24 Mani Neram

24 Mani Neram
VCD cover
Directed byManivannan
Written byManivannan
Produced byS. N. S. Thirumal
StarringMohan
Sathyaraj
Nalini
CinematographyA. Sabapathi
Edited byB. Kandasamy
Music byIlaiyaraaja
Production
company
Thirupathisamy Pictures
Release date
  • 20 July 1984 (1984-07-20)
CountryIndia
LanguageTamil

24 Mani Neram (read as "Irupatthi Naalu Mani Neram"; transl. 24 Hours) is a 1984 Indian Tamil-language thriller film written and directed by Manivannan, starring Mohan, Sathyaraj, and Nalini.[1] The music was composed by Ilaiyaraaja with editing by B. Kandasamy and cinematography by A. Sabapathi.

The film was released on 18 July 1984 and was a commercial success, running for 27 weeks.[2] The film was remade in Kannada as Jayabheri (1989).[3]

Plot

X. W. Ramarathinam is a wealthy businessman known for his immoral and murderous behaviour toward women. One day, he notices Janaki and her husband, Raj, celebrating their wedding at his luxury hotel. Drawn to Janaki, Ramarathinam attempts to manipulate her into becoming his mistress. Disturbed by his advances, Janaki informs Raj, a reporter.

Upon learning of Janaki’s complaint, Ramarathinam retaliates, leading to Janaki’s death, with Raj wrongfully implicated in the incident. Determined to clear his name and seek justice, Raj vows to bring down Ramarathinam within 24 hours.

Later, Ramarathinam turns against his personal assistant and henchman — Swapna’s brother — for failing to complete an assignment. Seeking to avenge her brother, Swapna confronts Ramarathinam. However, he discovers her intentions and kills her.

In the end, Raj follows through on his vow, ensuring Ramarathinam is held accountable for his actions within the promised 24 hours.

Cast

Production

Manivannan retained three actors from his Nooravathu Naal – Mohan, Sathyaraj and Nalini – for this film.[5][6] Sathyaraj initially suggested S. Balachander or M. N. Nambiar for the role of the antagonist, but Manivannan urged him to do the role.[7]

Soundtrack

Lyrics were written by Pulamaipithan and composed by Ilaiyaraaja.[8][9]

Track listing
No.TitleSinger(s)Length
1."Kulikkum Pothile"Malaysia Vasudevan, S. Janaki 
2."Kalloori Manavaraa"S. Janaki, S. P. Sailaja 

Release and reception

24 Mani Neram was released on 20 July 1984.[5] Jayamanmadhan of Kalki said the story was old fashioned, but praised the manner in which it was told.[10] The film was a success, and is considered among the most significant projects for Mohan, Sathyaraj and Nalini.[2][11][12]

References

  1. ^ "மறக்க முடியுமா? - மவுன ராகம்". Dinamalar (in Tamil). 30 January 2017. Archived from the original on 26 July 2020. Retrieved 9 May 2021.
  2. ^ a b "Happy Birthday, Mohan: 'Payanangal Mudivathillai' to 'Mouna Ragam', six films of the lovable star that had a Silver Jubilee in theaters". The Times of India. 23 August 2020. Archived from the original on 9 May 2021. Retrieved 9 May 2021.
  3. ^ "Jayabheri – ಜಯಭೇರಿ (1989/೧೯೮೯)". Kannada Movies Info. 8 April 2013. Archived from the original on 24 January 2023. Retrieved 24 January 2023.
  4. ^ a b Venkatachari, Shashank (20 January 2023). "10 Riveting Kollywood Thrillers That Take Place In A Day". Film Companion. Archived from the original on 30 January 2023. Retrieved 4 August 2023.
  5. ^ a b "வெள்ளி விழா கண்ட மணிவண்ணனின் த்ரில்லர் திரைப்படம்". News18 (in Tamil). 20 July 2022. Archived from the original on 24 January 2023. Retrieved 25 January 2023.
  6. ^ Sunil, K. P. (29 November 1987). "The Anti-Hero". The Illustrated Weekly of India. Vol. 108. The Times Group. pp. 40–41. Archived from the original on 3 March 2023. Retrieved 3 March 2023.
  7. ^ "மொட்டைத் தலையுடன் சத்யராஜ் நடித்த நூறாவது நாள்". Maalai Malar (in Tamil). 8 August 2016. Archived from the original on 9 May 2021. Retrieved 21 September 2020.
  8. ^ "24 Mani Neram Tamil FIlm EP Vinyl Record by Ilayaraja". Mossymart. Archived from the original on 9 May 2021. Retrieved 21 September 2020.
  9. ^ "24 Mani Neram (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) – Single". Apple Music. 1 December 1984. Archived from the original on 26 June 2022. Retrieved 26 June 2022.
  10. ^ ஜெயமன்மதன் (5 August 1984). "24 மணி நேரம்". Kalki (in Tamil). pp. 82–83. Archived from the original on 23 January 2023. Retrieved 13 November 2022 – via Internet Archive.
  11. ^ Kesavan, N. (14 April 2016). "Villains with heroic pasts". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 6 December 2017. Retrieved 21 September 2020.
  12. ^ ராம்ஜி, வி. (5 December 2019). "ஒரே வருடத்தில் மோகன் 15 படங்கள்; ஒரேநாளில் 3 படம் ரிலீஸ்; அத்தனையும் ஹிட்". Hindu Tamil Thisai (in Tamil). Archived from the original on 20 March 2020. Retrieved 21 September 2020.