Sollamale

Sollamale is a 1998 Indian Tamil-language romantic drama film written and directed by Sasi in his directorial debut. The film stars Livingston and Kausalya while Karan, Vivek, Anand, and Prakash Raj play supporting roles. It was released on 1 August 1998 and became a box office success. The film was later remade Telugu as Seenu (1999) and in Hindi as Pyaar Diwana Hota Hai (2002).

Plot
Nataraj is an honest, not-too-good-looking, village artist who comes to the city to find a job. He ends up being a banner artist. Shweta is a US citizen who loves India and its culture and stays with her relatives to learn Bharatnatyam. She is a soft-natured, loving girl who loves to help people in distress but cannot stand it if anyone lies or cheats. Initially when these two meet, she mistakes Nataraj to be a mute and pities him. Shweta's occasional friendlier association with Nataraj, in the means of helping, gradually blossoms into love. By this time, it is too late for the guilt-ridden Nataraj to disclose the truth as he feared the risk of losing her. Despite all his efforts to reveal the truth, Shwetha discovers his sham by herself. However at the end, she realises Nataraj's true intentions for acting as a mute and forgives him. However at the climax, when Shwetha asks Nadaraj to speak to her, he keeps silent because he had asked a doctor to cut his tongue so that he could be the Nataraj that Swetha had come to love.

Soundtrack
Soundtrack was composed by debutant Bobby.

Reception
D. S. Ramanujam of The Hindu wrote, "Debutant director Sasi makes his bow in grand style with a different kind of love tale" and also lauded the performances of Livingston and Kausalya. The film became a major success and breakthrough for Livingston after years of playing supporting roles. Bobby won the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Music Director.