Kadhalukku Mariyadhai (Eng: Respect For Love) is an Indian 1997 Tamil romantic musical film directed by Fazil. It starred Vijay and Shalini in the lead roles with Sivakumar, Srividya and Manivannan playing other supporting roles. The film became a blockbuster soon after release and was dubbed by critics as a “classic”, with the lead pair in the film profiting from the widespread success. The film was a remake of Fazil’s successful Malayalam film, Aniathipravu, which featured Kunchacko Boban and Shalini in the lead roles.
Jeevanantham (Vijay) is a very rich young man. Although his parents (Chandrasekhar (Sivakumar) and Srividya) want him to settle down, he goes to another city to do his MBA and stays with friends. During this time, he meets Mini (Shalini) and they fall in love. She reciprocates his feelings, but trouble comes in the form of her tyrannical trio of brothers (James (Radha Ravi), Thomas (Thalaivasal Vijay), and Stephen (Shaji Khan)), who are overprotective of their sister and take an irrational dislike to Jeeva. They show hostility towards Jeeva, and conflicts arise within the households. When the couple decide to elope, they go to Kesavan’s (Charle) hometown, and his father (Manivannan) refuges them before the proposed wedding. Jeeva tries to convince his mother one last time and in vain. On the day of the wedding, both realize they miss their families. They decide to return home, relinquishing their feelings, and the families are happy and take them back. Jeeva’s mom wants to see Mini so that she can get a better wife for her son and goes to meet Mini. Initially reluctant to welcome them, the brothers hesitate, but their mother welcomes them. Ultimately their families accept their love, and they are reunited.
Directed by Fazil
Produced by Sangili Murugan
Written by Gokula Krishnan (Dialogue)
Screenplay by Fazil
Story by Fazil
Starring Vijay, Shalini
Music by Ilayaraja
Cinematography Anandakuttan
Edited by K. R. Gowrishankar & T. R. Sekar
Production Murugan Cine Arts
Distributed by Aascar Film Pvt. Ltd
Release date 19 December 1997
Running time 165 minutes
Country India
Language Tamil
