Idhaya Malar

Idhaya Malar () is a 1976 Indian Tamil-language drama film directed by Gemini Ganesan and Thamarai Manaalan. It is based on the novel "Ninaivugal Nilaikkatum", written by Maniyan. It starred Sujatha, Gemini Ganesan, Kamal Haasan in the lead role of the protagonist. The film was later dubbed in Telugu language as "Kalyana Jyothi", released on 7 November 1980.
Plot.
Gemini Ganesan , an elderly person with his wife Sowcar Janaki are childless and bring up Radha (Sujatha) who is Krishnan's sister as their daughter. Mohan(Kamal Haasan) a tennis player falls in love with Radha. Krishnan accepts to their proposal to marry but Janaki avoids the marriage by saying a bitter truth to Radha. Radha had married Sridhar(Vijaya Kumar) at the age of 5. She avoids Mohan who is actually the brother of Sridhar. She goes in search of Sridhar but finds out he is married . She returns home and avoids her family and lives alone. Mohan's neighbour is very possessive about him and also has a crush on him. The movie ends with Mohan marrying his neighbour and Radha sacrificing her love.
Production.
"Idhaya Malar" is the directorial debut of Gemini Ganesan, and the only film he directed in his life. After directing some scenes, he left due to differences with the producer, resulting in Thamarai Manaalan taking over. However, both men retained director's credit.
Soundtrack.
Soundtrack was composed by M. S. Viswanathan. All lyrics written by Pulamaipithan.