Oru Thalai Ragam 's success led to more films in Tamil based on the theme of one-sided and unexpressed love. But the film eventually picked up and became a success. Initial days after the release saw low responses at the box office. The film completed 365 days of run in several theatres. Ananda Vikatan rated the film 50 out of 100. Ibrahim had to release the film himself after distributors refused due to the high price Ibrahim quoted for distribution territories. Rajender recalled that though he had composed the score for the film, his name was not credited for background score in the film which made him swear not to watch the film again. The songs became successful and made Rajendar popular as a composer. During the shoot, since Ibrahim had no prior experience of film direction, Rajender shot the whole film. Ibrahim of Mansoor Creations agreed to produce the film on the basis of one condition that Ibrahim himself will be credited as director while Rajender would be credited as the film's screenwriter and music composer. The film marked the debut of Rajendar in the film industry. Though Kailashnath was not very fluent in Tamil, he dubbed in his own voice. Cinematography was handled by the duo Robert–Rajasekar. The film marked the acting debuts of Shankar, Roopa, Thyagu and Ravindran. The film was entirely shot at AVC college in Mayiladuthurai where Rajendar was an alumnus. Rajendar as a Hindi-singing student (cameo appearance).Subhadra sees Raja seated in the train and expresses her love, but is devastated upon learning that he is already dead. Though his health has worsened, Raja comes with Moorthy by train to college to recollect their college days. Subhadra now decides to meet Raja to express her love as she no longer wishes to hide it. Subhadra's mother learns about Subhadra's love and insults her. Lavanya meets Subhadra and shouts at her cowardice to express her love to Raja. When Lavanya visits him, she learns of his deep love for Subhadra and the suffering he is going through. Raja eventually falls ill due to liver jaundice and does not attend college. Their silent love continues within themselves. Upset, Raja declares he will never speak to her about his love again he confidently states that she will come to express her love for him one day. Though she actually likes him, due to her family situation and mother's instructions to avoid men, she shows no feelings for him. One day, when Raja expresses his love to Subhadra, she becomes angry and rejects his proposal. Lavanya also notices the same affinity in Subhadra towards Raja. Raja's classmate Moorthy notices Raja's interest in Subhadra. Raja and Subhadra develop fondness and miss each other if they do not see even for a day, though they never speak to each other about the good feeling they have for each other. When she gets upset, Raja tries to protect her from Madhu's group many times. Subhadra's male classmates Madhu, Kannan and Thambu tease her in class by narrating the rumours about her mother and gossip about her love for Raja. However, Subhadra concentrates only on studies without getting distracted by other issues as advised by her mother, and maintains a safe distance from other college boys. As a result, people in their locality look down on Subhadra's mother, who supports her children by stitching clothes and is the subject of most gossip sessions. Subhadra's father had deserted her mother and two daughters, suspecting that she had loved someone before marriage. Subhadra, his sincere and quiet classmate, never speaks openly even with her closest friend Lavanya. Raja is a college student who is popular among the other students.