May Maadham is a 1994 Indian Tamil-language romantic musical film directed by Balu and produced by G. Venkateswaran via GV Films. The film stars Vineeth and Sonali Kulkarni, and has music by A. R. Rahman. It is based on the 1953 American film Roman Holiday. The film was released on 9 September 1994.

Cast

Production

Ajith Kumar was initially considered to play the lead role before Vineeth was cast. The film marks Sonali Kulkarni's only Tamil film to date. She was encouraged to audition for the film by Mani Ratnam. The song "Madrasa Suthi" was filmed in Marina Beach.

Soundtrack

The soundtrack was composed by A. R. Rahman with lyrics by Vairamuthu. The song "Margazhi Poove" is set in Hindolam raaga, while "Enmel Vizhundha Mazhaithuli" is set in Kapi. In a 2018 interview, Vairamuthu recalled that after he had written most of the lyrics for "Margazhi Poove", Rahman wanted him to write further lyrics for "a short tune that plays between the BGM". Vairamuthu felt it was impossible to fit words into the tune but Rahman remained adamant. Though irritated, Vairamuthu accepted the challenge and found the perfect lyrics: "Venba... Paadivarum Vandukku/ Senthaen... Thandhuvidum sempookkal/ Konjam... Paadavarum Pennukku/ Sandham... Thandhuvidum Mynahkkal". Rahman reused the songs in the Hindi film Love You Hamesha (2022).

Release and reception

May Maadham was released on 9 September 1994. Malini Mannath of The Indian Express wrote on the same day, "Despite its flaws, May Maadham is an engaging little film that is worth viewing". Thulasi of Kalki appreciated the film for Sreeram's cinematography, Rahman's music, Mohan's dialogues and the cast performances. The film was commercially unsuccessful, breaking GV Films' success streak that began in 1990. The film was subsequently dubbed in Telugu under the title Hrudayanjali in 1998.