16 Vayathinile

Directed by                  Bharathiraja
Produced by                 S.A.Rajkannu
Starring                        Kamal Haasan
                                     Rajinikanth
                                     Sridevi
                                     Kantimathi
Music by                      Ilaiyaraaja
Cinematography           [P.S.Nivas]
writer                           Bharathiraja
Distributed 
by released                  15 September 1977
Running time                139 mins
Language                      Tamil

16 Vayathinile (pronounced as Pathinaru Vayathinile) (At the Age of Sixteen) is a 1977 Tamil feature film directed by Bharathiraja. The film stars Kamal Haasan, Rajinikanth and Sridevi. The film's score and soundtrack are composed by Ilaiyaraaja. The film marked Bharathiraja's debut as a filmmaker/screenwriter and it met with a strong critical reception upon release. It was also Rajinikanth's first color film. This is the first film which changed the melodrama of Tamil films shooting inside the studios and sets. The film was completely shot in outdoor locations and marked a new era in Tamil cinema. 
This film involves a young, beautiful 16-year-old girl, Mayil, filled with ambitions of becoming a teacher. She is an attractive, intelligent woman living in the small society and experiences ripe love when sees the new vet who has come to visit. Many are impressed by this charming young fellow who has entered the village. He seems to be a wealthy, prosperous man and soon develops a relationship with Mayil. Mayil, who is deep in love, sacrifices her opportunity to study in the teaching college course to spend time with him. Little does she know, that he has not yet revealed his true colors.
Sri Devi's distant cousin Chapani is mentally retarded, and because he is lame, he is taken advantage of and isolated by the society. He is secretly in love with Mayil, and when he sees her in love with the vet, he is jealous and upset. Another important character is the big rowdy Parattai who is also impressed by Mayil. Mayil is impacted by all these men in her life. 
Box office  
The film grossed $1 million at the box office. The film played for 240 days in Cinepriya and 100 days in five other screens. The remake rights for the film was bought for $12,000 by Rajalaxmi Art Films to remake it in Telugu as Padaharella Vayasu.Awards
S. Janaki won the Silver Lotus Award for Best Playback Singer (Female) for her work in the film.