Time (1999 film): Difference between revisions

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{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2014}}
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2023}}
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{{Infobox film
{{Infobox film
| name = Time
| image          = Time 1999 poster.jpg
| image =  
| caption        = Poster
| director = [[Geetha Krishna]]
| director       = [[Geetha Krishna]]
| writer = Geetha Krishna,<br />[[Gokula Krishnan]] <small>(dialogues)</small>
| producer      = Vaddi Veerabadhra Rao
| starring = [[Prabhu Deva]]<br />[[Simran (actress)|Simran]]<br />[[Radhika Chaudhry]]
| screenplay    = Geetha Krishna
| producer = Vatte Veerabadhra Rao
| story          = Geetha Krishna
| music = [[Ilaiyaraaja]]
{{Infobox | decat = yes | child = yes
| editing = [[Suresh Urs]]
    | label1= Dialogues by
    | data1 = {{Ubl |[[Gokula Krishnan]]<br>Geetha Krishna}}
}}
| starring       = [[Prabhu Deva]]<br />[[Simran (actress)|Simran]]<br />[[Radhika Chaudhari]]
| editing       = [[Suresh Urs]]
| cinematography = [[M. V. Panneerselvam]]
| cinematography = [[M. V. Panneerselvam]]
| distributor =
| distributor = Life Line Films
| released = 3 December 1999<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jointscene.com/movies/kollywood/Time/5182 |title=Time Tamil Movie |work=Jointscene |access-date=2009-12-07 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100201013648/http://www.jointscene.com/movies/Kollywood/Time/5182 |archive-date=1 February 2010 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
| music          = [[Ilaiyaraaja]]
| runtime =
| released       = {{film date|1999|12|3|df=y}}
| country = India
| country       = India
| language = Tamil  
| language       = Tamil
| budget =
}}
}}
'''''Time''''' is a 1999 Indian [[Tamil language|Tamil]]-language [[romantic drama film]] written and directed by [[Geetha Krishna]]. The film stars [[Prabhu Deva]], [[Simran (actress)|Simran]] and [[Radhika Chaudhari]] in the lead roles. The film was produced by Vaddi Veerabadhra Rao, with cinematography by [[M. V. Panneerselvam]] and editing by [[Suresh Urs]]. <ref>{{Cite news |last=Vijiyan |first=K. N. |date=18 December 1999 |title=Clarity missing in 'Time' |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=9k1OAAAAIBAJ&sjid=axQEAAAAIBAJ&pg=4493%2C5316325 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230727080559/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=9k1OAAAAIBAJ&sjid=axQEAAAAIBAJ&pg=4493,5316325 |archive-date=27 July 2023 |access-date=27 July 2023 |work=[[New Straits Times]] |pages=Reel Stuff 4 |via=[[Google News Archive]]}}</ref> ''Chennai Online'' wrote "The locales are exotic, the frames beautiful and the costume colourful. But what the film lacks is cohesive narration".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Time |url=http://www.chennaionline.com/Moviereviews/tammov11.asp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030710145247/http://www.chennaionline.com/Moviereviews/tammov11.asp |archive-date=10 July 2003 |access-date=2 October 2024 |website=Chennai Online}}</ref> The soundtrack and background score were composed by [[Ilaiyaraaja]]. Time was released theatrically on 3 December 1999 to mixed reviews.<ref>{{Cite web |title=டைம் / Time (1999) |url=https://screen4screen.com/movies/time |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20231115195814/https://screen4screen.com/movies/time |archive-date=15 November 2023 |access-date=27 July 2023 |website=Screen 4 Screen}}</ref>
== Plot ==
Srinivasa Murthy ([[Prabhu Deva]]) is a cheerful and carefree young man who lives with his widowed mother ([[Ambika (actress)|Ambika]]). He spends most of his time with his close group of friends including Chittappa ([[Charle]]), Harikumar ([[Harikumar (actor)|Harikumar]]), Gopi (Gopi), Johnny (Johnny), Ajay (Ajay), Krishna (Krishna), and another close associate (Thadi Balaji). Srinivasa Murthy strongly believes that time determines destiny and that patience and honesty will eventually be rewarded.
Thulasi ([[Simran (actress)|Simran]]) is a gentle and traditional young woman who is the daughter of Govindarajan ([[Nassar (actor)|Nassar]]) and Lakshmi (Manga Reddy). She has a younger brother (Master Bharathkumar). Though Thulasi develops feelings for Srinivasa Murthy, she hesitates to express her love due to her family’s conservative values and her father’s strict nature.
Priya ([[Radhika Chaudhari]]), the daughter of a wealthy businessman ([[Pandu (actor)|Pandu]]) and his wife (Sharmili), becomes infatuated with Srinivasa Murthy. Priya lives with her younger sister ([[Nancy Jennifer|Baby Jennifer]]) and is surrounded by household servants ([[Vaiyapuri]] and Bhanusri). Her affection for Srinivasa Murthy gradually turns obsessive when he does not reciprocate her feelings.
Dhilip ([[Babloo Prithiveeraj]]), Priya’s possessive lover, becomes intensely jealous of Srinivasa Murthy. Dhilip is encouraged by his father Seetharaman ([[Devan (actor)|Devan]]), his mother ([[Sabitha Anand]]), and his controlling grandmother (Radhabhai), which fuels his aggressive behavior. Dhilip begins creating serious problems in Srinivasa Murthy’s life.
Several supporting characters influence the unfolding events. Natarajan ([[T. S. B. K. Moulee|Moulee]]) and his wife ([[Kovai Sarala]]) often attempt to mediate family disputes. Appasamy ([[Manivannan]]) provides comic relief while also offering philosophical reflections on fate and time. Srinivasa Murthy’s life also intersects with ordinary people such as a car driver ([[Chandra Mohan (Telugu actor)|Chandra Mohan]]), a shop owner ([[J. V. Ramana Murthi]]), postmen ([[Kallu Chidambaram]], Sahadevan, and Mahadevan), and Govindarajan’s friend (Raviraj), reinforcing the theme that time connects lives in unexpected ways.
As tensions escalate, Priya seeks the help of a local don ([[Anandaraj]]) in a guest appearance, further complicating matters. Despite mounting pressure and threats, Srinivasa Murthy remains firm in his values and refuses to compromise his integrity.


'''''Time''''' is a 1999 Indian [[Tamil language|Tamil]]-language [[drama film]] directed by [[Geetha Krishna]]. The film features [[Prabhu Deva]], [[Simran (actress)|Simran]] and [[Radhika Chaudhry]]. The film's score and soundtrack were composed by [[Ilaiyaraaja]].
In the climax, the truth behind Priya’s manipulations and Dhilip’s hostility is revealed. Govindarajan recognizes Srinivasa Murthy’s sincerity and accepts him as a suitable partner for Thulasi. Priya finally comes to terms with reality and understands that love cannot be forced. The film concludes with Srinivasa Murthy and Thulasi united, reinforcing the central message that time ultimately rewards truth, patience, and genuine love.


==Cast==
== Cast ==
{{colbegin}}
{{cast listing|
*[[Prabhu Deva]] as Srinivasa Murthy
*[[Prabhu Deva]] as Srinivasa Murthy
*[[Simran (actress)|Simran]] as Thulasi
*[[Simran (actress)|Simran]] as Thulasi
*[[Radhika Chaudhry]] as Priya
*[[Radhika Chaudhari]] as Priya
*[[Babloo Prithiveeraj]] as Dhilip
*[[Babloo Prithiveeraj]] as Dhilip
*[[Charle]] as Chittappa, Srinivasa Murthy's friend
*[[Charle]] as Chittappa, Srinivasa Murthy's friend
Line 58: Line 76:
*Krishna as Srinivasa Murthy's friend
*Krishna as Srinivasa Murthy's friend
*[[Anandaraj]] as Local don (guest appearance)
*[[Anandaraj]] as Local don (guest appearance)
{{colend}}
}}


==Production==
== Production ==
The film marked the directorial debut of Geetha Krishna in Tamil, and began as a quadrilingual venture in Tamil, Hindi, Telugu and Malayalam. [[Prashanth]] was initially announced as the hero in the film as early as November 1997 when the movie launch took place. Prashanth started working for the film in Kodaikanal during October 1998 but later backed out, while [[Ajith Kumar]] also refused the film due to lack of time.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://m.rediff.com/movies/1998/oct/28ss.htm|title=Rediff On The NeT, Movies: Gossip from the southern film industry|website=M.rediff.com|access-date=2 December 2021}}</ref> After several delays,
The film marked the directorial debut of Geetha Krishna in Tamil, and began as a quadrilingual venture in Tamil, Hindi, Telugu and Malayalam. [[Prashanth]] was initially announced as the hero in the film as early as November 1997 when the film's launch took place. Prashanth started working for the film in Kodaikanal during October 1998 but later backed out, while [[Ajith Kumar]] also refused the film due to lack of time. After several delays, [[Prabhu Deva]] was subsequently selected to play the lead role and the film was shot only in Tamil.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rajitha |date=28 October 1998 |title=Prashant makes his point |url=https://m.rediff.com/movies/1998/oct/28ss.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211206182255/https://m.rediff.com/movies/1998/oct/28ss.htm |archive-date=6 December 2021 |access-date=2 December 2021 |website=[[Rediff.com]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Potti Tamil Movie News (Films in Production in 1999) |url=http://www.indolink.com/tamil/cinema/News/99/January/pnews_151836.html |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110609010134/http://www.indolink.com/tamil/cinema/News/99/January/pnews_151836.html |archive-date=9 June 2011 |access-date=13 November 2011 |website=Indolink}}</ref> Two debutant actresses were announced to portray the lead female roles, Menaka Senail and [[Radhika Chaudhari]], though the former was later replaced by [[Simran (actress)|Simran]]. Model Bobbu Poonai made his acting debut as the antagonist. Filming mainly took place in and around [[Annavaram]], [[Vishakhapatnam]] and [[Srikakulam]] in [[Andhra Pradesh]], while minority of scenes were shot in and around [[Alappuzha]] and [[Pathanamthitta]] in [[Kerala]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 December 1998 |title=On the sets |url=http://www.screenindia.com:80/old/dec4/south.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080302001827/http://www.screenindia.com:80/old/dec4/south.htm |archive-date=2 March 2008 |access-date=2 December 2021 |website=[[Screen (magazine)|Screen]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Time: Second schedule at Vizag |url=http://www.expressindia.com/screen/feb19/south.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000301142626/http://www.expressindia.com/screen/feb19/south.htm |archive-date=1 March 2000 |access-date=24 August 2025 |website=[[Screen (magazine)|Screen]]}}</ref> Malaysian Tamil director Sandosh Kesavan worked as an assistant cameraman.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://varnam.my/6380/exclusive-i-want-to-bring-malaysian-content-to-the-world-sandosh-kesavan/|title=EXCLUSIVE: “I Want To Bring Malaysian Content To The World,” – Sandosh Kesavan|author=Sandy|work=Varnam Malaysia|date=26 January 2019|access-date=23 January 2026}}</ref>
[[Prabhu Deva]] was subsequently selected to play the lead role and the film was made only in Tamil.<ref>[http://www.indolink.com/tamil/cinema/News/99/January/pnews_151836.html] {{dead link|date=December 2021}}</ref> Two debutant actresses were announced to portray the lead female roles, Menaka Senail and [[Radhika Chaudhari]], though the former was later replaced by [[Simran (actress)|Simran]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://chandrag.tripod.com/dec98/|title=Minnoviyam Star Tracks|website=Chandrag.tripod.com|access-date=2 December 2021}}</ref> Model Bobbu Poonai made his acting debut as the antagonist.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.screenindia.com:80/old/dec4/south.htm|title=On the sets|date=2 March 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080302001827/http://www.screenindia.com:80/old/dec4/south.htm|access-date=2 December 2021|archive-date=2 March 2008}}</ref>


==Music==
== Soundtrack ==
The songs were composed by [[Ilaiyaraaja]] and lyrics were written by Pazhani Bharathi.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.raaga.com/tamil/movie/time-songs-T0000001|title=Time Songs Download, Time Tamil MP3 Songs, Raaga.com Tamil Songs|website=Raaga.com|access-date=2 December 2021}}</ref> To compose the songs, Ilayaraaja and Geetha Krishna, had gone on a recce to [[Maldives]] and had longlisted thirty songs for the film, before picking six.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/1998/nov/10ss.htm|title=Rediff On The NeT, Movies: Gossip from the southern film industry|website=Rediff.com|access-date=2 December 2021}}</ref>
The songs were composed by [[Ilaiyaraaja]] and lyrics were written by [[Palani Bharathi]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Time (1999) |url=https://www.raaga.com/tamil/movie/time-songs-T0000001 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230727075515/https://www.raaga.com/tamil/movie/time-songs-T0000001 |archive-date=27 July 2023 |access-date=2 December 2021 |website=[[Raaga.com]]}}</ref> To compose the songs, Ilaiyaraaja and Geetha Krishna went on a recce to Maldives and had longlisted thirty songs for the film, before picking six.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rajitha |date=10 November 1998 |title=An embarrassment of musical riches |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/1998/nov/10ss.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180325145635/http://www.rediff.com/movies/1998/nov/10ss.htm |archive-date=25 March 2018 |access-date=2 December 2021 |website=[[Rediff.com]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=12/14&nbsp;– An embarrassment of Ilayaraja |url=http://tamilmovies.com/news/pages/19.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000303020833/http://tamilmovies.com/news/pages/19.html |archive-date=3 March 2000 |access-date=27 July 2023 |website=Tamil Movie Online}}</ref> For the Telugu version, the lyrics were written by [[Veturi]] and [[Vanamali]].<ref name="T" /> The song "Kadhal Neethana" later used as a background score in the 2022 film ''[[Love Today (2022 film)|Love Today]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Madhu |first=Vignesh |date=5 November 2022 |title=Love Today review: A rollicking new-age entertainer |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/review/2022/Nov/05/love-today-review-a-rollicking-new-age-entertainer-2514997.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221120161324/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/review/2022/nov/05/love-today-review-a-rollicking-new-age-entertainer-2514997.html |archive-date=20 November 2022 |access-date=28 August 2024 |website=[[The New Indian Express]] |language=en}}</ref>


{| border="2" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaa solid; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 95%;"
{| class="wikitable"
|- bgcolor="#CCCCCF" align="center"
! Song !! Singers !! Length
| '''No.''' || '''Song''' || '''Singers''' ||'''Lyrics''' || '''Length (m:ss)'''
|-
|-
| 1 || "Kadhal Neethana" || [[Unni Krishnan]], [[Sujatha Mohan|Sujatha]] || rowspan=6|Pazhani Bharathi || 05:01
| "Kadhal Neethana" || [[Unni Krishnan]], [[Sujatha Mohan|Sujatha]] || 05:01
|-
|-
| 2 || "Muthu Nilave" || [[Karthik Raja]], [[Gopika Poornima]] || 05:50
| "Muthu Nilave" || [[Karthik Raja]], [[Bhavatharini]] || 05:50
|-
|-
| 3 || "Naan Thanga Roja" || [[Swarnalatha]], [[S. P. Balasubrahmanyam]] || 05:10
| "Naan Thanga Roja" || [[Swarnalatha]], [[S. P. Balasubrahmanyam]] || 05:10
|-
|-
| 4 || "Ninachapadi" || [[Unni Menon]], [[Devan Ekambaram|Devan]], [[Malgudi Subha]] || 05:42
| "Ninachapadi" || [[Unni Menon]], [[Devan Ekambaram|Devan]], [[Malgudi Subha]] || 05:42
|-
|-
| 5 || "Niram Pirithu" || Sujatha || 05:16
| "Niram Pirithu" || Sujatha || 05:16
|-
|-
| 6 || "Thavikkiren Thavikkiren" || [[Bhavatharini]], [[Hariharan (singer)|Hariharan]] || 05:11
| "Thavikkiren Thavikkiren" || [[Bhavatharini]], [[Hariharan (singer)|Hariharan]] || 05:11
|}
|}


==Reception==
== Critical reception ==
The film received negative reviews from critics. BBThots wrote the film "has Ilaiyaraja's music and good photography. But inept direction and a muddled screenplay make a mess of the already flimsy story".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbthots.com/reviews/1999/time.html|title=TIME : A movie review by Balaji Balasubramaniam|website=Bbthots.com|access-date=2 December 2021}}</ref> ''Thiraipadam'' wrote "The ending is implausible, the storyline weak, but you can watch it once, I guess, if you have the time (no pun intended) and if you're an avid lover of Tamil movies."<ref>[http://www.thiraipadam.com/cgi-bin/movie_review.pl?id=101&user_name=subashawards&review_lang=english&lang=english] {{dead link|date=December 2021}}</ref> ''New Straits Times'' wrote the film has shades of ''Kadhal Kottai'' "the story gets a little muddled in the end".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=x8G803Bi31IC&dat=19991218&printsec=frontpage&hl=en|title=New Straits Times - Google News Archive Search|website=News.google.com|access-date=2 December 2021}}</ref>
Malathi Rangarajan of ''[[The Hindu]]'' wrote, "Two aspects of ''Time'' stand out&nbsp;– Ilaiyaraja's re-recording and M. V. Paneer's camera work. As for the rest, there isn't much to be said".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rangarajan |first=Malathi |date=10 December 1999 |title=Cinema: Time \ Unnarugae Naanirunthal |url=http://www.indiaserver.com/thehindu/1999/12/10/stories/09100222.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010216174043/http://www.indiaserver.com/thehindu/1999/12/10/stories/09100222.htm |archive-date=16 February 2001 |access-date=27 July 2023 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> K. N. Vijiyan of ''[[New Straits Times]]'' wrote the film has shades of ''[[Kadhal Kottai]]'' (1996), but "the story gets a little muddled in the end".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Vijiyan |first=K. N. |date=18 December 1999 |title=Clarity missing in 'Time' |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=9k1OAAAAIBAJ&sjid=axQEAAAAIBAJ&pg=4493%2C5316325 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230727080559/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=9k1OAAAAIBAJ&sjid=axQEAAAAIBAJ&pg=4493,5316325 |archive-date=27 July 2023 |access-date=27 July 2023 |work=[[New Straits Times]] |pages=Reel Stuff 4 |via=[[Google News Archive]]}}</ref> ''Chennai Online'' wrote "The locales are exotic, the frames beautiful and the costume colourful. But what the film lacks is cohesive narration".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Time |url=http://www.chennaionline.com/Moviereviews/tammov11.asp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030710145247/http://www.chennaionline.com/Moviereviews/tammov11.asp |archive-date=10 July 2003 |access-date=2 October 2024 |website=Chennai Online}}</ref>
 
Regarding the Telugu dubbed version, Grdiddaluru Gopalrao of ''[[Zamin Ryot]]'' wrote that this is not a typical love story and also praised the music and cinematography.<ref name="T">{{Cite news |last=Gopalrao |first=Griddaluru |date=31 December 1999 |title="''టైమ్''" చిత్రానికి కలిసిరాని టైమ్ |trans-title=''Time'' is an integral part of the film |url=http://www.zaminryot.com/pdf/1999/Dec/31-dec-1999.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160913111231/http://www.zaminryot.com/pdf/1999/Dec/31-dec-1999.pdf |archive-date=13 September 2016 |access-date=1 September 2022 |work=[[Zamin Ryot]] |pages=9 |language=te}}</ref> Reviewing the same, Kiran of ''[[Telugucinema.com]]'' wrote, "The movie has a wafer thin story line. The first half is too slow. The story doesn't move anywhere. The second half is too confusing and complex. The ending is abrupt. Probably, Geetakrishna should go back to some film institute and learn direction".<ref>{{cite web |last=Kiran |title=Time |url=http://www.telugucinema.com/movies/reviews/time.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020606031110/http://www.telugucinema.com/movies/reviews/time.html |archive-date=6 June 2002 |access-date=2 October 2025 |website=[[Telugucinema.com]]}}</ref>


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


== External links ==
*{{IMDb title}}
[[Category:1999 Indian films]]
[[Category:1999 Tamil-language films]]
[[Category:1999 films]]
[[Category:1999 films]]
[[Category:Indian films]]
[[Category:1999 romantic drama films]]
[[Category:Films scored by Ilaiyaraaja]]
[[Category:Films scored by Ilaiyaraaja]]
[[Category:1990s Tamil-language films]]
[[Category:Indian romantic drama films]]
[[Category:Films shot in Visakhapatnam]]
[[Category:Films shot in Kerala]]
[[Category:Films shot in Kerala]]
[[Category:Films shot in Singapore]]
[[Category:Films shot in Singapore]]
[[Category:1999 romantic drama films]]
[[Category:Films shot in Visakhapatnam]]
[[Category:Indian romantic drama films]]
[[Category:Tamil-language Indian films]]

Latest revision as of 10:15, 3 March 2026

Time
Poster
Directed byGeetha Krishna
Produced byVaddi Veerabadhra Rao
Screenplay byGeetha Krishna
Story byGeetha Krishna
Dialogues by
StarringPrabhu Deva
Simran
Radhika Chaudhari
Music byIlaiyaraaja
CinematographyM. V. Panneerselvam
Edited bySuresh Urs
Distributed byLife Line Films
Release date
  • 3 December 1999 (1999-12-03)
CountryIndia
LanguageTamil

Time is a 1999 Indian Tamil-language romantic drama film written and directed by Geetha Krishna. The film stars Prabhu Deva, Simran and Radhika Chaudhari in the lead roles. The film was produced by Vaddi Veerabadhra Rao, with cinematography by M. V. Panneerselvam and editing by Suresh Urs. [1] Chennai Online wrote "The locales are exotic, the frames beautiful and the costume colourful. But what the film lacks is cohesive narration".[2] The soundtrack and background score were composed by Ilaiyaraaja. Time was released theatrically on 3 December 1999 to mixed reviews.[3]

Plot[edit | edit source]

Srinivasa Murthy (Prabhu Deva) is a cheerful and carefree young man who lives with his widowed mother (Ambika). He spends most of his time with his close group of friends including Chittappa (Charle), Harikumar (Harikumar), Gopi (Gopi), Johnny (Johnny), Ajay (Ajay), Krishna (Krishna), and another close associate (Thadi Balaji). Srinivasa Murthy strongly believes that time determines destiny and that patience and honesty will eventually be rewarded.

Thulasi (Simran) is a gentle and traditional young woman who is the daughter of Govindarajan (Nassar) and Lakshmi (Manga Reddy). She has a younger brother (Master Bharathkumar). Though Thulasi develops feelings for Srinivasa Murthy, she hesitates to express her love due to her family’s conservative values and her father’s strict nature.

Priya (Radhika Chaudhari), the daughter of a wealthy businessman (Pandu) and his wife (Sharmili), becomes infatuated with Srinivasa Murthy. Priya lives with her younger sister (Baby Jennifer) and is surrounded by household servants (Vaiyapuri and Bhanusri). Her affection for Srinivasa Murthy gradually turns obsessive when he does not reciprocate her feelings.

Dhilip (Babloo Prithiveeraj), Priya’s possessive lover, becomes intensely jealous of Srinivasa Murthy. Dhilip is encouraged by his father Seetharaman (Devan), his mother (Sabitha Anand), and his controlling grandmother (Radhabhai), which fuels his aggressive behavior. Dhilip begins creating serious problems in Srinivasa Murthy’s life.

Several supporting characters influence the unfolding events. Natarajan (Moulee) and his wife (Kovai Sarala) often attempt to mediate family disputes. Appasamy (Manivannan) provides comic relief while also offering philosophical reflections on fate and time. Srinivasa Murthy’s life also intersects with ordinary people such as a car driver (Chandra Mohan), a shop owner (J. V. Ramana Murthi), postmen (Kallu Chidambaram, Sahadevan, and Mahadevan), and Govindarajan’s friend (Raviraj), reinforcing the theme that time connects lives in unexpected ways.

As tensions escalate, Priya seeks the help of a local don (Anandaraj) in a guest appearance, further complicating matters. Despite mounting pressure and threats, Srinivasa Murthy remains firm in his values and refuses to compromise his integrity.

In the climax, the truth behind Priya’s manipulations and Dhilip’s hostility is revealed. Govindarajan recognizes Srinivasa Murthy’s sincerity and accepts him as a suitable partner for Thulasi. Priya finally comes to terms with reality and understands that love cannot be forced. The film concludes with Srinivasa Murthy and Thulasi united, reinforcing the central message that time ultimately rewards truth, patience, and genuine love.

Cast[edit | edit source]

Production[edit | edit source]

The film marked the directorial debut of Geetha Krishna in Tamil, and began as a quadrilingual venture in Tamil, Hindi, Telugu and Malayalam. Prashanth was initially announced as the hero in the film as early as November 1997 when the film's launch took place. Prashanth started working for the film in Kodaikanal during October 1998 but later backed out, while Ajith Kumar also refused the film due to lack of time. After several delays, Prabhu Deva was subsequently selected to play the lead role and the film was shot only in Tamil.[4][5] Two debutant actresses were announced to portray the lead female roles, Menaka Senail and Radhika Chaudhari, though the former was later replaced by Simran. Model Bobbu Poonai made his acting debut as the antagonist. Filming mainly took place in and around Annavaram, Vishakhapatnam and Srikakulam in Andhra Pradesh, while minority of scenes were shot in and around Alappuzha and Pathanamthitta in Kerala.[6][7] Malaysian Tamil director Sandosh Kesavan worked as an assistant cameraman.[8]

Soundtrack[edit | edit source]

The songs were composed by Ilaiyaraaja and lyrics were written by Palani Bharathi.[9] To compose the songs, Ilaiyaraaja and Geetha Krishna went on a recce to Maldives and had longlisted thirty songs for the film, before picking six.[10][11] For the Telugu version, the lyrics were written by Veturi and Vanamali.[12] The song "Kadhal Neethana" later used as a background score in the 2022 film Love Today.[13]

Song Singers Length
"Kadhal Neethana" Unni Krishnan, Sujatha 05:01
"Muthu Nilave" Karthik Raja, Bhavatharini 05:50
"Naan Thanga Roja" Swarnalatha, S. P. Balasubrahmanyam 05:10
"Ninachapadi" Unni Menon, Devan, Malgudi Subha 05:42
"Niram Pirithu" Sujatha 05:16
"Thavikkiren Thavikkiren" Bhavatharini, Hariharan 05:11

Critical reception[edit | edit source]

Malathi Rangarajan of The Hindu wrote, "Two aspects of Time stand out – Ilaiyaraja's re-recording and M. V. Paneer's camera work. As for the rest, there isn't much to be said".[14] K. N. Vijiyan of New Straits Times wrote the film has shades of Kadhal Kottai (1996), but "the story gets a little muddled in the end".[15] Chennai Online wrote "The locales are exotic, the frames beautiful and the costume colourful. But what the film lacks is cohesive narration".[16]

Regarding the Telugu dubbed version, Grdiddaluru Gopalrao of Zamin Ryot wrote that this is not a typical love story and also praised the music and cinematography.[12] Reviewing the same, Kiran of Telugucinema.com wrote, "The movie has a wafer thin story line. The first half is too slow. The story doesn't move anywhere. The second half is too confusing and complex. The ending is abrupt. Probably, Geetakrishna should go back to some film institute and learn direction".[17]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Vijiyan, K. N. (18 December 1999). "Clarity missing in 'Time'". New Straits Times. pp. Reel Stuff 4. Archived from the original on 27 July 2023. Retrieved 27 July 2023 – via Google News Archive.
  2. ↑ "Time". Chennai Online. Archived from the original on 10 July 2003. Retrieved 2 October 2024.
  3. ↑ "டைம் / Time (1999)". Screen 4 Screen. Retrieved 27 July 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  4. ↑ Rajitha (28 October 1998). "Prashant makes his point". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 6 December 2021. Retrieved 2 December 2021.
  5. ↑ "Potti Tamil Movie News (Films in Production in 1999)". Indolink. Archived from the original on 9 June 2011. Retrieved 13 November 2011.
  6. ↑ "On the sets". Screen. 4 December 1998. Archived from the original on 2 March 2008. Retrieved 2 December 2021.
  7. ↑ "Time: Second schedule at Vizag". Screen. Archived from the original on 1 March 2000. Retrieved 24 August 2025.
  8. ↑ Sandy (26 January 2019). "EXCLUSIVE: "I Want To Bring Malaysian Content To The World," – Sandosh Kesavan". Varnam Malaysia. Retrieved 23 January 2026.
  9. ↑ "Time (1999)". Raaga.com. Retrieved 2 December 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  10. ↑ Rajitha (10 November 1998). "An embarrassment of musical riches". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 25 March 2018. Retrieved 2 December 2021.
  11. ↑ "12/14 – An embarrassment of Ilayaraja". Tamil Movie Online. Archived from the original on 3 March 2000. Retrieved 27 July 2023.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 Gopalrao, Griddaluru (31 December 1999). ""టైమ్" చిత్రానికి కలిసిరాని టైమ్" [Time is an integral part of the film] (PDF). Zamin Ryot (in తెలుగు). p. 9. Archived from the original (PDF) on 13 September 2016. Retrieved 1 September 2022.
  13. ↑ Madhu, Vignesh (5 November 2022). "Love Today review: A rollicking new-age entertainer". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 20 November 2022. Retrieved 28 August 2024.
  14. ↑ Rangarajan, Malathi (10 December 1999). "Cinema: Time \ Unnarugae Naanirunthal". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 16 February 2001. Retrieved 27 July 2023.
  15. ↑ Vijiyan, K. N. (18 December 1999). "Clarity missing in 'Time'". New Straits Times. pp. Reel Stuff 4. Archived from the original on 27 July 2023. Retrieved 27 July 2023 – via Google News Archive.
  16. ↑ "Time". Chennai Online. Archived from the original on 10 July 2003. Retrieved 2 October 2024.
  17. ↑ Kiran. "Time". Telugucinema.com. Archived from the original on 6 June 2002. Retrieved 2 October 2025.

External links[edit | edit source]

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