Moodu Pani

Moodu Pani
Theatrical poster
Directed by	Balu Mahendra
Based on	Idhuvum Oru Viduthalai Thaan by Rajendra Kumar
Starring	Shobha Pratap K. Pothen
Music by	Ilaiyaraaja
Cinematography	Balu Mahendra
Edited by	D. Vasu
Production company	Raja Cine Arts
Release date	6 November 1980
Running time	131 minutes
Country	India
Language	Tamil

Moodu Pani (English: The Mist) is a 1980 Indian Tamil-language thriller film written, directed and filmed by Balu Mahendra and produced by Raja Cine Arts. Starring Shoba and Pratap K. Pothen in the lead roles, with N. Viswanathan, Ganthimathi, Mohan and Bhanu Chander in supporting roles, it is based on two novels: Idhuvum Oru Viduthalai Thaan (1978) by Rajendra Kumar, and The Collector (1963) by John Fowles. The film tells the story of Chandru (Pothen), who has a strong hatred towards prostitutes and would kill any such woman whom he encounters. He falls in love with Rekha (Shoba) and believes marrying her will end his psychological distress.

Moodu Pani was the third directorial venture of Mahendra and his second Tamil film after Azhiyatha Kolangal (1979). It was the first appearance of Mohan in a Tamil film; he would later become a successful actor in the industry. Moodu Pani was shot mostly in Bangalore, with additional filming taking place in Ooty. The film's similarities to Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho (1960) and the Oedipal elements between Chandru and his mother have been widely discussed. The soundtrack was composed by Ilaiyaraaja, this being his 100th film, and his brother Gangai Amaran was the main lyricist.

Moodu Pani was released on 6 November 1980 to critical acclaim, with particular praise for the performances of Pothen and Shoba, and Ilaiyaraaja's music, especially the song "Yen Iniya Pon Nilavae". The film was a commercial success, running for 250 days in theatres. It was also responsible for a resurgence of the thriller genre in Tamil cinema at that point. Despite the film propelling Pothen to stardom, it also led to him being typecast in similar roles.