Pournami Alaigal () is a 1985 Indian Tamil-language legal thriller film produced, written and directed by M. Bhaskar. The film stars Sivakumar, Ambika and Revathi, with Major Sundarrajan, Sivachandran and A. R. S. in supporting roles. It was released on 12 January 1985 and emerged a commercial success. The film was remade into Telugu as Sravana Sandhya and in Hindi as Majaal.
Plot
Rajesh, his wife Radha, and Radha's father Ethiraj are advocates. However, Rajesh is frequently not cared for by his father-in-law and wife. Unlike Rajesh, Radha and Ethiraj are famous and rich lawyers in the town; Rajesh just assists them for their respective cases, by preparing their case documents. The public are hardly recognising Rajesh. Rajesh who desired for own recognition and fame for self, sees Gnanaraj, a wealthy businessman for some petty cases. However, Gnanaraj a close friend of Ethiraj despises him and suggests finding a big case himself for good recognition.
One day, Deepa comes from Trichy, murders Gnanaraj with her husband Inspector Lawrence's revolver, in a daylight public event, and surrenders herself to the police station, Inspector Mahendra. Church Father Michael seeks help from Ethiraj to defend Deepa. However, Ethiraj refuses to take over the case. Michael reveals that he knows Gnanaraj was unable to reveal Gnanaraj's true colours better than anyone else and requests to defend Deepa. Rajesh takes this opportunity to take the case and defend Radha. Rajesh argues with his wife Radha and Ethiraj and leaves the house. He further moves to Michael and continues his case in court.
During the case proceedings, Rajesh proves that Deepa is mentally disturbed due to her childhood incident. Lawrence further reveals in court, that Deepa, behaves violently every time during their intimacy, throughout their four years of marriage. Due to this, Lawrence announces in court, that he is going to divorce his wife Deepa. The rest of the plot goes on the case proceedings, Deepa, Radha, and Rajesh's relationship.
Cast
Sivakumar as Rajesh
Ambika as Radha
Revathi as Deepa
Baby Meena as Young age Deepa
Major Sundarrajan as Ethiraj
Sivachandran as Gnanaraja
Nizhalgal Ravi as Inspector Lawrence
V. Gopalakrishnan as the Inspector Mahendra
A. R. S. as Church Father Michael
Sumitra as Dr Saradha
Prameela as Mythili Gnanaraja
Oru Viral Krishna Rao
Pasi Narayanan
Senthil as Pavada Swamy
Nagaraja Cholan as Sebastian
Production
Pournami Alaigal was produced, written and directed by M. Bhaskar under Oscar Movies. Cinematography was handled by Viswam Nataraj, and editing by M. Vellaichami. The court scenes were shot on a set created at Vijaya Vauhini Studios. A dialogue written by Bhaskar, "Aalamarathukku keezhe edhuvum varaladhu" (Nothing grows under a banyan tree) is a South Indian proverb.
Soundtrack
The music is composed by Shankar–Ganesh. The song "Thein Paayum" was originally written for Thandikkappatta Nyayangal (1983).
Release and reception
Pournami Alaigal was released on 12 January 1985. The film was a commercial success, running for over 100 days in theatres. Jayamanmadhan of Kalki wrote it is the waxing moon, the full moon needs a little more thought and concluded that director should show his talent in the next picture.