Punar Janmam

Punar Janmam
Theatrical release poster
Directed by R. S. Mani
Produced by N. S. Diraviyam
Screenplay by C. V. Sridhar
Story by Amiya Chakraborthy
Starring Sivaji Ganesan
Padmini
Ragini
P. Kannamba
K. A. Thangavelu
T. R. Ramachandran
Music by T. Chalapathi Rao
Cinematography A. Vincent
Edited by P. V. Narayanan
Production
company
Vijaya Films
Distributed by Vijaya Films
Release date
  • 21 April 1961 (1961-04-21)
[1]
Running time
 148 mins
Country India
Language Tamil

Punar Janmam (lit. Rebirth) is a 1961 Indian Tamil-language drama film directed by R. S. Mani. The film stars Sivaji Ganesan, Padmini, Ragini and P. Kannamba in lead roles. The film, produced by N. S. Diraviyam under Vijaya Films banner, had musical score by T. Chalapathi Rao and was released on 21 April 1961.

Plot

Shankar (Sivaji Ganesan) is a successful artist and lives with his mother (Kannamba). He takes to alcohol, and as a result, messes up his life. A woman in his village, Parvathi (Padmini), is in love with him, but she is unable to make him quit alcohol. Her brother’s wife Kamakshi (Sundari Bai), however, hates Parvathi, and when she wins ₹1 lakh (equivalent to ₹63 lakh or US$88,000 in 2017) in a lottery, it only makes her headstrong. Parvathi suffers the brunt of her ill-treatment. Kamakshi’s daughter, Pushpa (Ragini), meanwhile, falls in love with her music teacher. The mother decides to get them married even though her son does not approve.

To change himself, Shankar goes to Madras, leads a reformed life, and earns well with his artistic skills. Kamakshi, meanwhile, brings his family house to auction. Shankar’s mother is shocked and later passes away. However, just in time, Shankar comes with his earnings and stops the auction. He leaves his village once more. Parvathi, who is engaged to marry someone, is heartbroken and consumes poison. Shankar rushes to save her and gives her a new lease of life and the lovers are united.

Cast

Crew

Production

The film was produced by N. S. Draviam (N. S. Krishnan’s brother), under the banner of Vijaya Films. The film was directed by R. S. Mani, who trained under the American Tamil filmmaker, Ellis R. Dungan. This film was written by C. V. Sridhar. Aloysius Vincent was the cinematographer while the choreography was handled by Madhavan, Hiralal and Sohanlal.[2]

Themes

Punar Janmam highlights the dangers of alcoholism. Film historian Randor Guy notes that the scene where Shankar saves Parvathi and gives her "a new lease of life" reflects the film's title, which means "rebirth".[2]

Soundtrack

The sound track was composed by T. Chalapathi Rao, with lyrics by Pattukkottai Kalyanasundaram, Kannadasan, A. Maruthakasi and Subbu Arumugam. Playback singers are T. M. Soundararajan, A. M. Rajah, Seerkazhi Govindarajan, Thiruchi Loganathan, P. Suseela, Jikki, S. Janaki & Saraswathi.

A song, Paadam Sariyaa Master sung by Trichi Loganathan and Jikki was objected by the censor board on the grounds that it undermines the relationship between teacher and student. However, the gramophone record has already been released. The song was altered in the film as Podhum Saridhaan Mister and was sung by P. B. Srinivas and Jikki.[3]

No.SongSingersLyricsLength (m:ss)
1Kannadi PathirathilP. SuseelaPattukkottai Kalyanasundaram03:08
2Urundodum Naalil02:42
3Endrum Thunbamillai [Female]02:18
4Endrum Thunbamillai [Male]T. M. Soundararajan02:48
5Ullangal OndragiA. M. Rajah & P. Suseela03:17
6Engum Sondhamillai Endha OorumillaiP. B. SrinivasSubbu. Arumugam02:59
7Podhum Sarithaan MisterP. B. Srinivas & Jikki03:14
8Manam Aadudhu PaadudhuJikki & S. JanakiA. Maruthakasi04:10
9Naanillai EndralSeerkazhi Govindarajan, Jikki & SaraswathiKannadasan06:20

Reception

According to Randor Guy, the film did not do well "as the storyline was familiar", but he noted that the film would be remembered for "The brilliant performances by Padmini and Sivaji Ganesan, its interesting screenplay, the dialogue of Sridhar and the deft direction of the experienced filmmaker, R.S. Mani".[2]

References

  1. ↑ "Punar Jenmam". nadigarthilagam.com. Retrieved 22 August 2014.
  2. 1 2 3 Guy, Randor (29 August 2015). "Punarjanmam (1961)". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 3 February 2017. Retrieved 3 February 2017.
  3. ↑ Neelamegam, G. (November 2016). Thiraikalanjiyam — Part 2 (in Tamil) (1st ed.). Chennai: Manivasagar Publishers. pp. 39–40.
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