Centenary Year Controversy Looms over B-Town

Kattumallika (1966)

Cast: Anandan, Natarajan, Paravur Bharathan, Vaikom Mani, S. P. Pillai, Geethanjali, Shanthi etc.

Jungle movies, like those that had characters like Tarzan were extremely popular worldwide. Several such movies, with the jungles as the backdrop, were produced in various Indian languages. And most of them proved to be very successful too. Aana Valarthiya Vaanambaadi (1959) and Kaattu Maina (1963), films in the genre produced by Neela Productions, also set the box-office ringing.

Prompted by these earlier successes Neela Productions came up with another jungle movie, Kaattu Mallika in 1966, which also turned a huge hit.

Shot at Merryland Studios,the film was directed by P. Subramaniam. The story and dialogues were by the noted novelist Kaanam E. J. A few sequences and characters in the film resembled the Tamil movie Vanamohini (1941) produced by South India United Artists Corporation and directed by the noted Hindi film comedian Bhagwan.

The stunt scenes, shot under the direction of Pulikeshi, were highpoint of this adventure movie. Cinematography by E .N. C. Nair and editing by M. Gopalakrishnan were commendable. Also impressive were the folk dances choreographed by Parthasarathy. The film marked the debut of lyricist Sreekumaran Thampi. The music was by M. S. Baburaj.

The hero of this film, Anandan, a Tamil actor, stood out in his adventurous role. This was also the Malayalam debut of the popular South Indian actress Geethanjali. Comedian S. P. Pillai acted in double role.

The other artistes in the film included Paravur Bharathan, Vaikom Mani, and Shanthi.

The story of the film veers around two tribal groups settled in two mountain ranges in Kerala. Chemban (Natarajan), the chief of Pulippara Mountain takes a fancy in Mallika (Geetanjali), the daughter of the chief of Aanappara Mountain. But Mallika does not like Chemban, who is an enemy of her father. Mallika is saved from Chemban several times by an unknown person. And Mallika falls in love with this Unknown Hero, who is actually Vikraman (Anandan).

Veeran (Paravur Bharathan) supports Chemban in all his wicked plans. At the insistence of Veeran, the chief priest of Aanappara lays down a condition for Mallika’s marriage. The bridegroom has to fight and win over a hungry tiger. This is seen as a trap to kill Vikraman. The wicked plan fails. Vikraman kills the tiger in the fight. But the people begin to play dirty tricks and manage to send Vikraman away from the mountains.

Mallika and her father are trapped by Chemban and kept under custody. Mallika manages to escape with the help of her friend Thamara (Shanthi). Vikraman returns to find Mallika all alone and struggling in the jungle.

Disguised as tribal fortune tellers, Kuravan and Kurathi, Vikraman and Mallika, enter Chemban’s camp. Vikraman takes on Chemban and his men in combat and defeats them. All the innocent tribal men kept under custody by Chemban, including Mallika’s father are freed. Vikraman marries Mallika bringing the adventurous jungle story to a happy end.

Anandan impressed in the fight scenes. The comedy scenes involving S. P. Pillai were also appreciated.

Ten songs written by Sreekumaran Thampi were tuned by Baburaj. Thamarathoniyil aalolamaadi …(K. J. Yesudas-S. Janaki) , Avalude kannukal … (P. B. Sreenivas ), Penney nin kanniley … (Kamukara Purushotaman-B.Vasantha), Pandathe paattukal … (Kamukara ) became very popular.

The other hits include Kalyanamakaatha ….(Janaki) and Maranathin nizhalil …(Kamukara).

Will be remembered : As the debut film of lyricist Sreekumaran Thampi and popular South Indian actor Geethanjali

Ninamaninja Kaalpaadukal (1963)

‘Ninamaninja Kaalpaadukal,' released in 1963, is considered as the first ‘war film' in Malayalam. War and the war field were subjects for Indian cinema right from its early days. T. R Sundaram's ‘Burma Rani' and K Subrahmaniam's ‘Maanasamrakshanam' were two Tamil war films released in 1944.

V. Shantaram's classic Hindi film ‘Dr. Kotnis Ki Amar Kahani' (1946) was also set in the backdrop of a war field.

The Sivaji Ganesan starrer ‘Raktha Thilakam' (Tamil-1963) had the 1962 India-China conflict as its plot. 

These war films were all huge box office hits.

‘Ninamaninja Kaalpaadukal' was based on the novel of the same title by K. E. Mathai, popularly known as ‘Paarappurath' who had workd in military service for two decades.

Published in 1955, the novel was a hit. The story of the novel is supposed to have resembled the author's life closely.

Most of the action for this film was shot on specially created sets. Produced by K. V. Bhavadas, N. K. Karunakaran Pillai and K. Parasuraman Nair, under the banner of Navaratna Productions, the film was directed by N. N. Pisharady.

Camera by U. Rajagopal and editing by G.Venkitaraman were commendable. The dialogues by the novelist himself and music by M. S. Baburaj were the film's high points.

The film won the President's Silver Medal for the Best Feature Films (Regional Languages). Prem Nazir, P. J. Antony, Kambissery Karunakaran, Ambika, and Sheela were some of the stars who played important roles in the film. This was actor Madhu's second film but was released before his first, ‘Moodupadam' (1963).

A melodrama about neighbours and childhood sweethearts, the story pivots around two Christian families in a remote Kerala village.

Thankachan (Prem Nazir) is in love with Thankamma (Ambika), daughter of Koshy (Kambissery), a teacher. Thankachan joins the Army after the responsibility of his family falls on his shoulders following the death of his father.

In the meantime, rumours are spread about Thankamma and her relationship with the village moneylender.

Thankachan who comes on leave is shocked to hear this. Broken hearted, he goes back to duty forgoing his sanctioned leave.

Wounded on the battlefield, Thankachan is admitted to the military hospital. Here, a kind-hearted nurse advises him that Thankamma might after all be innocent and that the accusations could be false. Thankachan returns to the village.

But Fate takes a cruel turn. After the death of her mother Thankamma has taken refuge in one of her relatives' houses.

She is forced to marry the village butcher who is a drunkard (P. J. Antony).

Thankachan returns to the warfront. His intimate friend Stephen (Madhu) dies in his arms. Before his death Stephen requests Thankachan to marry his sister Ammini (Sheela). Thankachan fulfils his friend's dying wish.

Immediately after the wedding Thankachan gets orders from the military headquarters to report for duty. The film ends with this scene.

The film was a near-faithful portrayal of life in military camps. In fact, some of the scenes were shot at locations on the border.

Prem Nazir excelled in his role, which was again a deviation from his usual romantic roles. Ambika also came up with an impressive performance.

The songs written by P. Bhaskaran were set to tune by Baburaj. ‘Maamalakalkkappurathu…' (P. B. Sreenivas), ‘Anuraga natakathin…'

(K. P. Udayabhanu), ‘Padinjare manathulloru …' (Sreenivas-Leela) were the most popular songs from the film.

The other hits included ‘Kanya thanaya…' (Leela-Punitha), ‘Iniyaare therayunnu…' (Leela), ‘Bharatha medini pottivalarthiya…' (Sreenivas & chorus).

Will be remembered: As the first war movie in Malayalam, as the winner of the President's silver medal in 1963 and for its excellent music.

Izzat (1936)

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Achut Kanya (1936)

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Amar Jyothi (1936)

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Devdas (1935)

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Chandidas (1934)

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Alam Ara (1931)

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Odayil Ninnu (1965)

UNCONVENTIONAL TELLING

Kaviyoor Ponnamma and Sathyan in a scene from the film

P. Kesavadev is considered the first writer to usher in the Renaissance in Malayalam literature. He wrote the much acclaimed novel ‘Odayil Ninnu' (1940) which had a rickshaw puller as the protagonist.

Kesavadev employed new norms in content and characterisation. This novel proved that a fine piece of literature can be produced with ordinary themes, an unconventional style of prose with ordinary people in main roles.

The novel was adapted to cinema with the same title ‘Odayil Ninnu' in 1965. Produced by P. Ramaswamy under the banner of Thirumugham Pictures, the film was a huge hit at the box-office. The film also had excellent music scored by the Vayalar-Devarajan team.

The film won the Certificate of Merit at the National Film Awards in 1965. The dialogues written by Kesavadev were the highpoint of the film. Directed by K. S. Sethumadhavan, the camera was handled by the producer P. Ramaswamy himself.

The success and worldwide popularity of Bimal Roy's Hindi classic ‘Do Bigha Zameen' (1953) with a rickshaw puller as central character might have prompted the producer to take Kesavadev's novel for a film.

Popular artistes like Sathyan, Prem Nazir, K. R. Vijaya, Kaviyoor Ponnamma starred in the film. This film also marked the entry of Suresh Gopi. He appeared as a child artiste. ‘Odayil Ninnu' was later remade into Tamil as ‘Babu' (1971) with Sivaji Ganesan in the lead role but the film was not as successful as the original.

Pappu (a role handled by Master Dasarath and Sathyan) always fought for justice and equality. Even as a child he protests against the village landlord, the discrimination in school between the landlord's son (Master Suresh Gopi) and other children.

This rebellious nature forces Pappu to leave home. He reaches Kollam where he takes up odd jobs for a living. Here again Pappu fights against the inequity meted out by employers. He decides to get self-employed and becomes a rickshaw puller.

One day, Pappu's rickshaw hits a street girl Lakshmi (Baby Padmini and later K. R. Vijaya) and she falls into a gutter. Pappu picks her up, takes the child home and adopts her as his daughter. Lakshmi's mother Kalyani (Kaviyoor Ponnamma) is a widow. Pappu struggles to bring up his daughter and educate her. He even neglects his own health and contracts tuberculosis.

Gopi (Prem Nazir), a rich, young man falls in love with Lakshmi and marries her. Contrary to Pappu's expectations, Lakshmi becomes arrogant and proud. She even shuns Pappu's presence.

Censured by Gopi for her ingratitude, Lakshmi repents and invites Pappu to live with her in their new home. But Pappu declines. The film ends with a scene in which Pappu moves away from her into darkness, his loud cough indicating that his end is imminent.

Sathyan impressed as Pappu. Kaviyoor Ponnamma also came up with a fine performance. The comic scenes involving Adoor Bhasi were repetitive.

There were seven songs by the famous Vayalar-Devarajan team in the film. Songs like ‘Ambalakulangare kulikkaan…'(P. Leela), ‘Kaattil ilamkaattil…' (P. Susheela), ‘Ammey ammey ammey nammude…' (Renuka), ‘Muttathe mullayil…' (S. Janaki), ‘ O! Rickshawala…' (Mehaboob), ‘Vandikkara vandikkara…' (K. J. Yesudas), ‘Maanathu deivamilla….' (A. M. Raja), were super-hits and still remembered.

Will be remembered: For its excellent music; as the debut film of Suresh Gopi and as a film that won a Certificate of Merit at the National Awards.

Usha Uthup Visits Raksha Society School

Kuttikkuppaayam (1964)

Social evils like dowry, divorce, polygamy etc. were subjects for Indian cinema right from its early years. In 1937 ‘Bombay Talkies' produced the Hindi film ‘Jeevan Prabhat' that had an unusual theme - misunderstanding and a biased attitude towards infertility. The film narrated how such an issue dealt with wrongly can lead to another social problem like polygamy.

The Malayalam film ‘Kuttikuppayam' (1964) produced by T. E. Vasudevan for Jayamaruthi Pictures was based on a more realistic approach to the evils of this social issue.

Based on the novel ‘Kanneer Panthal,' the script and dialogues were by the novelist Moidu Padiyath himself. Directed by M. Krishnan Nair, the film ruled the box office and is still considered as one of the best musical hits with some excellent scores by M. S. Baburaj.

This was the debut film of Philomina. This was also the debut Malayalam film of playback singer L. R. Easwari also.

The film explored the stigma attached to infertility. It was always assumed that the cause for this was the wife. The practice of confirming the cause by proper medical examination was very seldom followed in Kerala.

The film pointed a finger at this misunderstood idea and the injustice meted out to women on account of this.

Jabbar (Prem Nazir) marries Zubaida (Ambika) against the wish of his mother (Philomina) who had plans to bring her niece Safia (Sheela) as her son's bride. Zubaida is accused of being infertile by her mother-in-law and other members of the family.

Jabbar loves his wife but gradually falls to the constant taunts, manipulations and emotional blackmailing over not having a child and blaming his wife for that. Jabbar finally decides to get separated from his wife.

Jabbar marries Safia, while Zubaida's father Kareem (Kozhikode Abdul Rehman) forces his daughter to marry Siddique (Madhu) The marriage broker does not tell Siddique that Zubaida had married earlier. When he comes to know of this he sends Zubaida back home. After Kareem dies, Siddique brings back Zubaida and they leave to Madras where Siddique gets a job.

Zubaida gives birth to a child. Jabbar comes to know of this from a relative and is shocked. He gathers courage and undergoes a medical examination that confirms his infertility. At the same time Safia becomes pregnant. His own cousin (Murali) is held responsible for this.

Jabbar reaches Madras in search of Zubaida and Siddique and meets them at a festival ground. Zubaida's child was on a merry go round. Suddenly the machine goes out of control. Jabbar jumps in to save the life of Zubaida's child but gets injured fatally. Jabbar breathes his last in the presence of Zubaida.

Ten songs written by P. Bhaskaran were set to music by Baburaj.

Most of them turned super hits. ‘Oru kotta ponnundallo…,' ‘Pullimaanalla mayilalla…' (L. R. Easwari and chorus), ‘Kalyana rathriyil kallikal…,' ‘Innente karalillu…' (P. Leela), ‘Velukkumbol kulikkuvan …' (A. P. Komala), ‘Ponvala illenkilum…' (K. P. Udayabhanu), ‘Thottilil ninnu thudakkam…,' (P. B. Sreenivas), ‘Ummakkum baappakkum…,' ( Easwari), ‘Virunnu varum virunnu varum…' (Uthaman- Leela) went on to become immortal hits.

Will be remembered: As a good social movie with a strong message. As the debut film of actress Philomina and the debut Malayalam film of singer L. R. Easwari. And for its excellent music.

CID (1955)

Crime and suspense have been favourite subjects of Indian cinema. Stars in roles of CID (Criminal Investigation Department) officers were very popular quite early in Indian cinema. Ashok Kumar, Devanand, Dharmendra, Jeetendra, Joy Mukherji, Biswajit in Hindi; MGR, Sivaji Ganeshan, Krishna, Jayshankar, Rajkumar, Shobhan Babu in South Indian films are just some names who made CID roles memorable.

The silent film ‘Detective Kumar' (1928), directed by Athawale, was the first ‘detective film' in Indian cinema. The Hindi-Marathi bilingual film ‘Geetha' (1940) is considered the first sound film in the suspense-thriller genre. The Tamil film ‘Digambarasamiyar' (1950) was the first in this category from the South, while ‘Avakashi' (1954), produced by Neela Productions, in which, incidentally, the hero was not a CID officer, was the first of this kind in Malayalam.

‘CID' that had popular star Prem Nazir in the lead role was a huge hit. In fact, Prem Nazir went on to play such characters in several films and even had a film titled ‘CID Nazir' (1971).

‘CID' was the debut film of director M. Krishnan Nair.

Sudhakaran Nair (Prem Nazir), a CID officer is assigned with the tough and adventurous task of suppressing a gang of thieves. Rudrapalan (Muttathara Soman) is the chief of the gang and he gets support from Vallabhan (Kottarakkara). Vallabhan is the estate manager of Mukunda Menon, a rich planter (Jose Prakash). Vallabhan's wicked eye is on the wealth of Menon and his only daughter Vasanthi (Miss Kumari), a college student in a faraway town. Vallabhan kills Mukunda Menon and the crime is falsely framed on the gang of thieves.

On her train journey back home Vasanthi meets Sudhakaran and falls in love with him. Vallabhan influences Pankajam (Adoor Pankajam), the servant of Menon and makes her tell Vasanthi that her father wanted her to marry Vallabhan. Vasanthi decides to sacrifice her love for Sudhakaran and fulfil her father's last wish.

The investigation of Menon's murder is assigned to Sudhakaran. Rudrapalan's adopted daughter Valsala (Kumari Thankam) and her aide Pichu (S. P. Pillai) are arrested by the police while attempting to cheat people. Rudrapalan's men decide to target Sudhakaran and reach Vasanthi's house in search of him. Vasanthi, who runs away at the sight of the thieves reaches Vallabhan's house. Here she is shocked to see her faithful servant Pankajam. Vasanthi realises the true character of Vallabhan.

Vallabhan attempts to kill Pankajam, but she escapes. She informs Sudhakaran about the murder of Menon. In the meanwhile, Valsala and Pichu escape from the police custody with the support of Vallabhan and his men. Valsala falls in love with Vallabhan.

Vasanthi is kidnapped and brought to Rudrapalan's camp. Sudhakaran follows them. ‘Orderly Vava' (S. P. Pillai, in his second role), assistant to Sudhakaran, enters the secret camp in the guise of Pichu. Vallabhan kills Valsala and Rudrapalan when he comes to know that they are plotting against him. Vallabhan and the thieves are arrested. Vasanthi marries Sudhakaran.

The film had nine songs written by Thirunainarkurichi Madhavan Nair and tuned by Brother Lakshmanan. ‘Kaimuthal vediyathe…,' ‘Nillu nillu chollu chollu…' (P. B. Sreenivas ), ‘Kaanum kanninu punyam nalkum…,' ‘Kaananam veendum thalirthu…' (P. Leela), ‘Kaliyallayee kalyana bhavana…,' (Kamukara Purushotaman- Leela), ‘Varuvin varuvin …' (Sarojini) were the most popular.

Will be remembered: As the debut film of M. Krishnan Nair. And as the first Malayalam film in the ‘detective' genre.

Kaattumaina 1963

Indian films with the jungle as backdrop were inspired by Hollywood. Films like the adventures of Tarzan, a character created by Edgar Rice Burroughs, were very popular.

‘Jungle movies' in India started with the silent movie ‘ King of Forest' (1926), produced by Royal Arts, with Jilloobai and Udwadia in lead roles. The Tamil film ‘Vanaraja Karzan' (1938) produced by Wadia Movietone jointly with Madras United Artists Corporation was the first film in this genre from the South. ‘Vanamala' (1951), the first jungle movie in Malayalam was followed by another one in this series, ‘Aana Valarthiya Vanambadi' (1961) produced and directed by P. Subramaniam under the banner of Neela Productions.

The unusual success of this Malayalam-Tamil bilingual film prompted Neela Productions to make ‘ Kaattumaina' in 1963.

The film was a huge hit. The Tamil version of the film, with the same title, was also a success. Shot at Merryland Studios and some forest locations in Kerala, the film was directed by P. Subramaniam..

Popular artists like Prem Nazir, S. P. Pillai, Jose Prakash, S. P. Pillai, Santhi, Sheela etc. starred in the film. C. L. Anandan, who became a star in South Indian cinema with his performances in Tamil films ‘Vijayapuri Veeran' (1960) and ‘Veerathirumakan' (1962), played the main role in the film. A master in wrestling and martial arts, Anandan impressed in his debut Malayalam film. An elephant, named Velayudhan, that featured in the film also proved a hit. The music composed by Brother Lakshmanan was excellent.

The story revolves around the tribal groups who inhabit two mountain ranges, Thenmala and Vanmala. They live peacefully under the rule and order of their chiefs. Maina (Santhi) is the adopted daughter of the Thenmala chief. She is in love with Veeran (Anandan), son of the Vanmala chief.

Neeli (Sheela), niece of the Vanmala chief, and Maina are good friends. The peaceful life here ends when dispute arises between the tribals.

Veeran and Maina meet each other secretly despite orders not to meet. Maina and Neeli also manage to retain their friendship. Prabhakaran (Prem Nazir), a young geologist, and his assistant Kadan Narapillai (S. P. Pillai) reach the mountain ranges in their search for mica deposits along the mountain ranges. Prabhakaran and Narapillai happen to save the life of the Thenmala priest from an accident. They become guests of Thenmala.

Maina supports Prabhakaran in his exploration and becomes attached to him like her brother. Prabhakaran is saved from an accident by Neeli. And they fall in love.

The Vanmala chief keeps Prabhakaran and Narapillai in prison when he comes to know that they are guests of their enemy. Veeran frees Prabhakaran at the request of Maina. Neeli is suspected for this and she is held captive by Vanmala. Veeran begins to suspect Maina's relationship with Prabhakaran.

Misunderstandings are cleared when Maina is identified by Prabhakaran as his own sister, separated in childhood. Prabhakaran finds rich mica deposits in the some caves of Vanmala. Neeli and Maina are married to Prabhakaran and Veeran respectively.

The enmity between the two groups melts and they unite.

The songs written by Thirunainarkurichi Madhavan Nair were tuned by Brother Lakshmanan. Some of them became very popular like, ‘Malamukalil maamarathil…' (Kamukara Purushothaman), ‘Vaa vaa vaa vaa vanarajavey…' (K. P. Udayabhanu-P.Susheela), ‘Kaattikurinji kaattikurinji…' (Susheela), ‘ Paadaan chundu vidarthiyathey …' (P. Leela) are some of the hits. The other songs include ‘Naanathal paathi virinja (Kamukara-Gracy), ‘Mayappetti undu…' (Mehaboob), and ‘Kazhuthil chippi undu…' (Leela-Renuka).

Will be remembered: As the Malayalam debut of actor C. L. Anandan, for its excellent music, immortal songs and as a successful ‘jungle movie.'

Thacholi Othenan

T. K. Pareekutty who produced successful social movies like “Neelakkuyil” (1954), ‘Rarichan Enna Pouran' (1956), ‘Moodupadam' (1963) etc. which focused on some social issues came up with an adventurous film, based on ‘vadakkan paattu', ballads of North Kerala in 1964. Produced under the banner of Chandratara Productions, the film was directed by S. S. Rajan.

The tremendous success of the first ‘vadakkan paattu' movie ‘Unniyarcha' (1961) must have prompted the producer to come up with a film with a similar theme.

Shot at Vauhini Studios, Madras, the sword fight and wrestling scenes in the film were shot at Kerala Bhargava Kalari Centre under the direct supervision of expert teachers. The film was released on January 31, 1964. As a new advertisement technique, wall calendars with stills from the film were distributed widely weeks before the release of the film. Popular artists like Sathyan, P. J. Antony, Kottayam Chellappan, Ambika, Sukumari etc. were cast in important roles. Apart from acting, Adoor Bhasi worked as assistant director for the film. The music composed by M. S. Baburaj was excellent. The film was a huge hit and also went on to win the National Award for the best Malayalam film in the regional films category in 1964.

Thacholi Othenan (Sathyan) was born into the royal family of Manikoth Kovilakom in Malabar. Othenan was trained in ‘kalarippayattu', the ancient martial art form of Kerala, from a very young age. He grew up to become an extraordinarily brave and skilled warrior. A dispute on the performance of a ritual led to a fight between the local ‘kalarippayattu' teacher, Kathiroor Gurukkal (P. J. Antony) and Othenan in which the Gurukkal was defeated. 

Beautiful Kunki (Ambika) falls in love with Othenan, but the brave warrior is in love with Kunhikanni (Devaki), princess of Kadathanadu. In fact, Kunki was falsely portrayed as an ugly woman by Ambu (Adoor Bhasi), servant of Gurukkal, which becomes one reason for Othenan to reject her marriage proposal.

Meanwhile, Othenan happens to meet Kunki on his way to meet Kunhikanni. Othenan falls in love with her at first sight and leads to their marriage. Othenan is supported in all this by his companion, Chaappan (Kunhandy). 

Othenan's sister Unniyarcha (Sukumari) falls in love with Payyanadan Chindan (Kottayam Chellappan). Disputes over rights on family properties leads to a fight between Othenan and Chindan, which Othenan wins. 

Othenan conducts the festival at Lokanar Temple to celebrate the occasion and offers to donate an elephant to the temple. In the meantime Kunhikanni is kidnapped by Gurukkal's men. Othenan frees Kunhikanni. On his expedition in search of an elephant, Othenan is attacked by Gurukkal's men.

Timely intervention of his wife Kunki and son Kunhambadi (Master Prasad) saves Othenan's life. Gurukkal himself comes to fight and is killed by Othenan. But Gurukkal's men fire at Othenan, killing him.

All the songs, written by P.Bhaskaran and composed by Baburaj, turned timeless hits. ‘Anjanakkannezhuthi...' (S. Janaki), ‘Appam venam ada venam...,' (P. Leela-Santha P. Nair), ‘Kanni nilavathu ...' (Leela), ‘Kottum njaan kettilla...' (Leela & chorus), ‘Nallola painkili...' (Leela & chorus), ‘Naavulla veenayanu...' (K. P. Udayabhanu), ‘Ezhimala kaadukalil...' (Leela & chorus) all went on to become treasured melodies. 

Will be remembered: As a national award winning film, for its excellent music and one of the best films in the popular ‘vadakkan paattu' genre.

Poochakkanni (1966)

PSYCHOLOGICAL DRAMA - Publicity material of the film Poochakkanni

Though psychological thrillers were common in various Indian language cinema, family dramas with a psychological theme were rare. After the success of his social movies like ‘School Master' (1964) and ‘Chettathi' (1965) , renowned Kannada director Puttanna Kanagal (S. R. Puttanna in Malayalam) came up with the first psychological-social film in Malayalam, ‘Poochakkanni' (1966). The film was a huge hit.

Films with this combination of themes were made in Tamil, like ‘Amara Deepam' (1956), ‘Asai Mukam' (1960), ‘Naan Vanangum Deivam' (1953), ‘Kai Kodutha Deivam' (1964) etc. The success of these films might have prompted producer V.Arunachalam to put his money into ‘Poochakkanni.' This film had a novel theme, a morbid fear of cats or ailurophobia.

Thikkurissi Sukumaran Nair, Prem Nazir, Vijaya Nirmala, Ambika, Meena donned important roles. Kalavathi, who was seen in minor roles till then was cast into a key role and came up with an impressive performance.

Sreedharan Nair (Thikkurissi), a bank officer, remarries after the death of his first wife Gowri (Ambika). He did this as he wanted someone to look after his eight-year-old daughter Geetha.

Their neighbour, Meena considered Geetha as her own daughter. Meena's son, Murali was almost the same age of Geetha. Nair's second wife Vanaja (Kalavathi) disliked Geetha. The girl was ill treated by her step-mother. Geetha's only consolation was Meena. But Meena gets a job transfer and leaves. Geetha feels lost and lonely.

One way Vanaja used to frighten Geetha was by using her green, cat-like eyes. This has a disastrous effect on Geetha.

Time and years roll on. Now Geetha (Vijaya Nirmala) has grown up but her behaviour and actions remain that of an eight-year-old. Nair tries everything including religious rituals to help his daughter recover from this shocking mental state.

Meena returns with her grown-up son Murali (Prem Nazir) who is a doctor now. Under Murali's treatment Geetha begins to show improvement. She finally recovers from her psychic ailment. Vanaja repents for her cruel actions. She even prises out her ‘cat eyes' that had caused so much fear and anguish for Geetha. Murali weds Geetha bringing the film to a happy ending

Vijaya Nirmala excelled in her role of the psychic patient. Kalavathi as ‘Poochakkanni' (cat-eyed woman) also impressed.

Seven songs, written by Vayalar Rama Varma and set to tune by M. S. Baburaj were instant hits. ‘Geethey hrudayasakhi Geethey…' ( P. B. Sreenivas), ‘Kakka kondu kadalmannu kondu…' ( Sreenivas- B. Vasantha) and ‘Mural Murali…' (P. Susheela) were the most popular. Other hits included, “Maramaaya maramokke…' ( S. Janaki and chorus), ‘Kurinji poovey…' (L. R.Easwari), and ‘Pandoru rajyathoru…' (Janaki).

Will be remembered: As the first psychological film in Malayalam and for its excellent music.

Kumarasambhavam (1969)

Banner : Neela Productions

Producer/Director : P Subramaniam

Dialogues : Nagavally

Lyrics : Vayalar, ONV

Music - Devarajan 

Starcast: Gemini Ganeshan, Thikkurissi, Kottarakkara, T K Balachandran, Kundara Bhasi, Padmini. Aranmula Ponnamma, Pankajavalli, Sri Vidya, Rajasree, T R Omana etc

Mythological films on Lord Subramanya were made in South Indian languages, particularly in Tamil, from the beginning of sound films. Most of such films told the story of his marriage with Valli, a tribal girl. Probably ‘Sree Skanda Leela' (Tamil-1938) was the first film that told on the screen the legend behind his birth and his mission. ‘Kandhan Karunai' (1967), one of the best mythological Tamil films directed by A. P. Nagarajan, told the story of the birth of Subramanya. A huge hit the film introduced actress Sridevi, who was cast in the childhood role of Lord Subramanya. 

Probably, the success of ‘Kandhan Karunai' must have prompted P. Subramaniam to produce the Malayalam film ‘Kumarasambhavam' (1969) that adapted sequences from the Tamil film. The film went on to become a huge box office hit. Shot in Eastman colour at Merry Land Studios, the film had cinematography by U. Rajagopal and editing by Gopalakrishnan. Dialogues were by Nagavalli R. S. Kurup and dances choreographed by eminent dance masters like Guru Gopinath, Thankappan and Parthasarathi. The film was also a musical hit that had some excellent compositions by G. Devarajan. When the Kerala State Awards were instituted in 1969 this film had the honour of being judged the best feature film.

This was Sridevi's debut Malayalam film. Popular artistes like Gemini Ganeshan, Thikkurissi Sukumaran Nair, Kottarakkara Sreedharan Nair, T. K. Balachandran, Padmini, Aranmula Ponnamma, Pankajavalli also starred in the film. 

The film is said to be based on Kalidasa's epic poem ‘Kumarasambhavam.” But the story deviates from this poem by bringing in some stories glorifying the deity. The film was released on December 25, 1969.

Himavan and his wife (Thikkurissi and Aranmula Ponnamma) are worried about the marriage of their daughter Parvathi (Padmini) who is firm on her decision to marry none other than Lord Siva (Gemini Ganeshan). Lord Siva had vowed never to marry and was meditating following the death of his consort Sati (also played by Padmini). This was because of Siva's enmity with Sati's father Daksha (Kottarakkara). Sati is reborn as Parvathi with a mission to give birth to Siva's son who would kill the powerful demon Tharakasura (Kundara Bhasi) who was now in control of heaven and the gods. Narada (T. K. Balachandran) advises Parvathi to worship Lord Siva and win his love. By her penance and determined efforts Parvathi manages to win the love of Siva. Their marriage takes place. Parvathi gives birth to Subramanya (Sridevi) who grows up and duly kills Tharakasura. 

Deviating from the epic poem, the film included some sequences related to Lord Subramanya, like his meeting with Avvayyar (T. R. Omana), quarrel with Ganapathi, etc.

Padmini excelled in the roles of Sati and Parvathi. Also impressive were Sridevi, Gemini Ganeshan and Pankajavalliessayed the role of Daksha's wife impressively. 

The songs written by Vayalar Rama Varma and ONV Kurup were set to tune by Devarajan. Most of them were based on classical ragas, like ‘Priyasakhi Gangey…' (Madhuri) in Suddha Dhanyasi, ‘Satya Siva soundaryangal…' (K. J. Yesudas) in Kalyani, and the dance number ‘Maya natana…' (P. Leela and Radha-Jayalakshmi) set in Khamas. The other hits include ‘Indukalamouli….' (Madhuri), ‘Nalla Haimavatha…' (P. Susheela and chorus), and a ragamalika, ‘Saravana poykayil…' (Kamukara Purushotaman). 

Will be remembered:As the first film to win Kerala State award in the feature film category, as the debut Malayalam film of Sridevi and for the excellent music.