Uyirullavarai Usha () is a 1983 Indian Tamil-language romantic action film written, directed and scored by T. Rajendar. The film stars Saritha, Rajendar, Ganga and Nalini. It is the debut for Rajendar and Nalini in leading roles. The film was released on 4 March 1983 and became a success. It was remade in Kannada as Premigala Saval (1984) and in Hindi as Aag Aur Shola (1986), and dubbed in Telugu as Prema Sagaram.
Plot
Cast
Production The film was originally titled Chain Jayapal, but was later retitled Uyirullavari Usha, paying homage to T. Rajendar's then wife Usha. The lead role was originally offered to Rajinikanth, who decided not to do the role, resulting in Rajendar debuting as lead actor. The film also marked the acting debut of Nalini as lead actress. Rajendar decided to cast Ganga in another leading role, at a time when other producers were reluctant to cast him in their films. The songs "Indiralogathu Sundari" and "Mogam Vandhu" were shot at Karpagam Studios.
Soundtrack The music was composed by T. Rajendar who also wrote the lyrics. The song "Vaigai Karai Katre" was written by Rajendar to convey his grief when briefly separated from Usha, who went abroad for a dance event. The title references the Vaigai River, and Usha's Madurai roots. For the dubbed Telugu version Prema Sagaram, all lyrics were written by Rajasri. The song "Indiralogathu Sundari" was later sampled by Flying Lotus for "GNG BNG" from the album Los Angeles (2008).
Tamil Song Singers Length "Adi Ennadi" Malaysia Vasudevan 04:35 "Unnaithane" Kalayanam, S. Janaki 05:56 "Mogam Vanthu" S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, S. Janaki 04:43 "Indiralogathu Sundari" S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, B.S. Sasireka 04:43 "Kat Adippom" S. P. Balasubrahmanyam 04:22 "Vaigai Karai Katre" K. J. Yesudas 04:44 "Ithayamathai Kovil Enren" T. M. Soundararajan 04:10
Telugu version Song Singers Length "Banthade Bangaaru" S. P. Balasubrahmanyam 04:38 "Chakkanaina O Chirugali" S. P. Balasubrahmanyam 04:31 "Naamam Pettu Naamam" S. P. Balasubrahmanyam 03:53 "Nee Thalape Maikam" S. P. Balasubrahmanyam 05:47 "Neelo Naalo" S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, S. Janaki 04:46 "Andhalolike Sundari" S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, S. P. Sailaja 04:27 "Hrudayamane Kovelalo" Madhavapeddi Ramesh 04:40
Release and reception Uyirullavarai Usha was released on 4 March 1983. Rajendar struggled to find a distributor for the film, with the trade blaming him of "going back to the M.G.R. era". Despite these criticisms, the film became successful at the box office. Ananda Vikatan said the film's plus points were its songs and score. Thiraignani of Kalki criticised the film for having a Oru Thalai Ragam (1980) hangover.
Re-release The film was re-released on 13 February 2026, having been delayed from September 2025.
References
External links