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{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2024}}
{{Use Indian English|date=October 2015}}
{{Use Indian English|date=February 2024}}
{{Infobox film
{{Infobox film
| name          = Enga Muthalali
| image          = Enga Muthalali.jpg
| image          = Enga Muthalali.jpg
| caption        = Poster
| caption        = Theatrical release poster
| director      = [[Liaquat Ali Khan (director)|Liaquat Ali Khan]]
| director      = [[Liaquat Ali Khan (director)|Liaquat Ali Khan]]
| producer      = Meena Panju Arunachalam
| writer        = [[Panchu Arunachalam]]
| writer        = [[Panchu Arunachalam]]
| screenplay    = Panchu Arunachalam
| producer      = Meena Panchu Arunachalam
| story          = Panchu Arunachalam
| starring      = {{ubl|[[Vijayakanth]]|[[Kasthuri Shankar|Kasthuri]]}}
| starring      = {{ubl|[[Vijayakanth]]|[[Kasthuri (actress)|Kasthuri]]}}
| narrator      =
| music          = [[Ilaiyaraaja]]
| cinematography = Rajarajan
| cinematography = Rajarajan
| editing        = Ashok Metha
| editing        = Ashok Metha
| distributor    = P. A. Art Productions
| music          = [[Ilaiyaraaja]]
| studio        =
| studio        = P. A. Art Productions
| released      = {{Film date|df=y|1993|11|13}}
| released      = {{Film date|df=y|1993|11|13}}
| runtime        = 150 minutes
| runtime        = 150 minutes
| country        = India
| country        = India
| language      = Tamil
| language      = Tamil
| budget        =
| gross          =
}}
}}


'''''Enga Muthalali''''' ({{Translation|Our Boss}}) is a 1993 Tamil-language [[Drama (film and television)|drama film]] directed by [[Liaquat Ali Khan (director)|Liaquat Ali Khan]]. The film stars [[Vijayakanth]] and [[Kasthuri (actress)|Kasthuri]]. The film, produced by Meena Panju Arunachalam, had musical score by [[Ilaiyaraaja]] and was released on 13 November 1993 as one among [[Diwali]] releases.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/tamil/movies/enga-muthalali.html|title=Enga Muthalali|accessdate=2013-01-03|publisher=entertainment.oneindia.in}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.600024.com/movie/enga-muthalali/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130410043009/http://en.600024.com/movie/enga-muthalali/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=2013-04-10 |title=Enga Muthalali |accessdate=2013-01-03 |publisher=en.600024.com }}</ref>
'''''Enga Muthalali''''' ({{Translation|Our Boss}}) is a 1993 Indian [[Tamil language|Tamil]]-language [[Drama (film and television)|drama film]] directed by [[Liaquat Ali Khan (director)|Liaquat Ali Khan]] and written by [[Panchu Arunachalam]]. The film stars [[Vijayakanth]] and [[Kasthuri Shankar|Kasthuri]]. It was released on 13 November 1993.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1 December 2002 |title=நட்சத்திர படப் பட்டியல் |url=https://ibb.co/cTSgjhM |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240202064212/https://ibb.co/cTSgjhM |archive-date=2 February 2024 |access-date=2 February 2024 |work=[[Cinema Express]] |pages=41–43 |language=Ta}}</ref>


==Plot==
== Plot ==
Vijayaragunatha, a compassionate landlord and village chieftain, resides with his mother while his younger brother, Balakrishna "Balu", pursues his college education. Vijayaragunathan witnesses his cousin, Jayarama, murdering a poor farmer and refuses to withhold his testimony despite his uncle Narayana's pleas to lie. As a result, Jayarama is sentenced to life imprisonment. Narayana seeks revenge against Vijayaragunatha's family for his son's imprisonment. He exploits Seetharama, the caste union leader's caste-oriented sentiments to create divisions within the community. Vijayaragunathan, who advocates for equality, opposes these decisions, which leads to a confrontation between Vijayaragunathan and Seetharaman. Seetharaman, also Vijayaragunathan's brother-in-law, mistakenly believes Vijayaragunathan orchestrated the humiliation. Seetharaman's daughter, Kalyani, has been in love with Vijayaragunathan since childhood. When Seetharaman discovers their meetings, he beats Kalyani and arranges her marriage to another groom. However, none of the prospective grooms accept due to fear of Vijayaragunathan.


Vijaya Ragunadhan ([[Vijayakanth]]), a kind-hearted landlord and the village [[Gram panchayat|grams]], lives with his younger brother Balu ([[Raja (Tamil actor)|Raja]]) and his mother (Janaki). He conflicts with his uncle ([[R. Sundarrajan (director)|R. Sundarrajan]]) since he sent his cousin Jayaraman ([[Napoleon (actor)|Napoleon]]) to jail for killing a poor farmer. Vijaya Ragunadhan and his niece Kalyani ([[Kasthuri (actress)|Kasthuri]]) are in love since their childhood.
Seetharaman ultimately settles on Panduranga "Bambaram Pandu", the immature son of Godhandarama, who agrees to the marriage due to his interest in Seetharaman's property. Vijayaragunathan crashes the wedding, fights off the goons, and helps Kalyani confess her true feelings to the gathered relatives. Despite Seetharaman's objections, Vijayaragunathan and Kalyani get married. Narayana and his relatives await an opportunity to manipulate Balu against his brother Vijayaragunathan. Meanwhile, Balu falls in love with Kaveri, the daughter of Seetharaman's mistress, Vani Nair. Before departing for [[Delhi]], Balu promises Kaveri that he will marry her, a vow witnessed by Kalyani. Balu and Kaveri eventually consummate their relationship. Narayana and his sons deceive Balu, claiming that if he leaves for Delhi, Vijayaragunathan will monopolize the family's wealth and make Balu stay in the village, sowing discord between the brothers.


Vijaya Ragunadhan's uncle encourages Sitharaman, Vijaya Ragunadhan's brother-in-law, to stand for their village association's election. Sitharaman and Vijaya Ragunadhan clash during the election, Sitharaman decides to arrange the marriage between his daughter Kalyani and 'Bambaram' Pandu ([[Vivek (actor)|Vivek]]). At the wedding, Vijaya Ragunadhan beats Sitharaman's henchmen and gets eventually married to Kalyani.
Vijayaragunathan discovers Balu's love for Kaveri and approaches Seetharaman to request her hand in marriage for Balu. Seetharaman, overwhelmed by Vijayaragunatha's gesture, agrees to the union. However, Parvathi, Vijayaragunatha's sister, refuses to accept the marriage, citing the societal implications of Balu marrying the daughter of her husband's mistress. Narayanan further manipulates Balu, falsely claiming that Vijayaragunathan rejected a lucrative marriage proposal from Krishna's daughter on Balu's behalf. Narayanan advises Balu to keep Kaveri as his mistress and marry Krishna's daughter instead. Trusting Narayanan's words, Balu calls off the marriage. Vijayaragunathan implores Balu to explain his sudden change of heart, but Balu remains obstinate. In a fit of anger, Vijayaragunathan slaps Balu, who enraged, abandons their home. Narayana exploits Balu's vulnerability, urging him to partition their ancestral property. But, Vijayaragunathan transfers the entire property to Balu and leaves the house with his mother and Kalyani.


Balu and Kaveri, Kalyani's half-sister, fall in love with each other. Later, Balu clashes with his brother Vijaya Ragunadhan.
Meanwhile, Jayarama is released from Salem prison on bail and is made to stay in Salem. During Balu's engagement with Krishna's daughter, Kaveri interrupts, confronting Balu demanding justice for impregnating her. Balu lashes out at Kaveri. Narayana secretly brings Jayarama back to the village and orchestrates Kaveri's murder, using a knife with Balu's fingerprints, and plants the knife in Balu's belongings, framing him for the crime. Balu is falsely arrested and charged with Kaveri's murder. Seetharaman witnesses the murder and is subsequently kidnapped by Jayarama, who tries to coerce him into committing suicide. Vijayaragunathan intervenes, fighting off Jayarama and his men, and protects Seetharaman. Seetharaman then brings the police and, using a letter signed by himself on behalf of Narayana, ensures Narayana and Jayarama's arrest. With the truth revealed, Balu is released from prison, and the family reunites, with Balu now reformed.


==Cast==
== Cast ==
{{colbegin}}
{{cast listing|
*[[Vijayakanth]] as Vijayaragunathan Reddy
*[[Vijayakanth]] as Vijayaragunatha
*[[Kasthuri (actress)|Kasthuri]] as Kalyani
*[[Kasthuri Shankar|Kasthuri]] as Kalyani
*[[Radha Ravi]] as Seetharaman Reddy
*[[Radha Ravi]] as Seetharama
*[[Raja (Tamil actor)|Raja]] as Balu (Balakrishnan Reddy)
*[[Raja (Tamil actor)|Raja]] as Balakrishna "Balu"
*[[R. Sundarrajan (director)|R. Sundarrajan]] as Narayanan Reddy (Enemy role)
*[[R. Sundarrajan]] as Narayana
*[[Napoleon (actor)|Napoleon]] as Jayaraman Reddy (Narayanan Reddy Son, Enemy role)
*[[Napoleon (actor)|Napoleon]] as Jayarama, Narayana's son
*[[Venniradai Moorthy]] as Godhandaraman Reddy (Pandurangan Father)
*John Amirtharaj as Krishna
*[[Vivek (actor)|Vivek]] as Pandurangan ('Bambaram' Pandu)
*[[Vellai Subbaiah]] as a marriage broker
*[[Karuppu Subbiah]] as Karuppusamy
*[[Pasi Narayanan]] as a marriage broker
*[[Vennira Aadai Moorthy]] as Godhandarama, Pandurangan's father
*[[Thyagu (actor)|Thiyagu]] as Nanjappan
*[[Thyagu (actor)|Thiyagu]] as Nanjappan
*[[Junior Balaiah]]
*[[Vivek (actor)|Vivek]] as Panduranga 'Bambaram Pandu'
*[[Nalinikanth (actor)|Nalinikanth]]
*[[Junior Balaiah]] as Narayana's relative
*[[Nalinikanth]] as Narayana's relative
*[[Sumithra (actress)|Sumithra]] as Parvathi
*[[Sumithra (actress)|Sumithra]] as Parvathi
*[[Vichithra]] as Kaveri
*[[Vichithra]] as Kaveri
*[[Dubbing Janaki]] as Vijaya Ragunathan Reddy's mother
*[[S. N. Parvathy]] as Pandurangan's mother
*[[Thalapathi Dinesh]]
*[[Dubbing Janaki]] as Vijayaragunatha, Balu and Parvathi's mother
*[[C. R. Saraswathi]] as Vani Nayar (Seetharaman Reddy Kife, Kaveri Mother)
*[[C. R. Saraswathi]] as Vani Nair, Kaveri's Mother
*John Amirtharaj as Krishna Reddy
*[[Thalapathi Dinesh]] as a henchman (uncredited)
*Krishnamoorthy
*[[Vellai Subbaiah]] as Marriage Broker
*[[Karuppu Subbiah]] as Karuppusamy
*[[Pasi Narayanan]]
{{colend}}
 
==Soundtrack==
 
{{Infobox album
| name      = Enga Muthalali
| type      = [[soundtrack]]
| artist    = [[Ilaiyaraaja]]
| cover      =
| alt        =
| released  = 1993
| recorded  = 1993
| venue      =
| studio    =
| genre      = [[Film soundtrack|Feature film soundtrack]]
| length    = 24:39
| label      =
| producer  = Ilaiyaraaja
| prev_title =
| prev_year  =
| next_title =
| next_year  =
}}
}}


The film score and the soundtrack were composed by [[Ilaiyaraaja]]. The soundtrack, released in 1993, features 5 tracks with lyrics written by [[Vaali (poet)|Vaali]] and [[Panchu Arunachalam]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thiraipaadal.com/album.php?ALBID=ALBIRR00147|title=Enga Muthalali - Illayaraja|accessdate=2013-01-03|publisher=thiraipaadal.com}}</ref>
== Soundtrack ==
The music was composed by [[Ilaiyaraaja]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chinna Jamin / Thai Manasu / Enga Muthalali |url=https://avdigital.in/products/chinna-jamin-thai-manasu-enga-muthalali |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220629043544/https://avdigital.in/products/chinna-jamin-thai-manasu-enga-muthalali |archive-date=29 June 2022 |access-date=9 January 2023 |website=AVDigital}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=13 November 1993 |title=Enga Muthalali (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) – EP |url=https://music.apple.com/sg/album/enga-muthalali-original-motion-picture-soundtrack-ep/1706006931 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20251023013516/https://music.apple.com/sg/album/enga-muthalali-original-motion-picture-soundtrack-ep/1706006931 |archive-date=23 October 2025 |access-date=23 October 2025 |website=[[Apple Music]] |language=en}}</ref>


{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%;"
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%;"
! Track !! Song !! Singer(s) !! Lyrics !! Duration
! Song !! Singer(s) !! Lyrics !! Length
|-
|1 || "Bhoomikkum Saamikkum" || [[Mano (singer)|Mano]], [[K. S. Chithra]] || rowspan=4|[[Vaali (poet)|Vaali]] || 5:05
|-
|-
|2 || "Kolli Malli" || Mano, [[Swarnalatha]] || 4:49
| "Bhoomikkum Saamikkum" || [[Mano (singer)|Mano]], [[K. S. Chithra]] || rowspan=4|[[Vaali (poet)|Vaali]] || 5:05
|-
|-
|3 || "Kungumam Manjalukku (Ragam: Rathnakanthi)" || [[K. J. Yesudas]], [[S. Janaki]] || 5:00
| "Kolli Malai" || Mano, [[Swarnalatha]] || 4:49
|-
|-
|4 || "Mahathaana Uravugalai" || [[S. P. Balasubrahmanyam]] || 4:44
| "Kungumam Manjalukku (Ragam: Rathnakanthi)" || [[K. J. Yesudas]], [[S. Janaki]] || 5:00
|-
|-
|5 || "Marumagale" || S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, K. S. Chithra || [[Panchu Arunachalam]] || 5:01
| "Mahathaana Uravugalai" || [[S. P. Balasubrahmanyam]] || 4:44
|-
| "Marumagale" || S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, K. S. Chithra || [[Panchu Arunachalam]] || 5:01
|}
|}


==Reception==
== Critical reception ==
''The Indian Express'' wrote "Liyakat Ali Khan's treatment is fairly neat and he has tackled a subject that is different".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=P9oYG7HA76QC&dat=19931119&printsec=frontpage&hl=en|title = The Indian Express - Google News Archive Search}}</ref>
Malini Mannath of ''[[The Indian Express]]'' wrote, "Liyakat Ali Khan's treatment is fairly neat and he has tackled a subject that is different".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Mannath |first=Malini |date=19 November 1993 |title=Ingratitude of a brother |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=P9oYG7HA76QC&dat=19931119&printsec=frontpage&hl=en |access-date=6 January 2019 |work=[[The Indian Express]] |pages=6 |via=[[Google News Archive]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Thulasi of ''[[Kalki (magazine)|Kalki]]'', however, found the film to be clichéd and predictable.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=துளசி |date=5 December 1993 |title=எங்க முதலாளி |url=https://archive.org/details/kalki1993-12-05/page/n43/mode/2up |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230211055808/https://archive.org/details/kalki1993-12-05/page/n43/mode/2up |archive-date=11 February 2023 |access-date=1 December 2022 |magazine=[[Kalki (magazine)|Kalki]] |page=43 |language=Ta |via=[[Internet Archive]]}}</ref>


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


== External links ==
* {{IMDb title}}
* {{Rotten Tomatoes}}
[[Category:1993 Tamil-language films]]
[[Category:1993 drama films]]
[[Category:1993 films]]
[[Category:1993 films]]
[[Category:Indian films]]
[[Category:1993 Indian films]]
[[Category:Indian drama films]]
[[Category:Films directed by Liaquat Ali Khan (director)]]
[[Category:Tamil-language films]]
[[Category:Films scored by Ilaiyaraaja]]
[[Category:Films scored by Ilaiyaraaja]]
[[Category:1990s Tamil-language films]]
[[Category:Films with screenplays by Panchu Arunachalam]]
[[Category:Films with screenplays by Panchu Arunachalam]]
[[Category:Indian drama films]]
[[Category:Tamil-language drama films]]
[[Category:Tamil-language Indian films]]

Latest revision as of 10:26, 3 March 2026

Enga Muthalali
File:Enga Muthalali.jpg
Theatrical release poster
Directed byLiaquat Ali Khan
Produced byMeena Panchu Arunachalam
Written byPanchu Arunachalam
Starring
Music byIlaiyaraaja
CinematographyRajarajan
Edited byAshok Metha
Production
company
P. A. Art Productions
Release date
  • 13 November 1993 (1993-11-13)
Running time
150 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageTamil

Enga Muthalali (transl. Our Boss) is a 1993 Indian Tamil-language drama film directed by Liaquat Ali Khan and written by Panchu Arunachalam. The film stars Vijayakanth and Kasthuri. It was released on 13 November 1993.[1]

Plot[edit | edit source]

Vijayaragunatha, a compassionate landlord and village chieftain, resides with his mother while his younger brother, Balakrishna "Balu", pursues his college education. Vijayaragunathan witnesses his cousin, Jayarama, murdering a poor farmer and refuses to withhold his testimony despite his uncle Narayana's pleas to lie. As a result, Jayarama is sentenced to life imprisonment. Narayana seeks revenge against Vijayaragunatha's family for his son's imprisonment. He exploits Seetharama, the caste union leader's caste-oriented sentiments to create divisions within the community. Vijayaragunathan, who advocates for equality, opposes these decisions, which leads to a confrontation between Vijayaragunathan and Seetharaman. Seetharaman, also Vijayaragunathan's brother-in-law, mistakenly believes Vijayaragunathan orchestrated the humiliation. Seetharaman's daughter, Kalyani, has been in love with Vijayaragunathan since childhood. When Seetharaman discovers their meetings, he beats Kalyani and arranges her marriage to another groom. However, none of the prospective grooms accept due to fear of Vijayaragunathan.

Seetharaman ultimately settles on Panduranga "Bambaram Pandu", the immature son of Godhandarama, who agrees to the marriage due to his interest in Seetharaman's property. Vijayaragunathan crashes the wedding, fights off the goons, and helps Kalyani confess her true feelings to the gathered relatives. Despite Seetharaman's objections, Vijayaragunathan and Kalyani get married. Narayana and his relatives await an opportunity to manipulate Balu against his brother Vijayaragunathan. Meanwhile, Balu falls in love with Kaveri, the daughter of Seetharaman's mistress, Vani Nair. Before departing for Delhi, Balu promises Kaveri that he will marry her, a vow witnessed by Kalyani. Balu and Kaveri eventually consummate their relationship. Narayana and his sons deceive Balu, claiming that if he leaves for Delhi, Vijayaragunathan will monopolize the family's wealth and make Balu stay in the village, sowing discord between the brothers.

Vijayaragunathan discovers Balu's love for Kaveri and approaches Seetharaman to request her hand in marriage for Balu. Seetharaman, overwhelmed by Vijayaragunatha's gesture, agrees to the union. However, Parvathi, Vijayaragunatha's sister, refuses to accept the marriage, citing the societal implications of Balu marrying the daughter of her husband's mistress. Narayanan further manipulates Balu, falsely claiming that Vijayaragunathan rejected a lucrative marriage proposal from Krishna's daughter on Balu's behalf. Narayanan advises Balu to keep Kaveri as his mistress and marry Krishna's daughter instead. Trusting Narayanan's words, Balu calls off the marriage. Vijayaragunathan implores Balu to explain his sudden change of heart, but Balu remains obstinate. In a fit of anger, Vijayaragunathan slaps Balu, who enraged, abandons their home. Narayana exploits Balu's vulnerability, urging him to partition their ancestral property. But, Vijayaragunathan transfers the entire property to Balu and leaves the house with his mother and Kalyani.

Meanwhile, Jayarama is released from Salem prison on bail and is made to stay in Salem. During Balu's engagement with Krishna's daughter, Kaveri interrupts, confronting Balu demanding justice for impregnating her. Balu lashes out at Kaveri. Narayana secretly brings Jayarama back to the village and orchestrates Kaveri's murder, using a knife with Balu's fingerprints, and plants the knife in Balu's belongings, framing him for the crime. Balu is falsely arrested and charged with Kaveri's murder. Seetharaman witnesses the murder and is subsequently kidnapped by Jayarama, who tries to coerce him into committing suicide. Vijayaragunathan intervenes, fighting off Jayarama and his men, and protects Seetharaman. Seetharaman then brings the police and, using a letter signed by himself on behalf of Narayana, ensures Narayana and Jayarama's arrest. With the truth revealed, Balu is released from prison, and the family reunites, with Balu now reformed.

Cast[edit | edit source]

Soundtrack[edit | edit source]

The music was composed by Ilaiyaraaja.[2][3]

Song Singer(s) Lyrics Length
"Bhoomikkum Saamikkum" Mano, K. S. Chithra Vaali 5:05
"Kolli Malai" Mano, Swarnalatha 4:49
"Kungumam Manjalukku (Ragam: Rathnakanthi)" K. J. Yesudas, S. Janaki 5:00
"Mahathaana Uravugalai" S. P. Balasubrahmanyam 4:44
"Marumagale" S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, K. S. Chithra Panchu Arunachalam 5:01

Critical reception[edit | edit source]

Malini Mannath of The Indian Express wrote, "Liyakat Ali Khan's treatment is fairly neat and he has tackled a subject that is different".[4] Thulasi of Kalki, however, found the film to be clichéd and predictable.[5]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "நட்சத்திர படப் பட்டியல்". Cinema Express (in தமிழ்). 1 December 2002. pp. 41–43. Archived from the original on 2 February 2024. Retrieved 2 February 2024.
  2. ↑ "Chinna Jamin / Thai Manasu / Enga Muthalali". AVDigital. Archived from the original on 29 June 2022. Retrieved 9 January 2023.
  3. ↑ "Enga Muthalali (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) – EP". Apple Music. 13 November 1993. Retrieved 23 October 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  4. ↑ Mannath, Malini (19 November 1993). "Ingratitude of a brother". The Indian Express. p. 6. Retrieved 6 January 2019 – via Google News Archive.
  5. ↑ துளசி (5 December 1993). "எங்க முதலாளி". Kalki (in தமிழ்). p. 43. Retrieved 1 December 2022 – via Internet Archive.{{cite magazine}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)

External links[edit | edit source]

Retrieved from "https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Enga_Muthalali&oldid=465725"
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