Porkkaalam

For other meanings of this and similar names, see Porkkala (disambiguation).

Porkaalam is a Tamil-language film directed by Cheran starring the late Murali, Meena, Sangahvi, Rajeshwari and Vadivelu in key roles. It was released in 1997.

Plot

Porkaalam dealt with the stigma attached to a handicapped girl in a rural setup. Murali is a potter by profession. He has a sister, who is born dumb. Murali has to struggle a lot as the handicraft industry is a dying industry and a good amount of money is taken away by his father (Manivannan), who is a drunkard and a gambler. But, he tries to hide his sorrows by having fun with his sister and servant (Vadivelu), who is also his trusted friend. He is in love with his neighbour(Meena), a weaver. He wants to get his sister married to a noble man. But many reject her as she is dumb. Finally, one man agrees to marry his sister but on condition that Murali must offer dowry. Murali then sells many things dearer to him to get money for the dowry. But, that money is taken away by his father and the marriage falls through. Yet Vadivelu offers to marry his sister without asking dowry and Murali goes home along with Vadivelu to convey this happy news to his sister. But it was too late as the sister commits suicide. Murali as a penance decides to marry a handicapped girl.

Box office

The film was a super duper village background hit movie at the box office.