Every Wednesday, when the clock strikes 9:00 PM, kids in Tamil homes get goosebumps and wet their pants as the eerie title introduction of Marmadesam plays. First, it is the dog’s bark, and then it is the horse’s neigh.
If you thought today’s OTT platforms are churning out great content, you might be mistaken. Perhaps you are born in the wrong generation if you haven’t experienced the thrilling suspense of television series like Marmadesam, especially the unforgettable Vidaathu Karuppu. This legendary show left many a youngster with literal goosebumps after each episode.
Fans of these groundbreaking series were deeply shocked to hear about the passing of their creator, the iconic storyteller Indra Soundar Rajan. Known for his riveting supernatural tales that combined spiritual lore, psychological depth, and suspense, Rajan’s work continues to stand as a gold standard for gripping storytelling.
Born Soundar Rajan on 13 November 1958, in Salem, Tamil Nadu, Indra Soundar Rajan left an indelible mark on Tamil literature and television, weaving divine intervention, reincarnation, and myths into narratives that captivated millions. He passed away on 10 November 2024, at the age of 65, following a fall at his Madurai residence. With over 700 short stories, 340 novels, and more than 100 television serials to his credit, Rajan’s prolific output and unique voice have enriched Tamil culture for generations.
His iconic series Marmadesam, particularly the celebrated segment Vidaathu Karuppu, is etched into viewers’ memories as one of the most thrilling and suspenseful television experiences. Airing in the late 1990s, Marmadesam captivated audiences with its unique blend of mythology and psychological thriller that was far ahead of its time.
#Marmadesam 😇🥵 https://t.co/xd8sextDMv pic.twitter.com/EoFqk7zbS1
— Sivaram G (@sivaramkrish13) April 10, 2023
Marmadesam (Ragasiyam)
Ragasiyam is the first season of the popular Tamil mystery series, focusing on the mystical healing powers of Navabhashanam Lingams in a fictional village called Chitharpatti. The village’s Chitheswarar temple is believed to have miraculous healing abilities, attracting devotees from far and wide. The temple is locked from 6 PM to 6 AM, with locals believing that Siddhars perform secret rituals at night, protected by a divine guardian dog known as Kaalabhairavar.
The story begins when a journalist named Srikanth tries to investigate these beliefs but is mysteriously killed by a dog, reinforcing the villagers’ superstitions. Mani Sundaram, the rationalist son of the temple priest, along with Dr. KR, a once-famous psychiatrist pretending to be mentally ill, and Prasad, Dr. KR’s son, decide to uncover the truth behind the deaths.
They discover that the murders are not supernatural but are part of a plot by two men using trained dogs to search for the Navabhashanam Lingams hidden in the temple. The mastermind behind the killings is Vaithiyar, who manipulates villagers’ fears for his gain, with guidance from a mysterious figure called Guruji.
The investigation reveals that the true culprits behind the scheme are Mani’s neighbors Govindaraj and Rangaraj, who are eventually exposed. The series ends with a twist, where characters presumed dead address the audience, leading into the next season, Vidathu Karuppu.
Vidathu Karuppu
The second season of the Marmadesam series, titled Vidathu Karuppu, became the most popular and successful installment of the franchise. This season explores the psychological concept of split personality disorder while delving into the rural cult worship of Karuppu Sami, a guardian deity revered in the southern regions of Tamil Nadu. The show features a talented cast, including C. T. Rajakantham, Chetan, Devadarshini, Meenakumari, and others, achieving significant commercial success and inspiring many supernatural thrillers on Tamil television.
The story is told across two timelines. The first part, set in 1970, focuses on the Anaimudi family through the eyes of a young boy, Rajendran. The second part, set in 1995, follows Reena, a skeptical medical student, and her superstitious boss, Dr. Nanda, as they investigate mysterious deaths linked to Karuppu Sami in a village.
As Reena and Dr. Nanda explore the village’s customs, they encounter gruesome deaths believed to be divine punishments from Karuppu Sami. Flashbacks reveal the dark past of Pechi, a ruthless moneylender, and a hidden treasure that many villagers are desperate to find. Reena discovers that the hauntings and deaths are tied to a local schoolteacher and a deeper mystery involving Rajendran.
The shocking twist reveals that Rajendran, due to past trauma, suffers from a split personality and unknowingly commits the murders as “Karuppu”. Realizing the truth, he takes his own life. The series ends on a suspenseful note, suggesting that the cycle of vengeance linked to Karuppu Sami will continue.
The season was so impactful that it inspired numerous other supernatural thrillers on Tamil television.
The show’s gripping narrative, which seamlessly wove folklore with psychological elements, could easily rival the best offerings on today’s streaming platforms. Rajan’s ability to craft such layered tales with depth and suspense was a testament to his mastery, making Marmadesam timeless.
#VidaathuKaruppu #Marmadesam
Best ever Goosebumps in TV serial
era🥵
Such a fantastic story and screenplay at the time of 90's🔥
I'll Never forgot the days after watching this at neighbours home and asking elder siblings to escort us to home.. 😨#Indra_Soundar_Rajan #Naga pic.twitter.com/0NcGwzwmRx— Shankar Mahadev (@ShaMahadev) September 24, 2023
Rajan began his career in the TVS Group but eventually transitioned to writing full-time, driven by his passion for Tamil folklore, spirituality, and the supernatural. His collaboration with director Naga brought to life some of Tamil television’s most impactful series, and together, they revolutionized the genre with high-quality storytelling. His ability to write profound spiritual thrillers made him a household name and inspired generations of viewers and readers alike.
From novels like Sornajaalam and Rudra Veenai to television adaptations like Krishnadasi and Kaal Bhairav Rahasya, his works expanded across languages and formats, winning the hearts of diverse audiences. Indra Soundar Rajan leaves behind a towering legacy that will continue to inspire and captivate for generations. His departure is a tremendous loss, but his spirit will live on in the hearts of his readers and viewers, particularly in the timeless suspense of Vidaathu Karuppu.
Fare thee well, Indra Soundar Rajan, an author, a spiritual seeker, and an unforgettable storyteller.
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