Manathodu Mazhaikalam

Manathodu Mazhaikalam is a 2006 Indian Tamil-language buddy drama film directed by Arputhan, that stars Shaam, Nithya Das, Jayasurya, and Sameksha. This marked Arputhan's final directorial venture before his death on 7 November 2023.

Plot
Siva (Shaam) and Sathya (Nithya Das) are college mates and good friends who always look out for each other. Their friendship continues even after their college days. Siva's and Sathya's parents mistake their friendship for an affair. The two refuse and make it clear that they are platonic friends with oneness in their thoughts. In the course of time, Siva marries Sruthi (Sameksha) and Sathya marries Karthik (Jayasurya). Sruthi soon becomes pregnant but dies of childbirth complications. Siva is left to raise his son on his own. Many years pass, and Siva's son begins to treat him badly, leaving him destitute. At the same time, Karthik informs Siva that Sathya is on her deathbed due to heart problems. In due course of time, Sathya dies. The film ends as Karthik and Siva, both widowers, walk together, vowing to remain good friends for the remainder of their lives.

Production
The film is directed by Arputhan, who previously directed Arputham (2002). Shaam veered away from his chocolate boy looks and portrayed an old man at the beginning and end of this film. The film was shot at Christ College, Irinjalakuda. Karthik Raja reportedly composed music for the film in a houseboat in Kerala. A song featuring Shaam and Samiksha was shot at Athirapalli falls.

Soundtrack
Soundtrack was composed by Karthik Raja. The lyrics are written by Na. Muthukumar.

Reception
A critic from Ananda Vikatan criticised the film's story but praised the background score. Malini Mannath of Chennai Online opined that "It's a feel-good film, which would have felt better, and more engaging, with a tighter script and a firmer grip on the narration". Lajjavathi of Kalki praised the performance of Shaam however he couldn't able to carry off old man's role while also appreciating the acting of Samiksha and Nithya Das, she noted that flashback was familiar, calling screenplay as predictable and panned the director for dragging the film. A critic from Cinesouth wrote that "The film is without obscenity and irritating moments. The whole story has been beautifully conceived as a poem on celluloid by director Arpudhan, but he seems to have lost it in the screenplay and direction. So Manadhodu Mazhaikalam is like an umbrella with holes".