Annai Oru Aalayam is a 1979 Indian Tamil-language adventure film directed by R. Thyagarajan. It was simultaneously shot in Telugu with the title Amma Evarikaina Amma. The film stars Rajinikanth as an animal hunter who helps a baby elephant to reach its mother. It was a commercial success and included music composed by Ilaiyaraaja. The film was a remake of the Hindi film Maa (1976).

Plot

An animal hunter seeks to help a baby elephant reach its mother.

Cast

Production

The film prominently features two elephant actors: Ganesh, then a calf, and Rathi, an elder female.

Soundtrack

The soundtrack was composed by Ilaiyaraaja with lyrics by Vaali. The song "Amma Nee Sumandha" is set in Charukesi raga. For the Telugu version, lyrics were written by Acharya Aatreya. The song "Appane Appane" is played frequently during festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi annually.

Reception

Ananda Vikatan rated the film 52 out of 100, appreciating the cinematography. The critic said the film faltered in the first half but did better in the second half with the arrival of the elephant calf.