Thaamirabharani (2007): watch the full film free, legally

Rivals across Thoothukudi and Tirunelveli

Thaamirabharani, translated as River of red-coloured leaves, is a 2007 Indian Tamil-language action drama written and directed by Hari. Its title comes from the river that flows through Thirunelveli and Thoothukudi, the settings for the story. Vishal plays Bharani Puthiran and newcomer Bhanu plays Bhanumathi. Prabhu, Nadhiya, Vijayakumar, Nassar and Ganja Karuppu appear in supporting roles.

Saravana Perumal is a wealthy salt trader and iron businessman in Thoothukudi. His rivals are Subbayya, Subbayya’s son Vellathurai and daughter Sakunthala Devi, who are from Tirunelveli. Saravana’s nephew and heir, Bharani, has graduated but spends his time roaming with irresponsible friends. At his former college, Bhanumathi meets Bharani, falls in love with him and persistently follows him. Bharani learns that she is Sakunthala Devi’s daughter, suspects her motives and does not return her affection.

A visit to Bharani on Nallathanni Theevu island brings trouble when coast guards mistake the group’s situation for prostitution and arrest them. Local police release them because Bharani is influential, but a reporter with a vendetta against Sakunthala Devi writes about the incident. Subbayya concludes that Saravana arranged the trap, setting the business rivalry on a far more dangerous course.

Bharani learns the family history

Subbayya and Vellathurai attempt to kill Saravana, who escapes. Enraged, Bharani goes after Vellathurai, but accidentally cuts off the hand of Vellathurai’s kindhearted younger brother, Selvam. Bharani regrets what he has done. Saravana then reveals that Sakunthala Devi is his estranged wife and Bhanumathi is his daughter.

The separation began because Sakunthala Devi objected to Saravana’s widowed sister and her son Bharani living with him. She wanted a nuclear family, and a dispute led her to return to her father’s home. Bharani comes to understand that Bhanumathi had tried to marry him in the hope that the divided family would reunite. He apologises to her, and they grow closer. He also makes plans to bring Sakunthala Devi and Saravana together again.

Another threat comes from Karmegam, who works for Vellathurai. Karmegam wants to marry Sakunthala Devi in order to gain her wealth, and Vellathurai agrees to the arrangement without telling her the plan. Bharani discovers what is happening and rushes to prevent the wedding. The confrontation brings Sakunthala Devi face to face with her brother’s intention.

Hari’s Pongal release

The film was launched at Vijaya Gardens on 14 July 2006 and completed filming in 73 days. A fight sequence was filmed at Chengalpattu, while a chase sequence used the suburbs of Chennai. One song sequence travelled through 32 locations, including Nagercoil, Thiruchendur and Coutralam. For “Karuppana Kaiyala,” the crew built a palm grove at AVM Studios, bringing in lorry loads of red sand and a forest of palm trees.

Yuvan Shankar Raja composed the score and soundtrack. Thaamirabharani marked his first collaboration with Hari and his third with Vishal, after Sandakozhi in 2005 and Thimiru in 2006. Released on 22 December 2006, the soundtrack has five tracks, with lyrics by Na. Muthukumar and Hari. “Karuppana Kaiyale” was adapted from L. R. Eswari’s old devotional song “Karpoora Nayagiye.”

Thaamirabharani opened on 14 January 2007 during Thai Pongal, alongside Vijay’s Pokkiri and Ajith’s Aalwar. Rediff called Hari’s mix of action, humour and sentiment “fairly redeemable.” The Hindu noted interesting twists and suspenseful sequences, saying the story was not new but held attention. Chennai Online found it a neatly packaged family entertainer while noting a sense of deja vu. Lajjavathi of Kalki praised the cast, music, cinematography, stunt choreography and Hari’s screenplay.

Film details from the Wikipedia article “Thaamirabharani”. Text adapted under CC BY-SA 4.0.