Anbu Thangai

Anbu Thangai (transl. Dear Sister) is a 1974 Indian Tamil-language film directed by S. P. Muthuraman, starring R. Muthuraman and Jayalalithaa. The film is a remake of the Telugu film Chelleli Kapuram. Kamal Haasan choreographed a song featuring Jayalalithaa and himself for the film.^[2]

Anbu Thangai
Title card
Directed by	S. P. Muthuraman
Produced by	T. M. Govindan
Starring	R. Muthuraman Jayalalithaa
Cinematography	Babu
Edited by	R. Vittal
Music by	K. V. Mahadevan
Production company	Gowri Art Enterprises[1]
Release date	30 August 1974 (1974-08-30)
Running time	121 minutes
Country	India
Language	Tamil

Plot

Cast

• R. Muthuraman as Ramu^[3]
• Srikanth as Sriram^[3]
• Major Sundarrajan
• Ramadas
• K. A. Thangavelu
• Oru Viral Krishna Rao
• Usilai Mani
• Kamal Haasan as the Buddha (Guest appearance)^[4]
• Jayalalithaa as Radha^[3]
• Jaya as Geetha^[3]
• Kumari Sachu
• A. Sakunthala

Production

Govindan, who previously worked as publicity designer, expressed interest in producing a film with S. P. Muthuraman as director which eventually became Anbu Thangai.^[5] The film began production in early February 1973.^[6] Guhanathan, who co-produced the film, wanted Muthuraman to direct the film; however Muthuraman felt if Jayalalithaa was not comfortable working with him she can choose another director. When Jayalalithaa learned that the film is being directed by Muthuraman who previously worked in Enga Mama as assistant director she agreed to the choice.^[4][7] Kamal Haasan, who was a dance assistant to K. Thangappan, made a cameo appearance as the Buddha in a song.^[4]

Soundtrack

The music was composed by K. V. Mahadevan.^[8] This was Mahadevan's first collaboration with S. P. Muthuraman.^[9]

Song	Singers
"Mannargal Vanagum"	P. Susheela
"Vaangadi Vaanga"	L. R. Eswari, P. Susheela
"Kozhiyum Kozhiyum"	P. Susheela
"Aadi Vaa Azhagurani"	T. M. Soundararajan

Release and reception

Anbu Thangai was released on 30 August 1974.^[10] The critic from Kalki praised the performances of the cast, Guhanathan's story and Muthuraman's direction and included it among the list of films on the bond between a brother and sister after Pasamalar.^[3] According to S. P. Muthuraman, despite the film's average response at the box-office, the producer Govindan turned a profit.^[11]