# Nadigan > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Nadigan > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Nadigan.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nadigan > Source revision: 1350157453 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) 1990 Indian film Nadigan Poster Directed by P. Vasu Screenplay by P. Vasu Based on Professor by Abrar Alvi Produced by M. Ramanathan Starring Sathyaraj Khushbu Cinematography Ashok Kumar Edited by P. Mohan Raj Music by Ilaiyaraaja Production company Raj Films International Release date 30 November 1990 (1990-11-30) Country India Language Tamil ***Nadigan*** (transl. Actor) is a 1990 Indian [Tamil](/source/Tamil_language)-language [comedy thriller](/source/Comedy_thriller) film written directed by [P. Vasu](/source/P._Vasu). A remake of the [Hindi](/source/Hindi) film *[Professor](/source/Professor_(1962_film))* (1962), it stars [Sathyaraj](/source/Sathyaraj) and [Khushbu](/source/Khushbu_Sundar). The film was released on 30 November 1990 and became a critical and commercial success, winning four [Tamil Nadu State Film Awards](/source/Tamil_Nadu_State_Film_Awards). ## Plot Vishwanathan, a ruthless businessman, murders his partner Raghu to avoid sharing massive profits. He stages the murder to look like suicide and plays the innocent at his daughter's wedding, feigning grief over Raghu's death. Unbeknownst to Vishwanathan, a videographer secretly records his conversation with a henchman, discussing the murder plan. The videographer escapes and hides the incriminating video cassette in Geetha's bag as she flees in her car. Tragically, the videographer is later killed in a theater by Vishwanathan's men, and his body disappears before Geetha can report the incident to the police. Vishwanathan's men are hot on the trail of Geetha, the one who unknowingly possesses the damning evidence. Geetha, Radha, Dippa, and Prashanth live with their spinster aunt, Anandha Karpagavalli, in a vast Island Estate in [Kodaikanal](/source/Kodaikanal). Karpagavalli is a strict, old-school caretaker who enforces traditional values and discipline, restricting the freedom of the teenage sisters and their younger siblings, who find her rules suffocating. Raja, a street performer, is struggling to make ends meet. His mother needs a [bypass graft](/source/Graft_(surgery)) surgery within 30 days, and Raja must find a way to earn the money. The doctor recommends a change of environment for his mother's treatment, so they head to Kodaikanal, and are also in search of a job. On their journey by train, Raja meets Devaraj, a music teacher travelling to the Island Estate for a job that pays ₹3,000 (equivalent to ₹29,000 or US$310 in 2023) per month. Devaraj carries a recommendation letter with a contact address, hoping to secure the position. When Raja and Devaraj exit the train, they accidentally swap suitcases. Raja finds Devaraj's job offer letter in his suitcase and, desperate to fund his mother's surgery, decides to take the job. He disguises himself as an old man, "Devaraj," by wearing a beard and white hair, and joins the Island Estate as a music teacher and caretaker. Meanwhile, the real Devaraj is unable to find Raja or the Island Estate due to his poor English, as people don't understand what he means by "Is-land." As "Devaraj," Raja gains Karpagavalli's trust by praising her excessively, and she develops romantic feelings for him, thinking he's an unmarried elderly man. Meanwhile, Geetha and Radha try to outsmart "Devaraj" and enjoy freedom beyond their aunt's restrictions. They devise plans to get rid of him, but all their attempts fail. Once, Geetha is saved by Raja from Vishwanathan's henchmen. At this moment, Geetha believes him to be a different person from her music teacher, Devaraj, and develops feelings for Raja. Kurangu Kannayiram, a petty thief, hides in Raja's house while evading the police. Upon discovering Raja's true identity, Kannayiram blackmails him, forcing Raja to let him stay in his house. As Karpagavalli reforms, she relaxes her restrictions, allowing Geetha and Radha to dress as they like, she starts obeying "Devaraj's" words, and even accepts Radha's love for [Inspector](/source/Inspector) Chinni. She invites "Devaraj" to stay in their house, driven by her affection for him. Also, Kannayiram, posing as Kandhasamy, Devaraj's fake brother, enters the household. Meanwhile, Vishwanathan sends two women to retrieve the incriminating cassette from Geetha's house secretly. Geetha convinces her aunt to consider Raja as a potential groom, which Karpagavalli accepts after meeting Raja. In return, she seeks Raja's help to arrange her union with "Devaraj", unaware that "Devaraj" is Raja in disguise. Raja is shocked by the proposal. When "Devaraj" removes his disguise, Geetha discovers his true identity as Raja and feels betrayed, leading to a breakup. Soon, Geetha's friend Maya sends the video cassette to Chinni, but Vishwanathan's henchwoman abducts Geetha at knifepoint, taking the cassette. Raja rescues Geetha, but Vishwanathan kidnaps her family, demanding the cassette. Raja, along with Kannayiram, saves the family, and Karpagavalli learns about Raja's dual identity. After a brief fight and a road chase, Raja saves the family, and Vishwanathan's men are arrested for their crimes. In the end, the real Devaraj, whose suitcase was swapped with Raja's, finally finds the Island Estate and meets Karpagavalli to take up the music teacher position. ## Cast - [Sathyaraj](/source/Sathyaraj) as Raja - [Khushbu](/source/Khushbu_Sundar) as Geetha - [Manorama](/source/Manorama_(Tamil_actress)) as Anandha Karpagavalli[1] - [Goundamani](/source/Goundamani) as Kurangu Kannayiram - [Vennira Aadai Moorthy](/source/Vennira_Aadai_Moorthy) as Devaraj - [Chinni Jayanth](/source/Chinni_Jayanth) as Chinni - [Prathapachandran](/source/Prathapachandran) as Vishwanathan - [Ramu](/source/Ramu_(actor)) as Vishwanathan's henchman - [Pandu](/source/Pandu_(actor)) as Pandu - [Dinesh](/source/Thalapathy_Dinesh) as Vishwanthan's henchman - [Oru Viral Krishna Rao](/source/Oru_Viral_Krishna_Rao) as a constable - [Sethu Vinayagam](/source/Sethu_Vinayagam) as Inspector General of Police - [Kamala Kamesh](/source/Kamala_Kamesh) as Raja's mother - Balambika as Radha - [Master Prashanth Vasu](/source/Sakthi_Vasu) as Prashanth - Baby Natasha Ali as Dippa - [Mansoor Ali Khan](/source/Mansoor_Ali_Khan_(actor)) as Vishwanthan's henchman (uncredited role) ## Production *Nadigan* is a remake of the [Hindi](/source/Hindi) film *[Professor](/source/Professor_(1962_film))* (1962).[2] Although the story is set primarily in [Ooty](/source/Ooty), the film was shot in [Kodaikanal](/source/Kodaikanal).[3] ## Soundtrack The soundtrack was composed by [Ilaiyaraaja](/source/Ilaiyaraaja).[4][5] Track listing No. Title Lyrics Singer(s) Length 1. "Aattama Paattama" Vaali S. P. Balasubrahmanyam 04:52 2. "Deva Malligai" Pulamaipithan S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, S. Janaki 04:45 3. "Vela Vanthu" Vaali Malaysia Vasudevan 04:47 4. "Enge Nimmathi" Ilaiyaraaja S. P. Balasubrahmanyam 04:51 5. "Adi Veluthu" Vaali K. S. Chithra, S. P. Balasubrahmanyam 05:04 Total length: 29:24 ## Release and reception *Nadigan* was released on 30 November 1990.[6] N. Krishnaswamy of *[The Indian Express](/source/The_Indian_Express)* praised Sathyaraj's acting and Ashok Kumar's cinematography.[7] C. R. K. of *[Kalki](/source/Kalki_(magazine))* praised the film's humour, music and cinematography.[8] The film was a success, running for over 125 days in theatres.[9] It won the [Tamil Nadu State Film Awards](/source/Tamil_Nadu_State_Film_Awards) for [Best Dialogue Writer](/source/Tamil_Nadu_State_Film_Award_for_Best_Dialogue_Writer) (Vasu), Special Award for Best Actor (Sathyaraj), [Best Art Director](/source/Tamil_Nadu_State_Film_Award_for_Best_Art_Director) (Salam) and [Best Stunt Director](/source/Tamil_Nadu_State_Film_Award_for_Best_Stunt_Coordinator) (Vikram Dharma).[10] ## References 1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** Yamunan, Sruthisagar (12 October 2015). ["When the camera rolled, she lived the character'"](http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/when-the-camera-rolled-she-lived-the-character/article7751052.ece). *[The Hindu](/source/The_Hindu)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20161029074558/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/when-the-camera-rolled-she-lived-the-character/article7751052.ece) from the original on 29 October 2016. Retrieved 20 April 2018. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** [Chatterji, Shoma A](/source/Shoma_A._Chatterji) (19 October 2017). ["Lekh Tandon"](http://upperstall.com/profile/lekh-tandon/). *Upperstall.com*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20180420203020/http://upperstall.com/profile/lekh-tandon/) from the original on 20 April 2018. Retrieved 20 April 2018. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** ["Sibiraj recollects the shooting of Nadigan as the film marks its 3oth anniversary"](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/sibiraj-recollects-the-shooting-of-nadigan-as-the-film-marks-its-3oth-anniversary/articleshow/79495015.cms). *[The Times of India](/source/The_Times_of_India)*. 30 November 2020. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210116010016/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/sibiraj-recollects-the-shooting-of-nadigan-as-the-film-marks-its-3oth-anniversary/articleshow/79495015.cms) from the original on 16 January 2021. Retrieved 4 September 2021. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** ["Nadigan Tamil film LP Vinyl Record by Ilayaraja"](https://mossymart.com/product/nadigan-tamil-film-lp-vinyl-record-by-ilayaraja/). *Mossymart*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210904054806/https://mossymart.com/product/nadigan-tamil-film-lp-vinyl-record-by-ilayaraja/) from the original on 4 September 2021. Retrieved 4 September 2021. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** ["Nadigan (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) - EP"](https://music.apple.com/us/album/nadigan-original-motion-picture-soundtrack-ep/1658384905). *[Apple Music](/source/Apple_Music)*. 30 November 1990. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230902032128/https://music.apple.com/us/album/nadigan-original-motion-picture-soundtrack-ep/1658384905) from the original on 2 September 2023. Retrieved 2 September 2023. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** ["'நடிகன்' வெளியாகி 30 ஆண்டுகள் நிறைவு: சிபிராஜ் நெகிழ்ச்சி"](https://www.hindutamil.in/news/cinema/tamil-cinema/606777-sibiraj-tweet-about-nadigan.html). *[Hindu Tamil Thisai](/source/Hindu_Tamil_Thisai)* (in Tamil). 30 November 2020. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20201130072754/https://www.hindutamil.in/news/cinema/tamil-cinema/606777-sibiraj-tweet-about-nadigan.html) from the original on 30 November 2020. Retrieved 4 September 2021. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** Krishnaswamy, N. (30 November 1990). ["Nadigan"](https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=P9oYG7HA76QC&dat=19901130&printsec=frontpage&hl=en). *[The Indian Express](/source/The_Indian_Express)*. p. 7. Retrieved 27 February 2019 – via [Google News Archive](/source/Google_News_Archive). 1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** சி. ஆர். கே. (16 December 1990). ["நடிகன்"](https://archive.org/details/kalki1990-12-16/page/n21/mode/2up). *[Kalki](/source/Kalki_(magazine))* (in Tamil). p. 21. Retrieved 28 December 2022 – via [Internet Archive](/source/Internet_Archive).{{[cite magazine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Cite_magazine)}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_deprecated_archival_service)) 1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** ["32 வருடங்களை நிறைவு செய்த சத்யராஜின் நடிகன்!"](https://tamil.news18.com/photogallery/entertainment/cinema-sathyaraj-p-vasu-khushbu-manorama-nadigan-completes-32-years-848256.html). *[News18](/source/News18)* (in Tamil). 1 December 2022. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20221202070938/https://tamil.news18.com/photogallery/entertainment/cinema-sathyaraj-p-vasu-khushbu-manorama-nadigan-completes-32-years-848256.html) from the original on 2 December 2022. Retrieved 5 December 2022. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** ["Chinnathambi bags six awards"](https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=P9oYG7HA76QC&dat=19921030&printsec=frontpage&hl=en). *[The Indian Express](/source/The_Indian_Express)*. 30 October 1992. p. 3. Retrieved 14 February 2021 – via [Google News Archive](/source/Google_News_Archive). ## External links - [*Nadigan*](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0320125/) at [IMDb](/source/IMDb_(identifier)) - [*Nadigan*](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/nadigan) at [Rotten Tomatoes](/source/Rotten_Tomatoes) v t e Films directed by P. Vasu With Santhana Bharathi Panneer Pushpangal (1981) Madhu Malar (1982) Mella Pesungal (1983) Sahasame Jeevitham (1984) Needhiyin Nizhal (1985) Tamil films En Thangachi Padichava (1988) Pillaikkaga (1989) Ponmana Selvan (1989) Vaathiyaar Veettu Pillai (1989) Velai Kidaichuduchu (1990) Panakkaran (1990) Nadigan (1990) Kizhakku Karai (1991) Chinna Thambi (1991) Adhikari (1991) Mannan (1992) Rickshaw Mama (1992) Senthamizh Paattu (1992) Idhu Namma Bhoomi (1992) Amma Vandhachu (1992) Udan Pirappu (1993) Walter Vetrivel (1993) Uzhaippali (1993) Sethupathi IPS (1994) Saadhu (1994) Coolie (1995) Kattumarakaran (1995) Mr. Madras (1995) Love Birds (1996) Paththini (1997) Vaimaye Vellum (1997) Malabar Police (1999) Ponnu Veetukkaran (1999) Suyamvaram (1999) Seenu (2000) Vanna Thamizh Pattu (2000) Kakkai Siraginilae (2000) Asathal (2001) Kadhal Kisu Kisu (2003) Chandramukhi (2005) Paramasivan (2006) Thottal Poo Malarum (2007) Kuselan (2008) Puli Vesham (2011) Sivalinga (2017) Chandramukhi 2 (2023) Kannada films Kathanayaka (1985) Guri (1986) Jayasimha (1987) Jeevana Jyothi (1987) Daada (1988) Hrudayavantha (2003) Apthamitra (2005) Aptharakshaka (2010) Arakshaka (2012) Drishya (2014) Shivalinga (2016) Ayushman Bhava (2019) Drishya 2 (2021) Telugu films Prudhvi Narayana (2002) Maharathi (2007) Krishnarjuna (2008) Kathanayakudu (2008) Nagavalli (2010) Hindi films Hogi Pyaar Ki Jeet (1999) --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Nadigan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nadigan) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nadigan?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.