing the lead roles.<ref name="daily_thanthi">{{Cite news |date=16 June 2008 |title=வரலாற்றுச்சுவடுகள் – திரைப்பட வரலாறு 944 – கமல்–ஸ்ரீதேவி நடித்த ''மீண்டும் கோகிலா'' |work=[[Dina Thanthi]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |year=1980 |editor-last=Ramachandran |editor-first=T.M. |title=Rekha's first Tamil movie |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WHpTAAAAYAAJ&q=Meendum+Kokila |url-status=live |magazine=Film World |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210324191823/https://books.google.com/books?id=WHpTAAAAYAAJ&q=Meendum+Kokila |archive-date=24 March 2021 |access-date=7 June 2013}}</ref> Rekha was the original choice for the role of Kamini, and scenes featuring her were shot till 3000 feet.<ref name=daily_thanthi /> Initially Mahendran opted out of the film after a song sequence was shot. Later as the film progressed Rekha pulled out citing no reason.<ref name=daily_thanthi /> It was Haasan who requested [[G. N. Rangarajan]] to take over the film as director.<ref name=daily_thanthi /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Panicker |first=Prem |date=10 October 2003 |title=The magic that is Rekha |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2003/oct/10rekha.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130919072830/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2003/oct/10rekha.htm |archive-date=19 September 2013 |access-date=7 June 2013 |website=[[Rediff.com]]}}</ref> Rekha was replaced by [[Unni Mary|Deepa]].<ref name=daily_thanthi /><ref>{{Cite news |date=31 May 1981 |title=Malayalam actress Deepa stumbles on a role that paves the way for a glittery future |work=[[India Today]] |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/eyecatchers/story/19810531-malayalam-actress-deepa-stumbles-on-a-role-that-paves-the-way-for-a-glittery-future-772921-2013-11-22 |url-status=live |access-date=24 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210324191823/https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/eyecatchers/story/19810531-malayalam-actress-deepa-stumbles-on-a-role-that-paves-the-way-for-a-glittery-future-772921-2013-11-22 |archive-date=24 March 2021}}</ref> Haasan's character in the film twitches his eye, for which he took inspiration from [[Krishnamachari Srikkanth]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 January 2020 |title=I was supposed to play Yugi Sethu's role in Panchathanthiram: Srikkanth |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/i-was-supposed-to-play-yugi-sethus-role-in-panchathanthiram-srikkanth/articleshow/73760558.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200415090824/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/i-was-supposed-to-play-yugi-sethus-role-in-panchathanthiram-srikkanth/articleshow/73760558.cms |archive-date=15 April 2020 |access-date=24 March 2021 |website=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref>
The film was originally directed by [[Mahendran (filmmaker)|Mahendran]] with [[Sridevi]], [[Kamal Haasan]] and [[Bollywood]] actress [[Rekha]]—in her [[Tamil cinema]] debut—playing the lead roles.<ref name="Dina Thanthi">{{Cite news |date=16 June 2008 |title=வரலாற்றுச்சுவடுகள்&nbsp;– திரைப்பட வரலாறு 944&nbsp;– கமல்–ஸ்ரீதேவி நடித்த ''மீண்டும் கோகிலா'' |work=[[Dina Thanthi]] |language=ta}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |year=1980 |editor-last=Ramachandran |editor-first=T.M. |title=Rekha's first Tamil movie |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WHpTAAAAYAAJ&q=Meendum+Kokila |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210324191823/https://books.google.com/books?id=WHpTAAAAYAAJ&q=Meendum+Kokila |archive-date=24 March 2021 |access-date=7 June 2013 |magazine=Film World}}</ref> Rekha was the original choice for the role of Kamini, and scenes featuring her were shot till 3000 feet.<ref name="Dina Thanthi" /> Mahendran opted out of the film after a song sequence was shot. Later, as the film progressed, Rekha pulled out, citing no reason.<ref name="Dina Thanthi" /> It was Haasan who requested [[G. N. Rangarajan]] to take over the film as director.<ref name="Dina Thanthi" /> Rekha's father [[Gemini Ganesan]] claimed he told her not to play "second fiddle" to Sridevi.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Vijiyan |first=K.N. |date=18 August 1998 |title=Gemini speaks his mind |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=tsBhAAAAIBAJ&sjid=yxQEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6754%2C4522934 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231001181832/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=tsBhAAAAIBAJ&sjid=yxQEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6754%2C4522934 |archive-date=1 October 2023 |access-date=1 October 2021 |work=[[New Straits Times]] |pages=23 |via=[[Google News Archive]]}}</ref> Rekha was replaced by [[Unni Mary|Deepa]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Panicker |first=Prem |date=10 October 2003 |title=The magic that is Rekha |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2003/oct/10rekha.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130919072830/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2003/oct/10rekha.htm |archive-date=19 September 2013 |access-date=7 June 2013 |website=[[Rediff.com]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=31 May 1981 |title=Malayalam actress Deepa stumbles on a role that paves the way for a glittery future |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/eyecatchers/story/19810531-malayalam-actress-deepa-stumbles-on-a-role-that-paves-the-way-for-a-glittery-future-772921-2013-11-22 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210324191823/https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/eyecatchers/story/19810531-malayalam-actress-deepa-stumbles-on-a-role-that-paves-the-way-for-a-glittery-future-772921-2013-11-22 |archive-date=24 March 2021 |access-date=24 March 2021 |work=[[India Today]]}}</ref> Haasan's character in the film twitches his eye, for which he took inspiration from cricketer [[Krishnamachari Srikkanth]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 January 2020 |title=I was supposed to play Yugi Sethu's role in Panchathanthiram: Srikkanth |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/i-was-supposed-to-play-yugi-sethus-role-in-panchathanthiram-srikkanth/articleshow/73760558.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200415090824/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/i-was-supposed-to-play-yugi-sethus-role-in-panchathanthiram-srikkanth/articleshow/73760558.cms |archive-date=15 April 2020 |access-date=24 March 2021 |website=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref> After the film was screen for the [[Central Board of Film Certification]], Rangarajan feared it would be given an [[A certificate|A (adults only) certificate]], but to his relief it was given [[U certificate (India)|U (unrestricted)]] without any cuts.<ref name="kalki">{{Cite magazine |date=21 November 1982 |title=கமலை டா போட்டு அழைப்பவர் |url=https://archive.org/download/kalki1982-11-21/kalki1982-11-21.pdf |access-date=12 April 2024 |magazine=[[Kalki (magazine)|Kalki]] |pages=52–53 |language=Ta |via=[[Internet Archive]]}}</ref>


== Soundtrack ==
== Soundtrack ==
The music was composed by [[Ilaiyaraaja]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Meendum Kokila |url=http://www.raaga.com/channels/tamil/moviedetail.asp?mid=T0000095 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005071402/http://www.raaga.com/channels/tamil/moviedetail.asp?mid=T0000095 |archive-date=5 October 2013 |access-date=6 October 2013 |website=[[Raaga.com]]}}</ref> The song "Radha Radha Nee" is based on the [[Shuddha Saveri]] [[raga]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mani |first=Charulatha |author-link=Charulatha Mani |date=3 August 2012 |title=A raga's journey: Joyful Suddha Saveri |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/joyful-suddha-saveri/article3722266.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150607085030/http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/joyful-suddha-saveri/article3722266.ece |archive-date=7 June 2015 |access-date=12 September 2016 |website=The Hindu}}</ref> For the dubbed [[Telugu language|Telugu]] version ''Chilipi Mogudu'', lyrics were written by [[Rajashri]] and [[Aarudhra]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chilipi Mogudu |url=https://open.spotify.com/album/0vENdZUouuXIwZOfRY8uJG |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210324191824/https://open.spotify.com/album/0vENdZUouuXIwZOfRY8uJG |archive-date=24 March 2021 |access-date=30 December 2020 |website=[[Spotify]]}}</ref>
The music was composed by [[Ilaiyaraaja]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Meendum Kokila |url=https://avdigital.in/products/meendum-kokila |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200722024357/https://avdigital.in/products/meendum-kokila |archive-date=22 July 2020 |access-date=26 September 2022 |website=AVDigital}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Meendum Kokilla (1981) |url=http://www.raaga.com/channels/tamil/moviedetail.asp?mid=T0000095 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005071402/http://www.raaga.com/channels/tamil/moviedetail.asp?mid=T0000095 |archive-date=5 October 2013 |access-date=6 October 2013 |website=[[Raaga.com]]}}</ref> The song "Radha Radha Nee" is set in the raga [[Shuddha Saveri]] whereas "Chinnan Chiru Vayathil" is set in [[Abheri]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mani |first=Charulatha |author-link=Charulatha Mani |date=3 August 2012 |title=A raga's journey: Joyful Suddha Saveri |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/joyful-suddha-saveri/article3722266.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150607085030/http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/joyful-suddha-saveri/article3722266.ece |archive-date=7 June 2015 |access-date=12 September 2016 |website=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> For the dubbed [[Telugu language|Telugu]] version ''Chilipi Mogudu'', lyrics were written by [[Rajasri (writer)|Rajasri]] and [[Aarudra]].<ref name="Chilipi Mogudu" />


;Tamil
;Tamil
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%;"
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%;"
! No. !! Song !! Singers !! Lyrics !! Length (m:ss)
! Song !! Singers !! Lyrics !! Length
|-
|-
| 1 || "Chinna Chiru Vayathil" || [[K. J. Yesudas]], [[S. P. Sailaja]] || [[Kannadasan]] || 04:32
| "Chinna Chiru Vayathil" || [[K. J. Yesudas]], [[S. P. Sailaja]] || [[Kannadasan]] || 04:32
|-
|-
| 2 || "Hey Oraiyiram" || [[S. P. Balasubrahmanyam]] || rowspan=2|Panju Arunachalam || 03:55
| "Hey Oraiyiram" || [[S. P. Balasubrahmanyam]] || rowspan=2|[[Panchu Arunachalam]] || 03:55
|-
|-
| 3 || "Ponnana Meni" || K. J. Yesudas, [[S. Janaki]] || 04:30
| "Ponnana Meni" || K. J. Yesudas, [[S. Janaki]] || 04:30
|-
|-
| 4 || "Radha Radha Nee" || S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, S. Janaki || Kannadasan || 04:27
| "Radha Radha Nee" || S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, S. Janaki || Kannadasan || 04:27
|}
|}
;Telugu
;Telugu
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%;"
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%;"
! No. !! Song !! Singers !! Lyrics !! Length
! Song !! Singers !! Lyrics !! Length
|-
|-
| 1 || "Ninna Sandhya Velalo" || [[S. P. Balasubrahmanyam]], [[S. P. Sailaja]] || rowspan="3" | [[Rajashri]] || 03:20
| "Ninna Sandhya Velalo" || [[S. P. Balasubrahmanyam]], [[S. P. Sailaja]] || rowspan="3" | [[Rajasri (writer)|Rajasri]] || 03:20
|-
|-
| 2 || "Radha Radha – Duet" || S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, [[P. Susheela]] || 03:26
| "Radha Radha&nbsp;– Duet" || S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, [[P. Susheela]] || 03:26
|-
|-
| 3 || "Oh Chinna Maata" || [[G. Anand]], S. P. Sailaja || 03:22
| "Oh Chinna Maata" || [[G. Anand]], S. P. Sailaja || 03:22
|-
|-
| 4 || "Hey Oorinchaku" || S. P. Balasubrahmanyam || [[Aarudhra]] || 02:56
| "Hey Oorinchaku" || S. P. Balasubrahmanyam || [[Aarudhra]] || 02:56
|}
|}


== Reception ==
== Reception ==
''Meendum Kokila'' opened to widespread success. Sridevi's portrayal of a [[Brahmin]] woman trying to get back her husband was widely acclaimed and is considered by various critics and film commentators as one of the finest film performances of all-time.{{citation needed|date=June 2020}} Sridevi received the [[Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Tamil]];<ref>{{Cite book |last=Sir Stanley Reed |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xU3jAAAAMAAJ |title=The Times of India Directory and Year Book Including Who's who |publisher=Bennett, Coleman. |year=1984 |page=234 |access-date=7 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729074809/https://books.google.com/books?id=xU3jAAAAMAAJ |archive-date=29 July 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> the first of her four [[Filmfare Awards]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 August 2012 |title=Hawa Hawai girl Sridevi turns 49 |url=http://www.sify.com/news/hawa-hawai-girl-sridevi-turns-49-news-default-minpM8edfjb.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180330222712/http://www.sify.com/news/hawa-hawai-girl-sridevi-turns-49-news-default-minpM8edfjb.html |archive-date=30 March 2018 |access-date=7 June 2013 |website=[[Sify]]}}</ref> Just 17 years old, when released, the film's success consolidated Sridevi's position as the highest paid actress in [[South Indian Cinema]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=24 September 2012 |title=Don't want Jhanvi in films at this age: Sridevi |work=[[The Indian Express]] |url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/dont-want-jhanvi-in-films-at-this-age-sridevi/1007086/0 |access-date=24 March 2021}}</ref>
Nalini Sastry of ''[[Kalki (magazine)|Kalki]]'' lauded Rangarajan's direction, Ananthu's dialogues, Viswanathan's cinematography and the performances of the main cast.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=சாஸ்திரி |first=நளினி |date=8 February 1981 |title=மீண்டும் கோகிலா |url=https://archive.org/details/kalki1981-02-08/page/n53/mode/2up |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230328025600/https://archive.org/details/kalki1981-02-08/page/n53/mode/2up |archive-date=28 March 2023 |access-date=26 September 2022 |magazine=[[Kalki (magazine)|Kalki]] |pages=52–53 |language=ta |via=[[Internet Archive]]}}</ref> Sridevi received the [[Filmfare Award for Best Actress&nbsp;– Tamil]];<ref>{{Cite book |last=Sir Stanley Reed |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xU3jAAAAMAAJ |title=The Times of India Directory and Year Book Including Who's who |publisher=Bennett, Coleman. |year=1984 |pages=234 |access-date=7 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729074809/https://books.google.com/books?id=xU3jAAAAMAAJ |archive-date=29 July 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> the first of her four [[Filmfare Awards]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 August 2012 |title=Hawa Hawai girl Sridevi turns 49 |url=http://www.sify.com/news/hawa-hawai-girl-sridevi-turns-49-news-default-minpM8edfjb.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180330222712/http://www.sify.com/news/hawa-hawai-girl-sridevi-turns-49-news-default-minpM8edfjb.html |archive-date=30 March 2018 |access-date=7 June 2013 |website=[[Sify]]}}</ref> Just 17 years old, when released, the film's success consolidated Sridevi's position as the highest paid actress in [[Cinema of South India|South Indian cinema]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=24 September 2012 |title=Don't want Jhanvi in films at this age: Sridevi |url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/dont-want-jhanvi-in-films-at-this-age-sridevi/1007086/0 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210324191827/http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/dont-want-jhanvi-in-films-at-this-age-sridevi/1007086/0 |archive-date=24 March 2021 |access-date=24 March 2021 |work=[[The Indian Express]]}}</ref>


== Re-release ==
== Re-release ==
The film's digitally restored version was released on 15 December 2017.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bharadan |date=17 November 2017 |title=Kamal Haasan and Sridevi in theatres again |work=Behindwoods.com |url=https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-16/kamal-haasan-sridevi-starrer-meendum-kokila-to-be-released-on-december-15.html |url-status=live |access-date=19 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180120065644/https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-16/kamal-haasan-sridevi-starrer-meendum-kokila-to-be-released-on-december-15.html |archive-date=20 January 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Subramanian |first=Anupama |date=18 November 2017 |title=An image makeover for Meendum Kokila |work=[[Deccan Chronicle]] |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/kollywood/181117/an-image-makeover-for-meendum-kokila.html |url-status=live |access-date=19 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119181419/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/kollywood/181117/an-image-makeover-for-meendum-kokila.html |archive-date=19 January 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=16 April 2017 |title=Kamal Haasan's classic hits to be re-release on the big screen |work=[[The Indian Express]] |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/kamal-haasan-classic-hits-to-be-re-release-on-the-big-screen-4615632/ |url-status=live |access-date=19 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210324191827/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/kamal-haasan-classic-hits-to-be-re-release-on-the-big-screen-4615632/ |archive-date=24 March 2021}}</ref>
The film's digitally restored version was released on 15 December 2017.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bharadan |date=17 November 2017 |title=Kamal Haasan and Sridevi in theatres again |url=https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-16/kamal-haasan-sridevi-starrer-meendum-kokila-to-be-released-on-december-15.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180120065644/https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-16/kamal-haasan-sridevi-starrer-meendum-kokila-to-be-released-on-december-15.html |archive-date=20 January 2018 |access-date=19 January 2018 |website=Behindwoods}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Subramanian |first=Anupama |date=18 November 2017 |title=An image makeover for Meendum Kokila |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/kollywood/181117/an-image-makeover-for-meendum-kokila.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119181419/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/kollywood/181117/an-image-makeover-for-meendum-kokila.html |archive-date=19 January 2018 |access-date=19 January 2018 |work=[[Deccan Chronicle]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=16 April 2017 |title=Kamal Haasan's classic hits to be re-release on the big screen |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/kamal-haasan-classic-hits-to-be-re-release-on-the-big-screen-4615632/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210324191827/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/kamal-haasan-classic-hits-to-be-re-release-on-the-big-screen-4615632/ |archive-date=24 March 2021 |access-date=19 January 2018 |work=[[The Indian Express]]}}</ref>


== References ==
== References ==
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== External links ==
== External links ==
*{{IMDb title|0187273|title=Meendum Kokila}}
* {{IMDb title}}
* {{Rotten Tomatoes|meendum-kokila}}
* {{Rotten Tomatoes}}
 
{{G. N. Rangarajan}}


[[Category:1981 Tamil-language films]]
[[Category:1981 films]]
[[Category:1981 films]]
[[Category:Tamil-language films]]
[[Category:1981 Indian films]]
[[Category:1981 romantic comedy films]]
[[Category:Films about adultery in India]]
[[Category:Films about lawyers]]
[[Category:Films directed by G. N. Rangarajan]]
[[Category:Films scored by Ilaiyaraaja]]
[[Category:Films scored by Ilaiyaraaja]]
[[Category:1980s Tamil-language films]]
[[Category:Films with screenplays by Ananthu (screenwriter)]]
[[Category:Indian films]]
[[Category:Indian romantic comedy films]]
[[Category:Films directed by G. N. Rangarajan]]
[[Category:Tamil-language Indian films]]
[[Category:Tamil-language romantic comedy films]]

Latest revision as of 10:48, 3 March 2026

Meendum Kokila
File:Meendum Kokila.jpg
Theatrical poster
Directed byG. N. Rangarajan
Produced byT. R. Srinivasan
Screenplay byAnanthu[1]
Story byHaasan Brothers
Starring
Music byIlaiyaraaja
CinematographyN. K. Viswanathan
Edited byK. R. Ramalingam
Production
company
Charuchitra Films
Release date
  • 14 January 1981 (1981-01-14)
Running time
139 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageTamil

Meendum Kokila (transl. Kokila, again) is a 1981 Indian Tamil-language romantic comedy film directed by G. N. Rangarajan from a screenplay written by Ananthu and a story by Haasan Brothers. The film stars Kamal Haasan and Sridevi. Deepa, Suruli Rajan, Thengai Srinivasan and Omakuchi Narasimhan are featured in supporting roles. The narrative follows a young woman who fights to win back her husband after his infatuation with an actress.

Meendum Kokila was released theatrically on 14 January 1981.[2] Upon its release, the film was a critical and commercial success. For her performance, Sridevi received the Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Tamil. The film was dubbed in Telugu as Chilipi Mogudu and released on 4 September 1981.[3]

Plot[edit | edit source]

Subramaniam, a lawyer, is married to Kokila and has a daughter. Things go well until he meets Kamini, a movie star, at a party. He gets attracted to Kamini and becomes ready to sacrifice his own family for her. Kokila's efforts in bringing back her husband form the rest of the story.

Cast[edit | edit source]

Production[edit | edit source]

The film was originally directed by Mahendran with Sridevi, Kamal Haasan and Bollywood actress Rekha—in her Tamil cinema debut—playing the lead roles.[4][5] Rekha was the original choice for the role of Kamini, and scenes featuring her were shot till 3000 feet.[4] Mahendran opted out of the film after a song sequence was shot. Later, as the film progressed, Rekha pulled out, citing no reason.[4] It was Haasan who requested G. N. Rangarajan to take over the film as director.[4] Rekha's father Gemini Ganesan claimed he told her not to play "second fiddle" to Sridevi.[6] Rekha was replaced by Deepa.[7][8] Haasan's character in the film twitches his eye, for which he took inspiration from cricketer Krishnamachari Srikkanth.[9] After the film was screen for the Central Board of Film Certification, Rangarajan feared it would be given an A (adults only) certificate, but to his relief it was given U (unrestricted) without any cuts.[10]

Soundtrack[edit | edit source]

The music was composed by Ilaiyaraaja.[11][12] The song "Radha Radha Nee" is set in the raga Shuddha Saveri whereas "Chinnan Chiru Vayathil" is set in Abheri.[13] For the dubbed Telugu version Chilipi Mogudu, lyrics were written by Rajasri and Aarudra.[3]

Tamil
Song Singers Lyrics Length
"Chinna Chiru Vayathil" K. J. Yesudas, S. P. Sailaja Kannadasan 04:32
"Hey Oraiyiram" S. P. Balasubrahmanyam Panchu Arunachalam 03:55
"Ponnana Meni" K. J. Yesudas, S. Janaki 04:30
"Radha Radha Nee" S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, S. Janaki Kannadasan 04:27
Telugu
Song Singers Lyrics Length
"Ninna Sandhya Velalo" S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, S. P. Sailaja Rajasri 03:20
"Radha Radha – Duet" S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, P. Susheela 03:26
"Oh Chinna Maata" G. Anand, S. P. Sailaja 03:22
"Hey Oorinchaku" S. P. Balasubrahmanyam Aarudhra 02:56

Reception[edit | edit source]

Nalini Sastry of Kalki lauded Rangarajan's direction, Ananthu's dialogues, Viswanathan's cinematography and the performances of the main cast.[14] Sridevi received the Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Tamil;[15] the first of her four Filmfare Awards.[16] Just 17 years old, when released, the film's success consolidated Sridevi's position as the highest paid actress in South Indian cinema.[17]

Re-release[edit | edit source]

The film's digitally restored version was released on 15 December 2017.[18][19][20]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "37 வருடத்துக்குப் பிறகு 'மீண்டும் கோகிலா' : இயக்குனர் நெகிழ்ச்சி". Puthiya Thalaimurai (in தமிழ்). 8 January 2018. Archived from the original on 24 March 2021. Retrieved 24 March 2021.
  2. ↑ "Meendum Kokila (1981)". Screen 4 Screen. Archived from the original on 24 March 2021. Retrieved 24 March 2021.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Chilipi Mogudu". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 29 November 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 "வரலாற்றுச்சுவடுகள் – திரைப்பட வரலாறு 944 – கமல்–ஸ்ரீதேவி நடித்த மீண்டும் கோகிலா". Dina Thanthi (in தமிழ்). 16 June 2008.
  5. ↑ Ramachandran, T.M., ed. (1980). "Rekha's first Tamil movie". Film World. Archived from the original on 24 March 2021. Retrieved 7 June 2013.
  6. ↑ Vijiyan, K.N. (18 August 1998). "Gemini speaks his mind". New Straits Times. p. 23. Archived from the original on 1 October 2023. Retrieved 1 October 2021 – via Google News Archive.
  7. ↑ Panicker, Prem (10 October 2003). "The magic that is Rekha". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 19 September 2013. Retrieved 7 June 2013.
  8. ↑ "Malayalam actress Deepa stumbles on a role that paves the way for a glittery future". India Today. 31 May 1981. Archived from the original on 24 March 2021. Retrieved 24 March 2021.
  9. ↑ "I was supposed to play Yugi Sethu's role in Panchathanthiram: Srikkanth". The Times of India. 30 January 2020. Archived from the original on 15 April 2020. Retrieved 24 March 2021.
  10. ↑ "கமலை டா போட்டு அழைப்பவர்" (PDF). Kalki (in தமிழ்). 21 November 1982. pp. 52–53. Retrieved 12 April 2024 – via Internet Archive.
  11. ↑ "Meendum Kokila". AVDigital. Archived from the original on 22 July 2020. Retrieved 26 September 2022.
  12. ↑ "Meendum Kokilla (1981)". Raaga.com. Archived from the original on 5 October 2013. Retrieved 6 October 2013.
  13. ↑ Mani, Charulatha (3 August 2012). "A raga's journey: Joyful Suddha Saveri". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 7 June 2015. Retrieved 12 September 2016.
  14. ↑ சாஸ்திரி, நளினி (8 February 1981). "மீண்டும் கோகிலா". Kalki (in தமிழ்). pp. 52–53. Retrieved 26 September 2022 – via Internet Archive.{{cite magazine}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  15. ↑ Sir Stanley Reed (1984). The Times of India Directory and Year Book Including Who's who. Bennett, Coleman. p. 234. Archived from the original on 29 July 2020. Retrieved 7 June 2013.
  16. ↑ "Hawa Hawai girl Sridevi turns 49". Sify. 13 August 2012. Archived from the original on 30 March 2018. Retrieved 7 June 2013.
  17. ↑ "Don't want Jhanvi in films at this age: Sridevi". The Indian Express. 24 September 2012. Archived from the original on 24 March 2021. Retrieved 24 March 2021.
  18. ↑ Bharadan (17 November 2017). "Kamal Haasan and Sridevi in theatres again". Behindwoods. Archived from the original on 20 January 2018. Retrieved 19 January 2018.
  19. ↑ Subramanian, Anupama (18 November 2017). "An image makeover for Meendum Kokila". Deccan Chronicle. Archived from the original on 19 January 2018. Retrieved 19 January 2018.
  20. ↑ "Kamal Haasan's classic hits to be re-release on the big screen". The Indian Express. 16 April 2017. Archived from the original on 24 March 2021. Retrieved 19 January 2018.

External links[edit | edit source]

Template:G. N. Rangarajan

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