Kalyana Raman [or கல்யாணராமன்], released in 1979, a classic Tamil supernatural comedy film that brought together the iconic pair of Kamal Haasan and Sridevi in one of their early collaborations.
Directed by G. N. Rangarajan and written by Panchu Arunachalam, the movie blends elements of fantasy, humour, revenge, and romance, making it a memorable hit from the late 1970s, a golden era in Tamil cinema.
The story revolves around twin brothers: Kalyanam (the naive, innocent younger one) and Raman (the elder, more street-smart twin), both portrayed brilliantly by Kamal Haasan in a dual role. Double roles and title roles have always been a great indicator of a star's meteoric position; double the whammy for the single buck.
Kalyanam, the humble and wealthy son of a rich man, falls victim to a greedy estate manager (played by V. K. Ramasamy) who deceives and murders him to seize the family property. After his death, Kalyanam's spirit returns as a ghost to haunt the wrongdoers and seek justice.
Meanwhile, his twin brother Raman returns to uncover the truth, take revenge, and protect the family legacy. The supernatural twist allows for comedic ghost antics, light-hearted moments, and emotional depth.
Sridevi, 15, plays Shenbagam, the charming female protagonist who becomes involved in the brothers' lives, adding romance and Sridevi is lovely with her signature grace and expressive face. Her chemistry with Kamal Haasan shines throughout, showcasing the playful and famed on-screen dynamic that made them one of South Indian cinema's most beloved pairs.
The film features a strong supporting cast, including Major Sundarrajan, Thengai Srinivasan, Manorama, Pushpalatha, and others, all who contribute to the comedic timing and dramatic tension of the now-considered Tamil classic.
The music, composed by the legendary Ilaiyaraaja, is a highlight, and remains popular among fans even now - oh-so-many decades later.
A commercial success upon release, the film is remembered for its innovative use of supernatural comedy - a novel idea at the time - in Tamil films, Kamal Haasan's versatile double performance (switching between the innocent victim and the vengeful brother), and lovely Sridevi's youthful charm, the initial sparks that ignited her career as one of Indian cinema's greats.
Released on July 6, 1979, the movie stands as an entertaining example of 1970s Tamil cinema's creativity in blending genres and is a mercifully short film, just over two hours!
Available on Amazon Prime for viewers interested in revisiting this gem.
Update: This film was later remade in Hindi as Ghazab, which released in 1982, featuring Dharmendra & Rekha!
