Unnai Thedi

“Unnai Thedi” (1999) is a romantic film by Sundar C. The film features Ajith Kumar and Malavika. The film centres on Raghu, who, upon discovering that his mother has been estranged from her once-close-knit family, sets out to reunite them. In the process of integrating himself into the family, he is surprised to learn that the girl he fell in love with abroad, Malavika, is part of the same extended family.

Raghupathy, a student in Australia, travels to New Zealand with a friend, where he meets Malavika. The two were once enemies, but their witty, vicious banter soon changes to tenderness, which helps them both understand each other enough to fall in love. Destiny has other plans, and they are made to separate without leaving further personal information. Back in India, Raghu becomes friends with Prakash and is shocked to discover his mother, Saradha, in a picture with Prakash’s family. When interrogated, Saradha confides that she used to belong to an extended, aristocratic, loving family and was ostracised for having eloped with a man of her choice.

Resolved to reunite his mother with her estranged brothers, Raghu journeys to their village, pretending to be Prakash’s friend, and slowly charms his way into the family. As it turns out, much to his surprise, he finds out that Malavika is indeed his cousin, Prakash’s cousin as well and the daughter of one of Saradha’s brothers. Prakash dearly wishes to marry Malavika, but he withdraws his candidature upon learning about Raghu and Malavika’s past love. As soon as the family patriarchs agree to their marriage, the elders take back their approval when they realise that Raghu is Saradha’s child. Reluctant to further widen the chasm in the family, Raghu decides to lose his love. The remainder of the tale traces Raghu’s emotional quest as he works to repair the damaged familial relationships to inherit the throne and eventually marry Malavika, restoring harmony and happiness to everyone.

“Unnai Thedi” is a passionate love story rich with romantic values along with family values, sacrifice and nostalgia. Paired with a soundtrack of country rhythms and this newfound America of picturesque towns and deep heritage is captured in a way that’s just as moving as the people separated and the patchwork of their reunion that emerges. Showing just the right amount of romance and sentiment to wow audiences with a sweet and warm-hearted tale, it’s sure to create an unforgettable experience for lovers of feel-good family films.