Sathi Leelavathi (1995 film)

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Sathi Leelavathi is a 1995 Tamil comedy film directed, photographed, and edited by Balu Mahendra. Produced by Kamal Haasan, it stars Ramesh Aravind, Kalpana, and Heera, with Kovai Sarala and Kamal Haasan in supporting roles. The story, by Ananthu with dialogues by Crazy Mohan, is inspired by the 1989 American film She-Devil. Ilaiyaraaja composed the music. The film released on 15 January 1995 during Pongal and was a commercial hit. It was dubbed in Telugu and remade in Hindi as Biwi No.1 (1999) and in Kannada as Rama Shama Bhama (2005).

Plot
Arun is married to Leelavathi, a match arranged by their families. He is unhappy with her plain looks and weight and begins an extramarital affair with Priya, who works in a construction company. While on a Bangalore trip with Priya, Arun runs into his old friend Sakthivel, an orthopaedic surgeon traveling with his wife Palani and their son Anand. Arun tries to hide the affair as Sakthivel, who knows Arun is married, ends up traveling with him and staying nearby. After returning to Chennai, Priya learns Arun is married and has children but initially stays with him, hoping for a divorce. Leelavathi discovers the affair through photos and leaves Arun. With help from Sakthivel, Palani, and Priya’s former lover Raja, Leelavathi’s family drama escalates as the children are sent away. In the end, Priya reconciles with Raja, and Arun reunites with Leelavathi, restoring the marriage.

Cast and production notes
- Ramesh Aravind as Arun
- Kalpana as Leelavathi
- Heera as Priya
- Kovai Sarala as Palani
- Kamal Haasan in a significant supporting role (also producer)
- Rohini was Mahendra’s initial choice for Palani, but Kovai Sarala was cast
- Jayaram was offered the lead but unavailable
- Haasan reportedly learned Kongu Tamil for his role

Music and awards
- Music by Ilaiyaraaja, with lyrics by Vaali
- The song “Marugo Marugo” pays homage to a tune from Vetri Vizhaa (1989)
- Kovai Sarala won the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Comedian for her role
- The film’s humor and performances contributed to its success

Remakes and legacy
- Hindi remake: Biwi No.1 (1999)
- Kannada remake: Rama Shama Bhama (2005) with Aravind and Haasan reprising their roles
- The film is remembered for its comedy and the couple’s journey from trouble to reconciliation