Manmadha Leelai (Eng: Cupid’s Play) is a 1976 Tamil-language film starring Kamal Haasan in the lead role, as Madhu. The film, directed by K. Balachander also has Aalam (Rekha) as Madhu’s wife. A number of actresses debuted through this film, including Jaya Prada as Kannagi, Y. Vijaya as Miss Wrong Number, Hema Chaudhary as Madhavi, among others. The film was dubbed into Telugu as Manmadha Leela and dubbed in Hindi in 1977 as Meethi Meethi Baatein. Though the film was criticised for its bold content when it released, it has received cult status with passing years and is considered a trendsetter.
The film explores the life journey of a womaniser (Kamal Hassan) and his affairs with various women, including those who are married. The main conflict is between Kamal Hassan’s character Madhu and his wife Rekha. Balachander’s genius lies in objectifying married women of the city whilst creating a loving wife who’s torn between accepting her husband and living a separated life after having discovered the travails of her own father.
Directed by K. Balachander
Produced by P. R. Govindarajan & J. Duraiswamy
Written by K. Balachander
Starring Kamal Haasan, Aalam
Music by M. S. Viswanathan
Cinematography B. S. Lokanath
Edited by N. R. Kittu
Production Kalakendra Movies
Release date 27 February 1976
Running time 161 minutes
Country India
Language Tamil
