Theertha Karaiyinile

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Theertha Karaiyinile (By the banks of the sacred river) is a 1987 Tamil drama directed by Manivannan. It stars Mohan and Rupini, and music is by Ilaiyaraaja. The film released on 11 September 1987 and was later remade in Telugu as Varasudochadu (1988).

Plot
Ganesan, an unemployed man, befriends a dying TB patient named Raghu in the hospital. Raghu is the son of Chellathayee, a wealthy village landlord. In his youth, Raghu caused trouble and a friend named Seenu died; Raghu then ran away from home. Believing he has only a few days left, Raghu asks Ganesan to go to his village in his place.

Ganesan arrives in the village posing as Raghu. Several uncles want their mother’s property and try to eliminate the fake Raghu, but fail; they then try to force a marriage between Raghu (really Ganesan) and one of their daughters. Raghu/Ganesan falls in love with Pooncholai, Seenu’s sister. At first she hates him, but after learning the truth, she falls in love with him.

Arulvakku Aiyasami knows the whole story and tries to blackmail Raghu/Ganesan. The real Raghu arrives to spend his last days with his mother Chellathayee. The uncles torment Pooncholai. In his last moments, Raghu sends Ganesan to protect Pooncholai. Chellathayee learns who her real son is. In the end, Ganesan saves Pooncholai, reveals the truth, and Chellathayee accepts him as her son. Raghu dies, leaving his mother’s care to Ganesan.

Production notes
Rupini, who wasn’t a native Tamil speaker, initially struggled with the long dialogues but pleased director Manivannan. The title song is set to raga Shubhapantuvarali.

Reception
The Indian Express called the film well told and praised Gandhimathi’s performance. Kalki criticized the cinematography as more like an art film. Anna praised the acting, cinematography, music, and direction.