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{{Short description|1989 film by Gangai Amaran}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2025}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2025}}
{{Infobox film
| image = Karakattakkaran poster.jpg
| caption = Poster
| director = [[Gangai Amaran]]
| producer = Karumari Kandasamy<br />J. Durai
| writer = Gangai Amaran
| starring = [[Ramarajan]]<br />[[Kanaka (actress)|Kanaka]]
| music = [[Ilaiyaraaja]]
| cinematography = A. Sabapathy
| editing = [[B. Lenin]]<br />[[V. T. Vijayan]]
| studio = Vijaya Movies
| distributor = 
| released = {{Film date|1989|06|16|df=y}}
| runtime = 138 minutes{{sfn|Dhananjayan|2011|p=124}}
| country = India
| language = Tamil
| budget = {{Estimation}} {{INR}}2 million<ref>{{Cite web |last=ராம்ஜி |first=வி. |date=18 June 1989 |title="''கரகாட்டக்காரன்'' பட்ஜெட்; எவ்ளோ செலவாச்சு தெரியுமா?"- கங்கைஅமரன் ஃப்ளாஷ்பேக் |trans-title=''Karakattakkaran'' budget; do you know how much it cost? – Gangai Amaran's flashback |url=https://www.kamadenu.in/news/cinema/34375-.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190820091851/https://www.kamadenu.in/news/cinema/34375--2.html |archive-date=20 August 2019 |access-date=20 June 2019 |website=[[Kamadenu (magazine)|Kamadenu]] |language=ta}}</ref>
}}

'''''Karakattakkaran''''' ({{translation|The [[Karakattam]] dancer}}) is a 1989 Indian [[Tamil language|Tamil]]-language [[romantic comedy]] [[dance film]] written and directed by [[Gangai Amaran]]. The film stars [[Ramarajan]] and debutant [[Kanaka (actress)|Kanaka]], while [[Santhana Bharathi]], [[Vagai Chandrasekhar|Chandrasekhar]], [[Goundamani]], [[Senthil]], [[Shanmugasundaram]], Raja Bahadur, [[Gandhimathi]] and [[Kovai Sarala]] play supporting roles. It revolves around two karakattam dancers who fall in love with each other, but circumstances prevent them from confessing their love for one another. How they overcome these forms the rest of the story.

The soundtrack was composed by [[Ilaiyaraaja]] and all the songs were well-received, in particular, "Maanguyilae Poonguyile". The film was released on 16 June 1989 and was a major commercial success, running for over a year in theatres,<ref>{{Cite news |last=S |first=Srivatsan |date=2 December 2021 |title=With Krishnaveni Cinemas, an iconic Chennai landmark gets a much needed image makeover |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/krishnaveni-cinemas-iconic-chennai-landmark-gets-a-makeover/article37801963.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211209081959/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/krishnaveni-cinemas-iconic-chennai-landmark-gets-a-makeover/article37801963.ece |archive-date=9 December 2021 |access-date=9 December 2021 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> and won two [[Tamil Nadu State Film Awards]]. It was also Goundamani and Senthil's 100th film as a combo. Goundamani and Senthil's banana comedy sequence from this film remains one of their most popular acts.

== Plot ==
Muthaiya is the lead performer of a [[karakattam]] troupe based out of a village. Muthaiya's mother was his dance guru. Similarly Kamakshi is also a karakattam dancer in the nearby village and she performs regularly during temple festival of that village. Chinnarasu is the village [[Panchayati raj|panchayat]] board president and he sets an eye on Kamakshi. But Kamakshi hates Chinnarasu. To take revenge on her, Chinnarasu invites Muthaiya's dance troupe to perform during temple festival instead of Kamakshi's performance.

Muthaiya performs well and is widely appreciated by the villagers. Kamakshi also likes Muthaiya's performance. Kamakshi's father invites Muthaiya to his home. And to his shock, Kamakshi's father understands that Muthaiya is his nephew but does not reveal it to him. Muthaiya and Kamakshi fall in love with each other. Chinnarasu gets to know about Muthaiya and Kamakshi's love affair and plans to separate them.

Balaraman is Kamakshi's innocent brother-in-law who works for Chinnarasu. Chinnarasu persuades Balaraman to challenge a dance competition between Muthaiya and Kamakshi for which both accepts. In the meantime, Chinnarasu plans to kill Muthaiya during the dance program. His assassin, a butcher, throws a knife at Muthaiya, but Kamakshi saves him, thereby getting stabbed in her leg after the dance.

Muthaiya's mother gets furious upon realising that Kamakshi is her niece and takes Muthaiya along with her and also does not permit their wedding to happen. She reveals a flashback that Kamakshi's father is her own brother and he eloped with the jewels that were meant to be sold to meet the medical expenses of Muthaiya's father which led to his death. But Kamakshi's father arrives there and reveals the truth that while he went to sell the jewels, he was caught by the police suspecting him to be a smuggler following which he was jailed for a few years.

Now Muthaiya's mother realises her mistake and unites with her brother. Also she agrees for wedding between Muthaiya and Kamakshi. Chinnarasu accuses that Muthaiya and Kamakshi misbehaved in the temple and orders them to walk on fire in the temple to prove that they are pure. Muthaiya and Kamakshi successfully walk on fire while Balaraman exposes Chinnarasu's true identity before of the villagers. Balaraman pushes Chinnarasu on to the fire but Muthaiya saves him which makes Chinnarasu remorseful. Muthaiya and Kamakshi marry.

== Cast ==
{{Cast listing|
* [[Ramarajan]] as Muthaiya{{sfn|Dhananjayan|2011|p=124}}
* [[Kanaka (actress)|Kanaka]] as Kamakshi{{sfn|Dhananjayan|2011|p=125}}
* [[Santhana Bharathi]] as Chinnarasu{{sfn|Dhananjayan|2011|p=125}}
* [[Vagai Chandrasekhar|Chandrasekhar]] as Balaraman{{sfn|Dhananjayan|2011|p=125}}
* [[Goundamani]] as Thangavelu
* [[Senthil]] as Naadhas<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kumar |first=Praveen |date=15 June 2019 |title='My wife denies me biriyani inspired by 'Naadhas' Senthil' |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/my-wife-denies-me-biriyani-inspired-by-naadhas-senthil/article27948489.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210713065434/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/my-wife-denies-me-biriyani-inspired-by-naadhas-senthil/article27948489.ece |archive-date=13 July 2021 |access-date=13 July 2021 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref>
* [[Shanmugasundaram]] as Kamakshi's father{{sfn|Dhananjayan|2011|p=125}}
*Raja Bahadur as the butcher<ref name="kar" />
* [[Gandhimathi]] as Dhanalakshmi, Muthaiya's mother{{sfn|Dhananjayan|2011|p=125}}
* [[Kovai Sarala]] as Thangam

* Pakkirisamy as a [[thavil]] player in Kamakshi's troupe<ref name="kar" />
* [[Periya Karuppu Thevar]]

* [[Gangai Amaran]] (cameo appearance)

}}

== Production ==
=== Development ===
[[Gangai Amaran]] wanted to do a film on the life of [[Karakattam]] dancers and their art Karagam. When producers Karumari Kandaswamy and J. Durai approached Amaran to do a project for them they agreed to do the film titled ''Karakattakkaran''.<ref name="kar" /> Amaran admitted that his film was reversal of ''[[Thillana Mohanambal]]'' (1968) with a change of backdrop and it was [[Ramarajan]] who suggested the story idea for the film while Amaran revealed he "didn't plan anything for the movie and went on scene by scene".<ref name="kar" /><ref name="kat" />

=== Casting ===
After achieving back-to-back successful films like ''[[Enga Ooru Pattukaran]]'' (1987) and ''[[Shenbagamae Shenbagamae]]'' (1988), Ramarajan was the director's only choice for the lead character and it was his 18th project as actor.<ref name="kar" /><ref name="kat" /> For the lead actress, [[Kanaka (actress)|Kanaka]], daughter of [[Devika]] made her acting debut with this film.<ref name="kar" /> It was Amaran's wife who suggested her for the role.<ref name="ie" /> [[Goundamani]] and [[Senthil]] were chosen to handle comic relief and this film became their 100th collaboration.<ref name="ie" /> [[S. S. Chandran]] was the original choice for Goundamani's role.<ref>{{Cite web |last=S |first=Kalyani Pandiyan |date=24 May 2024 |title=Actor Ramarajan: கரகாட்டக்காரன் கட்ட பஞ்சாயத்து; சந்திரனை தூக்க வைத்த அரசியல்; கவுண்டமணிக்கு அடித்த ஜாக்பாட்!- ராமராஜன் |url=https://tamil.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/actor-ramarajan-latest-interview-about-why-he-was-cast-goundamani-in-that-role-instead-of-ss-chandran-in-karakattakaran-131716396816241.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240612174501/https://tamil.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/actor-ramarajan-latest-interview-about-why-he-was-cast-goundamani-in-that-role-instead-of-ss-chandran-in-karakattakaran-131716396816241.html |archive-date=12 June 2024 |access-date=19 October 2024 |website=[[Hindustan Times]] |language=ta}}</ref> The comedy track was written by A. Veerappan.<ref name="kar" /> Since Amaran wanted a female dancer for Ramarajan's troupe, [[Kovai Sarala]] was cast.<ref name="kar" />

=== Filming ===
The filming was completed in 28 days. The crew found the village some distance off of Madurai Pandiyan hotel on the way to Alagar Kovil where the film was shot while the panchayat scene with the banyan tree and the climax were shot in Arunachalam Studios and Ambica Studios, respectively.<ref name="ie" />

== Music ==
The music composed by [[Ilaiyaraaja]]. All lyrics were written by Gangai Amaran except "Paattaalae Buddhi", which was written by Ilaiyaraaja.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Karagatakaran (1989) |url=http://www.raaga.com/channels/tamil/moviedetail.asp?mid=T0000204 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140223053856/http://www.raaga.com/channels/tamil/moviedetail.asp?mid=T0000204 |archive-date=23 February 2014 |access-date=13 February 2014 |website=[[Raaga.com]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Karagattakkaran Tamil Film LP Vinyl Record by Ilayaraja |url=https://mossymart.com/product/karagattakkaran-tamil-film-lp-vinyl-record-by-ilayaraja/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210713064114/https://mossymart.com/product/karagattakkaran-tamil-film-lp-vinyl-record-by-ilayaraja/ |archive-date=13 July 2021 |access-date=13 July 2021 |website=Mossymart}}</ref> The song "Maanguyilae Poonguyile" is set to the [[Carnatic raga]] [[Gourimanohari]],{{sfn|Sundararaman|2007|p=142}} "Mariyamma" is set to [[Mayamalavagowla]],{{sfn|Sundararaman|2007|p=143}}<ref>{{Cite news |last=Mani |first=Charulatha |author-link=Charulatha Mani |date=11 November 2011 |title=A Raga's Journey – The magic of Mayamalavagowla |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/music/a-ragas-journey-the-magic-of-mayamalavagowla/article2618199.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115170416/https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/music/a-ragas-journey-the-magic-of-mayamalavagowla/article2618199.ece |archive-date=15 November 2020 |access-date=17 June 2019 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> and "Ooru Vittu Ooru Vandhu" is set to [[Shanmukhapriya]].{{sfn|Sundararaman|2007|p=150}}<ref>{{Cite news |last=Mani |first=Charulatha |author-link=Charulatha Mani |date=2 September 2011 |title=A Raga's Journey – Sacred Shanmukhapriya |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/a-ragas-journey-sacred-shanmukhapriya/article2418290.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190617075641/https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/a-ragas-journey-sacred-shanmukhapriya/article2418290.ece |archive-date=17 June 2019 |access-date=17 June 2019 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> The song "Nandhavanathil Oru" was adapted by Ilaiyaraaja's son [[Yuvan Shankar Raja]] as "Muttathu Pakkathile" in ''[[Kunguma Poovum Konjum Puravum]]'' (2009).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Karthik |author-link=Karthik Srinivasan |date=24 January 2009 |title=Music review: Kunguma Poovum Konjum Puraavum (Tamil – Yuvan Shankar Raja) |url=http://milliblog.com/2009/01/24/music-review-kunguma-poovum-konjum-puraavum-tamil-yuvan-shankar-raja/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190617101623/http://milliblog.com/2009/01/24/music-review-kunguma-poovum-konjum-puraavum-tamil-yuvan-shankar-raja/ |archive-date=17 June 2019 |access-date=17 June 2019 |website=[[Milliblog]]}}</ref> "Ooru Vittu Ooru Vandhu" was remixed by [[Natarajan Sankaran]] in ''[[Kappal]]'' (2014).<ref>{{Cite news |last=Srinivasan |first=Sudhir |date=25 December 2014 |title=This Kappal doesn't sink |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-reviews/review-this-kappal-doesnt-sink/article6725209.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171113023122/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-reviews/review-this-kappal-doesnt-sink/article6725209.ece |archive-date=13 November 2017 |access-date=17 June 2019 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> [[S. Shankar]], the producer of that film, did not acquire permission to remix the song, leading to Ilaiyaraaja taking legal action against him.<ref>{{Cite news |date=3 January 2015 |title=Ilayaraja sends legal notice on copyright to director Shankar |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/blames-the-director-for-remixing-his-composition-without-permission/article6749679.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170322004234/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/blames-the-director-for-remixing-his-composition-without-permission/article6749679.ece |archive-date=22 March 2017 |access-date=18 June 2019 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref>

{{Track listing
| headline = Track listing
| title7 = Nandhavanathil
| extra_column = Singer(s)
| length9 = 04:37
| title9 = Paattaalae Buddhi
| length8 = 04:35
| title8 = Ooruvittu Ooruvanthu
| length7 = 01:05
| length6 = 03:20
| title1 = Indha Maan
| title6 = Mundhi Mundhi
| length5 = 04:31
| title5 = Mariyamma Mariyamma
| length4 = 04:25
| title4 = Maanguyilae
| note4 = Duet
| length3 = 04:37
| title3 = Maanguyilae
| note3 = Solo
| length2 = 04:31
| title2 = Kudagu Malai
| length1 = 04:35
| extra1 = [[Ilaiyaraaja]], [[K. S. Chithra]]
| extra2 = [[Mano (singer)|Mano]], K. S. Chithra
| extra3 = [[S. P. Balasubrahmanyam]]
| extra4 = S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, [[S. Janaki]]
| extra5 = [[Malaysia Vasudevan]], K. S. Chithra
| extra6 = Mano, K. S. Chithra
| extra7 = [[Gangai Amaran]]
| extra8 = Malaysia Vasudevan, Gangai Amaran
| extra9 = Ilaiyaraaja
| total_length = 36:16 
}}

For the dubbed [[Telugu language|Telugu]] version ''Garagatta Gopaiah'', all lyrics were written by [[Rajasri (writer)|Rajashri]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Garagatta Gopaiah |url=https://www.jiosaavn.com/album/garagatta-gopaiah/hvz0TOOrgZI_ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210628060140/https://www.jiosaavn.com/album/garagatta-gopaiah/hvz0TOOrgZI_ |archive-date=28 June 2021 |access-date=14 December 2020 |website=[[JioSaavn]]}}</ref>

{{Track listing
| headline = Telugu
| extra_column = Singer(s)
| title1 = Palikindi Kulikindi
| extra1 = [[S. P. Balasubrahmanyam]]
| length1 = 4:47
| title2 = Ragame Kotha Yogame
| extra2 = [[Mano (singer)|Mano]], [[K. S. Chithra]]
| length2 = 4:49
| title3 = Ooru Kani Oore Vachi
| extra3 = Mano
| length3 = 4:34
| title4 = Gunde Pagili
| extra4 = Mano, K. S. Chithra
| length4 = 4:37
| title5 = Desamlo Enno Pallelu
| extra5 = S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
| length5 = 3:36
| title6 = Oho Moola Vinayakuda
| extra6 = Mano, K. S. Chithra
| length6 = 3:38
| title7 = Palikindi Kulikindi
| note7 = Duet
| extra7 = Mano, K. S. Chithra
| length7 = 4:31
| title8 = Nandana Vanamuna
| extra8 = Mano
| length8 = 1:24
| title9 = Mokkenamma
| extra9 = Mano, K. S. Chithra
| length9 = 4:18
| total_length = 36:14
}}

== Release and reception ==
''Karakattakkaran'' was released on 16 June 1989.<ref name="kat" /> The film became a major commercial success, running for over a year in Nadana Theatre at Madurai.<ref name="kat" /> However, the producer made little profit because of the low price it was sold to distributors for.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2026-04-29 |title=பிளாஷ்பேக்: கரகாட்டக்காரனை கவிழ்த்த கங்கை அமரன் |url=https://www.dinamalar.com/cinemanews/137742 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260429133803/https://www.dinamalar.com/cinemanews/137742 |archive-date=2026-04-29 |access-date=2026-04-29 |work=[[Dinamalar]] |language=ta}}</ref> ''[[Ananda Vikatan]]'' rated the film 44 out of 100, calling it a simple, realistic village love story without much grandeur.<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 July 1989 |title=சினிமா விமர்சனம்: கரகாட்டக்காரன் |trans-title=Movie Review: Karakattakkaran |url=https://www.vikatan.com/arts/nostalgia/36637--2 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127124518/https://www.vikatan.com/arts/nostalgia/36637--2 |archive-date=27 January 2022 |access-date=6 August 2021 |website=[[Ananda Vikatan]] |language=ta}}</ref> At the [[Tamil Nadu State Film Awards]], ''Karakattakkaran'' won the [[Tamil Nadu State Film Award Special Prize|Special Prize for Best Film]], and D. K. S. Babu won for [[Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Choreographer|Best Choreographer]].{{sfn|Dhananjayan|2011|p=126}}

== Legacy ==
''Karakattakkaran'' became a cult film for bringing the art of Karagam into prominence.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Jeshi |first=K. |date=15 August 2019 |title=What happens when Lenin, Santhana Bharathi and Gangai Amaren meet? |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/gangai-amaren-santhana-bharathi-and-lenin-inaugurate-an-integrated-film-school-at-clusters-institute-of-media-and-technology-in-coimbatore/article29100554.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230614190506/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/gangai-amaren-santhana-bharathi-and-lenin-inaugurate-an-integrated-film-school-at-clusters-institute-of-media-and-technology-in-coimbatore/article29100554.ece |archive-date=14 June 2023 |access-date=28 June 2021 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Basu |first=Soma |date=11 June 2014 |title=A care for Karagattam? |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/society/A-care-for-Karagattam/article11642228.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190617065750/https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/society/A-care-for-Karagattam/article11642228.ece |archive-date=17 June 2019 |access-date=17 June 2019 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> The car [[Chevrolet Impala]], 1960's model used in the film became popular after the film's release.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Frederick |first=Prince |date=24 December 2014 |title=Cars can be funny too |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/man-and-machine-cars-can-be-funny-too/article6722752.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190617070433/https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/man-and-machine-cars-can-be-funny-too/article6722752.ece |archive-date=17 June 2019 |access-date=17 June 2019 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> In an interview with ''The Hindu'' in 2002, Somasundaram, a real-life Karakattam dancer was critical of the film, stating that it was an "insult to the dance form".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Chandrasekar |first=Preethi |date=24 October 2002 |title=Bringing it to center stage |url=https://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/lf/2002/10/24/stories/2002102405680200.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190617071057/https://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/lf/2002/10/24/stories/2002102405680200.htm |archive-date=17 June 2019 |access-date=17 June 2019 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> In a 2012 interview, [[Venkat Prabhu]] was asked if he would ever remake ''Karakattakkaran'', and said "it would be extremely difficult to do justice to the original".<ref>{{Cite news |date=3 December 2012 |title=Venkat on funny mode |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/venkat-on-funny-mode/articleshow/17462890.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250105092036/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/venkat-on-funny-mode/articleshow/17462890.cms |archive-date=5 January 2025 |access-date=5 January 2025 |work=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref> In May 2019, Amaran expressed interest in doing a sequel with the original cast,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rajendran |first=Gopinath |date=29 May 2019 |title=Karakattakaran to get a sequel |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/news/2019/may/29/karakattakaran-2-on-cards-11889.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210713105945/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/news/2019/may/29/karakattakaran-2-on-cards-11889.html |archive-date=13 July 2021 |access-date=13 July 2021 |website=[[Cinema Express]]}}</ref> which Ramarajan opposed the following month.<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 June 2019 |title=கரகாட்டக்காரன்-2 எடுக்கக்கூடாது – ராமராஜன் |trans-title=Karakattakkaran-2 should not be made – Ramarajan |url=https://cinema.maalaimalar.com/cinema/cinemanews/2019/06/22164113/1247661/ramarajan-says-dont-take-karakattakaran-2nd-part.vpf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210713105945/https://cinema.maalaimalar.com/cinema/cinemanews/2019/06/22164113/1247661/ramarajan-says-dont-take-karakattakaran-2nd-part.vpf |archive-date=13 July 2021 |access-date=13 July 2021 |website=[[Maalai Malar]] |language=Tamil}}</ref>

== In popular culture ==
In a comedy scene from ''[[Thangamana Raasa]]'' (1989), Goundamani who is jailed for a petty crime, dreams of singing under the music of Ilaiyaraja, he sings "Maanguyile" to [[Vinu Chakravarthy]].<ref>{{Cite AV media |title=Thangamana Raasa |type=motion picture |language=ta |publisher=Rekha Movies |year=1989}}{{time needed|date=June 2023}}</ref>

''[[Ooru Vittu Ooru Vanthu]]'' (1990) also directed by Gangai Amaran was named after a song from the film.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shekar |first=Anjana |date=19 October 2020 |title=Goundamani in Singapore, Yogi Babu in London: 7 hilarious Tamil scenes in foreign lands |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/goundamani-singapore-yogi-babu-london-7-hilarious-tamil-scenes-foreign-lands-135691 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210713062554/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/goundamani-singapore-yogi-babu-london-7-hilarious-tamil-scenes-foreign-lands-135691 |archive-date=13 July 2021 |access-date=13 July 2021 |website=[[The News Minute]]}}</ref>

The comedy sequence involving the banana joke still remains a cult classic.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ramanujam |first=Srinivasa |date=24 January 2019 |title=Comedy is God’s gift to me: Senthil |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/senthil-on-his-association-with-goundamani-and-his-comedy-tracks/article26077055.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191018063810/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/senthil-on-his-association-with-goundamani-and-his-comedy-tracks/article26077055.ece |archive-date=18 October 2019 |access-date=5 January 2025 |work=[[The Hindu]] |language=en}}</ref> In the comedy sequence, Senthil goes to buy two bananas for one rupee.<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 April 2020 |title=வாழைப்பழம் சாப்பிடச் சொன்னா ஏன் சிரிக்கிறீங்க? - மருத்துவர் சொல்லும் முக்கியத் தகவல் #MyVikatan |trans-title=Why do you laugh when I tell you to eat a banana? - Doctor gives important information |url=https://www.vikatan.com/literature/arts/why-banana-is-important |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250411140250/https://www.vikatan.com/literature/arts/why-banana-is-important |archive-date=11 April 2025 |access-date=26 February 2025 |website=[[Ananda Vikatan]] |language=ta}}</ref> When he returns to Goundamani with one of the two bananas after eating the other one, Goundamani asks him where the other banana is, and Senthil replies to him by saying that the other banana is the one Goundamani is holding in his hand.<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 March 2022 |title=Senthil – The Comedy Legend! |url=https://www.suryanfm.in/actor-senthil-birthday-special-article/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250226130107/https://www.suryanfm.in/actor-senthil-birthday-special-article/ |archive-date=26 February 2025 |access-date=26 February 2025 |website=[[Suryan FM]] |language=ta}}</ref> The sequence was referred to in the films ''[[Puthu Paatu]]'' (1990),<ref>{{Cite AV media |title=Puthu Paatu |type=motion picture |language=ta |publisher=Ilaiyaraaja Creations}}{{time needed|date=October 2023}}</ref> ''[[Ponnuketha Purushan]]'' (1992),<ref>{{Cite AV media |title=Ponnuketha Purushan |type=motion picture |language=ta |publisher=Mars International}}{{time needed|date=October 2023}}</ref> ''[[Muthal Seethanam]]'' (1992),<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=479&v=ScxlKpwrfbI&feature=youtu.be |title=Mudhal Seedhanam Tamil Movie Full comedy {{!}} Goundamani senthil {{!}} Ciniclips |date=31 July 2024 |last=Cini Clips |access-date=29 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241218170046/https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=479&v=ScxlKpwrfbI&feature=youtu.be |archive-date=18 December 2024 |url-status=live |via=[[YouTube]]}}</ref> ''[[Pudhayal]]'' (1997),<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HgNh89pq6C4 |title=Puthaiyal Tamil Movie Full Comedy {{!}} Comedy Jukebox {{!}} Goundamani {{!}} Senthil {{!}} Thamizh Padam |date=7 March 2017 |language=ta |publisher=Thamizh Padam |access-date=12 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240613100211/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HgNh89pq6C4 |archive-date=13 June 2024 |url-status=live |via=[[YouTube]]}}</ref> ''[[Seerivarum Kaalai]]'' (2001),<ref>{{Cite AV media |title=Seerivarum Kaalai |type=motion picture |language=ta |publisher=Kanna Cine Arts}}{{time needed|date=October 2023}}</ref> and a [[deleted scene]] from ''[[Thuppakki]]'' (2012) where [[Vijay (actor)|Vijay]] recreates the dialogues in Hindi.<ref>{{Cite news |date=9 June 2024 |title=Thalapathy Vijay recreates the epic Goundamani-Senthil comedy in the 'Thuppakki' deleted scene |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/thalapathy-vijay-recreates-the-epic-goundamani-senthil-comedy-in-the-thuppakki-deleted-scene/articleshow/110835388.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240613101456/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/thalapathy-vijay-recreates-the-epic-goundamani-senthil-comedy-in-the-thuppakki-deleted-scene/articleshow/110835388.cms |archive-date=13 June 2024 |access-date=13 June 2024 |work=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref>

In ''[[Saroja (2008 film)|Saroja]]'' (2008), when the friends witness the car which they are going to travel, the theme music of ''Karagattakaran'' is used as background music for the scene.<ref>{{Cite AV media |title=Saroja |type=motion picture |language=ta |publisher=Amma Creations |year=2008}}{{time needed|date=June 2023}}</ref>

In a comedy sequence in ''[[All in All Azhagu Raja]]'' (2013), Chitra Devi Priya's mother ([[Sriranjani (Tamil actress)|Sriranjani]]) tells her daughter ([[Kajal Aggarwal]]) that she cannot sing well and laments that she hit her head while listening to Chitra Devi Priya sing "Maanguyilae".<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DiNGnjU6xsk |title=Azhagu Raja - Back to Back Comedy Scenes 😂 {{!}} Part 2 {{!}} Karthi {{!}} Santhanam {{!}} Adithya TV |date=15 July 2025 |publisher=[[Adithya TV]] |time=26:04 to 26:22 |time-caption=From |access-date=20 February 2026 |via=[[YouTube]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Rangan |first=Baradwaj |author-link=Baradwaj Rangan |date=5 November 2013 |title=All in All Azhagu Raja: What a drag! |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-reviews/all-in-all-azhagu-raja-what-a-drag/article5316798.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251114004805/https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-reviews/all-in-all-azhagu-raja-what-a-drag/article5316798.ece |archive-date=14 November 2025 |access-date=20 February 2026 |work=[[The Hindu]] |language=en}}</ref>

The 2016 film ''[[Jil Jung Juk]]'' reveals who had kept Soppanasundari, the previous owner of the pink 1960 Chevrolet Impala according to the ''Karakattakkaran'' plot.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Srinivasan |first=Sudhir |date=12 February 2016 |title=Jil Jung Juk: Quirky, but little else |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/jil-jung-juk-quirky-but-little-else/article8228272.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180507153643/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/jil-jung-juk-quirky-but-little-else/article8228272.ece |archive-date=7 May 2018 |access-date=28 June 2021 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref>

== References ==
<references>
<ref name="kar">{{Cite news |last=Suganth |first=M |date=16 June 2019 |title=Celebrating 30 Years of Karagattakaran |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/celebrating-30-years-of-karagattakaran/articleshow/69812835.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190820092247/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/celebrating-30-years-of-karagattakaran/articleshow/69812835.cms |archive-date=20 August 2019 |access-date=17 June 2019 |work=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref>
<ref name="kat">{{Cite news |last=Kumar |first=Pradeep |date=15 June 2019 |title=30 years of 'Karagattakaran': actor Ramarajan goes on rewind mode |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/karakattakaran-2-is-not-happening-says-actor-ramarajan/article27948457.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190820092753/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/karakattakaran-2-is-not-happening-says-actor-ramarajan/article27948457.ece |archive-date=20 August 2019 |access-date=17 June 2019 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref>
<ref name="ie">{{Cite news |last=Sekhar |first=Arunkumar |date=16 June 2019 |title=30 years of Karakattakaran – Gangai Amaren: The Vazhapazham comedy track was based on a similar sequence in an Adoor Bhasi film |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/interviews/2019/jun/16/30-years-of-karagattakaran--gangai-amaren-ilaiyaraaja-ramarajan-kanaka-vazhapazham-comedy-12320.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190820093932/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/interviews/2019/jun/16/30-years-of-karagattakaran--gangai-amaren-ilaiyaraaja-ramarajan-kanaka-vazhapazham-comedy-12320.html |archive-date=20 August 2019 |access-date=17 June 2019 |work=[[Cinema Express]]}}</ref>
</references>

== Bibliography ==
* {{Cite book |last=Dhananjayan |first=G. |author-link=G. Dhananjayan |title=The Best of Tamil Cinema, 1931 to 2010: 1977–2010 |publisher=Galatta Media |year=2011 |oclc=733724281}}
* {{Cite book |last=Sundararaman |title=Raga Chintamani: A Guide to Carnatic Ragas Through Tamil Film Music |publisher=Pichhamal Chintamani |year=2007 |edition=2nd |oclc=295034757 |orig-date=2005}}

== External links ==
* {{IMDb title}}
* {{Rotten Tomatoes}}

{{Gangai Amaran}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:1980s dance films]]
[[Category:1989 films]]
[[Category:1989 Indian films]]
[[Category:1989 romantic comedy films]]
[[Category:1989 Tamil-language films]]
[[Category:Films directed by Gangai Amaran]]
[[Category:Films scored by Ilaiyaraaja]]
[[Category:Films set in Theni]]
[[Category:Films shot in Madurai]]
[[Category:Indian dance films]]
[[Category:Indian romantic comedy films]]
[[Category:Tamil-language Indian films]]
[[Category:Tamil-language romantic comedy films]]

Karakattakkaran - Revision history

FionaLaflamme at 14:49, 29 April 2026