16 Vayathinile (transl. At Age 16; read as Pathinaaru Vayathinile) is a 1977 Indian Tamil-language romantic drama film co-written and directed by Bharathirajaa in his directorial debut. The film stars Kamal Haasan, Sridevi, and Rajinikanth, with Gandhimathi, Sathyajith and Goundamani in supporting roles. It focuses on the strengths and vulnerabilities of Mayil (Sridevi), a 16-year-old schoolgirl, and the challenges she faces and overcomes.
The film was originally titled Mayil, and set to be funded by the National Film Development Corporation of India. When they backed out, it was picked up by S. A. Rajkannu who produced it under his banner Shri Amman Creations, and eventually retitled. 16 Vayathinile became the first Tamil film to be shot predominantly outdoors; Tamil films were primarily filmed in Madras studios. Its soundtrack album and background score were composed by Ilaiyaraaja, with cinematography by P. S. Nivas. P. Kalaimani wrote the film's dialogue.
16 Vayathinile was released on 15 September 1977, and was distributed by Rajkannu himself since no distributor was willing to buy it. Although written off by the media as an experimental film that would fail, the film received critical praise for Bharathiraja's script, Ilaiyaraaja's music and the performances of Haasan, Sridevi and Rajinikanth. It was commercially successful, with a 175-day theatrical run. It won numerous awards, including the National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer for S. Janaki; the Filmfare Award for Best Actor (Tamil) for Haasan and Special Commendation Award for Performance for Sridevi; and four State Awards, including Best Director for Bharathiraja and Best Actor for Haasan.
16 Vayathinile attained cult status in Tamil cinema and is considered to be the bellwether of films depicting realistic portrayals of rural life. Making stars of its director and lead actors, it was remade in Telugu as Padaharella Vayasu (1978), in Hindi as Solva Sawan (1979), and in Malay as Melati Putih (1984).
16Vayathinile (transl. At Age 16; read as Pathinaaru Vayathinile) is a 1977 Indian Tamil-language romantic drama film co-written and directed by Bharathirajaa...
works mainly in the Tamil film industry. Making his debut in 1977 with 16Vayathinile, he is known for realistic and sensitive portrayals of rural life in...
asked to sing in the film, and after "Aattukutti Muttai Ittu" from 16Vayathinile happened, Malaysia Vasudevan never looked back. Ilaiyaraaja backed him...
leading female star of South Indian Cinema, with roles in such films as 16Vayathinile (1977), Sigappu Rojakkal (1978), Padaharella Vayasu (1978), Varumayin...
1976 at age 13, in the Tamil film Moondru Mudichu. She then starred in 16Vayathinile (1977) which proved to be a major breakthrough for Sridevi. Following...
uncredited role as a driver. He made his full-fledged debut in 1977 film 16Vayathinile where he played the role of Rajinikanth's sidekick. His role in the...
Babu. Directed by K. Raghavendra Rao, it is a remake of the Tamil hit 16Vayathinile (1977), which also starred Sridevi. Like the original, the film was...
in supporting roles. It is a remake of Bharathiraja's own Tamil film 16Vayathinile (1977), which also starred Sridevi. The film marked Sridevi's debut...
who worked with Bharathiraja nearly a decade after their last film 16Vayathinile (1977). It was released on 8 November 1988, and failed at the box office...
The role which got her noticed was the portrayal of Mayil's mother in 16Vayathinile. Other important Tamil films in which she acted include Mann Vasanai...
Bhagyaraj as the waiter Vadivukkarasi as Chitra After directing two films – 16Vayathinile (1977) and Kizhakke Pogum Rail (1978) – which were set in villages,...
films, playing negative characters in most of them, including Avargal, 16Vayathinile, Aadu Puli Attam and Gaayathri. He had positive roles in Kavikkuyil...
Archived from the original on 19 August 2023. Retrieved 28 June 2018. "16Vayathinile, Rajinikanth as Parattai, List of cult classic villain roles Sathish...
opted out. Radhika's screen test was done with Sridevi's clothes from 16Vayathinile (1977) since she did not have any Indian clothes after coming from London...
on 16 January 2013. Retrieved 3 August 2012. "Singer Gangai Amaran Song Database". 600024.com Tamil Movie Database. Archived from the original on 16 January...
2021. Retrieved 6 March 2021. Ramesh, Neeraja (14 July 2016). "With '16Vayathinile' slated for re-release, we look at Bharathiraja's failed heroes". The...
season of Super Singer airs every Saturday and Sunday on Star Vijay from 16 December 2023, and streams on Disney+ Hotstar. It is longest-running singing...
2020. Retrieved 31 May 2021. Ramesh, Neeraja (14 July 2016). "With '16Vayathinile' slated for re-release, we look at Bharathiraja's failed heroes". The...
of the films made in Tamil cinema, he was "amazed" at Bharathiraja's 16Vayathinile (1977), K. Balachander's Apoorva Raagangal (1975), and Mahendran's Mullum...
Film Festival". The Times of India. 16 September 2013. Archived from the original on 1 February 2017. Retrieved 16 September 2013. Rangarajan, Malathi...
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