Ullathai Allithaa, the 1996 film, is heavily inspired by the Hindi film Andaz Apna Apna (1994) and partially by the Tamil movie Sabaash Meena (1958).
Thalapathy Vijay was first approached for the lead role. But, he rejected the offer.The film was released for Pongal 1996, along with Vijay's Coimbatore Maappilai, Ajith's Vanmathi, Prabhu Dheva's Love Birds, and Karthik's own Kizhakku Mugham.Ullathai Allithaa received positive reviews from the critics and audience alike and was a blockbusterActor-director Manivannan played a hilarious double role for the first time in his career.The comedy track involving Karthik and Goundamani developed a cult following, with many critics rating it among their top favouritesMany dialogues from the film became a part of pop culture in Tamil Nadu in the 90s, and continues till now. For instance, 'Auto laam vechi kadathirukom ba. Konja paathu pottu kudunga!'During the making of the film, there was a misunderstanding and subsequent a fall out between the lead actress Rambha and the producers of the film.The music was composed by Sirpy and lyrics were written by Pazhani Bharathi.All the songs from this film were plagiarised from various sourcesAzhagiya Laila, sung by Mano, was a direct lift from Egyptian singer Hesham Abbas’ song ‘Ahla Ma Fiki’ from his 1995 album, ‘Hesham 95’.I Love You, sung by Mano and K. S. Chitra, was inspired yet again by a song Hesham Abbas song, 'Wana Amel Eih’, from an earlier album of hisc, Ta’ala (1994)Adi Anarkali is based on 'In the Summertime' by Mungo Jerry.Chittu Chittu Kuruvikku is based on the cult Pakistani folk song 'Laung Gawacha'The original of Mama Nee Mama is yet again from Pakistan – Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s memorable song, Kinna Sohna Tainu.The success of the film paved way for numerous comedy films and made Sundar C one of the most sought directors.Rambha gained popularity through this film and became one of the leading heroines.Her Madonna act in the film became a viral sensation.Karthik and Goundamani became one of the famous comic pairs from the film, the pair went on to do many films.The success of the film led Sundar C to collaborate with Karthik in subsequent projects - Mettukudi (1996), Unakkaga Ellam Unakkaga (1999) & Azhagana Naatkal (2001)Azhagana Naatkal was compared by critics with Ullathai Allitha due to its similarity in sequences and characterisations.Sundar C. himself listed it as one of the favourite films he has directed.Many regard the film in the same league as in Kadhalikka Neramillai (1964), Thillu Mullu (1981) and Michael Madana Kama Rajan (1990).It was Manivannan’s breakthrough film as an actor and made him a major comedian.Ullaithai Allithaa was remade in Telugu as Veedevadandi Babu (1997) and in Kannada as Galate Aliyandru (200).Here are a few more nostalgic snapshots from the blockbuster...