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Mynaa
Theatrical release poster
Directed byPrabhu Solomon
Written byPrabhu Solomon
Produced byJohn Max
Starring
CinematographyM. Sukumar
Edited byL. V. K. Doss
Music byD. Imman
Production
company
Shalom Studios
Distributed by
Release date
  • 5 November 2010 (2010-11-05)
Running time
146 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageTamil
Budget 5 crore[1]

Mynaa is a 2010 Indian Tamil-language romantic thriller film directed and written by Prabhu Solomon. Jointly distributed by Udhayanidhi Stalin and Kalpathi S. Aghoram, it stars Vidharth, Amala Paul and Thambi Ramaiah. The soundtrack by D. Imman garnered much anticipation prior to release,[2] on 5 November 2010, coinciding with the Diwali festival.

The film received critical acclaim and won the Best Film Award at the 58th Filmfare Awards South. Ramaiah went on to win the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor in 2011. Mynaa became a major success and ended as a blockbuster among the2010 Diwali releases and was released along with Dhanush's Uthamaputhiran. The core plot was reported to be loosely inspired by the 2006 Hong Kong film Dog Bite Dog.[3] This film was remade in Bengali name Poramon [citation needed] directed by Jakir Hossain Raju.

Plot

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A convict named Suruli recalls his love for Mynaa since childhood that becomes more intense as they grow. When Suruli was 15, he dropped out of school and became an unofficial cleaner in the jeep ferry in his village. He sees 11-year old Mynaa and her widow mother being thrown out of their house due to lack of rent. Suruli becomes attracted to her, as she picks her books first from the mess.

He takes the duo to his village and arranges a home for them. He also gets Mynaa into the school where he eloped from, and she keeps studying. Eight years later, Suruli is a hardworking coolie in the neighbouring town and Mynaa is preparing for her +2 exams. She attains puberty, and love blossoms between them, which is despised by Mynaa's mother, who sees Suruli as an unworthy groom. Though Mynaa's mother assures Suruli of getting them married, she changes her mind and arranges for Mynaa to marry a man working in Dubai. Infuriated, Suruli threatens to kill her and throws a stone near her head. He is arrested by the police and given a 15-day prison sentence for the murder-threat. Mynaa's mother arranges the marriage on the 14th day (on Diwali) one day before his release.

Here comes the story of sub-jail in-charge DSP Bhaskar (Sethu) and a head constable Ramaiah (Thambi Ramaiah). He married Sudha (Suzane George), the daughter of a very rich landlord. She has three elder brothers who adore her. Ramaiah is a happily married man who loves his wife but is childless. The jail is decorated for the pre-Diwali function, and after the function, Suruli is found to be missing. The jail staff are shocked because if something happens to him outside the jail, or if Bhaskar cannot produce him for court after Diwali, all of them will face severe charges. The district jail-chief gives Bhaskar a day's time to bring him back. Meanwhile, Bhaskar was to immediately take Sudha to Madurai to complete their Diwali shopping with her family as this Diwali was his Thalai Diwali.[a] To save his job, he secretly quits this tradition and goes to Suruli's village with Ramaiah.

Suruli reaches Mynaa's house by midnight, but her mother locks herself and Mynaa inside and blackmails that if Suruli tries to come in by force, she will immolate Mynaa. Suruli waits patiently outside for the groom's family. Bhaskar and Ramaiah reach the nearest small town to Suruli's village and are forced to move by foot. They reach his village by morning. As the groom comes, Mynaa's mother comes out and blames Suruli for forcing her daughter. Mynaa refuses this, and the marriage is dropped. Myna's mother attempts to kill the duo, but Bhaskar saves them and handcuffs Suruli. Mynaa decides to proceed along with them.

On their way, they encounter more adventures that include an elephant chasing them and losing their way, thereby reaching Kerala. From there, their journey continues, with Bhaskar becoming infuriated with Suruli as he is not able to celebrate his first Diwali, busy running behind Suruli. He promises to give him hell once he is back in prison. A parallel story reveals Sudha and her brothers troubling Bhaskar to come to their hometown for the festival. However, Bhaskar soon develops a soft corner for Suruli as he saves him from a freak bus accident. The four go back together to their hometown. Bhaskar promises to get Suruli released within two days and assures to get them married after Suruli is released. Ramaiah asks Mynaa to stay in his house for shelter.

However, Bhaskar asks Ramaiah to let Mynaa stay in his house so that he can take her safe the next day for the wedding. On reaching his house, Bhaskar finds Sudha waiting furiously, and she also accuses Mynaa of having an illegitimate relationship with Bhaskar, who scolds his wife in anger, following which she leaves the home. On the next day, Bhaskar, Ramaiah, and Suruli on the way to court, find a dead body on the railway track and get shocked, seeing it to be Mynaa. Bhaskar finds out that Sudha's brothers arrived at their house immediately and beat Mynaa to death ,whom they thought to be responsible for the trouble. They then threw her body on a railway track. Upon witnessing this, Suruli gets depressed and he jumps in front of another train and dies. Bhaskar feels guilty about the incident and gets enraged. He quits his job and goes back to his wife's home, where he kills her and her brothers with a sickle. He voluntarily surrenders and is imprisoned for 20 year-sentence in Suruli's cell.

Cast

[edit]

Production

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After completing the script, Prabu Solomon travelled 7,000 kilometres covering 26 towns across Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka as he wanted to find a location filled with dense forests and surrounded hills. He finally found it in Kurangani, a town 30 kilometers from the municipality of Bodinayakkanur in Theni district.[4]

Realising that well-known actors would be hesitant to stay in a remote place, Solomon decided to make the film with newcomers. It took Solomon 6 months to finalise the cast and crew. The film was shot in natural light and without any make-up being used for the actors. Due to the remoteness of the shooting location, the crew members had to trek 7 kilometres daily. Despite this, the principal photography was completed in 78 days.[4]

Soundtrack

[edit]

The film score and soundtrack for Mynaa were composed by D. Imman, collaborating with director Prabhu Solomon for the second time after Lee. The album was released on 27 September 2010. The songs, especially the title track, became very popular, while the album was widely considered Imman's finest work yet.[5][6] The songs "Kaiya Pudi" and "Neeyum Naanum" seems to be similar from the songs "Can I Have This Dance" and "Right Here, Right Now" from High School Musical 3: Senior Year (2008).[7]

Track listing
No.TitleLyricsSinger(s)Length
1."Mynaa Mynaa"YugabharathiShaan04:35
2."Kichu Kichu Thambalam"YugabharathiBaby Harini, Sriranjani, S. Srimathi, G. Aathireya, Lakshman Aravind, Solar Sai04:16
3."Neeyum Naanum"EknaathBenny Dayal, Shreya Ghoshal04:57
4."Jingu Chikka"YugabharathiSolar Sai, Kalpana Raghavendar03:55
5."Kaiya Pudi"YugabharathiNaresh Iyer, Sadhana Sargam04:03
Total length:19:20

Reception

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Rediff wrote, "With plenty of realism, a touch of angst and sparkling humour not to mention the hills of Theni themselves, Mynaa is an interesting romantic journey".[8]

Other versions

[edit]

The film was later dubbed in Telugu as Prema Khaidi.[9] The film was remade in Kannada in 2011 as Shyloo.[10] A Hindi remake was going to be directed by Prabhu Solomon, but never materialised.[11]

Awards

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See also

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Notes

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References

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Bibliography

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Mynaa is a 2010 Indian Tamil-language romantic thriller film directed and written by . Starring as Suruli and as Mynaa in the lead roles, alongside in a pivotal supporting part, the film explores the enduring bond between two childhood sweethearts from a rural village who face family opposition and elope, encountering perils including imprisonment and pursuit. Released on 5 November 2010, it runs for 146 minutes and is set against the scenic mountainous landscapes near in . The narrative unfolds in a flashback structure, beginning with the arrest of the male protagonist, prompting him to recount his love story with Mynaa. The film's soundtrack, composed by , features memorable songs like "Mynaa Mynaa" and "Neeyum Naanum," which contributed significantly to its popularity. Produced by John Max under Shalom Studios and jointly distributed by and Kalpathi S. Aghoram, Mynaa marked the feature film debut for both and , catapulting them to stardom. Critically acclaimed for its heartfelt storytelling, strong performances—particularly 's—and rustic authenticity, the film achieved blockbuster status at the . It has a 7.4/10 rating on from over 1,200 user reviews as of November 2025 and received multiple accolades, including the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor for .

Overview

Background and Development

Prabhu Solomon drew inspiration for Mynaa from observing a handcuffed accused sharing a moment with a policeman in , which sparked the idea for the film's of bonds under duress. This event sparked the core of lovers in a rural setting, emphasizing emotional depth over conventional drama. , who made his directorial debut with (1999), developed the story over several years, beginning as a before expanding it into a full script for his directorial breakthrough. During pre-production, conducted open casting calls to discover newcomers, ultimately selecting for the lead role after numerous auditions to capture authentic rural mannerisms. , making her lead debut after a supporting role in the Malayalam film Neelathamara (2009), brought fresh energy to the project. The film marked 's shift toward naturalistic storytelling, focusing on the nuances of rural life without urban clichés or excessive action sequences. Mynaa was produced by John Max under Shalom Studios, with a modest of approximately ₹5 designed to prioritize genuine locations and performances for an authentic portrayal of village dynamics. Solomon's script evolution highlighted emotional realism, drawing from extensive travels covering over 10,000 kilometers to refine the narrative's heartfelt tone. The choice of Kurangani as a filming location ensured the story's grounded feel in Tamil Nadu's forested hills.

Themes and Style

Mynaa explores central themes of sacrificial love set against societal pressures in rural , including arranged marriages, roles, and familial expectations that challenge young lovers' innocence. The narrative contrasts the idyllic purity of childhood romance with the harsh realities of village life, such as crude customs and economic motivations driving family decisions, ultimately examining the emotional consequences of defying social norms like . These elements underscore a tension between personal redemption through cherished memories and the unforgiving outcomes of rural isolation. Stylistically, the film employs natural lighting and authentic handheld camerawork to evoke the unpolished beauty of forest environments, treating the lush hills and Kurangani locales as integral characters that symbolize both sanctuary and entrapment in the lovers' pursuit. Director blends realism with , drawing from Tamil folk tale traditions to infuse rustic authenticity, while using minimal and unobtrusive to heighten emotional tension—avoiding song insertions in pivotal dramatic moments to maintain immersion. motifs, including recurring imagery tied to the title's myna bird, represent fleeting and enduring affection, enhancing the story's symbolic depth. In the landscape of 2010 Tamil cinema, Mynaa distinguishes itself as a fresh romance by prioritizing emotional realism and character-driven depth over formulaic commercial tropes like exaggerated action or contrived duets, earning praise for its innovative treatment of a familiar love story. Solomon's approach, inspired by untouched natural settings, elevates the genre through gripping, non-linear flashbacks that frame the tale from the protagonist's imprisoned perspective, fostering a poignant of loss and longing.

Cast and Production

Casting

The principal cast of Mynaa consisted primarily of newcomers and character actors to underscore the film's rural authenticity and narrative focus. was cast in the lead role of Suruli, marking his debut as a lead actor after earlier uncredited appearances and a promise from director for a starring opportunity following their prior collaboration. , who had begun her career in with Neelathamara (2009), took on the titular role of Mynaa, which became her breakthrough performance in Tamil films despite prior minor roles in the language. Thambi Ramaiah portrayed the supporting character of constable Ramaiah, a role that highlighted his versatility in blending comic and emotional elements and earned him the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor in 2011. This performance marked a significant turning point, propelling Ramaiah from over two decades of background work—including as an and lyricist—into a prominent position as a sought-after and in . Sethu played the jailor Bhaskar, while additional villagers and minor roles were filled by emerging talents to enhance the film's grounded, non-urban feel. Director prioritized realistic casting without established stars, aligning with his preference for minimalistic production that included natural lighting and no makeup to capture the essence of rural life. This approach ensured the story remained central, contributing to the film's success and launching and as key figures in while elevating Ramaiah's career trajectory. The selections also prepared the cast for the demands of location shooting in remote terrains, fostering an authentic portrayal of local customs.

Filming and Technical Aspects

The principal photography of Mynaa was conducted primarily in the remote Kurangani hills near in , on the border, to authentically portray the film's rural setting. Additional sequences were filmed in Kottakudi village within and surrounding areas in , emphasizing natural landscapes over constructed sets. Director selected these sites after scouting from Top Station in , prioritizing on-location shooting to capture the region's misty and verdant environment during the post-monsoon period of to . The technical team was led by cinematographer , whose work focused on naturalistic visuals that enhanced the film's intimate, location-driven narrative without heavy reliance on artificial lighting or effects. Editing was handled by L.V.K. Doss, ensuring a tight pace that aligned with the story's emotional rhythm. Art direction, by Vairabalan, contributed to the rustic authenticity by integrating local elements into the sets. Challenges during filming arose from the isolated terrains, where the navigated difficult access routes and variable weather to avoid reshoots, underscoring Solomon's commitment to practical execution over fixes. The remoteness demanded adaptability, with no or easy transport available in the forests, yet this contributed to the film's grounded aesthetic. Casting locals alongside leads further bolstered technical realism in dialogues and interactions.

Music and Release

Soundtrack

The soundtrack of Mynaa was composed by D. Imman, marking a significant milestone in his career as one of his most acclaimed works to date. Released on 23 September 2010 by Times Music, the album features five songs with a total duration of 21 minutes and 46 seconds. The tracks include the title song "Mynaa Mynaa", a romantic number rendered by Shaan; "Kichu Kichu Thaambulam" performed by Baby Harini and Solar Sai; "Neeyum Naanum", a melancholic number sung by Benny Dayal and Shreya Ghoshal; "Jingu Chikka", a folk-inspired track by Solar Sai and Kalpana; and "Kaiya Pudi" featuring Naresh Iyer and Sadhana Sargam. The lyrics, penned by Yugabharathi, poetically explore themes of love, longing, and the natural world, enhancing the film's rural setting. D. Imman's composition blends rural folk traditions with modern rhythmic elements and melodic orchestration, evident in the upbeat folk rhythms of "Jingu Chikka" and the rock-infused energy of "Neeyum Naanum", creating an immersive auditory experience tied to the story's emotional peaks. The album generated significant pre-release anticipation, highlighted by its audio launch event presided over by Kamal Haasan, and was praised for elevating Imman's reputation as a versatile composer in Tamil cinema. The soundtrack topped the Tamil audio charts and won the Vijay Music Award for Best Song for "Mynaa Mynaa" in 2011, further boosting anticipation.

Distribution and Premiere

The film received a U certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), with board members reportedly praising director Prabhu Solomon for its content following a screening. Distribution in India was handled by Red Giant Movies in association with AGS Entertainment, marking a joint effort by Udhayanidhi Stalin's banner to bring the film to theaters during the 2010 Diwali season. The movie had its theatrical premiere on 5 November 2010, coinciding with the festival and clashing with other Tamil releases such as Angadi Theru and Uthama Puthiran. Promotional strategies focused on building anticipation through an audio launch event attended by the cast and prominent figures like and Bala, which generated buzz ahead of the release. Trailers emphasizing the film's picturesque rural visuals and melodic soundtrack were widely screened in theaters, complemented by a relatively low-key campaign that relied on word-of-mouth endorsements to appeal to family audiences. The soundtrack's promotion played a key role in heightening pre-release hype. For home media, the film became available on DVD in subsequent years and, by 2025, was accessible for streaming on platforms including Prime Video.

Reception and Legacy

Critical Response

Upon its release in 2010, Mynaa received widespread critical acclaim for its heartfelt storytelling and authentic depiction of rural life in the hills of . described it as a "" that blends realism, , and sparkling humor into an engaging romantic journey, particularly praising director Prabhu Solomon's ability to avoid typical cinematic clichés through natural character development. highlighted the film's emotional depth, noting how the lush, romantic yet forbidding hill settings enhance the narrative's intensity and the characters' genuine struggles, with the treatment elevating a simple love story into a moving exploration of human bonds. Critics lauded the performances, especially those of the debutants, for their natural and unforced portrayals. Amala Paul's role as the titular character was singled out for its outstanding emotional range, earning her recognition as a promising talent and contributing to the film's fresh appeal in . Thambi Ramaiah's as the escorting stood out as a revelation, providing levity and depth to the proceedings with his nuanced, heartfelt delivery that balanced humor and pathos effectively. Vidharth also received praise for his sincere depiction of the protagonist's innocence and determination. Despite the positives, some reviewers pointed to minor flaws, such as predictable plot twists in the thriller elements and occasional pacing issues that slightly diluted the tension during the escape sequences. Overall, the film achieved a strong consensus, with an rating of 7.4 out of 10 based on over 1,100 user votes as of 2025, reflecting broad appreciation for its sincere narrative and acting. In retrospective analyses by 2025, Mynaa has been regarded as a in Tamil indie cinema, influencing subsequent rural-themed narratives with its emphasis on authentic, grounded storytelling over commercial tropes.

Box Office Performance

Mynaa achieved significant commercial success upon its release during the season in , emerging as a standout performer among its contemporaries. The movie's total worldwide gross reached ₹30 , generated against a modest of ₹5 , leading to its classification as a blockbuster by industry standards. Several factors drove Mynaa's triumph, including robust word-of-mouth endorsements from rural audiences, which sustained interest beyond the initial buzz. The and promotional trailers played a pivotal role in boosting opening occupancy to nearly 90%, while critical acclaim further encouraged repeat viewings. The film ran for 100 days in key centers such as . From a 2025 perspective, the film's success reflects its enduring economic impact despite no major theatrical re-releases, though it maintains steady viewership on streaming platforms such as Prime Video.

Cultural Impact and Remakes

Mynaa's portrayal of a rural romance set against the lush backdrops of Kurangani hills contributed to a renewed appreciation for nature-centric narratives in , influencing director Prabhu Solomon's subsequent works like Kumki (2012) and Kayal (2014), which continued exploring romantic stories amid natural environments. The film's shooting locations in Kurangani, a trekking hotspot near the Tamil Nadu-Kerala border, highlighted the area's pristine forests and waterfalls, drawing attention to its ecological beauty through on-screen depiction. The film's success significantly advanced the careers of its lead actors. Vidharth, who debuted in a major role with Mynaa, transitioned from uncredited appearances to lead and prominent supporting parts in multiple Tamil films, including multi-starrers like Veeram (2014) and Kodi (2016), though he encountered commercial setbacks before regaining momentum with (2017). Amala Paul achieved breakthrough recognition with her titular role, earning critical acclaim that propelled her to pan-India stardom across Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam cinema, with subsequent hits like (2011) and (2012). For director , Mynaa marked a turning point, leading to his romantic trilogy completed with Kumki, featuring an elephant-human bond in forest settings, and Kayal, a tsunami-themed drama introducing new talents. Mynaa inspired several adaptations across Indian languages. It received a Telugu dubbed version titled Prema Khaidi in 2011, expanding its reach in Andhra Pradesh. The Kannada remake (2011), starring Ganesh and , adapted the story for local audiences, emphasizing rural love and conflict. A Bengali version, Poramon (2013), directed by Raju Jafri, retained the core romantic thriller elements with Symon Sadik and in lead roles. A planned Hindi remake was announced by in 2010, intended as his own production with a new cast, but remained unproduced as of 2025. The film's National Film Award win for Best Supporting Actor (Thambi Ramaiah) underscored its quality, helping elevate the visibility of independent Tamil productions focused on authentic rural narratives and social themes like inter-family tensions in elopements. By 2025, Mynaa featured in film retrospectives marking its 15th anniversary, with dialogues from scenes involving family confrontations becoming popular in online memes for their emotional intensity.

Awards and Recognition

National and State Awards

At the , announced on May 19, 2011, Mynaa received the Silver Lotus Award for Best Supporting Actor, awarded to for his portrayal of the character Ramaiah, a friendly and humorous policeman whose performance captured the essence of village life and loyalty. This accolade highlighted the film's authentic depiction of rural , contributing to its prestige as a standout in regional cinema. The awards were presented during a ceremony on September 9, 2011, at in , where President honored the winners, emphasizing the role of such films in promoting diverse narratives across . In the for 2010, announced in 2017, Mynaa was recognized as one of the Best Films (first prize, shared with and Puthran), affirming its narrative strength and cultural resonance. won the Best Actress award for her debut role as the spirited Mynaa, showcasing a nuanced performance that blended vulnerability and resilience in a rural setting. Additionally, director received the Best Director award, praised for his sensitive handling of a simple yet poignant love story rooted in village traditions. These national and state accolades elevated Mynaa's status, spotlighting rural-themed cinema's potential for broader appeal and preservation in Indian film heritage, as evidenced by the awards' focus on authentic storytelling over commercial elements. The win for Ramaiah at the national level particularly underscored the film's impact on supporting roles, marking a milestone for character-driven narratives in .

Other Awards

At the 2nd Edison Awards in 2011, Amala Paul won the Best Debut Actress award for her role in Mynaa. At the Ananda Vikatan Cinema Awards in 2011, Mynaa won Best Film, Best Director for Prabhu Solomon, and Best Supporting Actor for Thambi Ramaiah.

Filmfare and Vijay Awards

At the 58th Filmfare Awards South in 2011, Mynaa received recognition for its commercial and artistic merits in the Tamil category, winning Best Film while earning nominations in key acting and directorial fields. The film was nominated for Best Director for Prabu Solomon, Best Actress for Amala Paul, and Best Supporting Actor for Thambi Ramaiah, highlighting the performances and storytelling that contributed to its success. These honors underscored the film's appeal in a competitive year dominated by other Tamil releases like Angadi Theru and Aayirathil Oruvan. The 5th Vijay Awards in 2011 further celebrated Mynaa's breakout elements, particularly through jury and popular-voted categories that emphasized emerging talent and narrative innovation. Amala Paul won Best Debut Actress for her portrayal of the titular character, marking a pivotal launch for her career in Tamil cinema. Thambi Ramaiah secured Best Supporting Actor for his role as the friendly cop, a performance that resonated with audiences and critics alike. Prabu Solomon was awarded Best Story for the film's poignant rural romance, while Mynaa was nominated for Best Film, though it lost to Angadi Theru.
Award CeremonyCategoryRecipientResultSource
South (2011)Best Film - TamilMynaaWonTimes of India
South (2011)Best Director - TamilPrabu SolomonNominatedIMDb
South (2011)Best Actress - TamilNominatedIMDb
South (2011)Best Supporting Actor - TamilNominatedIMDb
5th (2011)Best FilmMynaaNominatedNews World
5th (2011)Best Debut ActressWonNDTV
5th (2011)Best Supporting ActorWonStar Vijay Awards Blog
5th (2011)Best StoryPrabu SolomonWonNews World
These awards solidified Mynaa's position as one of the top Tamil releases of 2010, with its low-budget production grossing over ₹20 and demonstrating the viability of independent storytelling in mainstream cinema. The recognition boosted visibility for newcomer-driven projects, paving the way for similar rural-themed films in subsequent years.

References

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