Cast: Sangetha, Prem, Girish Karnad, Kota Srinivasarao, Ashish Vidyarthi, Rajkapoor and Ilavarasu
Music: Ilaiyaraja
Direction: K. Siva
Cinematography: Jeeva, Srinivas Devamsam

G. Siva's 'Dhanam' is about a sex worker named Dhanam (Sangeetha), operating in a busy Hyderabad marketplace. Anantharaman (Prem), a typical Brahmin guy from Kumbakonam, who comes to Hyderabad for studies, falls for the girl. He does become a customer but doesn't stop there. He falls head over heels in love with her and proposes marriage to her. Amused Dhanam refuses the offer but on seeing his insistence, says that she would marry him if his family is willing to accept her.

Anantharaman's orthodox family expectedly goes berserk on hearing the very idea of a 'prostitute' coming to their family as a bride. The family, however, relents when their family astrologer predicts unlimited wealth in the offing should 'such a girl' becomes the family's bride. Things miraculously happen the way predicted by the astrologer. Dhanam, who has now transformed as a 'family' girl, brings in good fortunes to the family. Soon she gives birth to a girl child. In an act of revenge, the astrologer tells the family that the new born child has brought 'evil' to the family and that it should be 'done away' with. What happens later forms the rest of the story.



Though the story has the potential to be made as an engrossing movie, director Siva fails to capitalize the strong storyline and talented cast and miserably fails on two major turning points of the narrative: An orthodox Brahmin family is shown as 'accepting' a prostitute as their bride for getting more wealth lacks credibility. No Indian family would ever accept a prostitute as its bride. If the director feels that some would do the unexpected thing, the he should have come out with a credible reason to make it convincing. Likewise, 'sacrificing' the newborn child on the advice of the astrologer too is unconvincing.

Sangeetha is the only saving grace of the fare. Her facial expressions, body language, 'seductive' looks, and the rage during the climax are simply amazing. Hats off to the actor!

Girish Karnad and Kota Srinivasa Rao have rendered decent performances in ill-concieved roles. Prem passes muster as Anantharaman. M.S. Bhaskar, Chinni Jayanth, Sasi Mohan and Manoj Kumar are also in the film. Karunas manages to make the audience laugh at times.

Ilaiyaraja's back ground score is top notch but his tunes fail to make any impact. The placement of songs too mars the impact of the songs. However, 'Kannanukku enna vendum' stands out with its excellent tune and superb rendition.

Cinematography by late Jeeva and by Srinivas Devamsam provides aesthetical value to the movie.

Overall, 'Dhanam' fails to impress despite Sangeetha's excellent acting.

Dhanam Movie Gallery

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