Petralthan Pillaiya
Petralthan Pillaiya | |
---|---|
Theatrical release poster | |
Directed by | Krishnan-Panju |
Produced by | Vasu |
Written by | Aaroor Dass |
Starring |
M. G. Ramachandran B. Saroja Devi Sowkar Janaki M. R. Radha |
Music by | M. S. Viswanathan |
Cinematography | P. N. Sundaram |
Edited by | S. Panjabi |
Production company |
Sri Muthukumaran Pictures |
Distributed by | Sri Muthukumaran Pictures |
Release date |
|
Running time | 168 mins |
Country | India |
Language | Tamil |
Petralthan Pillaiya (lit. Should one be a biological parent to provide love and care?) is a 1966 Indian Tamil-language drama film directed by Krishnan–Panju. The film features M. G. Ramachandran and B. Saroja Devi in lead roles. It is based on Charlie Chaplin's 1921 American comedy-drama film, The Kid. It was produced by Vasu, under Sri Muthukumaran Pictures. The film was the last time that T. S. Balaiah and M. R. Radha played beside Ramachandran. This is the 25th and final collaboration between Ramachandran and M. R. Radha, as a few days after the film was completed, Radha shot Ramachandran, wounding him. This is also the 25th film for M.G.R and B.Saroja Devi pair.
Plot
Jeeva (Sowkar Janaki) is a mother unable to afford the cost of raising a young boy. She abandons him in a temple where a tramp, Anandhan (M. G. Ramachandran), discovers him. Anandhan tries to get rid of the boy, but he eventually becomes attached to him. Anandhan names the boy Kannan (Baby Shaguila) and educates him, despite his poor financial condition. After five years, Kannan's biological mother, Jeeva, her husband Sekhar (S. A. Ashokan) and social services try to find her son.
Cast
- M. G. Ramachandran as Anandhan, the good tramp
- B. Saroja Devi as Mohini, Anandhan's lover and a fortune-teller
- Baby Shaguila as Kannan, Anandhan's child
- Sowkar Janaki as Jeeva
- M. R. Radha as Kabali, a fairground entertainer
- S. A. Ashokan as Sekhar, a rich man
- K. A. Thangavelu as Pandjavarnam, a seller of itinerant toy
- M. N. Nambiar as Mani
- T. S. Balaiah as The old policeman
- Indira Devi
- Mohana
Production
Petralthan Pillaiya is based on Charlie Chaplin's 1921 American comedy-drama film, The Kid.[1] This is the 25th and final collaboration between Ramachandran and M. R. Radha, as a few days after the film was completed, Radha shot Ramachandran, wounding him.[2]
Soundtrack
M. S. Viswanathan composed the film's soundtrack.[3] One song, "Nalla Nalla Pillaigalai...", had to be modified for political reasons. The initial version contained the words "Arignar Annappol" (lit. Like Anna, the scholar), a reference to Indian politician C. N. Annadurai. The lyrics were changed after filming to "Thiru Vi Ka pol" (lit. Like Thiru Vi Ka), a reference to Indian scholar and activist Thiru. V. Kalyanasundaram.[4]
No. | Song | Singers | Lyrics | Length |
1 | Chakkara Katti | T. M. Soundararajan, P. Susheela | Vaali | 03:27 |
2 | Chellakkiliye (Men) | T. M. Soundararajan | 03:16 | |
3 | Chellakkiliye (Pathos) | P. Susheela | 02:37 | |
4 | Kannan Piranthaan | T. M. Soundararajan, P. Susheela | 03:18 | |
5 | Nalla Nalla Pillaigali | T. M. Soundararajan | 03:28 |
Release and reception
Petralthan Pillaiya was released on 9 December 1966 and emerged a commercial success,[1] running for over 100 days in theatres. Film historian Randor Guy wrote that the film would be remembered for "The melodious music of M.S. Viswanathan, fine acting of MGR, Sowcar Janaki and Baby Shakila; good camerawork by P.N. Sundaram and deft direction by Krishnan-Panju."[4]
References
- 1 2 3 Kantha, Sachi Sri (17 March 2016). "MGR Remembered – Part 34". Ilankai Tamil Sangam. Retrieved 5 June 2018.
- ↑ Srivathsan, A. (23 December 2012). "The day M.R. Radha shot MGR". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 24 April 2014.
- ↑ "Petralthan Pillaiya Songs". Raaga.com. Archived from the original on 2014. Retrieved 14 June 2014.
- 1 2 Guy, Randor (7 May 2016). "Petraalthan Pillaiya (1966)". The Hindu. Retrieved 5 June 2018.