| Kani Nilam | |
| Director: | Arunmozhi |
| Screenplay: | Arunmozhi |
| Story: | Cho |
| Producer: | Palayamkottai Shanmugam |
| Starring: | Cho |
| Cinematography: | Arunmozhi |
| Editing: | R. T. Annadurai |
| Music: | Arunmozhi |
| Studio: | Latha Creations |
| Country: | India |
| Language: | Tamil |
Kani Nilam (in Tamil pronounced as /kaːɳi n̪ilam/)[1] is a 1987 Indian Tamil-language political satire film directed by Arunmozhi, starring Cho. It was released on 14 August 1987.
The title of the film was originally Kani Nilam Vendum . The censor board initially refused to certify the film because of its negative portrayal of politicians (which the board believed would lead to anti-government beliefs), and many derogatory references to politicians based in Tamil Nadu. After the film faced three months of limbo, it was cleared by the board with a U certificate after 18 cuts. According to Cho, however, the film was not meant to defame or vilify anyone: "It only shows corruption at the political level seeping down to the grassroots".[2]
Kani Nilam was released on 14 August 1987.[3] Nandalala of The Indian Express wrote the film "proves to be somewhat of a letdown [...] the end product is a slipshod patchwork which will not cut ice either with the groundlings or with the more discerning".[4] Jayamanmadhan of Kalki also gave the film a negative review, saying innovative angles, neat editing and gripping direction were missing.[5] The film was later selected for screening at the Pan African Film Festival.[6]