Thunaivan

Last updated

Thunaivan
Thunaivan poster.jpg
Theatrical release poster
Directed by M. A. Thirumugam
Written byV. Balamurugan
Produced by Sandow M. M. A. Chinnappa Thevar
Starring
CinematographyN. S. Varma
Edited by
  • M. G. Balu Rao
  • M. A. Thirumugam
Music by K. V. Mahadevan
Production
company
Release date
  • 4 July 1969 (1969-07-04)
Running time
156 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageTamil

Thunaivan (transl.Companion) is a 1969 Indian Tamil-language devotional film directed by M. A. Thirumugam and produced by Sandow M. M. A. Chinnappa Thevar. It was written by V. Balamurugan, while the music was composed by K. V. Mahadevan. [1] The film stars Sridevi, A. V. M. Rajan and Sowcar Janaki while Major Sundarrajan, Nagesh, Sachu, Vennira Aadai Nirmala and K. B. Sundarambal are featured in supporting roles. The film marked Sridevi's first leading film role of her career at the age of five, playing Muruga. It was partially filmed in black and white and Eastmancolor, and was a commercial success, running in theatres for over 100 days. [1] The film was remade in Hindi as Maalik .

Contents

Plot

Velayudham (A. V. M. Rajan), an orphan and a devotee of Lord Murugan lives in the Murugan Temple of Pooncholai town with the support of the priest Ponnambalam (Senthamarai). The temple trustee (Major Sundararajan) comes for a special Pooja and notices the ruby stone missing in the deity's spear. He blames Velayudham and beats him and threatens to send him out of the town if it is not returned by him the next day. An upset Velayudham pleads with Lord Murugan for justice and since the stone could not be traced, Ponnambalam gives his relative contact in Coimbatore and tells him to leave the town to avoid getting any punishment from the trustee. The next day, Ponnambalam finds the ruby inside the temple and rushes to stop him but it is too late as Velayudham has already left by train. On reaching Coimbatore, he loses his bag containing the address of Ponnambalam's relative. Lost in a new place, he finds solace in a discourse happening there by Kirupananda Variar and believes that Lord Murugan will certainly help him.

While buying Lord Murugan's portrait from Paramasivam (Nagesh) shop, Velayudham gets the address chit which he had lost and realises that the person he was supposed to meet is none other than Paramasivam. Velayudham gets a job from Bhama (Sachu), a fruit shop vendor close to paramasivam, and sells fruits on the roadside. He does very good business and saves up all the money. One day he gets help from Maragatham (Sowcar Janaki) in getting the money due from her friends, who try to cheat him.

One day, Velayudham helps an old man (V. S. Raghavan) with epilepsy struggling at the Murugan temple. Velayudham's help and sincerity in taking care of the old man's briefcase full of money impresses him and he offers Rs.10, 000/- as a token of his appreciation. Using that money, Velayudham starts a fruit stall, which becomes successful. He later starts jewellery shop and many other businesses. He soon becomes a rich businessman in the city and helps many people with his wealth.

Velayudham helps to retrieve Maragatham's stolen chain from his shop by a thief and she is very grateful. He chances upon the temple trustee on the road and invites him for lunch and the trustee comes with his daughter who to Velayudham's surprise is Maragatham. They both likes each other and the trustee notices this and proposes marriage between them. The marriage takes place and they commence a happy life.

One day, Velayudham asks Maragatham to accompany him to the Murugan temple at his hometown for the annual Pooja but she refuses. She tells him that she is an atheist and Velayudham is God to her and her home is her temple. She does not believe in God and temples. Velayudham is shocked and carries on with his plan. One day Kirupananda Variar comes home and Maragatham refuses to take his blessings as she does not believe in Sadhus also. Variar leaves a letter advising him to let her be for now.

Days pass by and Maragatham becomes pregnant. She delivers a very sick baby boy with birth defects. Velayudham is shattered and keeps praying to God and blames her disbelief. Velayudham requests her to come with him to the temples with the child but she refuses. A year passes by and all doctors give up on the baby and finally her that only God can save the child without going to the temple and agrees to join him.

They both start visiting Lord Murugan temples across many towns with the child. One day, while Maragatham is bathing, a snake comes near the child and in desperation she calls out Lord Murugan's name and a peacock appears and takes away the snake. She realises the presence of God there and starts believing and joins Velayudham in praying for the recovery of her child. They both meet Kirupananda Variar and seek his blessings in one of the temples. Finally, they visit Tiruchendur Temple along with another Devotee (K. B. Sundarambal) and pray to Lord Murugan there.

They both pleads to Lord Murugan by ringing the temple bell continuously for many hours and faint. Their prayers work and Lord Murugan (Sridevi) appears as a child and rings the bell. The bell falls down, breaking the floor and water seeps out on the baby. The child recovers and becomes normal making everyone happy. Velayudham, Maragatham and others pray to Lord Murugan for his blessings.

Cast

Production

Actress Sridevi made her acting debut at the age of four with this film in the role of Muruga. [2] Although the makers wanted her to shave her head for the role, she ultimately did not do so. [3] It was partially filmed in black and white and Eastmancolor. [1]

Soundtrack

The soundtrack was composed by K. V. Mahadevan and assisted by Pugazhendhi. Lyrics were written by Kannadasan and A. Maruthakasi. [1] [4]

Track listing
No.TitleArtist(s)Length
1."Naan Yaar Enbathai" T. M. Soundararajan, P. Susheela 03:35
2."Gokulathil Oru Iravu" L. R. Eswari 03:54
3."Marudhamalai Meethile"T. M. Soundararajan, P. Susheela08:39
4."Pazhanimalai Meethile" K. B. Sundarambal 02:10
5."Gnanamum Kalviyum"K. B. Sundarambal03:36
6."Andru Nee"K. B. Sundarambal01:17
7."Koopitta Kuralukku"K. B. Sundarambal00:51
8."Kondadum Thiruchendur"K. B. Sundarambal01:22
Total length:24:04

Release and reception

Thunaivan was released on 4 July 1969. [5] The Indian Express wrote, "If you can ignore the cinema medium, ignore the shortcomings in acting, story, direction and the craft of film-making but are bent upon seeing only the Murugasthalas, you will not be disappointed." [6]

Accolades

1969 National Film Awards
1969 Tamil Nadu State Film Awards [7]

Related Research Articles

<i>Thiruvilaiyadal</i> 1965 film A. P. Nagarajan

Thiruvilaiyadal is a 1965 Indian Tamil-language Hindu mythological film written, directed and co-produced by A. P. Nagarajan. The film stars Sivaji Ganesan, Savitri, and K. B. Sundarambal, with T. S. Balaiah, R. Muthuraman, Nagesh, T. R. Mahalingam, K. Sarangapani, Devika, Manorama, and Nagarajan in supporting roles. K. V. Mahadevan composed the film's soundtrack and score, and Kannadasan and Sankaradas Swamigal wrote the song lyrics.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">K. B. Sundarambal</span> Indian actress and singer

Kodumudi Balambal Sundarambal was an Indian actress and singer from Erode district, Tamil Nadu. She performed in Tamil cinema and was referred to as the "Queen of the Indian stage." A political activist during the Indian independence movement, K.B. Sundarambal was the first film personality to enter a state legislature in India.

<i>Avvaiyar</i> (film) 1953 film by Kothamangalam Subbu

Avvaiyar is a 1953 Indian Tamil-language historical drama film directed by Kothamangalam Subbu, and produced by S. S. Vasan. The film stars K. B. Sundarambal as the title character. It was released on 15 August 1953.

<i>Kaathala Kaathala</i> 1998 film by Singeetam Srinivasa Rao

Kaathala Kaathala is a 1998 Indian Tamil-language romantic comedy film directed by Singeetam Srinivasa Rao and produced by P. L. Thenappan. The film stars Kamal Haasan, Prabhu Deva, Soundarya and Rambha. It revolves around two men falling in love with two women, but end up creating a web of lies trying to impress their lovers' fathers.

<i>Neela Malargal</i> 1979 film by Krishnan–Panju

Neela Malargal is a 1979 Indian Tamil-language film, directed by Krishnan–Panju. The film stars Kamal Haasan, Sridevi and Major Sundarrajan. It is a remake of the Hindi film Anuraag (1972). The film was released on 19 October 1979.

<i>Chokka Thangam</i> 2003 Indian film

Chokka Thangam is a 2003 Indian Tamil-language drama film written and directed by K. Bhagyaraj and produced by G. Venkateswaran under the banner GV Films. It stars Vijayakanth, Soundarya, and Uma with Goundamani, Senthil, Prakash Raj, and Swathi playing supporting roles. The background score and music was composed by Deva. The film was released on 15 January 2003 and became commercially successful. The film also marked actress Soundarya in her last Tamil film.

<i>Kandhan Karunai</i> 1967 Indian film

Kandhan Karunai is a 1967 Indian Tamil-language Hindu mythological film, written and directed by A. P. Nagarajan. It features an ensemble cast including Sivaji Ganesan, Gemini Ganesan, K. B. Sundarambal, Savitri, Jayalalithaa, K. R. Vijaya and Sivakumar. This was the debut film for Sridevi, who had starred as Lord Murugan at the age of 3.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">P. S. Veerappa</span> Indian actor

P. S. Veerappa was an Indian actor and a producer of Tamil cinema.

<i>Kannupada Poguthaiya</i> 1999 Indian film

Kannupada Poguthaiya is a 1999 Indian Tamil-language drama film written and directed by Bharathi Ganesh. It stars Vijayakanth in the main dual lead role as father and son. The film was released on 7 November 1999 and became a commercial success.

<i>Deivam</i> 1972 Indian film

Deivam (transl. God) is a 1972 Indian Tamil-language devotional anthology film, starring Gemini Ganesan, R. Muthuraman, A. V. M. Rajan, Srikanth, K. R. Vijaya, Sowcar Janaki, Nagesh and Thengai Srinivasan. The film was edited and directed by M. A. Thirumugam and written by Sandow M. M. A. Chinnappa Thevar. It was released on 4 November 1972.

<i>Parambarai</i> 1996 Indian film

Parambarai (transl. Hereditary) is a 1996 Indian Tamil language drama film, directed by K. S. Ravikumar, starring Prabhu and Roja. The film was released on 15 January 1996, and did fairly well at the box-office.

<i>Mangaiyar Thilakam</i> 1955 film by L. V. Prasad

Mangaiyar Thilakam is a 1955 Indian Tamil-language drama film directed by L. V. Prasad. The film, released on 26 August 1955, was a remake of the 1953 Marathi film Vahinicha Bangadya. The film was produced by Sripadha Shankar under the banner of Vaidya films. It stars Sivaji Ganesan and Padmini, while M. N. Rajam, S. V. Subbaiah, K. A. Thangavelu and K. Sarangapani play pivotal roles. The film's soundtrack and background score were composed by S. Dakshinamurthi, while the lyrics for the songs were written by Kannadasan, Puratchidasan, and Maruthakasi. P. L. Rai and N. M. Shankar handled cinematography and editing respectively. The story was adapted by Sadasiva Brahmam and dialogues were written by Valampuri Somanathan, G. Ramakrishnan and D. Nagalingam.

Saraswathi Sundaresan Iyer, professionally known as Kumari Sachu is an Indian actress who has acted in more than 500 films in five different languages and a few television serials. She is a character actress/comedienne who nonchalantly blended into the roles she has portrayed over five decades. She made her film début in 1953 in the film Rani at the age of 4, and has since then been a prominent face on the silver screen. She started acting in television serials in 1995.

<i>Babu</i> (1971 film) 1971 Indian Tamil film

Babu is a 1971 Indian Tamil-language film directed by A. C. Tirulokchandar. The film stars Sivaji Ganesan, Vijayasri, Sowcar Janaki, and Vennira Aadai Nirmala. It is a remake of the Malayalam film Odayil Ninnu, which itself was based on P. Kesavadev's novel of the same name. Ganesan played a rickshaw puller who adopts landlord's daughter. The film became a blockbuster at the box office, running for over 100 days in theatres.

<i>Arunagirinathar</i> (film) 1964 film by T. R. Ramanna

Arunagirinathar is a 1964 Indian Tamil-language devotional film, directed by T. R. Ramanna and written by Sakthi T. K. Krishnasamy. Based on the poet of the same name, the film stars T. M. Soundararajan, supported by M. R. Radha, B. S. Saroja, Sharatha, C. Lakshmi Rajyam and Master Raghunath. It was released on 7 August 1964.

<i>Sabatham</i> 1971 Indian film

Sabatham ( transl. Challenge) is 1971 Indian Tamil-language romantic comedy drama film, directed by P. Madhavan and written by Bala Murugan. Music was by G. K. Venkatesh. The film stars K. R. Vijaya, Ravichandran, Nagesh and T. K. Bhagavathi, with V. K. Ramasami and Anjali Devi in supporting roles. It was released on 14 April 1971.

<i>Uttharavindri Ulle Vaa</i> 1971 Indian film

Uttharavindri Ulle Vaa is a 1971 Indian Tamil-language romantic comedy film, directed by N. S. Chakravarthi in his debut, produced by Sridhar and written by Gopu. The film features an ensemble cast including Ravichandran, Nagesh, Thengai Srinivasan, Moorthy, Mali, Kanchana, Rama Prabha, Sachu, Sundari Bai and Vijaya Chandrika. It was remade in Telugu as Vintha Illu Santha Gola (1976).

<i>Pillaiyo Pillai</i> 1972 film by Krishnan–Panju

Pillaiyo Pillai is 1972 Indian Tamil-language romantic drama film directed by Krishnan–Panju, produced by Murasoli Maran and written by M. Karunanidhi. The film stars M. K. Muthu in his debut film appearance alongside Vijayakumari and Lakshmi, while Manohar, M. R. R. Vasu and G. Sakunthala play supporting roles. It was released on 23 June 1972 and was a commercial success.

<i>Engal Kuladevi</i> 1959 Indian film

Engal Kuladevi is a 1959 Indian Tamil-language drama film directed by A. Subba Rao. The film was produced by T. R. Sundaram and stars K. Balaji, Pandari Bai and Mynavathi. It was released on 4 December 1959.

<i>Murugan Adimai</i> 1977 Indian film

Murugan Adimai is a 1977 Indian Tamil-language devotional film starring R. Muthuraman, A. V. M. Rajan, K. R. Vijaya in lead roles with Nagesh, Major Sundarrajan and Thengai Srinivasan in supporting roles. The film was directed by R. Thyagarajan and released on 25 March 1977.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 Dhananjayan, G (2014). Pride of Tamil Cinema: 1931–2013. Blue Ocean Publishers. pp. 210–211. OCLC   898765509.
  2. "Sridevi returns to Tamil cinema with 'Puli'". The Hindu . PTI. 4 January 2015. Archived from the original on 30 January 2021. Retrieved 26 January 2021.
  3. Panicker, Anahita (4 July 2017). "'English Vinglish was my accidental return'". The Hindu . Archived from the original on 31 January 2021. Retrieved 26 January 2021.
  4. "Thunaivan". Saregama . Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 16 September 2015.
  5. "Thunaivan". The Indian Express . 4 July 1969. p. 10. Retrieved 26 January 2021 via Google News Archive.
  6. "Film about faith". The Indian Express . 5 July 1969. p. 5. Retrieved 26 January 2021 via Google News Archive.
  7. Anandan, Film News (2004). சாதனைகள் படைத்த தமிழ்த்திரைப்பட வரலாறு[Tamil Film History and Its Achievements] (in Tamil). Sivagami Publications. p. 738. OCLC   843788919.
  8. Sri Kantha, Sachi (15 September 2020). "Lyricist Maruthakasi's Autobiographical Notes". Ilankai Tamil Sangam . Archived from the original on 22 October 2020. Retrieved 17 February 2021.