Before Rajinikanth became an otherworldly figure whose screen presence was announced by the honorific “SUPERSTAR” in the opening credits of his films, he appeared in a series of acclaimed roles in Tamil cinema. Among the movies that established Rajinikanth’s acting prowess was Mahendran’s Mullum Malarum (The Thorn and the Flower).
Mahendran’s highly accomplished directorial debut, available on Amazon Prime Video and YouTube Movies, is a Raksha Bandhan favourite. Mahendran’s loose adaptation of Uma Chandran’s 1960s novel of the same name examines a man’s all-encompassing love for his sister, which eventually comes in the way of her happiness.
Kali (Rajinikanth) and Valli (Shoba) are orphans who have grown up in dire poverty. Kali has wangled a job as a winch operator at a power station. He’s the darling of his village as well as the object of fear for his sharp tongue and no-nonsense ways.
Back at home, his beloved sister Valli (Shoba) is the only source…