This is How Movies Should Be Made

Best movie ever!

Fanciful, disturbing, and wildly original, it announces the arrival of a fresh, bold voice in American cinema.

The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one

I was fortunate in chancing upon this extraordinary film on YouTube-- and with English subtitles. This is pure Tamil Indian cinema without a trace of Bollywood or any westernized or modernized elements (aside from some of the language in the subtitles). The imagery, the dance, the music are a feast for the eyes and ears, and the tales of Shiva and his doings quite engrossing and instructive. For a total immersion in the splendors of Hindu tradition, this can't be excelled. The print used for YouTube wasn't in the best condition, but the occasional badly damaged or deteriorated parts soon pass; one is eager to see what comes next. I wish I'd been able to see it fifty years ago! Be warned; the subtitles are often rather odd in translation, but entertaining in their own right. Shiva is most pleased after witnessing the fabulous opening devotional performance of horned drummers, Seven Sages, Seven Maidens... the god declares that he feels 'groovy'! A delightful moment that only adds to the overall charm of this classic.

I have seen many such mythological movies and I would consider this to be the best so far. The reasons why this is so much fun to watch are 1. The usage of very basic animations and using them very effectively to show some idea. 2. Really nice dialogs in a very good Tamil. And the characters have done a great job of executing their roles. 3. The songs are just out of this world. 4. Its really nice to see this movie after so many years. 5. Nagesh was at his best in this movie and so was Shivaji.I would suggest this movie to anyone who likes watching mythological movies which have a lot of small stories that you have been told in your childhood.

Often I am asked the question: "do you like Bollywood movies?"My answer to this question is usually, 'No, not really.' Why? First of all the title 'Bollywood.' Wikipedia quote: "Bollywood s the informal term popularly used for the Mumbai-based Hindi-language film industry in India. The term is often incorrectly used to refer to the whole of Indian cinema".This Bombay/Hollywood mix title has been created and populated by the media, and to be honest even the most Indian film makers are not really happy with it.The films currently created by this so called 'Bollywood' are mostly packed with flashy scenes, fancy cinematography and very little space for actual stories or moral value's. The common accessories of these movies are almost nude and hyperactive dancers trying to recreate the common western MTV hype of the month. This is understandable considering the amount of films that 'Bollywood' has to produce and still keep the public entertained.But for me these current 'Bollywood' movies really do not represent the moral value and the culture rich India that I know of.So which movie does? To really witness the true power of Indian movie magic we must travel back in time, as far as the 60's, to the south of India.A time where words had meaning, flowers where ornaments, science and mythology lived in harmony, and where good moral values where always available.The time of 'Thiruvilayadal'(1965) a epic mythological movie full of symbolism moral value, and the best opening scene and music spectacle of the worlds film history. Even the special FX are amazing for its time, remember Peter Jackson the maker of the Lord of The rings trilogy was still in his dippers at this time.The main characters in this film represents the elements of our universe, and the thoughts behind them can be as advanced as your brain can handle. Beside the breathtaking settings and music compositions, this movie glides on moral values, and valuable lessons.Vighnesh M. Peters

This excellent film had a list of Tamil film's Who's Who in its cast and ensemble. It was a rip-roaring success, not just for the acting but also for the historical fact that it was made in colour. The music and the songs are a bonus. Overall this film is a classic and must be retained so that future generations would not forget the magic that is the Tamil language and get entertained as well as learn the lessons through a motley of stories evolving Lord Shiva.The incomparable Chevalier Sivaji Ganesan is Shiva, Savithri is Parvati and they are ably assisted by actors and actresses of calibre, including K.B. Sundrambal as the Tamil poetess and sage Avaiyaar, Nagesh as Dharumi, Balaiya, Muthuraman, Devika, Manorama TR Mahalingam and even the director AP Nagarajan himself makes a cameo as the famous poet and bard, Natkiran.Thiruvilayadal, literally meaning the Holy Games, is a collection of stories of Lord Shiva's antics who appeared on earth in various guises to test his devotees. The tests may be varied but the lessons learnt are valuable. For e.g, in confrontation with Lord Shiva, Natkiran stands by his opinion even though he knew that the person disputing him is the Lord himself, i.e. hold to your principles if you believe them to be true, no matter who disputes them.The dialogue between Sivaji and Nagesh as Lord Shiva and Dharumi respectively remains till today a legendary exchange in masterful Tamil.Thiruvilayadal is a gem.