Naina (2002 film)

Naina (transl. Father) is a 2002 Indian Tamil-language comedy horror film directed by Manobala. The film stars Jayaram in a dual role and Manya, with Vadivelu, Ramesh Khanna, Bhanupriya, Kovai Sarala, and Rajan P. Dev playing supporting roles. The film, produced by V. Santhakumar, was released on 30 August 2002.^[1]

Naina
DVD cover
Directed by	Manobala
Written by	Jagan Mohan (dialogues)
Screenplay by	Manobala
Story by	P. Kalaimani
Produced by	V. Santhakumar
Starring	Jayaram Manya
Cinematography	Pandian
Edited by	V. M. Udhayashankar
Music by	Sabesh–Murali
Production company	VSK Films
Release date	30 August 2002 (2002-08-30)
Running time	145 minutes
Country	India
Language	Tamil

Plot

The ghost of Annamalai is trying to communicate with his son Pasupathy. The latter, a taxi driver, is in love with the lawyer Vaanathi. Aavudaiyappan, a con medium, becomes the only one who can hear Annamalai. After being annoyed by Annamalai, Aavudaiyappan finally decides to help him. They meet Pasupathy, who seems to hate his deceased father.

In the past, the widower Annamalai was a wealthy man and womanizer. Every time there was a good news in his village, he tonsured Pasupathy's head. He later got married a second time with Azhagu Nachiyar, and they had a daughter. During a ceremony, a person pushed Annamalai from behind in Yajna. The villagers thought that the innocent Pasupathy killed his father, so he ran away.

Annamalai does not know who killed him. Pasupathy decides to go back to his village. He wants to prove his innocence at all costs and wants to find the one who killed his father. When Azhagu Nachiyar meets Annamalai's brother Velu, she becomes unconscious. Annamalai regains her consciousness and makes her overhear Velu's conversation. It turns out that Velu had killed Annamalai to grab his property and blamed the murder on Pasupathy.

In the climax, Pasupathy performs the last rites of his father, while Velu tries to disrupt the rites. Velu gets burned and also becomes a ghost. In the end, Pasupathy joins his father's position in the village.

Cast

• Jayaram as Annamalai and Pasupathy
• Manya as Vaanathi
• Vadivelu as Aavudaiyappan
• Ramesh Khanna as Pichu
• Bhanupriya as Azhagu Nachiyar
• Kovai Sarala as Angayarkanni
• Rajan P. Dev as Velu
• Delhi Ganesh as Sambu
• Vennira Aadai Moorthy as Mathrubootham
• Charle as Pazhani
• Vaiyapuri
• Thalaivasal Vijay
• Pandu as Pandu and Pundu
• Thyagu as 'Vedigundu' Muthu
• Madhan Bob as Annamalai
• Chelladurai as Chelladurai
• Bonda Mani as Mani
• Jayamani
• Master Bharath as young Pasupathy
• Manobala as voice from heaven
• Aruldoss as man who scolds Aavudaiyappan (uncredited)

Production

The film was shot in Chennai, Ottapalam, Nelliampathi, Thrissur and Alappuzha.^[2] Jayaram played dual roles, that of father and son.^[3] It was the last film directed by Manobala before his death in 2023.^[4]

Soundtrack

The soundtrack was composed by Sabesh–Murali, with lyrics written by Pa. Vijay, Viveka, and K. Subash.^[5] Cinematographer Rajiv Menon made his singing debut with this film.^[6]

Song	Singer(s)	Duration
"Annamalai Annamalai"	Deva, Krishnaraj	5:01
"Annamalai Annamalai"	Vadivelu, Krishnaraj	4:59
"Jaathi Ponnae"	Karthik, Chitra Sivaraman	5:12
"Kaadhalanae Uyire"	Srinivas, Anuradha Sriram	5:47
"Kichu Kichu"	Rajiv Menon, Mathangi Jagdish	5:46
"Pallikoodam Sellum Megamei"	P. Unni Krishnan, Harini	6:06

Critical reception

Malini Mannath of Chennai Online wrote, "The film probably would have turned out better, if the director was clear as to whether he wanted the film to be a comic caper or a sentimental, suspense thriller. An injudicious blending of both, has resulted in a film that fails to satisfy".^[7] The film was also reviewed by Sify.^[8]