More characters

Muhurtham
Kadir has had an altercation with his brother-in-law, whom he employs. His brother-in-law has stolen from the proceeds of his cable collection, so Kadir upbraids him in yesterday's show. The brother-in-law complains to Kadir's parents, with whom he lives. They promise to scold Kadir. Kadir comes home, and says the brother-in-law got exactly the words he deserved -- he stole (a fact he had not told Kadir's parents).

Kadir's other sister's son, whoborrowed money from Kadir, was seen near a wine shop. When Kadir questions him, he says something about how people are gossipping about Kadir and a married woman. Kadir slaps him before his mother stops him.

Manjula (Anjali in Manaivi) is crying, because it is Karthikai and she is remembering her home. Her husband (Ravi of Metti Oli), is a considerate husband, and she persuades him to take her to her parents' home for the evening.

As they proceed there, Ravi runs into some hooligans on the street. People say these are drunks who create disturbances all the time.

In Kadir's home, his older brother-in-law (politician) is talking with Kadir's father and another man. The man says his daughter and son-in-law (employed in the government) arhave been posted in two different places. The politician immediately offers to get this fixed. Naturally, he hints they might have to pay some bribe. His wife calls him aside and asks him to keep out of all these things.

Selvi
Police officer heads towards the the truck where Niranjan and the girl are cowering. But he is there only to pee. the girl is hugging Niranjan. They make love.

GJ's jewelry shop opens. Prominent are Devarajan's family. Selvi is there too. The ribbon-cuttibng ceremony is put off because they are waiting for the chief guest. He arrives. Among the crowd outside is Yogeswaran, Selvi's father. He comes in looking for work. When he enters, Devarajan has him thrown out as a vagrant. But the shop's goldsmith says he can hire him, and asks him to go to the back door. GJ makes a bigannouncement -- I have chosen a partner, he says -- pointing to Maya, and introduces her.

Tamarai's younger brother, who is in the audience, cries out at the announcement.

Manaivi
Sundari disappears in the night. A cry is heard by Neelaveni. Next morning, Charukesh, Kudumi and Auntie all treat her oddly.

More confustion for Kalpana -- Arasu plays telephone tricks -- calls Krishna Kumar,and does not respond when K answers. Krishna rings back. Kalpana answers. Complains to him about Arasu. He gives the old line about how she should live happily with him.

Muhurtham

Kadir's uncle, the politician, comes and requests some money. kadir gives him some. Then the politician's son comes to request money for his school. Kadir gives him some too.

Kadir's sister lives with a husband in a joint family, with an overbearing father-in-law. Her sister-in-law (husband's sister?) and her husband are smooth-talkers who shower praises on her father-in-law.

Dhanam (don't know her real name yet) and her husband are reconciled -- heavy love scenes.

Selvi
Selvia and her stepmother and sister come back home to find the front door open. Coming in, they discover that Malar, her sister from Sri Lanka, has left her husband and returned back to the pavilion with two twin children. Says her husband is a wimp, and parents-in-law demand money all the time. Now they want to sell Selvi's house.

Selvi's dad is eating at a wayside stall. Predictably, after eating, he discovers that he has no money. While the shopkeeper is yelling at him, Selvi's fiance arrives, and pays the shopkeeper.

Niranjan and the girl Jeeva have escaped from the camp. Run out of water. Each tells the other he will go out to get some food. Niranjan leaves the girl in the back of a truck. She says she will worry about him, and looks at him longingly. Niranjan reaches a wayside food stall. While he is waiting for his order, some cops arrive. He slips out of the restaurant and waits outside. Decides not to chance it, and leaves without picking up his order. Returns to truck.

Cops arrive at truck. One of them comes near the truck. looks around, just about to peep into truck when, ....

Tooodrum!

Manaivi
Rohini and mother are about to leave for the temple. Swati shows up and asks the mother, "Where are you going?" Nandu says he has come with the muhurtam sari. Mother ignores him and walks past. Nandu talks with Rohini. Tells Rohini that Swati has told all the kids she is her mother, and not to disappoint the child. Rohini says, "I need to go tothe temple" and goes away. Now Nandu talks to the astrologer. Nandu puts the Swati line. I can live with being cheated of this marriage, but not Swati. He hands over the Muhurtam sari. Astrologer looks on silently.

Rohini's mother is walking down the street. Meets Arivu. Says, "I hear your marriage is fixed". Arivu says, "Hasn't Rohin's marriage been fixed. But I don't know why she is doing this. She is wrong." Rohini shows up, "Let's go", she tells her mother. "Won't you even talk with me?" says Arivu. "Rohini starts crying". "If you really loved me, please do me a favor", says Arivu. "Tell me how you forgot me....Don't marry Nandu. I want you to be happy." She says, "Never see, talk or think about me again", and walks off, crying.

Arasu sits down to breakfast with his father-in-law, raises the issue of his case. Kalpana comes in itis her birthday. Krishna shows up, brings a present (Arasu has forgotten). Krishna has also been to the Kalikambal temple. Kalpana shows her appreciation. Arasu tries to insinuate that he has already been intimate with Kalpana. She says she would like to see him outside. She is waiting outside. He pats her on the bottom. She is outraged. Arasu gets more bold, and obliquely threatens her. She is shocked. Krishna comes out, wishes her and tells her not to worry about anything -- he is there.

Kudumi is cutting vegetables. Sundari comesinto the kitchen. Gives a tape of her conversation between her and Neelaveni.

CJ Bhaskar........

Mutharam (er...Muhurtham)

Muhurtham (Episode 3)
The first thing that struck me when I tuned in the Monday following Metti Oli was the obnoxious tune. Part Rajasthani folk, part lifted from Daler Mahendi, part pop, it will take time to get used to. In the meantime, when one has to go to the rest room, one may hum, "En manase, en manase, mutharam vandachchu".

Wife and husband start quarreling -- Dhanam (Metti Oli) lives. Other familiar characters are Arivu (called Kadir here), Delhi Ganesh, Rajamma of Metti Oli and Neelaveni of Manaivi, all featured.

Wife (Dhanam) leaves her husband and goes to hermother's home. Neelaveni, who is her younger sister, engineers a quarrel with her husband. In true Tamil soap style, the wife, who's been bad-mouthing her husband all this while, springs to his defense. The go back home together.

Kadir is a Cable TV salesman.

Haven't figured out the characters yet. Updates will get more coherent, hopefully.

Selvi
Familiar expedition by Tamarai's parents/brothers to GJ's place. Ranjini has already engineered a meeting between GJ and Maya (Devarajan's daughter) and exchanges rings between the two. Then she phonesGJ's brother to let him know the engagement has taken place. GJ isn't really aware of what's going on -- idiocy is common in soaps.

Viswa is incensed, and all his family proceed to GJ's place. When he returns, Viswa threatens him. GJ says he had no intention of marriage, but now hewill get married, let them do their worst.

When all this is conveyed to Selvi, she says she will prevent the marriage at all costs.

Maya shows up at GJ's place, flirts with him. They decide to go shopping. GJ gives his cell phone to Maya. Selvi calls, and Maya answers. Says she is GJ's fiancee. Selvi rushes straight to the shop and berates GJ. GJ says directly, "I'm going to marry her". GJ says he was driven to this by Tamarai's family. Selvi says he cheated everyone with his acting. GJ says shut up, don't interfere with my personal business. Maya says something. Selvi shuts him up, and says he will never be able to marry her.

In yesterday's episode, they establish a link between Andavan and Devarajan's family. Andavan is married to Bala's wife's sister.

Selvi returns from her encounter with GJ/Maya, beaten, shocked, and tearful. Comes to Tamarai's house and sees Tamarai lying helpless...recalls Tamarai with GJ, and how close they seemed to be. Sentimental, mushy music.

Andavan sitting with Bala and his family. Bala is preoccupied. Andavan's side-kick talks big, and Andavan talks of London, Paris, Arabia, etc. GJ and Maya come. Andavan is introduced to GJ.
Maya says GJ is going to open a jewelry shop. Andavan perks up. I'll send all the gold you need. GJ says Andavan must inaugurate the new jewelry shop.

Manaivi
Rohini tells her mother all about Nandu -- he is a womanizer, etc. Mother says, are you mad, why do you still want to get married. Father is listening from the stairs. Nandu arrives. The idiot astrologer directly asks Nandu if he is a good man. Who is Pallavan? Nandu plays him for the fool he is. Nandu threatens suicide if the marriage does not take place. Says I'll wait till tomorrow 11 AM. If you, your wife and daughter don't show up by then, I'll shoot myself.

Meeting between Ishwar, Karna and Auntie. Kudumi (Karna) says Neelaveni and Sundari are in it together. Auntie's suggestion -- let's kill Neelaveni and tell Charukesh she has run away. Kudumi says we need to wait until we learn something more from Neelaveni.

Astrologer is sitting on the parapet, watching the trains and pensive. Says we should all go to Nandakumar's house to select Muhurtham sarees. I talked to Nandu -- he says he is a good man, he says. Wife protests. Astrologer is confused but defends Nandu. He says, we should make this marriage. Otherwise the world will say I am stopping marriage. If we don't go to Nandu, he says he will shoot himself. Rohini is standing right next to him. Says I'll get married. We'll go. Mother says, "ARe you crazy?". AStrologer muses some more.

Next morning, they go to Nandu's house. They are accosted by Pallavan, Nandu's partner in crime. In everyone's presence, he speaks filth. Nandu drags him aside, pleads with him to go away. Rohini's mother drags her away. Astrologer is conflicted. Nandu stares him down, threatens him. No one can stop this marriage, he says. Astrologer silently walks away.

Grand Finale

Metti Oli (The Final Episode)
I'm just watching the final episode. I haven't seen the the actual episode, which airs at the end. Right now, they have a round-table discussion and calls from the public. Done very innovatively, the characters play themselves, and answer questions all about the show. Terrific answers and discussion, revealing how each character views and realizes their own role. Tirumurugan comes across as a sophisticated director and storyteller. More about this later.

The actual episode consists of little. The wedding, which is mercifully short. Manickam listens to his mother in silence as she goes on about the lonely state of Selvam and Nirmala, and urgest him to do something. He calls Nirmala and gives his usual speech. She is set in her reluctance to be pushed. Ditto with Selvam, until he reminds him that Chidambaram would have said something similar had he been alive. Selvam recalls Chidambaram's urging him to seek a life companion. Recall that Chidambaram said this to Selvam at the grahapravesam, i.e., the last day of his life. Selvam breaks into tears at the memory. Then he harshly tells Manickam, "I want this to be the last time either you or Sakti raise this issue with me.". Calling Sakti, who happens to be standing in the background distributing sweets to the kids, he merely looks at her in a fond sort of way, which commuicates his intension. She drops the plate she is holding, in joyful shock. Beautifully done! Only then does he speak -- telling her to ask her parents to fix the wedding day. She runs off.

Manickam and Selvam embrace in joy. They go down, where a group photo is being taken. Manickam announces that Selvam has decided to marry. No reaction from mother, although others are congratulating him, and the elders (other than Rajam) are wiping away tears. Bhavani starts weeping. Gopi realizes that she is remembering her father. He goes and fetches a huge photo of Chidambaram and shows it to her, and places it in the middle of the group photograph. As the photographer readies himself, Nirmala detatches herself from the group and walks out, carrying her daughter. She comes up to Ramesh, who is not in the group, and invites him to join her. Again, nice touch. And to indicate that this is not mere courtesy, she hands the daughter over to him. Everyone applauds.

Nandri appears on screen.

Final Comments:
The question-answer roundtable was probably one of the most novel and unusual techniques I have seen in the closing episodes. Like a Larry King getting together the cast of Seinfeld, some SunTV fellow was moderating, but the great thing was how the characters played themselves. You could see that Rajam was a fine actress, because she sounded nothing like the fiery mother-in-law. Actually, come to think of it, there were two sets of people. Manickam, Ravi, Ramesh, Sakti, Vijji and Gopi's father really still behaved as characters, while Saro and Leela were giggling with some kind of fatigue induced by relief. Chidambaram was laconic and seemed oddly uncomfortable. Perhaps he felt that he should have been given greater focus, which was being showered on Gopi. Just an unkind guess.

Metti Oli was realistic, but in the end, rather a simplistic tale. Its attaction lay in the fact that it portrayed lower-middle-class Tamilnadu, rather than the unrealistic palaces and lifestyles shown in brain deadening shows like Kanavarukkaga, Annamalai or Selvi. As social commentary, Metti Oli was not particularly ambitious. It never tackled caste. It never touched upon social mobility. It reduced women's uplift to freedom from crude wife-beating, and worse, pretended that all problems could be solved by the gruesome death of a good man (most the questions during the calls were forgettable, but one caller, Shanti Kannan, raised something along these lines -- they did not answer the real question, preferring to address it in its narrowest connotation). Even this good man had bad messages -- that his daughters go back to their husbands even if they were cruel, suspicious, vicious, tyrants. In these respects it was not only shallow but also retrograde. But I thought it was also realistic -- money brings its own morality (I can do anything), and lack of money too does the same (kattuppadu, live-with-your-husband-no-matter-what). We are each of us creatures of our experience and circumstance. Metti Oli also showed that wealth brings only money, not necessarily a change in attitude. The wealthy Manickam or Ravi are no different than their poorer selves. Nor ar the womenfolk different. Leela alone shows some evolution. Bhavani is a disappointment -- for all her exposure, first to college in Madras, and then university and cosmopolis in Singapore, still takes pride in harking back to Alagarpuram like a broken record. Tirumurugan asks her this in the roundtable, and she gives a fine answer-- that is the Tamilnadu ideal -- you can take the girl out of Tamilnadu, but you cannot take the Tamilnadu out of the girl. Whether this is something happy or sad depends on your perspective.

I also couldn't help but notice that, while all of Tamil Nadu tuned into Metti Oli for three years, not one of the households shown in the serial itself featured a TV set (other than Manickam seeing something on TV and beating his wife for that). The fact that such a serial scored so high shows how thirsty Tamilnadu is for good fare, and how bad is the field.

Farcical Wind-down

Metti Oli
Today, they announced that a 3-hr. show on Saturday would conclude this long-running serial. The gala ending would include phone-ins to talk to the actors.

The hovering end must account for the weariness that has obviously overtaken the show. It is fast getting farcical.

The Gang-of four go to Madurai to check out the prospective son-in-law. A series of inconclusive encounters borderline funny. The hotel the man claims to own checks out. The son's name, after first appearing to be something else, checks out too -- he goes by two names. Still, there is some doubt, Ravi being the devil's advocate.

Over in Alagarpuram, Rajamma apologizes profusely to Saro, who is not mollified. She ends by saying, predictably, I am Chidambaram's daughter. No doubt that means she will eventually forgive her mother-in-law.

Selvi
Ranjini persuades her brother to agree to marry the rich girl she has been pushing (actually, it is a ploy by the girl's brother and father, who are competitors of GJ). GJ's father and father in law approach Selvi when they learn of this.

Manaivi
Nandu's friend stops by his house, finds Rohini there, and reveals to her that he and Nandu are old rakes who are ladies men through and through. A shock to Rohini, who, funnily enough, still stays on in Nandu's place after hearing all this.

Kalpana and Arasu seem to have gotten back together. ARasu puts on a show of affection and contrition to get Kalpana in bed, while revealing he has not changed at all.

Heading downhill fast

Metti Oli (Episode 807)
The general body meeting showing complete amity is getting tiresome. Everyone has abandoned school, work, office, etc. to stay on in Alagarpuram.

Some people cannot take hints. Shakti, who will not even take a definite 'No', now emotionally blackmails Selvam -- either you accede to my requests and start loving me, and marry me, or I will be forced to marry someone else. While Shakti and Selvam are talking about this in his shop, Selvam's former wife Arundhati shows up, with an adopted daughter, urging him to find a life partner (hint, hint).

Back to Alagarpuram, some fellow who claims to be a friend of Chidambaram comes over seeking Bhavani for his son. Sivaswamy brings him over. The jadakam matches perfectly, when later checked out by Manickam and Saro at the local astrologer. While the family seems all set to proceed, Ravi offers a voice of practical wisdom. After all, he says, Chidambaram did consult the astrologer before marrying off his other daughters, and look at what happened to Leela and Saro! Good point, says the crowd. This time, we'll inquire deeply into the family.

Selvi
Altercation between Ranjini and the two kids. She accidentally or deliberately burns the little girl. The two kids head off to their grandparents' home, where it is discovered that she has been punished in this horrible manner. They all head to Ranjini's place, where familiar arguments comence.

Manaivi
Arivu's nichyadartham takes place. Marriage is preponed to take place shortly. Arivu visits Madras, seeking out Rohini's father to see if he can talk to Rohini. Words fly, and ARivu pushes him to the ground. Nandu shows up, and says all the right words to the father. Then he conveys what happened to Rohini, slowly leading up to Arivu hitting her father. She responds in her usual dolt-headed way, asking him to cancel all the wedding invitations. When he wonders why, she says that the wedding needs to be moved up to an earlier date. No reason why.

Kalpana has started 'living with' Arasu. Krishna Kumar is told by Kalpana's mother to keep his talks with Kalpana to a minimum.

Kudumi speaks of protecting Neelaveni from Ishwar. He is trying to entice her to confide in him.
He even quarrels with 'Auntie' about how she treats Neelaveni, knowig fully well that Neelaveni is watching all this.


This story is beyond redemption now.

Selvam for Bhavani?

Metti Oli
Ramesh's proposal is heavily seconded by his father.
Manickam says, now I'm here to speak of Bhavani. It would not be proper to speak of Nirmala. Ramesh's dad asks, "What do you say to Ramesh's proposal?". Manickam says he cannot answer, only Nirmala can answer. Ramesh's dad says, go home and ask your mother and Nirmala.

The three brothers-in-law leave.

Scene at Gopi's home. Three brothers-in-law are eating. Gopi's sister/sister-in-law say, "who better than Selvam for Bhavani?" Manickam says, "Leave Selvam out of this. There are reasons." Ravi becomes stonefaced and suspicious immediately (knows nothing of Sakti).

Next scene -- Ravi goes to Selvam's store to talk. Recommends that he get married to bhavani. Selvam says he isn't interested in marriage. Ravi (!) says he himself has changed so much, why shouldn't selvam change a little?

Alagarpuram -- the womenfolk ask what happened at Ramesh's home. Bhavani sitting quietly in background. Manickam, Gopi and Ravi say Ramesh is not the right person for Bhavani.

Nirmala goes up to the terrace. Manickam waits. He relates what Ramesh said. Says Ramesh is unhesitant and determined. She says Ramesh himself broached this subject. She says she is happy with her job and daughter right now, and not interested currently. She says it should appeal to her. Not interested currently.

Too-0--o--o--o--d--rum...

Selvi
Selvi's mother is figuring out how to buy a fridge and tv by instalment payments. Selvi says that's ridiculous -- they should be repaying their loans. What loans, asks her (foster) mother. Father's debts in Sri Lanka, replies Selvi.

Call from Malar in Sri Lanka. Seems to have twins. Mother thinks she is still pregnant. When mother asks, she says she has twins! Why did you guys not even call, says Malar. Malar gives a big sob-story about how she suffered during delivery. Demands that they do seer for her new kids. Selvi says we cannot do anything because we are trying to repay our debts. Malar says they are trying to sell her home. Selvi says No -- don't permit that on any account. Selvi's mother is crying. How bad is Malar's situation. Selvi says, have some perspective. Her mother says, "Don't you care about your sister?"

Madhu comes in, listening. Says don't expect any money from me. Selvi says, why are we asking you for money? Not for me. For the house. She is disugusted. Take all my money, she says. But when the creditors come knocking, don't look at me.

Bhavani's Wedding Plans - II

Metti Oli
Gopi floats a proposal: since Harsha has fallen thru, why not try to seek Ramesh for Bhavani? Like an expense report, it works its way through all four families and newly acquired mother, and everyone agrees this is fine.

Manickam, Gopi and Ravi all go to Namasivayam's house to ask. He listens, but says Ramesh is not fit for Chidambaram's daughter. But, he says, they can ask Ramesh. Ramesh arrives. They put the proposal to him.

He listens with great delight, and says he is honored be a son-in-law of their family. But, he adds, he wants to be a son-in-law by marrying not Bhavani but Nirmala!

Selvi
GJ hands over all banking operations of his company to Selvi. She asks, are you serious? I don't want you saying Ranjini said this or that later. He says his decision is final.

Police comes to the refugee camp, wants to set a trap for Niranjan. The authorities agree. The policemen fan out and take up positions. Then they enter the hall where Niranjan sleeps. They wake up all the other people and send them out. Only Niranjan and the girl are still asleep. They've already fled, keeping pillows in theri place.

Niranjan and Sundari (?) are hidden away somewhere. She has sensed that something is afoot. Being a 'terrorist', she has gotten information. Niranjan realizes that Andavarlingam has branded him a terrorist. She tells him his only means of escape is to come with her. They run back into a building. Lots of predictable 'suspense', but they escape. they are on a roof. The jump over the compound wall. A police car arrives. just as they make good their escape.

toodrummmmmm....

Manaivi

Krishna Kumar is standing in his uncle's home in Sriperumbudur. Uncle says the right course is for Kalpana to speak with Arasu -- he might have reformed (this week seems to be the Sun TV equivalent of the Reformation). Uncle plies the old line -- Arasu and Kalpana should live together -- that's the Indian way.

Arasu is talking to Kalpana and her parents. He says he will accede to all her requests he simply wants to live with her. She say he has to quit politics. Father objects vehemently. She says father cannot use influence to get him released. She says no. Arasu does more sweet talking. She seems to be swaying. She says, don't try to cheat me. He says, absolutely not. She seems to be almost convinced.

In Sreeperumbudur, Thambidurai is drunk (as usual). His father bids goodbye to Ranganathan, who says, 'What, are you leaving?' Aren't you going to help your daughter-in-law? Anyway, Shanmugasundaram does not agree.

Charukesh and Neelaveni come for her checkup. They are followed by Kudumi and Iswar. Neelaveni plots her escape. She says she wants to use the bathroom. They say it is next door. She walks out, while charukesh is talking to his new girlfriend. She emerges from the clinic, while the two thugs are watching....

Bhavani's Wedding Plans

Metti Oli
Rajam reveals to the four brothers-in-law that Harsha's mother is a thief. The four go to Harsha's college and ask him. He readily accepts that his mother is a kleptomaniac, which is why his father divorced his mother and married someone else.

The four are suprised by this cool answer, and ask if he cared that people knew this. He says his mother is the most important person in his life, even if he had to lose Bhavani, that would be ok.

Selvam is still in Alagarpuram. They phone him and ask him to check if Bhavani would feel bad if the marriage fell through. After this and that, she says she has no special affection for Harsha. This is conveyed back to the Gang of Four. They ask Harsha if he would lose any sleep if the marriage fell through. He says not at all -- he wanted to marry a Tamil girl, and there wasn't anyone else in Singapore. Now that he was in Madras, not a problem, there were plenty of Tamil girls. Not a problem. They are shocked, but tell him to forget Bhavani hereafter. My guess -- Bhavani for Selvam.

Selvi

Ranjini back at Devarajan's place. They give her more gifts (this time jewelry). The girl Maya disdains scents, jewelry, etc. When she returns home, she finds GJ talking with his subordinates about some labor problems. He says Selvi will hereafter be incharge of everything. Ranjini objects, saying Selvi might swindle him, as she did with the shop. GJ says, "I know who did what in the shop, and it wasn't Selvi".

At Andavan's hotel, a few goondas enter his room and threaten him. After they seem to be in control, his assistant pulls out a gun and turns the tables on the head goonda.


Manaivi
Krishnaveni advises Kalpana to try and patch up with Arasu. She is disgusted with the suggestion. She is outraged when K asks if she wants no patch-up with Arasu because she is interested in Krishna Kumar.

Girija opens a new mess in Sriperumbudur. Invits financier Manoharan to open the mess. He tries to drop some indecent hints. She reminds him of his wife and his duties to her. He returns a changed man.

Shanmugasundaram is very sentimental and apologetic to Ranganathan (Krishnaveni's father) when he discovers how much Ranganathan has helped his daughter-in-law .

Manickam's Agony

Metti Oli
More daughters shown crying. Then the guy standing next to Manickam tells him how proud Chidambaram was of Manickam, how honored he was that he had invite him to his grahapravesam. He falls at Chidambaram's feet and weeps on about how he had not recognized Chidambaram's value during his lifetime. "I am a sinner", he cries. "How will I redeem myself?" Then he gets up and strides towards his mother, who is standing alone.

He berates his mother, then tells her he will never speak to her again, then goes back to Chidambaram's body.

Rajam goes towards Chidambaram. They are putting vibhuti on him. She remembers him with full vibhuti. She remembers all the insults and abuses she has heaped on him. She starts weeping. "Anne...", she starts. "Everyone stares. To make me a human, you have become God", she says.

Next scene -- Bose lighting the pyre.

Manickam -- back in fold. Discussion of further things to do. Everyone says things must go on. Discussion shifts to Bhavani's marriage. She says nothing doing -- she will not even consider it, less than a day after her father's death. Rajam makes a maha-speech, saying Bhavani now has a mother, incidentally heaping praise on Saro. Manickam says she now has four fathers (the brothers-in-law). Rajam calls Manickam, who refuses to talk to her. She calls his other brothers-in-law aside.


Tooooooooodrrrrrrrrrrum!

Problems in Alagarpuram

Metti Oli (Episode 802)
Chidambaram's daughters go to Alagarpuram for the night, to await his body after the post-mortem. The villagers say a person killed in an accident should not be brought into the village. All the daughters (Bhavani still en-route from Singapore) protest strongly at this injustice to their father, who loved his village.

Nirmala and Bhavani arrive. Bhavani still doesn't know. She comes into the Alagarpuram house, to be greeted by a screaming Dhanam. The daughters drop to the ground and weep. Bhavani recalls his fateful phone call. Vijji gets up and bangs her head, saying, "I killed him".

Meanwhile, the crowd learns that his body is being brought into the village, and heads off to stop the ambulance from entering the village. Bose emerges. Manickam and mother in the background. Bose picks up an arival and challenges anyone to stop him. Then he collapses in grief. Well acted. Finally he issues a challenge -- those who think Chidambaram is a good man, make way. The crowd parts. The ambulance and cars enter.

The ambulance pulls in. Also following, Manickam and mother. The mother stands aloof and ponders as people from all over the village throng in grief. Each child is shown griveing in her own way. Leela laments that he had seen her in her anguish, but neve saw him once her problems were resolved. Good acting. Shakti shows up too. Manickam is at the foot. Ravi cries out that he is the one who has killed Chidambaram. He smacks his head, "I'm a sinner". Manickam's mom hears the words from a distance.

Toooooooodrrrrrrrrrrrrrrum...........................

Selvi (Episode 96)
Continuation. Some fellow has Selvi's photo and is waiting by the waterfront. The fellow is evidently wooing Selvi. Flashback - Selvi is shown with blood on her face and hands.

The fellow (Beard) -- He is in Madras, hunting for Selvi. He tells his friend he and Selvi has had a nichayathartham.

Andavarlingam pulls a loan scam, bilking the unsuspecting businessmen inthe city.

Ranjini talks to her brother. Broaches the subject of second marriage. He says no. But not with much conviction. Will be persuaded.

Manaivi
Ranganathan sees Girija's children starving, sends them to his house to get some food, goes to Girija and offers to help her set up a business so she can earn.

Arasu at Kalpana's dad and mom's home. The parents are sympathetic to him. Arasu is his usual scraping best. Arasu says his own parents won't speak to him either. He sweet talks them.

Arasu talks to a police officer, who says his serving divorce papers on Kalpana is the right thing. That will cause her parents to redouble thir efforts to unite him and her, he says.

Post-Chidambaram Metti-Oli

Metti Oli (Episode 801)
Great start with stunning portrayal of various people receiving news of Chidambaram's death. And a powerful last ten minutes where Saro unleashes all her pent-up emotions, now that her father's restraining hand is gone. She berates her mother-in-law and husband in a torrent of high-flown but non-abusive language, logical and convincing. "Why do you think I put up with all your BS?", she asks. "For respect for this hag and fear of this brute?", referring to her mother-in-law and son. "Only because I didn't want anyone to say Chidambaram's daughter was intemperate. Get out of here", she concludes in a magnificent display of grief and belated outrage, until she is drawn away by her sisters and brothers-in-law.

Selvi (Episode 95)
Ranjini visits Devarajan's house. Devarajan refers to his vast wealth in subtle style as Ranjini listens in awe. MOU between Ranjini and Devarajan/Maya (Dev.'s daughter) regarding alliance.

Madhu and Chandru in discussion after Chandru's drool (vazhiyal) in the last episode. Madhu asks why Nisha is upset, and whether there isn't some justification, as her mother is still seeing several men.

Selvi takes on stewardship of GJ's company. Discussion between Selvi and GJ on fate ofwomen in marriage. GJ broaches the subject of Selvi's having fallen in love with someone earlier in her life. The question throws her into a reverie -- a guy is shown with her picture and a shipyard in the background.
Thodarum.

Manaivi
Hamsaveni, under Velu's directions, keeps calling Ramani at home. His parents, irritated at no one answering on the other side, puts the receiver off the hook. When Ramani and Krishnaveni arrive, Krishnaveni contrives to have him answer the phone, and turns on the speakerphone, and everyone hears Hamsaveni's gushing words, including the information that Ramani has left his glasses at her home (he denies it, unconvincingly).

Discussion between Kaplana and Krishna Kumar. Krishna says Rohini doesn't mean it when she says she doesn't want to marry Arivu. Brief meeting of eyes, etc.

Chidambaram Dies

This is my first post on Sun TV, which I've been watching (evening shows) for about a year.

Metti Oli
Chidambaram of Metti Oli died today. Frankly, the guy was disgustingly sweet and accommodating too often, at times, but I'm going to miss him. I knew his days were numbered yesterday when he made that call to Bhavani in Singapore. Poor man, he never got to see the reformed Ravi or the contrite Manikkam (that would take another 800 episodes). Today when I turned on the show and found it to be Episode 800, I knew Chidambaram was a goner. And Friday night -- they needed something dramatic, and by golly did they get it!

I'm going to miss the kind, if confused, old man. I've grown accustomed to his face. The agony that is going to descend on Monday when the daughters and sons-in-law come to know! The fate of Manikkam's mother is going to be terrible. Will she be able to ride this one out?

Selvi
Nothing much happened today. The story is quite twisted now, and they've started focusing on a competitor of GJ's, who wants to craft a marriage alliance between his sister and GJ to eliminate GJ as a business rival. GJ's father kicks them out, but Ranjini tracks them down and tries to arrange a meeting.

Andavan of Sri Lanka has moved to India and plans to start his operations there.

Manaivi
The story has run into the sands. They waste time. Krishnakumar and Kalpana go to meet Rohini's family with a view to convincing them. Kalpana evades the father and manages to meet Rohini, who, after remaining silent, says Arivu should go ahead and marry someone else. But Rohini's mother is steadfast that her daughter will not marry Nandu.

Neelavaeni confides to the maid that she plans to escape soon. Kudumi sees them talking, but whether he actually he heard the conversation is unclear.

Kanavarukkaga
This absurd story grows grotesque by the day. A total waste.