1. Executive Summary Kannathil Muthamittal (English: A Peck on the Cheek ) is a 2002 Indian Tamil-language war drama film written and directed by Mani Ratnam. Produced by Madras Talkies, the film is a poignant exploration of the Sri Lankan Civil War through the lens of a fractured family and the innocent yet determined quest of an adopted child. Critically acclaimed for its sensitive handling of complex political and emotional themes, the film won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil and multiple international awards. It remains a landmark film for its artistic merit, powerful performances, and unflinching look at the human cost of ethnic conflict. 2. Film Information | Aspect | Details | | :--- | :--- | | Title | Kannathil Muthamittal (கன்னத்தில் முத்தமிட்டால்) | | English Translation | A Peck on the Cheek | | Director | Mani Ratnam | | Writer | Mani Ratnam (story & screenplay), Suhasini Mani Ratnam (dialogues) | | Producer | Mani Ratnam, G. Srinivasan | | Music | A. R. Rahman | | Cinematography | Ravi K. Chandran | | Release Date | 14 June 2002 | | Runtime | 137 minutes | | Language | Tamil | | Country | India | 3. Plot Summary The film centers on the prosperous Selvam family in Chennai: Thiruchelvan (Madhavan), a novelist and former militant, his wife Indira (Simran), and their three children. The eldest, 9-year-old Amudha (Keerthana), is a spirited and perceptive girl who discovers she is adopted. Determined to find her biological mother, she learns that her mother is a Sri Lankan Tamil militant, "Shanthi" (Nandita Das), fighting with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
| | Singer(s) | Significance | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Vellai Pookal | A. R. Rahman, Harini | A haunting, pathos-filled melody representing the pain of war and separation. | | Sundari | Shankar Mahadevan, Karthik | A joyous ode to Amudha’s beauty and spirit, capturing family love. | | Kannathil Muthamittal | Shreya Ghoshal (debut), Madhavan (voice-over) | The title track; a lullaby that also conveys the child’s longing for her biological mother. | | Satrumun Kidaitha | Asha Bhosle, Madhavan, Sunandha | A philosophical number on the futility of revenge and the cycle of violence. | | Chinna Chinna | K. S. Chithra, S. P. B. Charan, M. G. Sreekumar | A playful, light-hearted song reflecting Amudha’s childhood mischief. |
