Kadhalikka Neramillai

Viswanathan is an arrogant, money-minded estate owner who lives in a bungalow named Chinnamalai Estate near Pollachi. His son, Chellappa, an aspiring filmmaker, is the antithesis of his father, voicing his displeasure at his father's arrogance. Viswanathan also has two daughters studying in Madras: Kanchana and Nirmala. Kanchana is in love with her collegemate Vasu. The sisters return home after completing their education.

One day, while the sisters are sightseeing, a battered car driven by Ashok, an assistant manager at their father's estate, bumps into their car. The sisters quarrel with Ashok and are annoyed by his insolence. Later, they force Viswanathan to fire him. Infuriated, Ashok pitches a tent overlooking their bungalow and begins a strike to reclaim his job. Nirmala accidentally drops a bucket on Ashok's head. Feeling guilty, she visits Ashok's tent to apologise and they fall in love.

Viswanathan had always planned to get his daughters married to wealthy men. Ashok realises that because he is poor, he has no chance of becoming a prospective groom. Nirmala loves him, but she does not wish to be with him against her father's wishes. He calls up his friend, who happens to be Vasu, to pose as his wealthy father. Vasu arrives at Chinnamalai and agrees to help. He disguises himself as a rich, old man named Chidambaram. When Kanchana is introduced to Vasu in disguise, he is shocked because he believes Ashok loves Kanchana, but he discovers to his relief that Ashok is in love with Nirmala.

Meanwhile, Chellappa starts a film production house called Oho Productions. Unable to earn anyone's faith in his capabilities, he handles the filmmaking himself. Chellappa unsuccessfully tries to persuade his father to finance his film; he engages the estate manager's daughter, Meenalochni, to play the heroine in his film. Chellappa selects Ashok for the film's screenplay and asks "Chidambaram" to fund it. When the film does not progress as expected, Meenalochni's father forces Chellappa to marry her. Chellappa initially refuses but realising he has no choice, he accepts the offer.

On a short trip, "Chidambaram" reveals his true identity as Vasu to Viswanathan's daughters, who agree to play along. Viswanathan, believing Ashok is the only heir of a millionaire, asks Kanchana's consent to marry him. When Kanchana rejects the proposal, Viswanathan asks Nirmala, who happily accepts. Vasu's father Sachidanandam, who is buying a nearby estate, is referred to Viswanathan and arrives in Chinnamalai. They meet and discover that they are childhood friends.

Believing it would be inappropriate to marry off his younger daughter while the elder one is still unmarried, Viswanathan arranges Kanchana's marriage to Vasu, who meets his father but is unable to reveal his true identity to prevent getting caught. When Sachidanandam returns to Madras to make the wedding preparations, he finds that there has been no word from his son, who left for Coimbatore weeks before. Sachidanandam almost cancels the marriage when Vasu makes a telephone call in the nick of time and approves the marriage.

Sachidanandam's car breaks down, and he takes shelter in a school teacher's hut until it is fixed. There, he finds a photograph of Ashok and realises he is the teacher's son. Suspecting Ashok of foul play to usurp Viswanathan's riches, Sachidanandam files a complaint. Vasu and Ashok are held in custody by the police. As Sachidanandam arrives at the police station, the truth behind the impersonation is revealed and he withdraws his complaint. When his daughters refuse to part with their lovers, Viswanathan realises their love and agrees to their request to get married.

{{Cast listing|

• Balaiah as Viswanathan
• Muthuraman as Vasu/Chidambaram
• Nagesh as Chellappa
• Rajasree as Nirmala
• Sachu as Meenalochni
• Ravichandran as Ashok
• Kanchana as Kanchana
• Raghavan as Sachidanandam{{Cite news |last=Vamanan |author-link=Vamanan |date=2 February 2016 |title=Uptight to comic: Big daddy of Tamil films |url=http://blogs.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tracking-indian-communities/uptight-to-comic-big-daddy-of-tamil-films/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160203092923/http://blogs.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tracking-indian-communities/uptight-to-comic-big-daddy-of-tamil-films/ |archive-date=3 February 2016 |access-date=14 March 2016 |work=The Times of India}}
• Prabhakar as Meenalochni's father{{Cite magazine |last=Paul |first=Bharati |date=16–31 October 2014 |title=The stars in Gandhi Nagar |url=https://madrasmusings.com/Vol%2024%20No%2013/vol-24-issue-13.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127082255/http://madrasmusings.com/Vol%2024%20No%2013/vol-24-issue-13.pdf |archive-date=27 January 2022 |access-date=21 June 2022 |magazine=Madras Musings |pages=7–8 |volume=24 |issue=13}}
• Veerasami as Ashok's father{{Cite web |last=பார்த்தசாரதி |first=எஸ். |date=10 March 2014 |title=அரை நூற்றாண்டு கண்ட 'காதலிக்க நேரமில்லை' |url=https://solvanam.com/2014/03/10/%E0%AE%85%E0%AE%B0%E0%AF%88-%E0%AE%A8%E0%AF%82%E0%AE%B1%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%B1%E0%AE%BE%E0%AE%A3%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%9F%E0%AF%81-%E0%AE%95%E0%AE%A3%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%9F-%E0%AE%95%E0%AE%BE%E0%AE%A4/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20190908100841/https://solvanam.com/2014/03/10/%E0%AE%85%E0%AE%B0%E0%AF%88-%E0%AE%A8%E0%AF%82%E0%AE%B1%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%B1%E0%AE%BE%E0%AE%A3%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%9F%E0%AF%81-%E0%AE%95%E0%AE%A3%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%9F-%E0%AE%95%E0%AE%BE%E0%AE%A4/ |archive-date=8 September 2019 |access-date=8 September 2019 |website=Solvanam |language=ta}}

}}

C. V. Sridhar and Sadagopan, who was known by his screen name Chitralaya Gopu, had been friends since their tenure at St. Joseph's High School, Chengalpattu. At school both were playwrights; Sridhar wrote stage plays and portrayed the lead roles. Gopu wrote the humour-oriented plays and portrayed comic roles. Later, when Sridhar had the opportunity to direct a film, Kalyana Parisu (1959), he asked Gopu to join him and handle the humour content. The success of Kalyana Parisu led to Sridhar establishing his own production house, Chitralaya.

Sridhar used to spend his evenings with Gopu, driving along Marina Beach, Madras (now Chennai).{{Cite news |last=Guy |first=Randor |author-link=Randor Guy |date=24 October 2008 |title=Trend-setter |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/article1436121.ece |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131215060047/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2008/10/24/stories/2008102451190600.htm |archive-date=15 December 2013 |access-date=15 December 2013 |work=The Hindu}} Gopu asked Sridhar whether he would like to work on a comedy film. Sridhar, who was known primarily for dramatic films, thought the audience would not accept a comedy from him. He agreed reluctantly upon Gopu's insistence, and decided to produce a full-length comedy and originated the title, Kadhalikka Neramillai, which translates as "No time for love". The entire story and screenplay were conceived on Marina Beach; according to Gopu, "Sitting in Sridhar's open Herald, we discussed the script for days on end." The screenplay was co-written by Sridhar and Gopu.{{Sfn|Rajadhyaksha|Willemen|1998|page=380}} A. Vincent was hired as the film's cinematography and P. N. Sundaram for photography, while N. M. Shankar was chosen as the editor and Ganga as the art director. Thangappan and Mugur Sundar were the choreographers.{{Cite AV media |title=Kadhalikka Neramillai |type=motion picture |language=Tamil |publisher=Chitralaya Pictures |year=1964 |trans-title=No Time for Love |time=1:18}} Editor B. Lenin, son of director A. Bhimsingh worked as one of the assistant directors.

Sridhar consciously avoided casting big stars. P. S. Raman, who went to Madras in 1963 to join a medical college, was asked to see Sridhar, who was auditioning newcomers for the film. Raman was renamed Ravichandran and introduced in this film as the character Ashok.{{Cite news |last=Guy |first=Randor |date=3 August 2013 |title=Idhaya Kamalam (1965) |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-columns/idhaya-kamalam-1965/article4985463.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150407043720/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-columns/idhaya-kamalam-1965/article4985463.ece |archive-date=7 April 2015 |access-date=16 March 2014 |work=The Hindu}} Sivakumar had auditioned for the role before it went to Ravichandran.{{Cite news |last=Suganth |first=M. |date=14 June 2016 |title=In any aspect, my painting is far better than my acting |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/In-any-aspect-my-painting-is-far-better-than-my-acting/articleshow/52746317.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160618192626/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/In-any-aspect-my-painting-is-far-better-than-my-acting/articleshow/52746317.cms |archive-date=18 June 2016 |access-date=17 June 2016 |work=The Times of India}} During a flight, Sridhar met an air-hostess named Vasundhara Devi and approached her to play one of the female leads.{{Cite news |last=Rangarajan |first=Malathi |date=10 March 2006 |title=Star then, a stoic now |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/article3217472.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140316054645/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2006/03/10/stories/2006031002950300.htm |archive-date=16 March 2014 |access-date=16 March 2014 |work=The Hindu}} Because she shared her name with Vasundhara Devi, the mother of actress Vyjayanthimala, Sridhar renamed her Kanchana to avoid confusion.{{Cite news |last=Sunita Chowdhary |first=Y. |date=18 August 2012 |title=Nothing is permanent |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/nothing-is-permanent/article3790964.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140316052616/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/nothing-is-permanent/article3790964.ece |archive-date=16 March 2014 |access-date=16 March 2014 |work=The Hindu}} Her character had the same name. Shanti, who later became known as Vennira Aadai Nirmala, was initially cast as the character Nirmala; however, while filming the song sequence "Anubhavam Pudhumai", her audition, she did not show the romantic mood needed, so she was removed.{{Cite magazine |last=ஸ்ரீதர் |first=டைரக்டர் |author-link=C. V. Sridhar |date=8 March 1992 |title=பாலையாவைச் சமாளிப்பது எப்படி? |url=https://archive.org/download/kalki1992-03-08/kalki1992-03-08.pdf |access-date=29 March 2024 |magazine=Kalki |pages=59–60 |language=ta |via=Internet Archive}}{{Cite web |date=2 July 2016 |title=பிளாஷ் ஃபேக்: காதலிக்க நேரமில்லை படத்திலிருந்து நீக்கப்பட்ட நிர்மலா |trans-title=Flashback: Venniradai Nirmala was removed from Kadhalikka Neramillai |url=https://cinema.dinamalar.com/tamil-news/48098/cinema/Kollywood/Flashback-:-Venniradai-nirmala-out-in-Kadhalikaa-Neramillai-movie.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128172700/https://cinema.dinamalar.com/tamil-news/48098/cinema/Kollywood/Flashback-:-Venniradai-nirmala-out-in-Kadhalikaa-Neramillai-movie.htm |archive-date=28 January 2021 |access-date=28 January 2021 |website=Dinamalar |language=ta}} Gopu called Rajasree over phone and asked her to attend their studio the next day to audition for the role. While filming "Anubhavam Pudhumai", the makers were impressed and she was officially cast, making it her first film as a lead actress.

Sachu, who began her career as a child actor, played leading roles in films such as Veera Thirumagan (1961) and Annai (1962) until Sridhar offered her the comic role of Meenalochni.{{Cite news |last=Rangarajan |first=Malathi |date=16 November 2007 |title=Yours sincerely, Sachu |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/article2285061.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140316053653/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2007/11/16/stories/2007111650660100.htm |archive-date=16 March 2014 |access-date=16 March 2014 |work=The Hindu}}{{Cite news |last=Ravi |first=Bhama Devi |date=7 October 2003 |title=Simply Sachu |url=http://www.thehindu.com/mp/2003/10/07/stories/2003100700430200.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130106032124/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2003/10/07/stories/2003100700430200.htm |archive-date=6 January 2013 |access-date=16 March 2014 |work=The Hindu}} She initially refused as she was hesitant on playing a comic role. Sridhar assured her that being a full-fledged comedy, there were no separate comedians and that she would only be playing a character in one of the three lead pairs.{{Cite news |date=12 July 2007 |title=காதலிக்க நேரமில்லை: நகைச்சுவை வேடத்தில் ஜொலித்தார் சச்சு |trans-title=Kadhalikka Neramillai: Sachu shined in a comic role |url=http://www.maalaimalar.com/2012/07/12193313/kadhalikka-neramillai-comedy-a.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140316055309/http://www.maalaimalar.com/2012/07/12193313/kadhalikka-neramillai-comedy-a.html |archive-date=16 March 2014 |access-date=16 March 2014 |work=Maalai Malar |language=Tamil}} Gopu also persuaded Sachu's grandmother, who used to accompany her to the sets.{{Cite news |last=Rangarajan |first=Malathi |date=23 November 2007 |title=Toast to diligence |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/article2274261.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140316063528/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2007/11/23/stories/2007112350500200.htm |archive-date=16 March 2014 |access-date=16 March 2014 |work=The Hindu}}{{Cite news |last=Vijaykumar |first=Chithira |date=23 December 2009 |title=Memories of Madras: The warmth of the arc lights |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/article400128.ece |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140316054952/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2009/12/23/stories/2009122350260100.htm |archive-date=16 March 2014 |access-date=16 March 2014 |work=The Hindu}} Impressed by the way Sridhar "narrated the story featuring three couples", Sachu accepted the offer.{{Cite news |last=Ashok Kumar |first=S. R. |date=14 May 2010 |title=Grillmill |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-cinemaplus/article3020903.ece |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140316055116/http://www.hindu.com/cp/2010/05/14/stories/2010051451072000.htm |archive-date=16 March 2014 |access-date=16 March 2014 |work=The Hindu}} She felt that the film's story was as good as Roman Holiday (1953). In 2016, Sachu recalled, "I was very young and most movies were family-oriented. I couldn't relate to them. So when [Kadhalikka Neramillai] came by, I readily agreed."{{Cite news |last=Roshne |first=B. |date=23 July 2016 |title=A Child to grandma,she essayed them all |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/A-Child-to-grandmashe-essayed-them-all/2016/07/23/article3542465.ece |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818093656/http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/A-Child-to-grandmashe-essayed-them-all/2016/07/23/article3542465.ece |archive-date=18 August 2016 |access-date=18 August 2016 |work=The New Indian Express}} T. S. Balaiah and R. Muthuraman (credited without their initials) were chosen to play the characters Viswanathan and Vasu respectively.{{Cite web |date=17 May 2016 |title=காதலிக்க நேரமில்லை – ஒரு சதுர பொக்கிஷம் |trans-title=Kadhalikka Neramillai – A Treasure |url=http://keetru.com/index.php/2014-03-08-04-36-23/2014-03-14-11-17-58/30842-2016-05-17-05-34-27 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160524081201/http://keetru.com/index.php/2014-03-08-04-36-23/2014-03-14-11-17-58/30842-2016-05-17-05-34-27 |archive-date=24 May 2016 |access-date=24 May 2016 |website=Keetru |language=Tamil}} Despite Ravichandran and Muthuraman being written as the film's "heroes", Balaiah was given top billing.{{Cite news |last=Suganth |first=M. |date=14 November 2008 |title=Classic Pick: Kadhalika Neramillai |url=http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Search&Key=TOICH/2008/11/14/48/Ar04800.xml&CollName=TOI_CHENNAI_ARCHIVE_2008&DOCID=90576&Keyword=(%3Cmany%3E%3Cstem%3Eneramillai)&skin=pastissues2&AppName=2&ViewMode=GIF |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160429101302/http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Search&Key=TOICH/2008/11/14/48/Ar04800.xml&CollName=TOI_CHENNAI_ARCHIVE_2008&DOCID=90576&Keyword=(%3Cmany%3E%3Cstem%3Eneramillai)&skin=pastissues2&AppName=2&ViewMode=GIF |archive-date=29 April 2016 |access-date=29 April 2016 |work=The Times of India}} Nagesh was signed by Sridhar to play Viswanathan's son Chellappa after previously appearing under Sridhar's direction in Nenjil Or Aalayam (1962).{{Cite news |last=Jeyaraj |first=D. B. S. |date=19 December 2015 |title=Uncrowned monarch of humorous actors in Tamil movies |url=http://www.ft.lk/article/510529/Uncrowned-monarch-of-humorous-actors-in-Tamil-movies |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160523141109/http://www.ft.lk/article/510529/Uncrowned-monarch-of-humorous-actors-in-Tamil-movies |archive-date=23 May 2016 |access-date=23 May 2016 |work=Daily FT}}{{Cite news |last=Baskaran |first=S. Theodore |author-link=S. Theodore Baskaran |date=27 February 2009 |title=Tragic comedian |url=http://www.frontline.in/static/html/fl2604/stories/20090227260413300.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140410075254/http://www.frontline.in/static/html/fl2604/stories/20090227260413300.htm |archive-date=10 April 2014 |access-date=16 March 2014 |work=Frontline}} Telugu actor Krishna stated that he was offered a role in the film by Sridhar, but he could not accept it due to his lack of knowledge in Tamil.{{Cite news |last=Kavirayani |first=Suresh |date=16 September 2017 |title=My directors are equal to God: Mahesh Babu |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/tollywood/160917/my-directors-are-equal-to-god-mahesh-babu.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180321064755/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/tollywood/160917/my-directors-are-equal-to-god-mahesh-babu.html |archive-date=21 March 2018 |access-date=1 October 2017 |work=Deccan Chronicle}}

File:View from Azhiyar Bungalow Balcony.jpg

Kadhalikka Neramillai was one of the earliest full-length Tamil films in Eastmancolor.{{efn|Though Kadhalikka Neramillai is often assumed to be the first full-length Tamil film in Eastmancolor,{{Cite magazine |last=Raman |first=Mohan |author-link=Mohan Raman |date=1–15 November 2008 |title=An auteur no more |url=http://madrasmusings.com/Vol%2018%20No%2014/otherstories.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818150742/http://madrasmusings.com/Vol%2018%20No%2014/otherstories.html |archive-date=18 August 2016 |access-date=18 August 2016 |magazine=Madras Musings |volume=XVIII |issue=14}}{{Cite magazine |date=1–15 December 2013 |title=The Tamil Film in 100 years of Indian Cinema |url=http://madrasmusings.com/Vol%2023%20No%2016/vol-23-issue-16.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140316054631/http://madrasmusings.com/Vol%2023%20No%2016/vol-23-issue-16.pdf |archive-date=16 March 2014 |access-date=16 March 2014 |magazine=Madras Musings |page=4 |volume=23 |issue=16}} it was actually Karnan, released a month before.{{Cite web |last=தீனதயாளன் |first=பா. |date=21 October 2016 |title=தேவிகா 7.நடிகர் திலகத்துடன்...! |trans-title=Devi 7.With the pride of actors...! |url=https://www.dinamani.com/junction/kanavukkannigal/2016/oct/01/7%E0%AE%A8%E0%AE%9F%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%95%E0%AE%B0%E0%AF%8D-%E0%AE%A4%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%B2%E0%AE%95%E0%AE%A4%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%A4%E0%AF%81%E0%AE%9F%E0%AE%A9%E0%AF%8D-2573611.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220621090145/https://www.dinamani.com/junction/kanavukkannigal/2016/oct/01/7%E0%AE%A8%E0%AE%9F%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%95%E0%AE%B0%E0%AF%8D-%E0%AE%A4%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%B2%E0%AE%95%E0%AE%A4%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%A4%E0%AF%81%E0%AE%9F%E0%AE%A9%E0%AF%8D-2573611.html |archive-date=21 June 2022 |access-date=21 June 2022 |website=Dinamani |language=ta}} Sridhar himself said his film was only the first full-length Tamil film in Eastmancolor with a contemporary setting.{{Cite magazine |date=8 March 1964 |title=காதலிக்க நேரமில்லை |url=https://kalkionline.com/kalkionline_archive/imagegallery/archiveimages/kalki/1964/mar/08-03-1964/p21.jpg |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220722052914/https://kalkionline.com/kalkionline_archive/imagegallery/archiveimages/kalki/1964/mar/08-03-1964/p21.jpg |archive-date=22 July 2022 |access-date=21 June 2022 |magazine=Kalki |page=21 |language=ta}}}} Film critic Baradwaj Rangan believes that with this film, Sridhar became the first Tamil director to "make an all-out comedy in colour".{{Cite web |last=Rangan |first=Baradwaj |author-link=Baradwaj Rangan |date=1 November 2008 |title=Between Reviews: In Search of Sridhar |url=https://baradwajrangan.wordpress.com/2008/11/01/between-reviews-in-search-of-sridhar/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818152011/https://baradwajrangan.wordpress.com/2008/11/01/between-reviews-in-search-of-sridhar/ |archive-date=18 August 2016 |access-date=18 August 2016 |website=Baradwaj Rangan}} Principal photography commenced with the song "Anubhavam Pudhumai", picturised on Ravichandran and Rajasree. Portions of the song featuring the latter were the first scenes shot. Because the producers had not taken measurements for her costumes, Rajasree was sceptical about whether filming would begin that day. She was given a nightgown as the costume for the song sequence. Sachu's costumes were designed by Sridhar himself. An electric power cut was imposed during the week ending 22 June 1963; while this reduced work in studios by 50%, an unfazed Sridhar did "a brief spell of shoot" for Kadhalikka Neramillai at Vijaya Vauhini Studios.{{Cite magazine |last=Ramachandran |first=T. M. |date=15 June 1963 |title=Studio News |url=https://archive.org/details/dli.bengal.10689.12015/page/n103/mode/2up |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230303061458/https://archive.org/details/dli.bengal.10689.12015/page/n103/mode/2up |archive-date=3 March 2023 |access-date=3 March 2023 |magazine=Sport and Pastime |page=43 |via=Internet Archive |volume=17}}

The opening sequence song "Enna Parvai" picturised on Muthuraman and Kanchana was filmed on the Marina beach promenade. In the first scene of the film, Sridhar attempted to depict Madras as a "progressive place: where couples sang duets on the Marina".{{Cite news |last=Naig |first=Udhav |date=20 August 2014 |title=Madras by day, by night and by song |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/madras-375-madras-by-day-by-night-and-by-song/article6332571.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140902094753/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/madras-375-madras-by-day-by-night-and-by-song/article6332571.ece |archive-date=2 September 2014 |access-date=2 September 2014 |work=The Hindu}} Most of the film was shot in Ooty.{{Cite web |date=26 February 2017 |title=ஊட்டியில் சூட்டிங் அதிகம் ஏன்? |trans-title=Why is shooting so frequent in Ooty? |url=http://www.vikatan.com/news/spirituality/82032-why-ooty-is-best-place-for-cinema-shooting.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170428111742/http://www.vikatan.com/news/spirituality/82032-why-ooty-is-best-place-for-cinema-shooting.html |archive-date=28 April 2017 |access-date=28 April 2017 |website=Ananda Vikatan |language=Tamil}} After completing the first filming schedule, Sridhar decided to drop the project as he felt it lacked a strong storyline then restarted after making a visit to Aaliyar Dam, he decided to make a full-length film on this location. Filming also took place on location at the Aaliyar Guest House, a bungalow near Aaliyar Dam, Coimbatore. Sridhar often used to write dialogues for scenes only on the shooting spot which made Ravichandran difficult to utter dialogues. During filming, Gopu gave Ravichandran the lyrics of the song "Naalaam Naalaam", which were written like tongue twisters in chaste Tamil. He claimed they were his own lines and asked him to memorise them. When Sridhar called for the shots, Ravichandran asked for more time because he found it difficult to remember the dialogue. The puzzled director then said, "This isn't the dialogue. Who gave it to you? This is a social film, a comedy. Gopu must have done it. He's always pulling a fast one, don't you know?"

In one scene, Viswanathan asks Chellappa to tell a story, promising to finance his film if he is impressed. Knowing he will not receive any funds, Chellappa decides to scare Viswanathan and narrates a horror story. Nagesh and Balaiah completed shooting the scene in a single take. This scene was inspired by director Dada Mirasi's storytelling style,{{Cite magazine |last=நாகேஷ் |author-link=Nagesh |date=1 February 2004 |title=நாளாம் நாளாம் திருநாளாம்! |url=https://archive.org/download/kalki2004-02-01/kalki2004-02-01.pdf |access-date=29 March 2024 |magazine=Kalki |pages=33–35 |language=Ta |via=Internet Archive}}{{Cite news |last=Krishnamachari |first=Suganthy |date=29 August 2019 |title=Balaiah, Tamil silver screen's jaunty juggler |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/balaiah-tamil-silver-screens-jaunty-juggler/article29288768.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190829114253/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/balaiah-tamil-silver-screens-jaunty-juggler/article29288768.ece |archive-date=29 August 2019 |access-date=29 August 2019 |work=The Hindu}} specifically the way in which Mirasi narrated the basic storyline of Puthiya Paravai (1964) to its lead actor Sivaji Ganesan's brother V. C. Shanmugham who, impressed with the narration, called Sridhar to listen to it.{{Cite magazine |last=Raman |first=Mohan |author-link=Mohan Raman |date=16–30 September 2010 |title=Partha Gnyabagam Illayo* |trans-title=Remember seeing it |url=http://madrasmusings.com/Vol%2020%20No%2011/partha_gnyabagam_illayo.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160920104428/http://madrasmusings.com/Vol%2020%20No%2011/partha_gnyabagam_illayo.html |archive-date=20 September 2016 |access-date=20 September 2016 |magazine=Madras Musings |volume=XX |issue=11}} Kanchana recalled filming the scene: "I was standing behind, trembling to control my laughter. The moment the scene was over, the entire team began to laugh, so hard, we soon had tears running down our faces." The film was processed at Gemini Studios' laboratory.{{Cite news |last=Rangarajan |first=Malathi |date=21 July 2016 |title=The director's fine cut |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/art/the-directors-fine-cut/article8880853.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817152635/http://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/art/the-directors-fine-cut/article8880853.ece |archive-date=17 August 2016 |access-date=18 August 2016 |work=The Hindu}} Its final length was {{Convert|4355.97|m|feet}}.{{Cite web |date=20 February 1964 |title=KADHALIKKA NERAMILLAI (Celluloid) |url=https://archive.org/details/KadhalikkaNeramillaiCbfc |access-date=17 June 2016 |publisher=Central Board of Film Certification}}

The soundtrack album and background score for Kadhalikka Neramillai were composed by Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy (a duo consisting of M. S. Viswanathan and T. K. Ramamoorthy) and the lyrics were written by Kannadasan.{{Cite web |title=Kathalikka Neramillai (1964) |url=http://www.raaga.com/channels/Tamil/moviedetail.asp?mid=T0001270 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140316060859/http://www.raaga.com/channels/Tamil/moviedetail.asp?mid=T0001270 |archive-date=16 March 2014 |access-date=16 March 2014 |website=Raaga.com}} The song "Anubhavam Pudhumai" is loosely based on a 1940 Spanish-language Mexican song titled "Bésame Mucho".{{Cite news |last=Rangan |first=Baradwaj |author-link=Baradwaj Rangan |date=9 April 2016 |title=Ode to a nightingale |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/magazine/baradwaj-rangan-on-the-peerless-singer-p-susheela/article8451303.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170506160005/http://www.thehindu.com/features/magazine/baradwaj-rangan-on-the-peerless-singer-p-susheela/article8451303.ece |archive-date=6 May 2017 |access-date=6 May 2017 |work=The Hindu}}{{Cite web |last=S |first=Karthik |author-link=Karthik Srinivasan |title=Tamil [Other Composers] |url=https://www.itwofs.com/tamil-others.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20190522113005/https://www.itwofs.com/tamil-others.html |archive-date=22 May 2019 |access-date=2 April 2024 |website=ItwoFS}} Philips, an autodidact guitarist, played the guitar for "Anubhavam Pudhumai" and "Malarendra Mugamondru".{{Cite news |date=28 November 2014 |title=Harmony with strings |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/harmony-with-strings/article6641033.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141207094623/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/harmony-with-strings/article6641033.ece |archive-date=7 December 2014 |access-date=7 December 2014 |work=The Hindu}}

Viswanathan and his wife were spending a vacation in Yercaud for a week, when Kannadasan, Gopu and Sridhar were waiting for him to begin composing the songs. The day when Viswanathan returned and arrived at Chithralaya office, Kannadasan said, "Ennappa..Viswanathaa...Velai kodu.." (Viswanathan, give me some work). Sridhar then said that should be the beginning of the song and decided to give Balaiah's character the name Viswanathan; thus the song "Maadimele", which includes the line "Viswanathan Velai Vendum", was conceived. It was composed as a rock and roll number.{{Cite news |last=Chandramohan |first=V. |date=25 June 2014 |title=எம்.எஸ்.வி: நேயர் விருப்பத்தின் நாயகன் |trans-title=MSV: The hero who gives what the people wish for |url=https://www.hindutamil.in/news/opinion/columns/8515-.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191122075459/https://www.hindutamil.in/news/opinion/columns/8515-.html |archive-date=22 November 2019 |access-date=22 November 2019 |work=Hindu Tamil Thisai |language=ta}}{{Cite news |last=Vinayakam |first=Ramesh |author-link=Ramesh Vinayakam |date=16 July 2015 |title=He ruled with his music wand |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/music/ramesh-vinayakam-remembers-msv/article7429649.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160630112903/http://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/music/ramesh-vinayakam-remembers-msv/article7429649.ece |archive-date=30 June 2016 |access-date=28 June 2019 |work=The Hindu}} Tunes of "Naalam Naalam" and "Nenjathai Alli" were composed within an hour. The song "Naalam Naalam" is set in Bageshri raga.{{Cite web |title=ஏழிசை எம்எஸ்வி {{!}} பயோகிராபி |url=https://cinema.dinamalar.com/msv/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200626130400/https://cinema.dinamalar.com/msv/ |archive-date=26 June 2020 |access-date=7 July 2024 |website=Dinamalar |language=Ta}}

Kadhalikka Neramillai{{'}}s LP records were heavily in demand by people who wanted to learn the film's dialogues and songs.{{Cite news |last=Narayanan |first=Sujatha |date=18 March 2018 |title=The man who loved the city: Remembering director CV Sridhar |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2018/mar/19/the-man-who-loved-the-city-remembering-director-cv-sridhar-1789093.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180321061734/http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2018/mar/19/the-man-who-loved-the-city-remembering-director-cv-sridhar-1789093.html |archive-date=21 March 2018 |access-date=21 March 2018 |work=The New Indian Express}} All the eight songs became popular among fans.{{Cite news |date=15 August 2014 |title=ஐம்பதாம் ஆண்டில் 'காதலிக்க நேரமில்லை' |trans-title=50th year of 'Kadhalikka Neramillai' |url=https://www.hindutamil.in/news/supplements/hindu-talkies/13885-.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190909091504/https://www.hindutamil.in/news/supplements/hindu-talkies/13885-.html |archive-date=9 September 2019 |access-date=9 September 2019 |work=Hindu Tamil Thisai |language=ta}} A live version of "Nenjathai Alli" was later performed by Unni Menon at an August 2012 ceremony commemorating the 14th anniversary of Jaya TV.{{Cite news |last=Rangarajan |first=Malathi |date=30 August 2012 |title=Bounty, magnanimity and more |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/music/bounty-magnanimity-and-more/article3839756.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818101229/http://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/music/bounty-magnanimity-and-more/article3839756.ece |archive-date=18 August 2016 |access-date=18 August 2016 |work=The Hindu}}

{{track listing

| extra_column = Singer(s)

| title1 = Enna Paarvai

| extra1 = K. J. Yesudas, P. Susheela

| length1 = 03:21

| title2 = Maadimele

| extra2 = P. B. Sreenivas

| length2 = 03:26

| title3 = Unga Ponnaana Kaigal

| extra3 = P. B. Sreenivas

| length3 = 03:26

| title4 = Anubhavam Pudhumai

| extra4 = P. B. Sreenivas, P. Susheela

| length4 = 05:30

| title5 = Naalaam Naalaam

| extra5 = P. B. Sreenivas, P. Susheela

| length5 = 03:21

| title6 = Malarendra Mugamondru

| extra6 = L. R. Eswari, M. S. Raju

| length6 = 03:20

| title7 = Kadhalikka Neramillai

| extra7 = Sirkazhi Govindarajan

| length7 = 04:55

| title8 = Nenjathai Alli

| extra8 = K. J. Yesudas, P. Susheela, L. R. Eswari

| length8 = 03:44

}}

Kadhalikka Neramillai was released on 27 February 1964. Artist Jeyaraj designed the publicity posters;{{Cite news |last=Nainar |first=Nahla |date=7 August 2015 |title=Artist Jeyaraj on his inspirations |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/artist-jeyaraj-on-his-inspirations/article7512324.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150908155308/http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/artist-jeyaraj-on-his-inspirations/article7512324.ece |archive-date=8 September 2015 |access-date=8 September 2015 |work=The Hindu}} the pre-release poster designed by him depicted a shooting spot.{{Cite news |last=Saravanan |first=T. |date=5 April 2017 |title=The man who gave faces to Appusamy and Seetha patti |url=http://www.thehindu.com/society/illustrator-jeyaraj-speaks-about-his-artistic-journey/article17828278.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728095110/http://www.thehindu.com/society/illustrator-jeyaraj-speaks-about-his-artistic-journey/article17828278.ece |archive-date=28 July 2017 |access-date=28 July 2017 |work=The Hindu}} Gopu said Chitralaya released the film because initially there was no willing exhibitor; the first showings were at the Casino Theatre in Madras and later in Madurai. A few weeks after its release, the film caught the attention of theatre distributors, who competed with one another for it. Eventually, it became a major commercial success,{{Cite news |date=26 July 2011 |title=Actor Ravichandran dies of lung infection |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/actor-ravichandran-dies-of-lung-infection/article2294402.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140316061740/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/actor-ravichandran-dies-of-lung-infection/article2294402.ece |archive-date=16 March 2014 |access-date=16 March 2014 |work=The Hindu}} running for more than 175 days in theatres and becoming a silver jubilee film.{{efn|A silver jubilee film is one that completes a theatrical run of 175 days.{{Cite news |last=Govardan |first=D |date=14 April 2017 |title=Last day, Last show |url=http://www.mydigitalfc.com/news/last-day-last-show-643? |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201117174527/http://www.mydigitalfc.com/news/last-day-last-show-643? |archive-date=17 November 2020 |access-date=25 June 2018 |work=Financial Chronicle}}}} In April 2010, Kadhalikka Neramillai was one of five films screened at the South Indian Film Chamber Theatre for the Dignity Film Festival held in Chennai; the other four were Madhumati (1958), Server Sundaram (1964), Anbe Vaa (1966) and Thillana Mohanambal (1968).{{Cite news |date=17 April 2010 |title=Dignity Foundation announces the opening of first of its kind Film Festival for the 50+ citizens |url=http://www.chennaimirror.com/pressnews/topstories_190410_4.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141010135845/http://www.chennaimirror.com/pressnews/topstories_190410_4.html |archive-date=10 October 2014 |access-date=2 May 2015 |work=Chennai Mirror}}{{Cite news |date=17 April 2010 |title=The good ole days |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/the-good-ole-days/article785628.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141127070134/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/the-good-ole-days/article785628.ece |archive-date=27 November 2014 |access-date=2 May 2015 |work=The Hindu}}{{Cite news |date=19 April 2010 |title=Film festival revives pleasant memories |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/film-festival-revives-pleasant-memories/article403039.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160430172721/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/film-festival-revives-pleasant-memories/article403039.ece |archive-date=30 April 2016 |access-date=30 April 2016 |work=The Hindu}} During the successful run, the film attracted controversy with an MLA accusing the film of promoting vulgarity and that it is harmful to the society; the controversy benefited the film even more and it went to make more profits.{{Cite magazine |last=ஸ்ரீதர் |first=டைரக்டர் |author-link=C. V. Sridhar |date=22 March 1992 |title=வாசனின் பெருந்தன்மை |trans-title=Magnanimity of Vaasan |url=https://archive.org/details/kalki1992-03-22/page/n59/mode/2up |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230209130926/https://archive.org/details/kalki1992-03-22/page/n59/mode/2up |archive-date=9 February 2023 |access-date=13 December 2022 |magazine=Kalki |pages=58–59 |language=ta |via=Internet Archive}}

Upon release, the film was widely appreciated for the comedy sequences featuring Nagesh.{{Cite news |last=Srivatsan |date=20 October 2016 |title=Remembering CV Sridhar, the iconoclastic filmmaker on his 8th death anniversary |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/remembering-cv-sridhar-the-iconoclastic-filmmaker-on-his-8th-death-anniversary/1/791171.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170507083007/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/remembering-cv-sridhar-the-iconoclastic-filmmaker-on-his-8th-death-anniversary/1/791171.html |archive-date=7 May 2017 |access-date=7 May 2017 |work=India Today}} On 29 February 1964, the critic from The Indian Express noted that the lack of major stars gave the film a feeling of freshness, applauded the performances of the cast and concluded, "One cannot carry home anything after seeing the picture. But its very purpose is just that: to ease you of all your worries."{{Cite news |date=29 February 1964 |title=Fine comedy in Tamil |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=P9oYG7HA76QC&dat=19640229&printsec=frontpage&hl=en |access-date=28 April 2017 |work=The Indian Express |pages=5 |via=Google News Archive}}{{cbignore}} On 15 March 1964, Sekar and Sundar of the Tamil magazine Ananda Vikatan jointly reviewed the film. Sekar said that seeing mainly newcomers in colour gave a refreshing feeling to his eyes which had become tired seeing films with only familiar actors. Sundar called the film a welcome change for Sridhar, then known mainly for melodramatic films. Both men applauded the performances of Balaiah, Muthuraman and Nagesh, with Sekar appreciating the casting of Balaiah, generally known for negative roles, as a "first class" comedian. Sundar praised the colour cinematography by Vincent, saying it elevated him to the next level. Sekar concluded by praising the filmmakers for having given Tamil cinema an innovative and entertaining comedy.{{Cite web |last1=Sekar |last2=Sundar |date=15 March 1964 |title=சினிமா விமர்சனம்: காதலிக்க நேரமில்லை |trans-title=Movie Review: Kadhalikka Neramillai |url=https://www.vikatan.com/arts/nostalgia/43195--2 |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210128174609/https://www.vikatan.com/arts/nostalgia/43195--2 |archive-date=28 January 2021 |access-date=28 January 2021 |website=Ananda Vikatan |language=Tamil}}

On 28 March, T. M. Ramachandran of Sport and Pastime applauded nearly every aspect of the film, including the cast performances, the colour processing by Gemini ("it almost passes muster for a well-made foreign film"), the camera work by Vincent and Sundaram, the depiction of Marina Beach and other outdoor sequences, and Ganga's art direction.{{Cite magazine |last=Ramachandran |first=T. M. |date=28 March 1964 |title=Sridhar Does It Again |url=https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.98084/page/n725/mode/2up |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240329120325/https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.98084/page/n725/mode/2up |archive-date=29 March 2024 |access-date=29 March 2024 |magazine=Sport and Pastime |pages=52 |via=Internet Archive |volume=18}} The magazine Link said, "There is no story at all in it. In fact, there is no need for one. All that is necessary is for a peacock of a young chap to go dancing and flirting with a peahen of a girl for most part of the three-hour run." The critic applauded Vincent's cinematography, because of which "there is never a dull moment for the viewer." They also praised Kanchana as "personable" but criticised her diction, added that Ravichandran was an "agreeable companion" to Rajasri, Nagesh "reels off his witty script", and concluded that Balaiah "emerges as the evergreen hero, though cast in a fatherly role. Nonsense, no doubt, but thoroughly enjoyable nonsense for a change."{{Cite magazine |year=1964 |title=Light-hearted Fun |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xTBWAAAAYAAJ&q=neramillai |access-date=21 June 2022 |magazine=Link |publisher=United India Periodicals |page=37 |volume=6 |issue=26–52}}{{cbignore}} Kanthan of Kalki appreciated Balaiah's performance, Nagesh's comedy, the colour and photography, but felt Kanchana was underutilised.{{Cite magazine |last=காந்தன் |date=15 March 1964 |title=காதலிக்க நேரமில்லை |url=https://kalkionline.com/kalkionline_archive/imagegallery/archiveimages/kalki/1964/mar/15-03-1964/p63.jpg |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220502120159/https://kalkionline.com/kalkionline_archive/imagegallery/archiveimages/kalki/1964/mar/15-03-1964/p63.jpg |archive-date=2 May 2022 |access-date=21 June 2022 |magazine=Kalki |page=63 |language=ta}}

In 1965, Kadhalikka Neramillai was remade in Telugu as Preminchi Choodu, and featured Kanchana and Rajasree reprising their roles.{{Cite news |last=Narasimham |first=M. L. |date=24 September 2018 |title=Composer's choice: how Master Venu defied his producer to make his own tune for a song in 'Preminchi Choodu' |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/master-venu-defied-his-producers-orders-to-make-his-own-tune-for-a-song-in-preminchi-choodu/article25028555.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20190729162342/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/master-venu-defied-his-producers-orders-to-make-his-own-tune-for-a-song-in-preminchi-choodu/article25028555.ece |archive-date=29 July 2019 |access-date=30 August 2019 |work=The Hindu}} The following year, the film was remade in Hindi as Pyar Kiye Jaa, with Sridhar returning to direct.{{Sfn|Narwekar|2012|page=153}} Rajasree again reprised her role, and was the only actor to appear in both these remakes. The film was also remade in Kannada as Preethi Madu Thamashe Nodu (1979),{{Cite news |last=Dasagrandhi |first=Madhuri |date=23 June 2019 |title=Sattekalapu Satteya turns 50 |url=https://telanganatoday.com/sattekalapu-satteya-turns-50 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20190715140639/https://telanganatoday.com/sattekalapu-satteya-turns-50 |archive-date=15 July 2019 |access-date=15 July 2019 |work=Telangana Today}} and in Marathi as Dhoom Dhadaka (1985).{{Cite web |date=4 June 2021 |title=Birthday Special! Ashok Saraf: 'Dhum Dhadaka' to 'Amchya Sarkhe Amhich'; FIVE evergreen comedy movies of the veteran star |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/marathi/movies/news/birthday-special-ashok-saraf-dhum-dhadaka-to-amchya-sarkhe-amhich-five-evergreen-comedy-movies-of-the-veteran-star/photostory/83216447.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220621092034/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/marathi/movies/news/birthday-special-ashok-saraf-dhum-dhadaka-to-amchya-sarkhe-amhich-five-evergreen-comedy-movies-of-the-veteran-star/photostory/83216447.cms |archive-date=21 June 2022 |access-date=21 June 2022 |website=The Times of India}}

In August 2008, The Hindu reported that Manobala would be directing a remake of Kadhalikka Neramillai with R. Madhavan in the lead role, but this never came to fruition.{{Cite news |date=7 August 2008 |title=Comedy antidote for depression |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/article1309830.ece |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140316052404/http://www.hindu.com/2008/08/07/stories/2008080756750200.htm |archive-date=16 March 2014 |access-date=16 March 2014 |work=The Hindu}} Plans for a contemporary remake drew criticism. In a 2012 interview with Rekhs, a celebrity columnist for Behindwoods, Gopu said, "This film even if it is remade today, will not hold a candle to its original".{{Cite web |last=Rekhs |date=29 June 2012 |title=Gopu is Gold |url=http://behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-celebrity-column/Gopu-is-Gold-29-06-12.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224152625/http://behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-celebrity-column/Gopu-is-Gold-29-06-12.html |archive-date=24 December 2013 |access-date=24 December 2013 |website=Behindwoods}} Comedian and playwright Crazy Mohan said, "Kadhalikka Naeramillai is Tamil Cinema's Mount Everest of comedy. There's no other Tenzing [Norgay] in sight so far. I was aghast that some people even considered re-making Kadhalikka Naeramillai. None should attempt it. It is blasphemy". Sharadha Narayanan of The New Indian Express stated in February 2009, "Recently when the news of Kadhalikka Neramillai{{'s}} remake was announced, every lip had one question that went unanswered: Who can actually do Nagesh's role at least the way he did, if not better?"{{Cite news |last=Narayanan |first=Sharadha |date=1 February 2009 |title=A smile wiped out from earth's face |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil_nadu/article31976.ece |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160430172224/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil_nadu/article31976.ece |archive-date=30 April 2016 |access-date=30 April 2016 |work=The New Indian Express}} According to Sridhar's son Sanjay, plans to remake the film were dropped due to casting difficulties, especially finding actors who could match Nagesh and Balaiah's performances.{{Cite news |last=Vamanan |author-link=Vamanan |date=2 September 2024 |title=60 Years On, 'Kadhalikka Neramillai' is a Film That is Still Loved Happily Ever After |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/60-years-on-kadhalikka-neramillai-is-a-film-that-is-still-loved-happily-ever-after/articleshow/113002689.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240904225403/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/60-years-on-kadhalikka-neramillai-is-a-film-that-is-still-loved-happily-ever-after/articleshow/113002689.cms |archive-date=4 September 2024 |access-date=14 October 2024 |work=The Times of India}}

{{quote box| quote = ...  [Kadhalikka Neramillai is] Tamil Cinema's dictionary for humour ... And it has a solid message camouflaged in humour, that if you go in for ostentation and sycophancy you are bound to bite the dust ... No cheap rib-ticklers for Sridhar and Gopu! They could have made many a joke with the false beard Muthuraman sported in the film, but they didn't. Classy comedy was their forte.

| source = —Crazy Mohan and his brother Maadhu Balaji on how Kadhalikka Neramillai inspired them.

| align = right

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Kadhalikka Neramillai attained cult status in Tamil cinema.{{Cite news |last=Guy |first=Randor |date=8 August 2015 |title=Blast from the Past: 'Meenda Sorgam' 1960 |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/blast-from-the-past-meenda-sorgam/article7516330.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160511034504/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/blast-from-the-past-meenda-sorgam/article7516330.ece |archive-date=11 May 2016 |access-date=11 May 2016 |work=The Hindu}} It has been hailed as a trendsetting comedy, and the film is said to kindle a feeling of joie de vivre. The film's comedy sequences are regarded as evergreen.{{Cite news |last=Rangarajan |first=Malathi |date=20 February 2009 |title=Saga of success |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/article657432.ece |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090225043232/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2009/02/20/stories/2009022050710400.htm |archive-date=25 February 2009 |access-date=16 March 2014 |work=The Hindu}} The success of their on-screen pairing led Nagesh and Sachu to act together in films such as Motor Sundaram Pillai (1966), Galatta Kalyanam (1968), Sivandha Mann (1969) Sumathi En Sundari (1971) and Urimaikural (1974). According to M. Bharat Kumar of News Today, Kadhalikka Neramillai also popularised the romantic comedy genre.{{Cite news |last=Bharat Kumar |first=M. |date=13 February 2016 |title=Kollywood kadhal: From black & white till now |url=http://newstodaynet.com/entertainment/kollywood-kadhal-black-white-till-now |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160214090823/http://newstodaynet.com/entertainment/kollywood-kadhal-black-white-till-now |archive-date=14 February 2016 |access-date=5 April 2016 |work=News Today}}

While the comedy track of 'Oho Productions' featuring Nagesh is considered to be one of Gopu's masterpieces, the Balaiah-Nagesh scene is often termed to be legendary in Tamil cinema. In a film that featured mostly newcomers, Balaiah was the most senior artiste. When the Balaiah-Nagesh pairing was an instant hit, he praised the latter saying, "Watch out! This boy is a scene-stealer."{{Cite news |last=Viswanathan |first=P. R. |date=6 February 2009 |title=Tribute: Nobody like Nagesh |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/article657303.ece |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140316060228/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2009/02/06/stories/2009020651380300.htm |archive-date=16 March 2014 |access-date=16 March 2014 |work=The Hindu}} In 2009, playwright and comedian Y. G. Mahendran said the film taught him "there is everything to know about comedy—what is timing, what is healthy comedy, what is situational comedy ... It also portrayed love in such a clean and healthy way [...] Kaadhalikka... is a movie for all seasons."{{Cite news |last=Mahendra |first=Y. G. |date=20 February 2009 |title=Why I like... Kaadhalikka Neramillai |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-cinemaplus/article3021167.ece |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140316060638/http://www.hindu.com/cp/2009/02/20/stories/2009022050110400.htm |archive-date=16 March 2014 |access-date=16 March 2014 |work=The Hindu}}

Crazy Mohan listed Kadhalikka Neramillai among his favourite films.{{Cite news |last=Rao |first=Subha J. |date=2 July 2013 |title=Laughter lines |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/laughter-lines/article4871227.ece |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140316061747/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/laughter-lines/article4871227.ece |archive-date=16 March 2014 |access-date=16 March 2014 |work=The Hindu}} During the celebrations of the film's 50th anniversary, Kamal Haasan appreciated Gopu's dialogue in the film while Y. G. Mahendran said, "[Kadhalikka Neramillai] was Wodehouseian humour at its best—unadulterated and pure." Director Vasanth noted in 2016, "when I watched Sridhar's [Kadhalikka Neramillai] that guarantees three hours of non-stop laughter, I understood what filmmaking is all about. A director par excellence is someone who can handle all subjects and infuse all kinds of emotions in the audience."{{Cite news |last=Shrikumar |first=A. |date=18 August 2016 |title=Director's cut |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/interview-with-filmmaker-vasanth-sai/article9003182.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818153806/http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/interview-with-filmmaker-vasanth-sai/article9003182.ece |archive-date=18 August 2016 |access-date=18 August 2016 |work=The Hindu}}

In 2006, Crazy Mohan wanted to create something similar to Kadhalikka Neramillai. He wrote the story and screenplay of the film Jerry, which he described as his "pet project".{{Cite news |last=Allirajan |first=M. |date=24 February 2003 |title=On the comedy trail |url=http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/mp/2003/02/24/stories/2003022400830300.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140316055319/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/mp/2003/02/24/stories/2003022400830300.htm |archive-date=16 March 2014 |access-date=16 March 2014 |work=The Hindu}} In 2011, director I. Ahmed's then-forthcoming film was initially titled Kadhalikka Neramillai, but this was changed to Endrendrum Punnagai (2013) because the producers could not get the rights to use the former name.{{Cite news |title=ஜீவா நடிக்கும் காதலிக்க நேரமில்லை! |trans-title=Jiiva starrer Kadhalikka Neramillai |url=https://cinema.dinamalar.com/tamil-news/5642/cinema/Kollywood/Jeevas-next-movie-titled-as-kadhalikka-neramillai.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111219111838/http://cinema.dinamalar.com/tamil-news/5642/cinema/Kollywood/Jeevas-next-movie-titled-as-kadhalikka-neramillai.htm |archive-date=19 December 2011 |access-date=16 March 2014 |work=Dinamalar |language=Tamil}}{{Cite news |last=Suganth |first=M. |date=19 November 2011 |title=Jiiva's musical will not be titled after Kadhalikka Neramillai |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news-interviews/Jiivas-musical-will-not-be-titled-after-Kadhalikka-Neramillai/articleshow/10801959.cms |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140412055430/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news-interviews/Jiivas-musical-will-not-be-titled-after-Kadhalikka-Neramillai/articleshow/10801959.cms |archive-date=12 April 2014 |access-date=12 April 2014 |work=The Times of India}}

Y. G. Mahendran has a particular affinity for Kadhalikka Neramillai. When he launched his theatre group United Amateur Artists' 55th play, he named it Kadhalikka Neramundu (There {{Em|is}} time for love) as a tribute to Gopu and Sridhar.{{Cite news |last=Rangarajan |first=Malathi |date=1 October 2004 |title=Courting cupid with a comic slant |url=http://www.thehindu.com/fr/2004/10/01/stories/2004100102050500.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140316060515/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2004/10/01/stories/2004100102050500.htm |archive-date=16 March 2014 |access-date=16 March 2014 |work=The Hindu}} The play, a parody of the film, was written by Gopu's son 'Chitralaya' Sriram.{{Cite news |last=Ramadevi |first=B. |date=15 July 2005 |title=Comedy clean and witty |url=http://www.thehindu.com/fr/2005/07/15/stories/2005071500090200.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140316054911/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2005/07/15/stories/2005071500090200.htm |archive-date=16 March 2014 |access-date=16 March 2014 |work=The Hindu}}{{Cite news |last=Rao |first=Subha J. |date=7 October 2004 |title=Some laughing matter this |url=http://www.thehindu.com/mp/2004/10/07/stories/2004100701980100.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140316054024/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2004/10/07/stories/2004100701980100.htm |archive-date=16 March 2014 |access-date=16 March 2014 |work=The Hindu}} Footage from Kadhalikka Neramillai is also shown in Kadhalum Kadandhu Pogum (2016).{{Cite news |last=Rangan |first=Baradwaj |author-link=Baradwaj Rangan |date=13 March 2016 |title=A letdown, but not a lazy one |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/a-letdown-but-not-a-lazy-one/article8347725.ece |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160511035124/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/a-letdown-but-not-a-lazy-one/article8347725.ece |archive-date=11 May 2016 |access-date=11 May 2016 |work=The Hindu}} The "horror film" scene picturised on Chellappa and Viswanathan was re-used in Mo (2016).{{Cite news |last=Ramanujam |first=Srinivasa |date=28 December 2016 |title=The funny ghost |url=http://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/The-funny-ghost/article16953839.ece |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170430124714/http://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/The-funny-ghost/article16953839.ece |archive-date=30 April 2017 |access-date=30 April 2017 |work=The Hindu}}

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{{Cite news |date=21 October 2008 |title=Sridhar —The man with the midas touch |url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/009200810210329.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140316051219/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/009200810210329.htm |archive-date=16 March 2014 |access-date=16 March 2014 |work=The Hindu |agency=Press Trust of India}}

{{Cite news |last=Kannan |first=Ramya |date=9 March 2014 |title=Kadhalikka Neramillai turns 50! |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/kadhalikka-neramillai-turns-50/article5765005.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140311022310/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/kadhalikka-neramillai-turns-50/article5765005.ece |archive-date=11 March 2014 |access-date=11 March 2014 |work=The Hindu}}

{{Cite news |date=27 February 1964 |title=Kathalikka Neramillai |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=P9oYG7HA76QC&dat=19640227&printsec=frontpage&hl=en |access-date=20 June 2019 |work=The Indian Express |pages=10 |via=Google News Archive}}{{cbignore}}

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{{Cite magazine |last=ஸ்ரீதர் |first=டைரக்டர் |author-link=C. V. Sridhar |date=1 March 1992 |title=காதலிக்க நேரம் உண்டு! |trans-title=There is time for love! |url=https://archive.org/details/kalki1992-03-01/page/n59/mode/2up |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230303062447/https://archive.org/details/kalki1992-03-01/page/n59/mode/2up |archive-date=3 March 2023 |access-date=13 December 2022 |magazine=Kalki |pages=58–59 |language=ta |via=Internet Archive}}

{{Cite news |date=24 July 2011 |title='காதலிக்க நேரமில்லை' யில் வாய்ப்பு கிடைத்தது சுவாரஸ்யமான கதை: துள்ளுவதோ இளமை ராஜஸ்ரீ |trans-title='Kadhalikka Neramillai' chance an interesting story: 'Thulluvatho Ilamai' Rajasree |url=http://www.thinakaran.lk/2012/07/24/?fn=f1207243 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140412044913/http://www.thinakaran.lk/2012/07/24/?fn=f1207243 |archive-date=12 April 2014 |access-date=16 March 2014 |work=Thinakaran |language=Tamil}}

{{Cite news |last=Rangarajan |first=Malathi |date=17 March 2006 |title=Away from the arc lights |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/article3217489.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224113903/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2006/03/17/stories/2006031700100200.htm |archive-date=24 December 2013 |access-date=24 December 2013 |work=The Hindu}}

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{{Cite web |last=நரசிம்மன் |first=டி.ஏ. |date=16 June 2018 |title=சி(ரி)த்ராலயா 22: திருப்புமுனை தந்த சிரிப்பு! |url=https://www.hindutamil.in/news/supplements/hindu-talkies/133203-22.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230121161034/https://www.hindutamil.in/news/supplements/hindu-talkies/133203-22.html |archive-date=21 January 2023 |access-date=17 March 2023 |website=Hindu Tamil Thisai |language=ta}}

{{Cite news |last=Rangarajan |first=Malathi |date=19 May 2006 |title=In a realm of ecstasy and emotion |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/article3218220.ece |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140316055032/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2006/05/19/stories/2006051902900500.htm |archive-date=16 March 2014 |access-date=16 March 2014 |work=The Hindu}}

{{Cite news |last1=Narasimhan |first1=T. A. |last2=Kolappan |first2=B. |last3=Sinha |first3=Vipasha |date=16 July 2015 |title=Memories of a master composer |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/memories-of-a-master-composer/article7426396.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716083345/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/memories-of-a-master-composer/article7426396.ece |archive-date=16 July 2015 |access-date=16 July 2015 |work=The Hindu}}

{{Cite magazine |last=ஸ்ரீதர் |first=டைரக்டர் |author-link=C. V. Sridhar |date=15 March 1992 |title=ஒரு மணி நேரத்தில் இரு சூப்பர்ஹிட் பாடல்கள்! |trans-title=Two superhit songs composed within an hour |url=https://archive.org/download/kalki1992-03-15/kalki1992-03-15.pdf |access-date=29 March 2024 |magazine=Kalki |pages=55–56 |language=ta |via=Internet Archive}}

{{Cite news |last=Rangarajan |first=Malathi |date=22 February 2014 |title=Classic appeal |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/classic-appeal/article5716839.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140316061744/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/classic-appeal/article5716839.ece |archive-date=16 March 2014 |access-date=16 March 2014 |work=The Hindu}}

{{Cite news |last=Ashok Kumar |first=S. R. |date=6 January 2006 |title='Crazy' comedy in the making |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/article3216637.ece |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140316060411/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2006/01/06/stories/2006010600200400.htm |archive-date=16 March 2014 |access-date=16 March 2014 |work=The Hindu}}

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• {{Cite book |last=Narwekar |first=Sanjit |author-link=Sanjit Narwekar |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KbSbAwAAQBAJ |title=Eena Meena Deeka: The Story of Hindi Film Comedy |publisher=Rupa & Co. |year=2012 |isbn=978-81-291-2625-2}}
• {{Cite book |last1=Rajadhyaksha |first1=Ashish |author-link1=Ashish Rajadhyaksha |title=Encyclopaedia of Indian Cinema |last2=Willemen |first2=Paul |author-link2=Paul Willemen |publisher=British Film Institute and Oxford University Press |year=1998 |isbn=0-19-563579-5 |orig-date=1994}}

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{{C. V. Sridhar |state=collapsed}}

{{Portal bar|Film|1960s|Comedy|India}}

Category:1960s Indian films

Category:1960s Tamil-language films

Category:1964 films

Category:1964 romantic comedy films

Category:Films about father–daughter relationships

Category:Films about father–son relationships

Category:Films directed by C. V. Sridhar

Category:Films scored by Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy

Category:Films shot in Ooty

Category:Films with screenplays by C. V. Sridhar

Category:Indian romantic comedy films

Category:Tamil films remade in other languages

Category:Tamil-language Indian films

Category:Tamil-language romantic comedy films