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{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2024}}
{{Use Indian English|date=November 2015}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2024}}
{{Infobox film
{{Infobox film
| name          = Porkkaalam
| image          = Porkkaalam poster.jpg
| image          = Porkkalam.jpg
| caption        = Poster
| image_size    =
| caption        =  
| director      = [[Cheran (director)|Cheran]]
| director      = [[Cheran (director)|Cheran]]
| writer        = Cheran
| producer      = {{plainlist|
| producer      = {{plainlist|
*M. Kaja Mydeen
*M. Kaja Mydeen
*V. Gnanavelu
*V. Gnanavelu
*[[Jayaprakash|V. Jaya Prakash]]
*[[Jayaprakash (actor)|V. Jayaprakash]]
}}
}}
| writer        = Cheran
| starring      = {{ubl|[[Murali (Tamil actor)|Murali]]|[[Meena (actress)|Meena]]|[[Sanghavi]]}}
| starring      = {{ubl|[[Murali (Tamil actor)|Murali]]|[[Meena (actress)|Meena]]|[[Sanghavi (actor)|Sanghavi]]|[[Vadivelu]]|Rajeshwari|[[Manivannan]]}}
| music          = [[Deva (composer)|Deva]]
| cinematography = Priyan
| cinematography = Priyan
| editing        = K. Thanikachalam
| editing        = K. Thanikachalam
| distributor    = Roja Combines
| music          = [[Deva (composer)|Deva]]
| studio        = [[Roja Combines]]
| released      = {{Film date|df=y|1997|10|30}}
| released      = {{Film date|df=y|1997|10|30}}
| runtime        =
| country        = India
| country        = India
| language      = Tamil
| language      = Tamil
| budget        =
| gross          =
}}
}}


'''''Porkaalam''''' ({{lang-ta|பொற்காலம்}} {{trans|Golden Age}}) is a 1997 Indian [[Tamil-language|Tamil]] [[drama]] film written and directed by [[Cheran (director)|Cheran]]. The film has [[Murali (Tamil actor)|Murali]], [[Meena (actress)|Meena]], [[Sanghavi (actor)|Sanghavi]], Rajeshwari and [[Vadivelu]] in key roles. It was later remade in [[Telugu language|Telugu]], [[Kannada]] and [[Hindi]]. ''Porkaalam'' was one among 1997 Deepavali releases and became a huge success.
'''''Porkkaalam''''' ({{translation|Golden Age}}) is a 1997 Indian [[Tamil language|Tamil]]-language [[Drama (film and television)|drama film]] written and directed by [[Cheran (director)|Cheran]]. The film stars [[Murali (Tamil actor)|Murali]], [[Meena (actress)|Meena]] and [[Sanghavi]]. It was released on 30 October 1997,<ref>{{Cite Instagram |postid=B4PAptJh1WV |user=cherandirector |title=1997 Oct 30th .. My second film porkalam was released... 22 years completed.. Still all memories in my mind.. Thanks to producer, artiste and technicians.. |author=Cheran 👑 |author-link=Cheran (director) |date=30 October 2019 |access-date=10 January 2024 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/instagram/cherandirector/2165952811765290389 |archive-date=10 January 2024 |url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Diwali]], and became a huge success. The film was remade in [[Telugu language|Telugu]] as ''Manikyam'' (1999),<ref>{{Cite news |date=9 October 1998 |title=జగదీశ్ కామ చిత్రంలో శృంగారం పుష్కలం! |trans-title=Jagdish Kama's film has plenty of romance! |url=http://zaminryot.com/pdf/1998/Oct/9-Oct-1998.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240825032408/http://zaminryot.com/pdf/1998/Oct/9-Oct-1998.pdf |archive-date=25 August 2024 |access-date=25 August 2024 |work=[[Zamin Ryot]] |pages=9 |language=te}}</ref> in [[Hindi]] as ''[[Meri Pyaari Bahania Banegi Dulhania]]'' (2001),<ref>{{Cite book |last=Arunachalam |first=Param |title=BollySwar: 2001–2010 |publisher=Mavrix Infotech |isbn=9788193848203 |pages=63}}</ref> and in [[Kannada]] as ''[[Odahuttidavalu]]'' (2006).<ref>{{Cite web |last=RGV |author-link=R. G. Vijayasarathy |date=2 September 2006 |title=Odahuttidavalu Kannada Movie |url=https://www.nowrunning.com/movie/3079/kannada/odahuttidavalu/841/review.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230305000125/https://www.nowrunning.com/movie/3079/kannada/odahuttidavalu/841/review.htm |archive-date=5 March 2023 |access-date=10 January 2024 |website=Nowrunning}}</ref>


==Plot==
== Plot ==
The film deals with the social stigma associated with a handicapped girl in a rural milieu. [[Murali (Tamil actor)|Murali]] is a potter by profession. He has a sister, who is born dumb. Murali has to struggle a lot as the handicraft industry is a dying industry and a good amount of money is taken away by his father ([[Manivannan]]), who is a drunkard and a gambler. But, he tries to hide his sorrows by having fun with his sister and servant ([[Vadivelu]]), who is also his trusted friend. He is in love with his neighbour ([[Meena (actress)|Meena]]), a weaver. He wants to get his sister married to a noble man. But many reject her as she is dumb. Finally, one man agrees to marry his sister but on condition that [[Murali (Tamil actor)|Murali]] must offer [[dowry]]. [[Murali (Tamil actor)|Murali]] then sells many things dearer to him to get money for the dowry. But, that money is taken away by his father and the marriage falls through. Yet [[Vadivelu]] offers to marry his sister without asking dowry and [[Murali (Tamil actor)|Murali]] goes home along with [[Vadivelu]] to convey this happy news to his sister. But it was too late as the sister commits suicide. [[Murali (Tamil actor)|Murali]] as a penance decides to marry a handicapped girl.
{{More plot|date=June 2024}}
Manikkam is a potter by profession. He has a sister, who is born mute. Murali has to struggle a lot as the handicraft industry is a dying industry and a good amount of money is taken away by his father Ramaiya, a drunkard and gambler. But, he tries to hide his sorrows by having fun with his sister and servant Thangamani, who is also his trusted friend. He is in love with his neighbour Maragatham, a weaver. He wants to get his sister married to a noble man, but many reject her as she is mute.


==Cast==
Finally, one man agrees to marry his sister but on condition that Manikkam must offer [[dowry]]. Manikkam then sells many things dearer to him to get money for the dowry. But, that money is taken away by his father and the marriage fails to go through. Thangamani offers to marry his sister without asking for dowry and Manikkam goes home along with Thangamani to convey this happy news to his sister. But it was too late as the sister commits suicide. Manikkam as a penance decides to marry a disabled girl.
* [[Murali (Tamil actor)|Murali]] as Manikam
 
== Cast ==
{{cast listing|
* [[Murali (Tamil actor)|Murali]] as Manikkam
* [[Meena (actress)|Meena]] as Maragadham
* [[Meena (actress)|Meena]] as Maragadham
* [[Sanghavi (actor)|Sanghavi]]
* [[Sanghavi]] as Muthamma
* [[Ilavarasu]]
* [[Manivannan]] as Ramaiya
* [[Vadivelu]]
*[[Vadivelu]] as Thangamani
* [[Manivannan]] as Manikam's father
*Rajeshwari as Panchavarnam
* [[C. R. Saraswathi]] as Kalyani
*[[Delhi Ganesh]] as Subbaiya
*[[Ilavarasu]] as Rasu
* [[Bala Singh]] as Sundaram
* [[Crane Manohar]]
* [[Crane Manohar]]
* [[Kanal Kannan]] as postman (special appearance)
* [[Scissor Manohar]]
* [[Kanal Kannan]] as the postman (special appearance)
* [[Cheran (director)|Cheran]] as the photographer (special appearance)
}}


==Soundtrack==
==Production==
The soundtrack album and background score were composed by [[Deva (composer)|Deva]]. The lyrics were penned by [[Vairamuthu]].
The filming was held at Karighatta, Mysore.<ref>{{cite web |title=Premachari {{!}} Back at Karighatta |url=http://www.expressindia.com/screen/mar19/south.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20001205063900/http://www.expressindia.com/screen/mar19/south.htm |archive-date=5 December 2000 |access-date=21 August 2025 |website=[[The Indian Express|Express India]]}}</ref>
== Soundtrack ==
The soundtrack was composed by [[Deva (composer)|Deva]], with lyrics by [[Vairamuthu]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 October 1997 |title=Porkkaalam |url=https://www.jiosaavn.com/album/porkkaalam/cHCUxSQX00c_ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230525032631/https://www.jiosaavn.com/album/porkkaalam/cHCUxSQX00c_ |archive-date=25 May 2023 |access-date=25 May 2023 |website=[[JioSaavn]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Porkalam Tamil Audio Cassette By Deva |url=https://banumass.com/product/tamil-audio-cassette/tamil-audio-cassettes/deva-tamil-audio-cassettes/porkalam-tamil-audio-cassette/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108044108/https://banumass.com/product/tamil-audio-cassette/tamil-audio-cassettes/deva-tamil-audio-cassettes/porkalam-tamil-audio-cassette/ |archive-date=8 January 2024 |access-date=10 January 2024 |website=Banumass}}</ref> The song "Thanjavooru Mannu Eduthu" was played at the funeral of Singaporean politician [[S. R. Nathan]] in 2016.<ref>{{Cite news |date=27 August 2016 |title=Kollywood number served as a funeral song |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/Kollywood-number-served-as-a-funeral-song/article14594604.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240111042421/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/Kollywood-number-served-as-a-funeral-song/article14594604.ece |archive-date=11 January 2024 |access-date=11 January 2024 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref>


'''Track list'''
{{track listing
{{track listing
| extra_column   = Singer(s)
| headline = Track listing
| lyrics_credits  =
| extra_column = Singer(s)
| total_length   = 26:35
| total_length = 26:35
 
| title1 = Chinna Kanangkuruvi
| title1       = Chinna Kanangkuruvi
| extra1 = Krishnaraj, [[Febi Mani]], [[Malaysia Vasudevan]]
| extra1       = Krishnaraj, [[Febi Mani]], [[Malaysia Vasudevan]]
| length1 = 06:13
| length1     = 06:13
| title2 = Karuvella Kaatukkulae
 
| extra2 = [[Sujatha Mohan]], [[Anuradha Sriram]], [[Arunmozhi]]
| title2       = Karuvella Kaatukkulae
| length2 = 05:28
| extra2       = [[Sujatha Mohan]], [[Anuradha Sriram]], Arun Mozhi
| title3 = Thanjavooru Mannu Eduthu
| length2     = 05:28
| extra3 = Krishnaraj
 
| length3 = 05:25
| title3       = Thanjavooru Mannu Eduthu
| title4 = Chingucha Chingucha
| extra3       = Krishnaraj
| extra4 = [[K. S. Chithra]]
| length3     = 05:25
| length4 = 04:40
 
| title5 = Oona Oonam
| title4       = Chingucha Chingucha
| extra5 = [[Deva (composer)|Deva]], Kovai Kamala
| extra4       = [[K. S. Chithra]]  
| length5 = 04:49
| length4     = 04:40
 
| title5       = Oona Oonam
| extra5       = [[Deva (composer)|Deva]], Kovai Kamala
| length5     = 04:49
}}
}}


==Release==
== Reception ==
 
Ji of ''[[Kalki (magazine)|Kalki]]'' said despite being an age old theme of brother and sister, Cheran handled it skilfully and appreciating the performances of Murali and the actress who portrayed his sister but called Vadivelu's character and his song as unnecessary.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=ஜி. |date=30 November 1997 |title=பொற்காலம் |url=https://archive.org/details/kalki1997-11-30/page/n81/mode/2up |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230225092228/https://archive.org/details/kalki1997-11-30/page/n81/mode/2up |archive-date=25 February 2023 |access-date=24 April 2022 |magazine=[[Kalki (magazine)|Kalki]] |page=80 |language=ta |via=[[Internet Archive]]}}</ref> During the 100th day function of ''[[Arunachalam (film)|Arunachalam]]'', [[Rajinikanth]] appreciated this film and gifted a gold chain to Cheran.<ref>{{Cite news |last=தினேஷ்குமார் |first=ப. |date=30 October 2017 |title=மாற்றுத்திறனாளிகளின் குரலாக ஒலித்த பொற்காலம்..! #20yearsOfPorkkaalam ... |trans-title=Porkkaalam, the voice of the differently-abled..! |url=https://cinema.vikatan.com/kollywood/106297-20-years-of-porkkaalam-movie-special-article |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230524162803/https://cinema.vikatan.com/kollywood/106297-20-years-of-porkkaalam-movie-special-article |archive-date=24 May 2023 |access-date=24 May 2023 |work=[[Ananda Vikatan]] |language=ta}}</ref>
===Critical reception===
The movie generally received positive reviews. Krishna Sivarampuram said, "... very few have the ability to make the viewers think... And only two or three have the rare ability to combine a good comedy line with a tear-jerker...Cheran seems to have revived this genre of film making".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.indolink.com/tamil/cinema/Reviews/articles/porkaalam.htm |title=Porkaalam Movie Review |access-date=16 February 2012 |author=Krishna Sivarampurams}}</ref>
''[[Arunachalam (film)|Arunachalam]]'' movie 100th day function 'superstar' [[Rajinikanth]] praised well this movie and he appreciated gifted a gold chain to director [[Cheran (director)|cheran]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://cinema.vikatan.com/tamil-cinema/news/106297-20-years-of-porkkaalam-movie-special-article.html|title=மாற்றுத்திறனாளிகளின் குரலாக ஒலித்த பொற்காலம்..! #20yearsOfPorkkaalam {{!}} 20 years of porkkaalam movie special article|last=P|first=Dineshkumar|date=2017-10-30|work=vikatan.com|access-date=2018-10-06|language=ta}}</ref>


===Box office===
== Accolades ==
The film was successful at the box office.
This film running 175 days in 20 theaters.
 
== Remakes ==
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
!Year
|+
!Title
|-
!Main cast
! Event
!Language
! Category
! Recipients
! {{abbr|Ref.|Reference(s)}}
|-
| rowspan="2" | [[Tamil Nadu State Film Awards]]
| [[Best Director]]
| Cheran
| rowspan="2" style="text-align:center;" | <ref>{{Cite web |date=27 November 1998 |title=Awards Tamilnadu Government Cinema Awards For 1997 Announced: Best Film Award For "Arunachalam", "Surya Vamsam" |url=http://www.dinakaran.com/cinema/english/awards/27-11-98/g_award.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080101131515/http://www.dinakaran.com/cinema/english/awards/27-11-98/g_award.htm |archive-date=1 January 2008 |access-date=27 June 2023 |website=[[Dinakaran]]}}</ref>
|-
|-
|1998
| [[Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actress|Best Actress]]|| Meena
|''Manikyam''
|[[Meka Srikanth]]
|Telugu
|-
|-
|2001
| Dinakaran Cinema Awards || Best Director || Cheran
|''[[Meri Pyaari Bahania Banegi Dulhania]]''
| style="text-align:center;" | <ref>{{Cite web |title=DINAKARAN CINEMA AWARD&nbsp;– 1997 |url=http://www.dinakaran.com/cinema/english/awards/dkn1997/1997dkn.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19980615070355/http://www.dinakaran.com/cinema/english/awards/dkn1997/1997dkn.htm |archive-date=15 June 1998 |access-date=6 October 2023 |website=[[Dinakaran]]}}</ref>
|[[Mithun Chakraborty]],
|Hindi
|-
|-
|2006
| rowspan="2" | [[Cinema Express Awards]]|| [[Cinema Express Award for Best Actress&nbsp;– Tamil|Best Actress]]|| Meena
|''[[Odahuttidavalu]]''
| rowspan="2" style="text-align:center;" | <ref>{{Cite web |date=24 August 1998 |title=''Cinema Express'' awards presented |url=http://indianexpress.com/res/web/pIe/ie/daily/19980824/23650774.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012164116/http://indianexpress.com/res/web/pIe/ie/daily/19980824/23650774.html |archive-date=12 October 2007 |access-date=14 October 2024 |website=[[The Indian Express]]}}</ref>
|[[V. Ravichandran|Ravichandran]]
|-
|Kannada
 
|}
|}


==Awards==
== References ==
* Cheran won [[Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Director]]
* Meena won [[Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actress]]
 
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}


==External links==
== External links ==
* {{IMDb title|id=0169140|title=Porkaalam}}
* {{IMDb title}}
* {{Rotten Tomatoes}}


{{Cheran (director)}}
{{Cheran (director)}}
{{TamilNaduStateFilmAwardBestFilm}}
{{TamilNaduStateFilmAwardBestFilm}}
{{TamilNaduStateFilmAwardBestActress}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Porkaalam}}
[[Category:1997 Tamil-language films]]
[[Category:Tamil-language films]]
[[Category:1997 drama films]]
[[Category:Indian films]]
[[Category:1997 films]]
[[Category:1997 films]]
[[Category:1997 Indian films]]
[[Category:Films about disability in India]]
[[Category:Films about Indian weddings]]
[[Category:Films about siblings]]
[[Category:Films directed by Cheran]]
[[Category:Films directed by Cheran]]
[[Category:Films scored by Deva (composer)]]
[[Category:Films shot in Mysore]]
[[Category:Indian drama films]]
[[Category:Tamil films remade in other languages]]
[[Category:Tamil films remade in other languages]]
[[Category:1990s Tamil-language films]]
[[Category:Tamil-language drama films]]
[[Category:Films about disability in India]]
[[Category:Tamil-language Indian films]]
[[Category:Films scored by Deva (composer)]]

Latest revision as of 10:18, 3 March 2026

Porkkaalam
Poster
Directed byCheran
Produced by
Written byCheran
Starring
Music byDeva
CinematographyPriyan
Edited byK. Thanikachalam
Production
company
Release date
  • 30 October 1997 (1997-10-30)
CountryIndia
LanguageTamil

Porkkaalam (transl. Golden Age) is a 1997 Indian Tamil-language drama film written and directed by Cheran. The film stars Murali, Meena and Sanghavi. It was released on 30 October 1997,[1] Diwali, and became a huge success. The film was remade in Telugu as Manikyam (1999),[2] in Hindi as Meri Pyaari Bahania Banegi Dulhania (2001),[3] and in Kannada as Odahuttidavalu (2006).[4]

Plot[edit | edit source]

Manikkam is a potter by profession. He has a sister, who is born mute. Murali has to struggle a lot as the handicraft industry is a dying industry and a good amount of money is taken away by his father Ramaiya, a drunkard and gambler. But, he tries to hide his sorrows by having fun with his sister and servant Thangamani, who is also his trusted friend. He is in love with his neighbour Maragatham, a weaver. He wants to get his sister married to a noble man, but many reject her as she is mute.

Finally, one man agrees to marry his sister but on condition that Manikkam must offer dowry. Manikkam then sells many things dearer to him to get money for the dowry. But, that money is taken away by his father and the marriage fails to go through. Thangamani offers to marry his sister without asking for dowry and Manikkam goes home along with Thangamani to convey this happy news to his sister. But it was too late as the sister commits suicide. Manikkam as a penance decides to marry a disabled girl.

Cast[edit | edit source]

Production[edit | edit source]

The filming was held at Karighatta, Mysore.[5]

Soundtrack[edit | edit source]

The soundtrack was composed by Deva, with lyrics by Vairamuthu.[6][7] The song "Thanjavooru Mannu Eduthu" was played at the funeral of Singaporean politician S. R. Nathan in 2016.[8]

Track listing
No.TitleSinger(s)Length
1."Chinna Kanangkuruvi"Krishnaraj, Febi Mani, Malaysia Vasudevan06:13
2."Karuvella Kaatukkulae"Sujatha Mohan, Anuradha Sriram, Arunmozhi05:28
3."Thanjavooru Mannu Eduthu"Krishnaraj05:25
4."Chingucha Chingucha"K. S. Chithra04:40
5."Oona Oonam"Deva, Kovai Kamala04:49
Total length:26:35

Reception[edit | edit source]

Ji of Kalki said despite being an age old theme of brother and sister, Cheran handled it skilfully and appreciating the performances of Murali and the actress who portrayed his sister but called Vadivelu's character and his song as unnecessary.[9] During the 100th day function of Arunachalam, Rajinikanth appreciated this film and gifted a gold chain to Cheran.[10]

Accolades[edit | edit source]

Event Category Recipients Ref.
Tamil Nadu State Film Awards Best Director Cheran [11]
Best Actress Meena
Dinakaran Cinema Awards Best Director Cheran [12]
Cinema Express Awards Best Actress Meena [13]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Template:Cite Instagram
  2. ↑ "జగదీశ్ కామ చిత్రంలో శృంగారం పుష్కలం!" [Jagdish Kama's film has plenty of romance!] (PDF). Zamin Ryot (in తెలుగు). 9 October 1998. p. 9. Archived (PDF) from the original on 25 August 2024. Retrieved 25 August 2024.
  3. ↑ Arunachalam, Param. BollySwar: 2001–2010. Mavrix Infotech. p. 63. ISBN 9788193848203.
  4. ↑ RGV (2 September 2006). "Odahuttidavalu Kannada Movie". Nowrunning. Archived from the original on 5 March 2023. Retrieved 10 January 2024.
  5. ↑ "Premachari | Back at Karighatta". Express India. Archived from the original on 5 December 2000. Retrieved 21 August 2025.
  6. ↑ "Porkkaalam". JioSaavn. 30 October 1997. Archived from the original on 25 May 2023. Retrieved 25 May 2023.
  7. ↑ "Porkalam Tamil Audio Cassette By Deva". Banumass. Archived from the original on 8 January 2024. Retrieved 10 January 2024.
  8. ↑ "Kollywood number served as a funeral song". The Hindu. 27 August 2016. Archived from the original on 11 January 2024. Retrieved 11 January 2024.
  9. ↑ ஜி. (30 November 1997). "பொற்காலம்". Kalki (in தமிழ்). p. 80. Retrieved 24 April 2022 – via Internet Archive.{{cite magazine}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  10. ↑ தினேஷ்குமார், ப. (30 October 2017). "மாற்றுத்திறனாளிகளின் குரலாக ஒலித்த பொற்காலம்..! #20yearsOfPorkkaalam ..." [Porkkaalam, the voice of the differently-abled..!]. Ananda Vikatan (in தமிழ்). Retrieved 24 May 2023.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  11. ↑ "Awards Tamilnadu Government Cinema Awards For 1997 Announced: Best Film Award For "Arunachalam", "Surya Vamsam"". Dinakaran. 27 November 1998. Archived from the original on 1 January 2008. Retrieved 27 June 2023.
  12. ↑ "DINAKARAN CINEMA AWARD – 1997". Dinakaran. Archived from the original on 15 June 1998. Retrieved 6 October 2023.
  13. ↑ "Cinema Express awards presented". The Indian Express. 24 August 1998. Archived from the original on 12 October 2007. Retrieved 14 October 2024.

External links[edit | edit source]

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