Sandhitha Velai

Sandhitha Velai is a 2000 Indian Tamil-language film directed by Ravichandran, his second film after Kannedhirey Thondrinal (1998). The film stars Karthik in two roles. Roja and Kausalya play the female leads, while Vijayakumar, Sujatha, Moulee, Chinni Jayanth, Vivek, Manivannan, and Nassar play supporting roles alongside an ensemble cast. The film was released on 14 April 2000 during Tamil New Year.

Plot
Aadalarasu (Karthik) is an unemployed graduate living with his parents Gurumoorthy (Vijayakumar) and Sujatha. Aadalarasu is kind-hearted; however, luck does not favour him in finding a suitable job. Gurumoorthy keeps scolding Aadalarasu frequently for his inability to get a job. But Aadalarasu’s mother remains supportive. Aadalarasu goes to Chennai for an interview and stays in his father’s friend Sivaraman’s (Moulee) home where he meets Thilaka (Roja), the only daughter of Sivaraman. Gurumoorthy and Sivaraman decide to get Aadalarasu and Thilaka married hoping that Aadalarasu would become responsible post wedding. Thilaka agrees to this wedding as she could not turn down her father’s request, however she does not like Aadalarasu. Post wedding, slowly, Thilaka starts understanding the kind heart of Aadalarasu.

One day, Aadalarasu misses a train for an interview which makes Gurumoorthy irritated, and he scolds for his irresponsible nature. This makes Aadalarasu dejected, and he leaves the house hoping to catch the train at some other station. However, in the train, Aadalarasu gets shocked as he meets his doppelganger Thirunavukarasu (Karthik) whose health condition looks worse. Thirunavukarasu says his story to Aadalarasu. Thirunavukarasu hails from a rich business family, however, he is lazy and irresponsible most of the times which has led to poor performance of his company. Also, Thirunavukarasu’s sister’s wedding gets cancelled due to this. Thirunavukarasu gets drunk and meets with an accident. Later, Thirunavukarasu transforms and understands his responsibilities and decides to turnaround the company. He also gets married to Akalya (Kausalya). However, to his shock, it is revealed that the car accident had created some problem in health which was left unnoticed by the doctors earlier and it is too late to save him. Thirunavukarasu hides this truth from his family members. The story comes to present.

Thirunavukarasu requests Aadalarasu to take care of his family in his place if possible and dies in the train. Aadalarasu decides to fulfil Thirunavukarasu’s final wish and goes to Chennai as Thirunavukarasu. Meanwhile, Thirunavukarasu’s dead body is brought to Aadalarasu’s home which leaves Aadalarasu’s family in shock. They think that Aadalarasu committed suicide due to frustration in life. Aadalarasu’s mother also passes away as she could not accept the death of her son. Thilaka feels sad. However, she is convinced by Gurumoorthy to go to Chennai and start a fresh life by finding a job. Thilaka comes to Chennai and starts attending some interviews.

Aadalarasu goes in place of Thirunavukarasu and turns around his company. All his family members feel happy seeing the transformation of Thirunavukarasu. He also takes Akalya into the business and teaches her all the required stuff. Aadalarasu requests his father to transfer all the properties and businesses in the name of Akalya. One day, Akalya meets Thilaka who happens to her classmate during college days. Akalya feels sorry knowing about the death of Thilaka’s husband and decides to help her by offering a job in their company. Thilaka comes to Akalya’s company hoping to get a job but is shocked to see Aadalarasu as the MD over there. Aadalarasu is also shocked to see Thilaka. Aadalarasu opens up the truth to everyone. Thilaka cries knowing that her husband has dead. Thirunavukarasu’s family members thank Aadalarasu for fulfilling Thirunavukarasu’s last wish. In the end, Aadalarasu joins with Thilaka.

Production
The filming began in 1998 and was the second directorial work by Ravichandran. It was briefly delayed due to the selection of heroines. Isha Koppikar and then Suvalakshmi were selected for a role, but their refusal meant that Roja was signed. For another lead role, Simran was selected but due to date clashes, she too was replaced by Kausalya. There were rumours that the film was delayed because of Karthik experiencing trouble due to his health.

Soundtrack
The music was composed by Deva.

Reception
Krishna Chidambaram of Kalki was critical of illogical sequences and was critical of Vijayakumar and Roja's acting but called Vivek's comedy as the only positive of the film. S. R. Ashok Kumar of The Hindu wrote "The story is not new but director Ravichandran has tried to give enough pep to the proceedings through his effective screenplay."