Aranmanai Kili

Aranmanai Kili is a 1993 Indian Tamil-language romantic drama film written, produced and directed by Rajkiran in his directorial debut. He also stars alongside Ahana and Gayathri. The film was released on 16 April 1993. It was remade in Telugu as Maa Voori Maaraju (1994), and in Kannada as Neelakanta (2006).

Plot
Raasaiyya is a servant of a rich family which belongs to Poongodi, who secretly loves him. While Chellamma, a poor girl, was kidnapped and forced into prostitution, Raasaiyya saves her and takes her to his village. It remains to be seen what fate has in store for the three of them.

Production
Aranmanai Kili is the directorial debut of Rajkiran who also produced the film, wrote the script and starred as the male lead. The film is the acting debut for Ahana and Gayathri; both were chosen from over 300 girls who auditioned. Cinematography was handled by Kichas. The filming of the song "Adi Poonguyile" suffered significant delays due to difficulties in finding a location with the required settings, including "green grass, mountains, and waterfalls". It was also affected by the makers wanting to wait for the perfect weather as the song sequence required heavy rain.

Soundtrack
The soundtrack was composed by Ilaiyaraaja. Though the soundtrack has nine songs, only seven feature onscreen. The song "En Thaayenum" is set in Mayamalavagowla raga.

Release and reception
Aranmanai Kili was released on 16 April 1993. Malini Mannath of The Indian Express felt that, of the seven songs featuring onscreen, only two were memorable, and "The film-maker reportedly delayed the shooting as he had not found a suitable heroine. He could have waited a little longer". K. Vijian of New Straits Times wrote "Go and watch this movie with an open mind. You may then able to enjoy Aranmanai Kili". C. R. K. of Kalki wrote that the incidents and comedic sequences in the film were natural without any kind of fiction.