As time passes by, certain things remain etched in our memories forever. For many of us who grew up in the 80s and 90s, one such memory would undoubtedly be the iconic Tamil movie, Alaipayithey. And as we celebrate the 23rd anniversary of this timeless classic, it’s hard not to take a trip down memory lane and relive those youthful days.
I vividly remember the day I watched Alaipayithey for the first time. It was a hot summer day, and I had just finished my final year exams and was in Bangalore. I rode my bike to the Urvasi theatre, eagerly waiting to watch the movie. And what a movie it was! From the moment the lights went off to the end credits, I was transported to a world of romance, friendship, and youthful exuberance.
Mani Ratnam, the director of the movie, captured the essence of youthful romance with ease. The chemistry between the lead actors, Madhavan and Shalini, was palpable, and the songs were an instant hit. I remember downloading the songs from the internet and playing them endlessly at cyber cafes and home. Even today, I can sing the lyrics of all the songs, and whenever I ride my bike, I keep humming “Endendrum Punnagai.”
But it wasn’t just the songs and the romance that made the movie special. It was the overall feel-good factor that resonated with the youth of that time. As we watched the characters navigate the ups and downs of their relationships and lives, we felt a sense of camaraderie and empathy. It was a movie that we could all relate to, and it stayed with us long after the end credits rolled.
I still remember when mobile phones were introduced, and caller tunes were the new craze. I paid extra value-added service charges for Snegithney, and it has been my caller tune for the last 19 years now. Some of my friends even call me “Ragasiya Snegithaney” because of it.
As I reflect on the 23 years that have passed since the release of Alaipayithey, I can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia mixed with a tinge of sadness at how fast time has flown. But the movie remains a timeless classic that has managed to retain its youthful charm, even in today’s fast-paced world. And for those of us who grew up with it, it will always hold a special place in our hearts.
AnandNataraj 