Mouna Ragam

I'm afraid there has been a mistake in the cast information provided. The 1986 Tamil movie Mouna Ragam is directed by Mani Ratnam and stars Mohan, Revathi and Karthik. Uma Bharani and Prabhu Deva didn't appear in this movie.

Mouna Ragam is hailed as one of Indian cinema's timeless classics. The film offers a tender, touching and at times heart-wrenching exploration of love and marriage, set against the beautiful backdrop of South Indian life in the 1980s.

Mouna Ragam follows the story of Divya (Revathi), a vibrant and rebellious young woman wrestling with the tragic death of her former lover, Manohar (Karthik), who was caught in the political turmoil of the time. Despite her frayed emotional state, Divya is pressured into an arranged marriage to Chandrakumar (Mohan), an understanding and affectionate man hoping to win her heart.

Mani Ratnam, who won the National Film Award for Best Director, successfully paints a picture of a tragically reluctant bride. Divya repeatedly attempts to dissolve the marriage but inevitably ends up spending more time with Chandrakumar, which further builds upon the complexities of their relationship.

The film provides a nuanced exploration of Divya's struggle between her fealty to her late lover, her resistance towards her husband, and the growing bond that she shares with him. Each character is flawlessly etched, and their emotions painstakingly portrayed, making the audience deeply invested in their joy, dismay, anger, and sorrow.

Revathi’s performance as Divya is particularly notable. Her exceptional portrayal of a grieving, resistant bride manages to capture Divya's capriciousness, conveying her internal struggle brilliantly. Mohan, as the patient and caring Chandrakumar, delivers a phenomenal performance that balances out Divya's rebellious nature beautifully. Karthik shines in his brief yet impactful role as Manohar whose lingering presence hovers over Divya’s new life.

Another important component that fortifies the impact of Mouna Ragam is its music. Master composer Ilayaraja delivers one of his finest works, creating a mesmerizing and unforgettable score that evokes every emotion possible; whether it’s the joyous “Panivizhum Malarvanam” that speaks volumes about blooming love, or the melodious “Mandram Vandha Thendralukku” that echoes the sorrow of lost love.

The setting and cinematography brilliantly capture the ambiance of the quiet Chennai suburbs, and, later, the vibrant Delhi cityscape that serves as the backdrop for the deepening rapport between Divya and Chandrakumar. Mouna Ragam also stands out for its dialogues, with each line carrying profound meaning that resonates with the audience even after the film has ended.

The film redefined the genre of Indian romance, creating a more realistic portrayal of love and life without resorting to melodramatic cliches commonly seen in the era. It marked a significant moment in Tamil cinema, where the concept of love was shown to be a complex, gradual process rather than ‘love at first sight.’

In conclusion, Mouna Ragam is a beautifully crafted cinematic piece. This poignant story revolving around love, loss and acceptance is filled with memorable performances, compelling music, and fine cinematic subtleties, making it a must-watch movie for any lover of Indian cinema. With its carefully constructed cinematic elements and the profound character arcs, it finds that sweet spot between reality and fantasy. It proves, once again, why Mani Ratnam is considered one of the most influential directors in the Indian film industry.