Ambikapathy (1957 film)

Last updated

Ambikapathy
Ambikapathy 1957 poster.jpg
Theatrical release poster
Directed by P. Neelakantan
Written byP. Neelakantan
Screenplay by Sakthi T. K. Krishnasamy
Chinna Annamalai
M. Lakshmanan
Produced byV. Arunachalam
Starring Sivaji Ganesan
P. Bhanumathi
CinematographyV. Ramamoorthy (black and white)
W. R. Subba Rao (Gevacolor)
Edited byR. Devarajan
Music by G. Ramanathan
Production
company
ALS Productions
Release date
  • 22 October 1957 (1957-10-22)
Running time
149 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageTamil

Ambikapathy (also spelled Ambikapathi) is a 1957 Indian Tamil language film directed by P. Neelakantan, starring Sivaji Ganesan and P. Bhanumathi. The film, primarily in black-and-white, had sequences in Gevacolor. It was released on 22 October 1957. [1]

Contents

Plot

Kambar is a poet in Kulothunga's court in Urayur. Despite his erudite scholarship, deep learning of Sanskrit and Tamil and extraordinary poetic skills, Kamban remains a humble, unassuming, deeply pious man, and a loyal subject of the King. All this earns Kamban a special place in the heart of Kulothunga who treats him with utmost deference and affection. Ottakoothar is another great poet in the King's court, and Kamban's ascent in the firmament and the King's unabashed admiration for Kamban's poetry has Ottakoothar simmering in jealousy.

It is in this backdrop that the love story blossoms. Amaravathi, the beautiful princess and Ambikapathy, the handsome and talented son of Kambar, fall in love. Ambikapathy is a bold, assertive and supremely self-confident youth, who even at that age, exhibits poetic skills equal to that of his illustrious father. Ottakoothar is doubly dismayed when he hears of this affair, for he had planned to bring about the marriage of Amaravathi with his stooge, Prince Kulasekharan of Vengi. With a brilliant, cunning mind at work, Ottakoothar sets about poisoning the King's mind against Ambikapathi and contrives to bring about various situations wherein Ambikapathi might fall to disgrace. Luck seems to be on Ambikapathi's side as he comes unscathed through these traps.

However, when Kamban discovers his son's love for the princess and realizes the gruesome retribution that would undoubtedly follow, he pleads with Ambikapathi to give up his love. Meanwhile, Ottakoothar gets possession of a verse that Ambikapathi had penned as an ode to Amaravathi's beauty and loses no time to showing the parchment to the King. The King is shaken by this clinching evidence of the love affair, and is determined to put it to an end. However, wishing to avoid any unwanted publicity and not willing to take any drastic measures, at the suggestion of Kamban, the King orders Ambikapathi to go to the distant Pushpaga Theevu, apparently to propagate the greatness of Tamil. A storm leads to the ship in which Ambikapathy is traveling being wrecked; and hanging on to a log, Ambikapathi is washed ashore in Shenbaga Theevu. Coming to know of the developments in Uraiyur, Ambikapathy hastens in disguise thereto.

With the help of Kannamma, the daughter of Pugazhendhi Pulavar, he succeeds in meeting Amaravathi, and they plan to flee to Shenbaga Theevu that night. But their plans go awry and both are caught trying to leave the palace. The King sentences Ambikapathy to death. But Amaravathi intervenes, claiming equal responsibility for whatever may have been the crime that Ambikapathi is said to have committed. In the ensuing argument, the King condemns Ambikapathi as sham poet who could write only verses that cater to man's baser instincts. Ambikapathy is outraged at this slur on his poetic capabilities. The upshot is that if Ambikapathi could sing 100 devotional songs in succession, the King promises him Amaravathi's hand in marriage. If he failed in this challenge, he would be executed forthwith. Amaravathi visits Ambikapathi in prison that night and urges caution. Ambikapathi laughs away her fears, assuring her that he is wholly confident of his own capabilities. A relieved Amaravathi says that she would be counting the songs, and would appear before him at the end of the ordeal.

The court assembles next day at the vasantha madapam, and in the august presence of the King, ministers and scholars, Ambikapathy commences his soiree with a short invocation to Saraswathi, the Goddess of learning. Amaravathi mistakenly counts this as one of the hundred songs, and so at the end of the 99th song, she appears happily in front of Ambikapathi to signal his victory. Overjoyed at sighting his beloved, and thinking that he has completed the hundred songs, Ambikapathy bursts into a verse in praise of Amaravathi's appearance. Rising with grim satisfaction, Ottakoothar points out that only 99 devotional songs had been sung, and hence Ambikapathy has lost the challenge. Kamban's anguish-filled plea for clemency falls on deaf ears, as the King orders the death sentence to be carried out. Ambikapathi is put to death, and the grief-stricken Amaravathi too dies and their souls unite in heaven.

Cast

Production

The story of Ambikapathy was first adapted into a 1937 film directed by Ellis R. Dungan. In 1957, A. L. Srinivasan decided to remake the story with P. Neelakantan as the director. He picked Sivaji Ganesan to play the title character and Bhanumathi to play the role of Amaravathi in the movie. He initially requested M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar to play the role of Kambar but he refused, having played the role of Ambikapathi in the 1937 film. M. K. Radha was later cast as Kambar. [2] This was N. S. Krishnan's final film: he died before the film's release and as a mark of gratitude the film was dedicated to him. [2] Sequences for the songs "Maasilaa Nilavey", "Vaadaa Malare" and "Vaanam Inge" were shot in Gevacolor.

Soundtrack

Soundtrack was composed by G. Ramanathan and lyrics for all songs were written by Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass, Kannadasan, K. D. Santhanam, Ku. Sa. Krishnamoorthi, Ku. Ma. Balasubramaniam, Pattukkottai Kalyanasundaram and Aadhimoolam Gopalakrishnan. The song "Vadivelum Mayilum" is set in Kedaragaula raga. [3] The song "Sindhanai Sei" is set in Kalyani raga. [4] The song "Vaada Malare" is set in Mukhari raga. [5] The song "Vaanam Inge" is based on Punnagavarali. [6] The songs like "Sinthanai Sei Maname", "Aadattuma Konjam Paadattumaa", "Satrey Sarindha Kuzhaley", "Kannile Irupathenna", "Masila Nilave" and "Vaada Malare Thamizh Thene" were well received. [2] On the song, "Vadivelum Mayilum", Charulatha Mani wrote, "the song 'Vadivelum Mayilum' has the Charanam alone ('Thamizh Maalai Thanai Sooduvaar') in Kambhoji raga. The phrase opens brightly at the upper Rishabha and the characteristic phrase 'PDSRGR' clearly establishes the raga beyond doubt". [7] On the song "Sindhanai Sei", she wrote "G. Ramanathan showcases the key phrases of the raga. In the lines "Sentamizhkarul gnana desaganai", the embellishments free-wheeling from the tara sthayi gandhara are a treat". [4] On the song "Vaada Malare", she wrote "In the line 'Muzhu Nilave', the swaras 'NDSRM' are neatly outlined in the madhyama sthayi, a highlight in the song". [5] On the song "Vaanam Inge", she wrote "The refrain at the conclusion of the piece 'Ini Naanum Verillai', in the voices of Bhanumathi and T. M. Soundararajan, is a fitting finale". [6]

Related Research Articles

<i>Ramavataram</i> Tamil Hindu epic based on the Ramayana

The Ramavataram, popularly referred to as Kamba Ramayanam, is a Tamil epic that was written by the Tamil poet Kambar during the 12th century. Based on Valmiki's Ramayana, the story describes the legend of King Rama of Ayodhya. However, the Ramavataram is different from the Sanskrit version in many aspects – both in spiritual concepts and in the specifics of the storyline. This historic work is considered by both Tamil scholars and the general public as one of the greatest literary works in Tamil literature.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">M. L. Vasanthakumari</span> Musical artist

Madras Lalithangi Vasanthakumari was a Carnatic musician [1 and playback singer for film songs in many Indian languages. MLV and her contemporaries, D. K. Pattammal and M. S. Subbulakshmi, are popularly referred to as the female trinity of Carnatic music. A prime disciple of G. N. Balasubramaniam, she was the youngest among the established musicians of that era and was the youngest female to receive the Sangita Kalanidhi award. In 1967, she was honored with the Padma Bhushan, the third highest civilian award, by the government of India. Her daughter, the late K. Srividya, was an actress in Tamil and Malayalam.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">T. M. Soundararajan</span> Indian Carnatic musician and singer

Thoguluva Meenatchi Iyengar Soundararajan, popularly known as TMS, was an Indian Carnatic musician and a playback singer in Tamil cinema for over six and a half decades. He sang over 10,138 songs from 3,162 films, including devotional, semi-classical, Carnatic, classical and light music songs. He gave classical concerts starting in 1943.

<i>Ambikapathy</i> (1937 film) 1937 Indian Tamil film

Ambikapathy is a 1937 Indian Tamil musical period film directed by American film director Ellis R. Dungan. It starred M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar, M. R. Santhanalakshmi, Serugulathur Sama, T. S. Balaiya, N. S. Krishnan, T. A. Madhuram and P. G. Venkatesan. Ambikapathy is regarded as one of the greatest hits of pre-independence Tamil cinema. Ambikapathy, along with Chintamani were the greatest hits of 1937 and made critics regard Bhagavathar as the "first superstar of Tamil cinema". This was the first Tamil film to name a music director in its credits.

<i>Sivakavi</i> 1943 film by S. M. Sriramulu Naidu

Sivakavi is a 1943 Indian Tamil-language film directed, initially, by P. K. Raja Sandow and later, S. M. Sriramulu Naidu. It starred M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar, S. Jayalakshmi, Serukalathur Sama, Thirupurambal, T. R. Rajakumari, N. S. Krishnan and T. A. Mathuram. The film's screenplay was written by Thiru Muruga Kirubanandha Variyar. The film was shot at Central Studios and released by Pakshiraja Films in Coimbatore. The film was released on 10 April 1943.

Arkadu Parthasarathy Komala, commonly known as A. P. Komala, was an Indian playback singer. She has sung songs in Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu and Kannada languages.

Subburayulu Munuswami Subbaiah Naidu was an Indian composer, conductor, and orchestrator. He was one of the oldest music directors. He worked as an in-house music composer for Central Studios and Pakshiraja Studios and well associated with S. M. Sriramulu Naidu. SMS also worked with many films under Jupiter Pictures banner and a favorite of M. G. Ramachandran.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">G. Ramanathan</span> Musical artist

Gopalan Ramanathan was an Indian music composer for Tamil movies. He is also known as Isai Methai or Sangeetha Chakravarthy and is considered to be one of the influential Tamil music composers to take Carnatic music to the masses. Notable for his association with M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar. G. Ramanathan also composed for films of Salem Modern Theatres and Coimbatore Central Studios. His career lasted until his death in 1963. During the 1950s G.Ramanathan's music dominated most of the box office hits of the then leading Tamil movie stars Shivaji Ganesan and M. G. Ramachandran.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">T. G. Lingappa</span> Indian music director

Thiruchirappalli Govindarajulu Lingappa was an Indian music director who worked predominantly in Kannada language films. He also worked in Tamil and Telugu movies. He was the son of G. Govindarajulu Naidu who was also a musician.

G. Govindarajulu Naidu was an acclaimed music director in 1940s and 50s in the south Indian film industry. Hailing from Tiruchirappalli, he was one among the musicians who defined the way of music in South Indian film industry. He composed music for Tamil and Telugu movies. He has family living in Dubai, UAE.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">T. R. Pappa</span> Indian composer

Thiruthuraipoondi Radhakrishnan Sivasankaran was an Indian music director of Tamil, Telugu and Sinhalese films. He was born in 1923 at Thiruthuraipoondi, Madras Presidency, British India.

Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy were an Indian music composing duo composed of M. S. Viswanathan and T. K. Ramamoorthy. They worked together on over 100 films, from 1952's Panam to 1965's Aayirathil Oruvan. After their split, Ramamoorthy worked on 16 films between 1966 and 1986. He and Viswanathan reunited in 1995 for Engirundho Vandhan.

<i>Thiruvarutchelvar</i> 1967 Indian film

Thiruvarutchelvar is a 1967 Indian Tamil-language Hindu mythological film, directed and produced by A. P. Nagarajan. The film stars Sivaji Ganesan, Gemini Ganesan, Savitri and Padmini. It was released on 28 July 1967, and ran for 100 days successfully in theatres.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">K. Rani (singer)</span> Indian singer

K. Rani was an Indian playback singer who has sung songs in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Sinhalese, Hindi, Bengali and Uzbek. Rani was the first female singer from India to sing in Sinhalese and Uzbek, and sang the national anthem of Sri Lanka.

<i>Agathiyar</i> 1972 film

Agathiyar is a 1972 Indian Tamil-language Hindu mythological film written, directed, and produced by A. P. Nagarajan. The soundtrack was composed by Kunnakudi Vaidyanathan. The film stars Sirkazhi Govindarajan playing the main character, T. R. Mahalingam, A. V. M. Rajan, Kumari Padmini, R. S. Manohar, Suruli Rajan, Manorama and Sridevi were in supporting roles. This film ran for 100 days and won widespread appreciation. The film was dubbed into Hindi under the title Maharish in 1986.

<i>Missamma</i> (soundtrack) 1955 soundtrack album by S. Rajeswara Rao

Missamma is the soundtrack of the 1955 Indian Telugu-language film of the same name directed by L. V. Prasad. Composed by S. Rajeswara Rao, the soundtrack contains 11 songs with lyrics by Pingali. The film was written by Chakrapani, who co-produced it with B. Nagi Reddi for Vijaya Productions. N. T. Rama Rao and Savitri played the lead roles the Telugu version, with Akkineni Nageswara Rao, Jamuna, S. V. Ranga Rao, Rushyendramani, Relangi and Ramana Reddy in supporting roles.

A. G. Rathnamala was an Indian stage drama artist and playback singer who has recorded over 500 songs in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada language films.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sirkazhi Govindarajan discography</span> Indian singer discography

This is the discography of Indian male playback singer Sirkazhi Govindarajan, who sang in over 900 songs in Tamil films. He mostly sang in Tamil Film Songs and Devotional Songs. He gave his voice to actors and thespians in the Tamil film industry such as M. G. Ramachandran, Gemini Ganesan, S. S. Rajendran, R. Muthuraman, K. A. Thangavelu, V. Nagayya, Prem Nazir, Kalyan Kumar, Nagesh In addition to various other known and unknown heroes and supporting actors like R. S. Manohar, S. V. Subbaiah, Kannadasan, Kuladeivam Rajagopal, Major Sundarrajan, Thengai Srinivasan, Suruli Rajan, Master Prabhakar.

<i>Veera Abhimanyu</i> 1965 film by V. Madhusudhana Rao

Veera Abhimanyu is a 1965 Indian Tamil-language Hindu mythological film directed by V. Madhusudhana Rao and produced by Sunderlal Nahta and Doondi. Based on Abhimanyu, a character from the Indian epic Mahabharata, the film stars Gemini Ganesan leading an ensemble cast, including A. V. M. Rajan portraying the title character. It was simultaneously filmed in Telugu as Veerabhimanyu, with a largely different cast. The film was released on 20 August 1965, and failed commercially.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">P. Susheela Tamil discography</span>

This is the Tamil discography of veteran Indian female playback singer P. Susheela, who sang in over 6000 songs in Tamil. She gave her voice to actresses and thespians in the Tamil Film Industry such as Padmini, B. Saroja Devi, Jayalalitha.

References

  1. "Ambikapathi". The Indian Express . 22 October 1957. p. 14. Retrieved 5 September 2018.
  2. 1 2 3 Guy, Randor (7 November 2015). "Ambikapathi (1957)". The Hindu . Archived from the original on 4 April 2017. Retrieved 8 November 2015.
  3. Mani, Charulatha (11 October 2013). "Kedaragowla's many moods". The Hindu . Archived from the original on 27 December 2013. Retrieved 8 November 2015.
  4. 1 2 Mani, Charulatha (14 October 2011). "A Raga's Journey: Kinetic Kalyani". The Hindu . Archived from the original on 3 September 2017. Retrieved 8 November 2015.
  5. 1 2 Mani, Charulatha (4 January 2013). "Notes of peace". The Hindu . Archived from the original on 24 October 2013. Retrieved 8 November 2015.
  6. 1 2 Mani, Charulatha (21 June 2013). "The tale of two varalis". The Hindu . Archived from the original on 17 January 2017. Retrieved 8 November 2015.
  7. Mani, Charulatha (17 August 2012). "Devotional Kambhoji". The Hindu . Archived from the original on 9 October 2015. Retrieved 8 November 2015.