Neela Kannukal

Neelakkannukal (1974) - Madhu picked the evergreen himself (almost 40 then) to star opposite a very beautiful and very young (21 yrs) Jayabharathi in this film. Madhu is a rich playboy who runs away from home rather than marry the rich socialite fiancée picked by his very rich grandfather. Forced to slum it he finds out what is really important in life, encounters Malu (Jayabharathi), falls in love, has the love almost snatched away from him, but all's well that ends well.

The story is most mundane but is told in a very heartwarming way that was typical of Madhu chettan. The relationships Madhu develops in the slum, his struggles to survive, the foster family that adopts him, his various jobs, his romancing - it is all so heartwarming. The music by G.Devarajan is very good and notable numbers are Allimalar Kilimakale, Kallolinee Vanakallolinee, Kavitha Kondu Nin. Madhu gives full value for money - does not miss a beat, Jayabharathi has to be seen to be believed - she is that sweet and beautiful and natural. She and Madhu have an on screen chemistry that was very visible in Madhavikkutti a year earlier and continues into this film.

Another one for the A list from Madhu.