21 years of Ghilli: 5 reasons why Vijay-Trisha film deserves a rewatch

It has been 21 years since the release of Ghilli, starring Vijay and Trisha. A film, which even now can pull crowds to theatres. Streaming on SunNXT, and OTTplay Premium, the film is directed by Dharani and is an out-and-out entertainer that you should watch if you are new to Tamil cinema. Otherwise too, Ghilli is a classic film that has immense repeat value.

21 years of Ghilli: 5 reasons why Vijay-Trisha film deserves a rewatch

A faithful remake

Ghilli is a remake of the Telugu film Okkadu, and was made in Tamil one year after the original released. Okkadu starred Mahesh Babu, Bhumika Chawla and Prakash Raj. While Prakash Raj resumed his role as antagonist, Vijay and Trisha played the lead roles in the Tamil version. As much as Okkadu was a commercial success in Telugu, Ghilli was able to recreate the success and went on to become one of the most talked-about films in Vijay’s career.

Memorable characters

Who can forget Velu, Dhanalakshmi and Muthupandi; the three lead characters of Ghilli, among whom the main drama unfolds. Ghilli is about a kabaddi player who goes to a town to play a tournament. However, after seeing a girl being tortured by a local goon to marry him, he chooses to save the girl and bring her back to his home, only for the goon to come down hunting for them. Besides the lead characters, Jennifer as Bhuvi, Velu's sister, Velu's friend Otheri Nari, played by Dhamu, are memorable supporting characters in the film.

Commercial potboiler

Ghilli has everything one would ask for in a full entertainer. There is enough action and nail-biting sequences, song-and-dance, comedy, and drama, which is why the film still resonates with scores of cinema lovers. A perfect blend of emotions, Ghilli is a film that you can sit down with your friends, family to watch.

Vidyasagar’s chartbuster songs

Vidyasagar scored the music for Ghilli, giving the Vijay-starrer many memorable songs. Tamil cinema fans still croon to Arjunar Villu for life motivation, and the Apadi Podu has its fame even beyond Tamil Nadu. Velu's Kabaddi song that was filled with adrenaline rush, and the melodious Kokkarakko are other tracks from the album.

Vijay and Trisha’s onscreen chemistry

Vijay and Trisha, one of the celebrated pairs of today’s times, first collaborated in Ghilli. Their onscreen chemistry is a success story, after which they went on to work together in many films like Leo, Kuruvi, and Thirupachi.