Naan Paadum Paadal

Naan Paadum Paadal is a 1984 Indian Tamil-language film written and directed by R. Sundarrajan. The film stars Sivakumar, Mohan, Ambika and Pandiyan. It was released on 14 April 1984. The film was remade in Telugu as Mangalya Bandham (1985).

Plot
Gowri is a widowed school teacher who lives with her in-laws. Subramani moves into the same housing complex to stay with his nephew Selvam while he writes his newest novel. He writes under the name CRS and happens to be Gowri's favourite author though she is unaware of his identity. Due to some general misunderstandings, she is initially suspicious of Subramani. On the other hand, he finds Gowri to be intriguing and learns about her past. She was a singer who had fallen in love with a doctor, Anand. With both families' approval, they marry but Anand dies in an accident three days after the wedding. Heartbroken, she gives up singing and has found solace with Anand's family, reading CRS' novels and in teaching children. Gowri soon learns that Subramani is CRS and melts considerably towards him. She sees him as a friend and is often protective of him. Her family notice this change in behaviour and begin to consider the possibility of her marrying Subramani. He is also interested in marrying her but is unsure of her decision. Ultimately, Gowri must decide on which path to continue her life.

Trivia: In the movie, Ambika is singing her first solo song and Mohan is trying to reach the Recording studio. While driving he meets with an accident and dies. Director Sundarrajan in one of his interview quotes that it is a real incident. It happened with a singer who sang 'Nee varuvai ena naan Irunnthen'. When she was recording that song, her first song she was expecting her husband to reach the recording theatre. But tragically the husband dies at Delhi while going to the Airport. This was told by Sundarrajan to Kutty Padmini in an interview. Link of interview : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWiHq_PCFik

Production
Sivakumar worked as Ambika's makeup artist during the filming of the climax. According to Kovaithambi, they had decided two endings for the film which led to confusion over which to choose; it was Ilaiyaraaja who chose the end which was featured in the film.

Soundtrack
The music was composed by Ilaiyaraaja. The song "Paadava Un Paadalai" uses the conga, a percussion commonly used in Afro-Cuban genres. The song "Paadum Vanambadi" is set in the raga known as Patdeep, while "Devan Kovil" is set in Yamunakalyani.

Reception
Jayamanmadhan of Kalki wrote Sundarrajan can be praised for many things, for the way the poignant story has been told elegantly, for creating characters that stand out in the mind and not rushing till the intermission to insert songs.