There’s a reason they say reality is stranger than fiction. The 1977 release 16 Vayathinile starring Sridevi, Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth, directed by Bharathi Raja needs no introduction at all. Movie enthusiasts are well aware that the film was remade in Telugu with Sridevi, Chandramohan and Mohan Babu as Padaharella Vayasu. The terrific cinematography, sensitive story and exceptional acting made the film a blockbuster in both languages. Strangely, the Tamil version of the film is all set to have a Telugu dubbed release on an OTT platform soon. The dubbed version has been titled Neekosam Nireekshana.
Supreme Almighty Creations is planning to release the Telugu version exclusively online and is also considering dubbing the film in five other languages. Neekosam Nireekshanaa has been digitally restored in cinemascope with latest audio enhancements and new songs.
Producer Bama Rajkannu added, “This memorable film will surely impress the audience. We have released 5 songs through Aditya Music and they have received very good response. We are changing scenes with a duration of approximately 30 minutes to match the sensibilities of Telugu audience.” One wonders what those sensibilities are, at least four decades after its release? The Tamil original, 16 Vayathinile bagged 4 state awards, Best Actor – Kamal Haasan, Best Director – Bharathiraja, Best Playback Singer – S.Janaki, Best Music Director – Ilaiyaraaja, 1 National award, Best Singer – S.Janaki and a Filmfare award too.
