AniInterview Sorry, this movie sucks

Glimmerubro It is not deep, but it is fun to watch. It does have a bit more of an edge to it than other similar films.

BelSports This is a coming of age storyline that you've seen in one form or another for decades. It takes a truly unique voice to make yet another one worth watching.

Jakoba True to its essence, the characters remain on the same line and manage to entertain the viewer, each highlighting their own distinctive qualities or touches.

AnnieLola I was fortunate in chancing upon this extraordinary film on YouTube-- and with English subtitles. This is pure Tamil Indian cinema without a trace of Bollywood or any westernized or modernized elements (aside from some of the language in the subtitles). The imagery, the dance, the music are a feast for the eyes and ears, and the tales of Shiva and his doings quite engrossing and instructive. For a total immersion in the splendors of Hindu tradition, this can't be excelled. The print used for YouTube wasn't in the best condition, but the occasional badly damaged or deteriorated parts soon pass; one is eager to see what comes next. I wish I'd been able to see it fifty years ago! Be warned; the subtitles are often rather odd in translation, but entertaining in their own right. Shiva is most pleased after witnessing the fabulous opening devotional performance of horned drummers, Seven Sages, Seven Maidens... the god declares that he feels 'groovy'! A delightful moment that only adds to the overall charm of this classic.

Rahul Raviprasad I have seen many such mythological movies and I would consider this to be the best so far. The reasons why this is so much fun to watch are 1. The usage of very basic animations and using them very effectively to show some idea. 2. Really nice dialogs in a very good Tamil. And the characters have done a great job of executing their roles. 3. The songs are just out of this world. 4. Its really nice to see this movie after so many years. 5. Nagesh was at his best in this movie and so was Shivaji.I would suggest this movie to anyone who likes watching mythological movies which have a lot of small stories that you have been told in your childhood.

brijeshb There are few movies that can be termed as an icon and a model to other movies. In fact there are really very very few. Thiruvilayadal makes it to the top of that list.There are various reasons for making that statement. I am saying this because, the year 1965 was not an era when India could use the latest technology that was available with the rest of the world. The resources were limited and in spite of that, coming out with a movie like this makes it a world class.The graphics are outstanding. I try to compare with the Ramayan that was shown in the 80s and Thiruvilyadal still beats it. The color is so rich and suits the mythological mood.About the Music, I do not have words to express its beauty and melody. Every song is a gem. "Phazam nee appa" is a song that will stand as a testimony to the Carnatic music and devotional song for years and generations to come. The "Pattum Naane" song is another gem. To sum it up, all the songs put together makes an exquisite ornament for the movie.Sivaji as Lord Shiva is a perfect suit. How did they do the casting? I get goosebumps thinking of all this. I read somewhere that after watching this movie, some people thought that Lord Shiva would look like Sivaji. I would definitely agree.Nagesh makes that fine garnish to the movie by providing that perfect humor and not taking away the essence.In all, this movie is a must watch and should be in your collection if you own movies. I have enjoyed this movie, its language and the songs and all this being a non-Tamil. I would recommend that everybody should watch this movie at least once to understand the craftsmanship our movie producers (actors, music directors, singers, technicians) had many decades ago.

bahmasiva This excellent film had a list of Tamil film's Who's Who in its cast and ensemble. It was a rip-roaring success, not just for the acting but also for the historical fact that it was made in colour. The music and the songs are a bonus. Overall this film is a classic and must be retained so that future generations would not forget the magic that is the Tamil language and get entertained as well as learn the lessons through a motley of stories evolving Lord Shiva.The incomparable Chevalier Sivaji Ganesan is Shiva, Savithri is Parvati and they are ably assisted by actors and actresses of calibre, including K.B. Sundrambal as the Tamil poetess and sage Avaiyaar, Nagesh as Dharumi, Balaiya, Muthuraman, Devika, Manorama TR Mahalingam and even the director AP Nagarajan himself makes a cameo as the famous poet and bard, Natkiran.Thiruvilayadal, literally meaning the Holy Games, is a collection of stories of Lord Shiva's antics who appeared on earth in various guises to test his devotees. The tests may be varied but the lessons learnt are valuable. For e.g, in confrontation with Lord Shiva, Natkiran stands by his opinion even though he knew that the person disputing him is the Lord himself, i.e. hold to your principles if you believe them to be true, no matter who disputes them.The dialogue between Sivaji and Nagesh as Lord Shiva and Dharumi respectively remains till today a legendary exchange in masterful Tamil.Thiruvilayadal is a gem.