Kadhalikka Neram Illai (Eng: No Time for Love) is a 1964 Indian Tamil romantic comedy movie produced and directed by C. V. Sridhar, who also conceived and co-wrote its script with Chitralaya Gopu. The film features an ensemble cast consisting of T. S. Balaiah, R. Muthuraman, Nagesh, Rajasree and Sachu. Ravichandran and Kanchana made their debut in Tamil cinema with this film.
The plot of Kadhalikka Neramillai revolves around Viswanathan, an estate owner who hopes to get his daughters Nirmala and Kanchana married to wealthy grooms. However, Nirmala falls in love with Ashok, a poor man who was once employed by Vishwanathan. To earn Viswanathan’s approval, Ashok pretends to be the only heir of a rich businessman; he is supported by his friend Vasu, who poses as Ashok’s fictional millionaire father Chidambaram. A comedy of errors ensues when Vasu discovers his lover Kanchana is Viswanathan’s other daughter.
Principal photography for the film was completed in 30 days, with shooting taking place mostly in Ooty and in a bungalow near Pollachi. One song sequence was filmed in Marina Beach, Chennai. It was the first Tamil film to be released in Eastman Color; previous Indian colour films were made in Gevacolor and Technicolor. The cinematographers were A. Vincent and P. N. Sundaram, and the editor was N. M. Shankar. The film’s soundtrack and score were composed by the duo Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy, with lyrics written by poet Kannadasan.
Kadhalikka Neramillai was released in February 1964 to critical acclaim; it was a commercial success, running in theatres for more than 25 weeks. It has also received wide appreciation from contemporary critics and film personalities. Regarded as a trend-setting comedy, the film has since developed a cult status in Tamil cinema. Its success led to a Telugu remake Preminchi Choodu (1965) and a Hindi remake Pyar Kiye Jaa (1966); the former was directed by P. Pullaiah while the latter was helmed by Sridhar. Rajasree reprised her role in both the remakes.
Directed by C. V. Sridhar
Produced by C. V. Sridhar
Written by C. V. Sridhar & Chitralaya Gopu
Starring T. S. Balaiah, R. Muthuraman, Nagesh, Rajasree, Sachu, Ravichandran, Kanchana
Music by Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy
Cinematography A. Vincent & P. N. Sundaram
Edited by N. M. Shankar
Production Vijaya Vauhini Studios & Gemini Studios (processing)
Distributed by Chitralaya Pictures
Release dates February 1964
Running time 150 minutes
Country India
Language Tamil
