Selvi gets Complicated, Sudden Death Rules in Manaivi

Selvi (Episode 281)
Right outside the courttroom, GJ has improvised on the spot, telling Tamarai that Dileepan is her husband, who has come from abroad. Tamarai has a polite but gushing conversation with Dileepan, who is silent throughout. She remembers that GJ had told her his name was Sai. "Sai Dileepan", GJ adds quickly. Bells start ringing in Andavan and Son's heads (they recall the name Dileepan). Then Tamarai asks what kind of work he does. GJ says he has joined as a partner in a cell company. That removes all doubt from Andavan. He has some barbs for Selvi, and issues a threat to Dileepan, saying your cell company went out of my hands, but soon you yourself will be in my hands.

Niranjan is furious that GJ has linked Selvi and Dileepan (or at least appears so). Selvi explains that when some female guard in the jail mentioned that Selvi was GJ's second wife (she didn't know anything, she was just drawing a surmise), Tamarai went berserk and thrashed her. GJ and Selvi got a foretaste for what would happen if Tamarai knew. Hence GJ's improvisation and Selvi's meek acceptance of it.

Manaivi(Episode 436) Final

Rohini's parents arrive, and despite Arivu's mother's flares of temper (which she says she exhibits just to keep things interesting) everyone is happy. Her father declares that Rohini's horoscope decrees nothing but good things for her from now on (and for us, now that the old sourpuss going off stage), she's going to have a daughter now, and the second child a son. All are happy.

The entire family -- Ramani, Krishnaveni, Ramani's parents, Hamsaveni (with the baby) and her aunt, are standing around in Ramani's house. They are preoccupied over the usual Tamil drama obsession -- the taali. His parents are trying to get Ramani to tie a taali on Hamsaveni, because -- get this that's why she has done all these bad things -- the lack of legitimacy. Ramani stands steadfast that he will not. Finally they ask Krishnaveni, who hasn't said anything since for two episodes -- to persuade him. She too tries. He still refuses. Finally, Hamsaveni speaks. She says her repentance has nothing to do with wanting to win back Ramani legitimately. She says she has done so many bad things that she can never fully absolve her sins. She hands over the child to Krishnaveni saying, I want this child to grow up like you. This is really your child. Bring her up and never tell her about me. She says she is going away. Chorus -- where will you go? This is a bad world (rather like telling Daoud Ibrahim to watch out for bad characters), they say. She insists. Krishnaveni says, "Go if you like, but at least let us know where you are". She replies, "I myself don't know where I am going". Then she leaves. On the pathway, she hesitates a little, and then, with determination, opens the gate and walks out.

Hamsaveni is shown sitting in an empty house, brooding. How much wrong I have done. To Krishnaveni, to that fine family, which deserved to be so happy. No. Just giving up my child is not punishment enough...

The next scene is outside a house, with a board, Mother Thereasa(sic) Children's Home somewhere in CHennai. Hamsaveni comes out, and a whole bunch of kids follow her, and flock around her and sit down. They are orphans, for whom Hamsaveni is mother. She requests that we grow to like her over time. And in the usual Hamsaveni confidence, she says, "You will".

I am not so sure. This sudden death was like one-day cricket. I at least wasn't expecting it to end this soon. The serial had some great acting -- Krishnaveni and Hamsaveni were so distinct that you could tell them by some intangible characteristic even when they were not speaking (even forgetting the forehead injury). Delhi Ganesh, the guy who acted as Arasu, and the josiyar. As to any other redeeming features, the serial was a blank. Entertaining, but nothing beyond.