Margazhi Thingal

Two teenagers fall head over heels in love with each other. Trouble begins when caste extremists interfere with their lives == Cast ==

In 2022, director-producer Suseenthiran approached Manoj Bharathiraja to direct a film that he had written. Through the project, Manoj made his directorial debut, and revealed that he had dropped plans of making a remake of Sigappu Rojakkal that he had been attached to since the late 2000s. Production began in mid-2023, with Manoj's father Bharathiraja selected to play a pivotal acting role alongside Suseenthiran, who would also make his debut as an actor. Newcomers Shyam Selvan - a nephew of Suseenthiran, Rakshana from Qatar, and Naksha Saran also joined the cast. ==Soundtrack==

G. V. Prakash Kumar was signed on to compose the film's music, but later left the project owing to other commitments. Music composer Ilaiyaraaja subsequently replaced Prakash Kumar, with the collaboration notably ending a long-term feud between Ilaiyaraaja and Bharathiraja. The soundtrack contains three songs. The lyrics were written by Ilaiyaraaja. • "Un Ninaivaal" - Ananya Bhat • "Un Idhazhgalinal" - Ananya Bhat • "Pudichurukka" - Ananya Bhat, Rajaganapathy • "Pudichurukka" (Version 2) - Ilaiyaraaja, Ananya Bhat == Reception ==

The film was released on 27 October 2023 across theatres in Tamil Nadu, after being delayed due to the release of Leo (2023). A critic from The New Indian Express called it a "generic romance pulled down by dated craft" and that "only in the last quarter that the film finally fires up, and the twists are unveiled". A reviewer from Times of India wrote it was a "touching love story that makes for a decent watch" and that "despite the low-key release of Manoj Bharathiraja's debut directorial venture, there is a noticeable breath of fresh air in his filmmaking abilities". == References ==