ലോകനാടകദിനത്തിലെ സംഗീതനാടകചരിത്രത്തിലെ ആകാശവാണി പ്രോഗ്രാമില് നിന്ന്
കടപ്പാട്: ആകാശവാണി
കടപ്പാട്: ആകാശവാണി
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Kusrithikuttan (1966)
Cast: Thikkurissi, Adoor Bhasi, Master Suresh Varma, Ambika, Pankajavalli etc.
‘Kusruthikuttan,' was a remake of the Telugu hit ‘Deeksha' (1951) directed by K. S. Prakash Rao. The Telugu film was remade in Tamil as ‘Anni' (1951). In both the language versions singing star G. Varalakshmi was the heroine and her performance considered the best in her career. During the early 50s ‘family melodrama' was quite popular. The story of such films focused on typically affectionate characters in families like mothers, daughters-in-law, elder brothers etc. on who the emotional element revolved.
Several Hindi films were produced with similar stories with their titles indicating the nature of the story. ‘Bhabhi' (1938 & 1957), ‘Bhabhi Ki Choodiyan' (1961), ‘Bahu' (1955), ‘Bhaurani' (1940 & 1950) etc. are examples. This trend was followed in the South Indian cinema also, particularly in Tamil. ‘Kula Deivam' (1956) and ‘Anbukkor Anni' (1961) are examples.
In Malayalam, films which told similar stories, like ‘Kudumbini' (1964), ‘Chettathi' (1965) etc. also proved to be successful. It was the success of such emotional dramas that prompted producers Latha Movies to remake the Tamil box office hit ‘Anni' as ‘Kusruthikuttan' in Malayalam. Since ‘Chettathi' (elder brothers wife), the Malayalam equivalent of the Tamil ‘Anni', was already used for another film released the previous year, the producers might have opted for the title ‘Kusruthikuttan' (mischievous child).
Directed by M. Krishnan Nair, ‘Kusruthikuttan' closely followed the story of the ‘Anni' and the dialogues written by Thikkurissi for the Malayalam film reflected the sentiments of the dialogues written for the Tamil movie by M. S. Subramaniam. This was the debut Malayalam film of music director Vijaya Bhasker. And the music was one of factors that contributed to the film's success.
A novel publicity technique was adopted by the producers and distributors. The publicity notices distributed by the theatres were in the form of a song booklet instead of the normal practice of a single bill sheet. The main characters in the film spoke about themselves through these ‘notice booklets'.
The star cast included popular artistes like Thikkurissi, Adoor Bhasi, Ambika, Pankajavalli, Sukumari etc. A pet ram featured in the film was prominently projected in the advertisement campaigns.
The story is about the emotional bond between Lakshmi (Ambika) and her brother-in-law Gopi (Master Suresh Varma). Young Gopi is entrusted by his dying mother to her grown up step-son Madhavan Nair (Thikkurissi) and his wife Lakshmi. They make a solemn promise and Lakshmi dedicates herself to its fulfilment. Gopi is dear to Lakshmi as her own son Unni, if not dearer.
Gopi is a bundle of mischief and is precocious for his age. Very early in life, Gopi feels that he has a mission to discharge, as the avenger of the wrongs against the weak. Gopi becomes a terror to the ‘bad' in the village. But in the eyes of Lakshmi, Gopi could do no wrong though she is duly plagued with news of his misdeeds.
Lakshmi's mother (Pankajavalli) arrives to poison the mind of her daughter and son-in-law against Gopi. Once, Gopi and his pet ram ‘Krishnan' attack Johny, the son of the landlord under whom Madhavan Nair is employed. Johny's hand is broken. Lakshmi's mother sells Krishnan to the slaughter house. Madhavan Nair is dismissed from service by the landlord. Patient so far, Madhavan Nair revolts and partitions the house and forbids Gopi from coming to his portion of the house. Gopi and Lakshmi cannot stand the separation. Gopi attempts to meet Lakshmi. Lakshmi's mother humiliates Gopi and in his fury the boy throws a cup towards the woman, but the cup hits Lakshmi and injures her.
Gopi attempts to meet his sister-in-law by breaking the fence put up by Madhavan Nair. Madhavan Nair's heart melts and accepts his younger brother. Everyone comes to know that Lakshmi's mother was trying to separate the brothers.
The story is simple and moving; well written and narrated. Ambika excelled in her role. Thikkurissi, Pankajavalli and others performed their roles impressively. The performance of Master Suresh Varma was outstanding. The comic track involving Adoor Bhasi and Sukumari also impressed.
Five songs, written by P. Bhaskaran, were tuned by Vijaya Bhasker. The devotional number ‘Ammaye kalippikkan themmadi vesham kettum...' (S Janaki-B.Vasantha) and the solo by Vasantha, ‘Mani chilampe manichilampe...' became super hits. The other hits include the lullaby ‘Raareero unni raareero...' (Janaki) and the P. B. Sreenivas-Janaki duet ‘Punnellu koythallo...' The super hit song ‘Ammaye kalippikkaan...,' which was repeated several times in the film, was sung by Janaki as a solo also.
Will be remembered: As the debut Malayalam film of music director Vijaya Bhasker. For the songs, especially for ‘Ammaye kalippikkaan...' and as a good social film.
Post Script:
In 1947 the legendary film producers based in Kolkata, "New Theatres" produced a bilingual film "Chhota Bhai " (Hindi)/"Ramer Sumati" (Bengali) based on a story written by Sarathchandra Chatterji which told the story of an affectionate daughter in law of a Hindu joint family who loved her brother in law as if he was her own son.
The highly emotional character was performed by Molina Devi and though the film was not a huge success at the box office, this family drama remain one of the best under this genre in Hindi cinema. Hindi film "Ustad Pedro" (1951) produced by "Omar Khayyam Films" also had a similar story line.
The story of the telugu movie "Deeksha" was developed from these two Hindi films, and the telugu movie and its Tamil remake "Anni" created records in collecting at the box office.
FAMILY MELODRAMA Ambika in a scene from the film
‘Kusruthikuttan,' was a remake of the Telugu hit ‘Deeksha' (1951) directed by K. S. Prakash Rao. The Telugu film was remade in Tamil as ‘Anni' (1951). In both the language versions singing star G. Varalakshmi was the heroine and her performance considered the best in her career. During the early 50s ‘family melodrama' was quite popular. The story of such films focused on typically affectionate characters in families like mothers, daughters-in-law, elder brothers etc. on who the emotional element revolved.
Several Hindi films were produced with similar stories with their titles indicating the nature of the story. ‘Bhabhi' (1938 & 1957), ‘Bhabhi Ki Choodiyan' (1961), ‘Bahu' (1955), ‘Bhaurani' (1940 & 1950) etc. are examples. This trend was followed in the South Indian cinema also, particularly in Tamil. ‘Kula Deivam' (1956) and ‘Anbukkor Anni' (1961) are examples.
In Malayalam, films which told similar stories, like ‘Kudumbini' (1964), ‘Chettathi' (1965) etc. also proved to be successful. It was the success of such emotional dramas that prompted producers Latha Movies to remake the Tamil box office hit ‘Anni' as ‘Kusruthikuttan' in Malayalam. Since ‘Chettathi' (elder brothers wife), the Malayalam equivalent of the Tamil ‘Anni', was already used for another film released the previous year, the producers might have opted for the title ‘Kusruthikuttan' (mischievous child).
Directed by M. Krishnan Nair, ‘Kusruthikuttan' closely followed the story of the ‘Anni' and the dialogues written by Thikkurissi for the Malayalam film reflected the sentiments of the dialogues written for the Tamil movie by M. S. Subramaniam. This was the debut Malayalam film of music director Vijaya Bhasker. And the music was one of factors that contributed to the film's success.
A novel publicity technique was adopted by the producers and distributors. The publicity notices distributed by the theatres were in the form of a song booklet instead of the normal practice of a single bill sheet. The main characters in the film spoke about themselves through these ‘notice booklets'.
The star cast included popular artistes like Thikkurissi, Adoor Bhasi, Ambika, Pankajavalli, Sukumari etc. A pet ram featured in the film was prominently projected in the advertisement campaigns.
The story is about the emotional bond between Lakshmi (Ambika) and her brother-in-law Gopi (Master Suresh Varma). Young Gopi is entrusted by his dying mother to her grown up step-son Madhavan Nair (Thikkurissi) and his wife Lakshmi. They make a solemn promise and Lakshmi dedicates herself to its fulfilment. Gopi is dear to Lakshmi as her own son Unni, if not dearer.
Gopi is a bundle of mischief and is precocious for his age. Very early in life, Gopi feels that he has a mission to discharge, as the avenger of the wrongs against the weak. Gopi becomes a terror to the ‘bad' in the village. But in the eyes of Lakshmi, Gopi could do no wrong though she is duly plagued with news of his misdeeds.
Lakshmi's mother (Pankajavalli) arrives to poison the mind of her daughter and son-in-law against Gopi. Once, Gopi and his pet ram ‘Krishnan' attack Johny, the son of the landlord under whom Madhavan Nair is employed. Johny's hand is broken. Lakshmi's mother sells Krishnan to the slaughter house. Madhavan Nair is dismissed from service by the landlord. Patient so far, Madhavan Nair revolts and partitions the house and forbids Gopi from coming to his portion of the house. Gopi and Lakshmi cannot stand the separation. Gopi attempts to meet Lakshmi. Lakshmi's mother humiliates Gopi and in his fury the boy throws a cup towards the woman, but the cup hits Lakshmi and injures her.
Gopi attempts to meet his sister-in-law by breaking the fence put up by Madhavan Nair. Madhavan Nair's heart melts and accepts his younger brother. Everyone comes to know that Lakshmi's mother was trying to separate the brothers.
The story is simple and moving; well written and narrated. Ambika excelled in her role. Thikkurissi, Pankajavalli and others performed their roles impressively. The performance of Master Suresh Varma was outstanding. The comic track involving Adoor Bhasi and Sukumari also impressed.
Five songs, written by P. Bhaskaran, were tuned by Vijaya Bhasker. The devotional number ‘Ammaye kalippikkan themmadi vesham kettum...' (S Janaki-B.Vasantha) and the solo by Vasantha, ‘Mani chilampe manichilampe...' became super hits. The other hits include the lullaby ‘Raareero unni raareero...' (Janaki) and the P. B. Sreenivas-Janaki duet ‘Punnellu koythallo...' The super hit song ‘Ammaye kalippikkaan...,' which was repeated several times in the film, was sung by Janaki as a solo also.
Will be remembered: As the debut Malayalam film of music director Vijaya Bhasker. For the songs, especially for ‘Ammaye kalippikkaan...' and as a good social film.
Post Script:
In 1947 the legendary film producers based in Kolkata, "New Theatres" produced a bilingual film "Chhota Bhai " (Hindi)/"Ramer Sumati" (Bengali) based on a story written by Sarathchandra Chatterji which told the story of an affectionate daughter in law of a Hindu joint family who loved her brother in law as if he was her own son.
The highly emotional character was performed by Molina Devi and though the film was not a huge success at the box office, this family drama remain one of the best under this genre in Hindi cinema. Hindi film "Ustad Pedro" (1951) produced by "Omar Khayyam Films" also had a similar story line.
The story of the telugu movie "Deeksha" was developed from these two Hindi films, and the telugu movie and its Tamil remake "Anni" created records in collecting at the box office.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Oraal Koodi Kallanaayi (1964)
This early Malayalam film sought to project basic social issues like unemployment of the educated. This screen adaptation of the stage play of the same title, written by popular playwright S. L. Puram Sadanandan, was a box office success. Written in 1956, the play was staged the same year by Kalpana Theatres, a troupe headed by the playwright himself. The stage play was a hit. It won the gold medal for the best play in the competition conducted by Samastha Kerala Sahitya Parishad.
The popularity of the stage play paved the way for the screen version. Produced under the banner of Thomas Pictures, this was the first film produced and directed by P. A. Thomas. The script written by Sasikumar, who later became a very successful director in Malayalam, had some deviations from the original. The dialogues written by the playwright were impressive.
Apart from the unemployment of the educated, the film also criticised the practice of accepting huge donations for appointment of teachers by managements of Government aided private schools. The film was a hard blow directed straight at such managements.
Cast: Prem Nazir, Sheela, T. S. Muthiah, S. P. Pillai, Murali, Ambika, Devaki etc.
SOCIALLY RELEVANT Sheela and Prem Nazir in a scene from the film
The film was shot at Film Centre, Chennai. Camera by P. B. Maniyam and dance direction by Kalamandalam Madhavan was commendable. Several personalities from professional drama made their entry to Malayalam cinema through this film. Popular among them was music director Job. He was assisted by George Pallathanam, another popular stage artiste. This film saw the debut f lyricist Sreemoolanagaram Vijayan. The film is widely considered one of the best musical hits of the early years of Malayalam cinema.
The star cast included popular artists like Prem Nazir, S. P. Pillai, Muthiah, Adoor Bhasi, Ambika, Sheela etc. Stars like Gemini Ganeshan, Thikkurissi, P. J. Antony, Alleppey Vincent, Kushalakumari etc. appeared in guest roles. A stage play featuring these artistes was an added attraction of the film. The publicity campaign of the film adopted new methods like printing still photos of the scenes on the cover pages of notebooks.
Govindan (T. S. Muthiah) is a poor farmer who struggles hard to bring up and educate his children. His elder daughter Devika (Ambika) secures the job of a school teacher, but only on donating a huge amount to the management. Govindan's son Prabhakaran (Prem Nazir) is an unemployed graduate and another daughter Sharada (Devaki) is undergoing teachers training course. Govindan borrows money to educate his children from the local financier Manakku Kamath (S. P. Pillai) by pledging his house and land.
Owing to hard work and neglect of health Govindan contracts tuberculosis. The family struggles to survive on the income of Devika. Prabhakaran helps at a teashop owned by Beeran (P A Thomas). He also assists in maintaining the accounts there. Beeran's daughter Aysha (Sheela) falls in love with Prabhakaran. Shekharan (Murali), Devika's colleague in school proposes marriage. But duty bound to her family, Devika requests Shekhar to wait till Prabhakaran gets a good job. Meanwhile, the Government does not approve of Devika's appointment and she loses her job.
Soon, Devika also falls prey to tuberculosis. Shekharan helps Devika for the treatment, but the disease turns acute. Manakku Kamath sues for his dues and the court orders confiscation of Govindan's house. Prabhakaran reaches the spot with money to prevent the execution of the court order. The police also reach the spot. They arrest Prabhakaran for stealing money. Heartbroken Devika dies bringing the film to a tragic end.
This was perhaps the first South Indian film to focus on burning social issues like unemployment and the illegal appointments in schools. Hindi films like Bimal Roy's ‘Naukari' (1954) and Raj Kapoor's ‘Shree 420' (1955) had unemployment as its sub-plot.
Ambika excelled in the role of the struggling teacher who sacrifices her life for the family. Prem Nazir handled his dual-faced role of the romantic hero and the dejected unemployed youth quite impressively. S. P. Pillai's hilarious comic role, in which he used the Konkani slang, was a unique experience. This character reappeared in different forms later films like for example in ‘Kannur Deluxe' (1969).
The lyrics were by Abhayadev and Sreemoolanagaram Vijayan. Two poems written by the great poet G. Sankara Kurup were also included. The music composed by Job was excellent. Some of the songs became very popular. The romantic hit, ‘Kinavilennum vannenne ikkili...' (K. J. Yesudas-P. Leela) is still considered one of the best in this genre. ‘Karivala vikkana...' (Leela) is one of the early hits of the singer. The prayer ‘Karunyam kolunna snehaswaroopa...' and the children's song ‘Poovukal thendum poompaatta…' (both by Leela and chorus) are the best film versions of G Sankara Kurup's poems. Another duet by Yesudas and Leela, ‘Chayakkadakkaran Beeran kakkede...' (Yesudas-Leela) was another popular hit.
Will be remembered: As the debut film of music director Job and lyricist Sreemoolanagaram Vijayan. As the first venture of producer-director P. A. Thomas, as the first film based on a play by S L Puram Sadanandan and for its lsongs.
The popularity of the stage play paved the way for the screen version. Produced under the banner of Thomas Pictures, this was the first film produced and directed by P. A. Thomas. The script written by Sasikumar, who later became a very successful director in Malayalam, had some deviations from the original. The dialogues written by the playwright were impressive.
Apart from the unemployment of the educated, the film also criticised the practice of accepting huge donations for appointment of teachers by managements of Government aided private schools. The film was a hard blow directed straight at such managements.
Cast: Prem Nazir, Sheela, T. S. Muthiah, S. P. Pillai, Murali, Ambika, Devaki etc.
The film was shot at Film Centre, Chennai. Camera by P. B. Maniyam and dance direction by Kalamandalam Madhavan was commendable. Several personalities from professional drama made their entry to Malayalam cinema through this film. Popular among them was music director Job. He was assisted by George Pallathanam, another popular stage artiste. This film saw the debut f lyricist Sreemoolanagaram Vijayan. The film is widely considered one of the best musical hits of the early years of Malayalam cinema.
The star cast included popular artists like Prem Nazir, S. P. Pillai, Muthiah, Adoor Bhasi, Ambika, Sheela etc. Stars like Gemini Ganeshan, Thikkurissi, P. J. Antony, Alleppey Vincent, Kushalakumari etc. appeared in guest roles. A stage play featuring these artistes was an added attraction of the film. The publicity campaign of the film adopted new methods like printing still photos of the scenes on the cover pages of notebooks.
Govindan (T. S. Muthiah) is a poor farmer who struggles hard to bring up and educate his children. His elder daughter Devika (Ambika) secures the job of a school teacher, but only on donating a huge amount to the management. Govindan's son Prabhakaran (Prem Nazir) is an unemployed graduate and another daughter Sharada (Devaki) is undergoing teachers training course. Govindan borrows money to educate his children from the local financier Manakku Kamath (S. P. Pillai) by pledging his house and land.
Owing to hard work and neglect of health Govindan contracts tuberculosis. The family struggles to survive on the income of Devika. Prabhakaran helps at a teashop owned by Beeran (P A Thomas). He also assists in maintaining the accounts there. Beeran's daughter Aysha (Sheela) falls in love with Prabhakaran. Shekharan (Murali), Devika's colleague in school proposes marriage. But duty bound to her family, Devika requests Shekhar to wait till Prabhakaran gets a good job. Meanwhile, the Government does not approve of Devika's appointment and she loses her job.
Soon, Devika also falls prey to tuberculosis. Shekharan helps Devika for the treatment, but the disease turns acute. Manakku Kamath sues for his dues and the court orders confiscation of Govindan's house. Prabhakaran reaches the spot with money to prevent the execution of the court order. The police also reach the spot. They arrest Prabhakaran for stealing money. Heartbroken Devika dies bringing the film to a tragic end.
This was perhaps the first South Indian film to focus on burning social issues like unemployment and the illegal appointments in schools. Hindi films like Bimal Roy's ‘Naukari' (1954) and Raj Kapoor's ‘Shree 420' (1955) had unemployment as its sub-plot.
Ambika excelled in the role of the struggling teacher who sacrifices her life for the family. Prem Nazir handled his dual-faced role of the romantic hero and the dejected unemployed youth quite impressively. S. P. Pillai's hilarious comic role, in which he used the Konkani slang, was a unique experience. This character reappeared in different forms later films like for example in ‘Kannur Deluxe' (1969).
The lyrics were by Abhayadev and Sreemoolanagaram Vijayan. Two poems written by the great poet G. Sankara Kurup were also included. The music composed by Job was excellent. Some of the songs became very popular. The romantic hit, ‘Kinavilennum vannenne ikkili...' (K. J. Yesudas-P. Leela) is still considered one of the best in this genre. ‘Karivala vikkana...' (Leela) is one of the early hits of the singer. The prayer ‘Karunyam kolunna snehaswaroopa...' and the children's song ‘Poovukal thendum poompaatta…' (both by Leela and chorus) are the best film versions of G Sankara Kurup's poems. Another duet by Yesudas and Leela, ‘Chayakkadakkaran Beeran kakkede...' (Yesudas-Leela) was another popular hit.
Will be remembered: As the debut film of music director Job and lyricist Sreemoolanagaram Vijayan. As the first venture of producer-director P. A. Thomas, as the first film based on a play by S L Puram Sadanandan and for its lsongs.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
C Ramchandra and Malayalam cinema.
Strange is it not ? C Ramchandra is connected , directly, with Malayalam cinema.
The Lata number from "Azaad", Hindi film which was based on the same story of Thaskaraveeran, the original of the series of films made on the story written by Namakkal T Ramalingam Pillai, "Malaikkallan", tamil novel which was filmed for the first time in tamil under the same title Malaikkallan (1954)
A curio about the story and the film, the film was remade in Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Sinhalese. "Azad" made in Hindi in 1956 with C Ramchandra's music. Ramchandras tunes became so popular that , the series of films reamade with the same story copied the Hindi tunes - in Bettada Kalla (Kannada0, Thaskaraveeran (Malayalam) and Soorasena (Sinhalese).
And according to me (my own inference, comments from the members welcome) in Malayalam film almost all the songs were copies of Hindi songs - Vannallo vasantha kaalam (Dekho ji Bahar aayee....Lata), Pokalle pokalle pokalle nee.... (Na bole na bole nabole re.... Lata), Malar thorum mandahasam....(Kitna haseen hai mausam...Lata, chitalkar), Chapalam chapalam....(Aplam chapalam....... Lata, Usha), etc. A fast moving number, "Kabhi khamosh rahta hai.....Pee ke daras ko .... Lata was included in the Malayalam film as such, that the song was picturised as Lata s song itself in Malayalam film. Ragini dancing to this song in the Malayalam film, the corresponding scene in Hindi, Meenakumari's song and dance.
A fast moving song, the producer/director Ramulu Naidu might have thought to keep this song in lata's voice, because I feel finding words for the song and retaining the tempo of the song might be difficult. It is not that Abhayadev is not competent to write lyrics to this tune, but I myself think that this tune in Malayalam, retaining the meaning and concept of the song, might have been a difficult task.
So, in Malayalam cinema, we have the full length Hindi song in the voice of Lata Mangeshkar. Long before her song in Nellu, the Nightingale's voice echoed in the Malayalam cinema in 1957.
A Qawali sung by Raghunath seth yadav and party , "Marna bhi mohabat...." from Azad also was retained in the Malayalam film in the correspondig scene.
C Ramchandra started his career as an actor in early 1930s, he acted in the movie "Naganand" (1935) produced in Marathi and Hindi under the same title, the film was directed by Y V Rao, a South Indian and father of "Julie"/Chattakkari fame Lakshmi. The film miserably flopped at box office, It was based on a story from Kathasarithsagara.
I believe his music career started not in the north, but in the south. His first music composition was for the Tamil movie, "Jayakkodi" produced in late 1930s, and he became popular with his second Tamil movie, "Vanamohini" (1942). In Vanamohini he sang also for the hero, M K Radha. His songs from Vanamohini became hits, with good Tamil diction he sang the songs.
In Tamil, another super musical hit to his credit was "Vanjikottai Valiban" produced in 1950s by Gemini films, which was remade in Hindi as "Raj Tilak" The dance competition in the films featuring Padmini and Vyjayantimala remain a wonder in cinema.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Adhyapika
‘Adhyapika' was a screen adaptation of the novel of the same title authored by novelist E. J. Philip, popularly known by his pen name Kaanam E J. First published in 1966, the wide popularity of this novel prompted producer-director P. Subramaniam to make a film version of this unremitting tragic melodrama under the ‘Neela Productions' banner. The screen version of the novel turned a huge box office hit.
The story revolves around a middleclass school teacher. ‘Adhyapika” told on the screen the tragic personal life of a lady teacher. The dialogues written by the novelist were impressive and he managed to retain the emotional impact of the novel on screen too. Directed by P. Subramaniam, the film was shot at Merryland Studios. The cinematography by E. N. C. Nair, and editing by Gopalakrishnan were commendable. The music V. Dakshinamoorthy was perhaps one of the main reasons for the success of the film.
The cast included the popular artistes like Madhu, Thikkurissi, Kottarakkara, T. K. Balachandran, Padmini, Ambika and the romantic hero of Telugu cinema, Ramakrishna. The film was designed to showcase Padmini's histrionic talents and remains one of her best performances in Malayalam despite being a wee bit melodramatic. The film won the National award for the best Malayalam film under the regional film awards category in 1968.
Koshy Kunju marries Thankamma. Saramma struggles to conduct the marriage of her sister and also to educate Baby. She borrows money from Kariachan (Thikkurissi), a local financier. Saramma also gives private tuitions to his children. Kariachan's children simply adore their teacher. Kariachan proposes marriage to Saramma, but Vareechan objects. The headmaster of the school, Chacko (Madhu), is also in love with Saramma and asks for her hand in marriage. Here again Vareechan stands in the way.
Baby completes his graduation and gets a job in a bank. He marries a girl of his choice. Meanwhile, the rumour mills start churning. Stories about Saramma's character are spread. Her own brother and sister start believing them. They think that Saramma has an illicit relationship with Kariachan. Saramma's health deteriorates. She is diagnosed of tuberculosis. Saramma loses her job, is abandoned by all and is forced to live in a dark corner of her house. She eventually succumbs to the dreadful disease. Her final days are sad, lonely, except for company of her faithful pet dog. During her final moments, when she struggles for a drop of water, it is this dog that helps her quench her thirst.
The central character, Nita, played by Supriya Chaudhary, in the Bengali film ‘Meghe Dhaka Tara' (1960), directed by Ritwik Ghatak, closely resembles Padmini's role in ‘Adhyapika.'
Padmini excelled in the role of the school teacher who sacrifices her life for the family. Madhu, Thikkurissi, Kottarakkara, Ambika and all other artistes came out with impressive performances. The Telugu star Ramakrishna also did well in his small role. The climax scene has a close resemblance to a sequence in Thomas Hardy's ‘Far From The Madding Crowd.' In this novel Fanny Robin is helped by a dog to reach her destination when she falls on the road, sick and abandoned by the world. The pet dog in ‘Adhyapika' featured prominently in the posters and other publicity material of the film.
The nine songs written by O. N. V. Kurup were tuned by Dakshinamoorthy. Some of them became hits. The romantic number ‘Swapnasundari nee orikkalen...' (K. J. Yesudas), the devotional numbers ‘Palli manikale palli manikale...' (P. Leela, Renuka and chorus) and ‘Kanya Nandana…' (Leela) are still popular. The other hits include the romantic duet ‘Aathira raavile…' (Yesudas-P. Susheela), and ‘Rajakumari...' (Leela).
Will be remembered: As one of the best weepies in Malayalam. For Padmini's brilliant acting, excellent music and as the National award winning film.
B. VIJAYAKUMAR
The story revolves around a middleclass school teacher. ‘Adhyapika” told on the screen the tragic personal life of a lady teacher. The dialogues written by the novelist were impressive and he managed to retain the emotional impact of the novel on screen too. Directed by P. Subramaniam, the film was shot at Merryland Studios. The cinematography by E. N. C. Nair, and editing by Gopalakrishnan were commendable. The music V. Dakshinamoorthy was perhaps one of the main reasons for the success of the film.
The cast included the popular artistes like Madhu, Thikkurissi, Kottarakkara, T. K. Balachandran, Padmini, Ambika and the romantic hero of Telugu cinema, Ramakrishna. The film was designed to showcase Padmini's histrionic talents and remains one of her best performances in Malayalam despite being a wee bit melodramatic. The film won the National award for the best Malayalam film under the regional film awards category in 1968.
TRAGIC MELODRAMA Padmini in the film 'Adhyapika'
Saramma (Padmini) teaches in an upper primary teacher. She supports her father Vareechan (Kottarakkara) and two siblings, brother Baby (T. K. Balachandran) and sister Thankamma (Ambika). Vareechan stands in the way of Saramma's marriage fearing loss of her steady income, the family's only source of revenue. Koshy Kunju (Ramakrishna), a cashier in a bank in the village is drawn towards Saramma. When Saramma comes to know that Thankamma also has a soft corner for Koshy Kunju, she sacrifices her love for the sake of her sister. Koshy Kunju marries Thankamma. Saramma struggles to conduct the marriage of her sister and also to educate Baby. She borrows money from Kariachan (Thikkurissi), a local financier. Saramma also gives private tuitions to his children. Kariachan's children simply adore their teacher. Kariachan proposes marriage to Saramma, but Vareechan objects. The headmaster of the school, Chacko (Madhu), is also in love with Saramma and asks for her hand in marriage. Here again Vareechan stands in the way.
Baby completes his graduation and gets a job in a bank. He marries a girl of his choice. Meanwhile, the rumour mills start churning. Stories about Saramma's character are spread. Her own brother and sister start believing them. They think that Saramma has an illicit relationship with Kariachan. Saramma's health deteriorates. She is diagnosed of tuberculosis. Saramma loses her job, is abandoned by all and is forced to live in a dark corner of her house. She eventually succumbs to the dreadful disease. Her final days are sad, lonely, except for company of her faithful pet dog. During her final moments, when she struggles for a drop of water, it is this dog that helps her quench her thirst.
The central character, Nita, played by Supriya Chaudhary, in the Bengali film ‘Meghe Dhaka Tara' (1960), directed by Ritwik Ghatak, closely resembles Padmini's role in ‘Adhyapika.'
Padmini excelled in the role of the school teacher who sacrifices her life for the family. Madhu, Thikkurissi, Kottarakkara, Ambika and all other artistes came out with impressive performances. The Telugu star Ramakrishna also did well in his small role. The climax scene has a close resemblance to a sequence in Thomas Hardy's ‘Far From The Madding Crowd.' In this novel Fanny Robin is helped by a dog to reach her destination when she falls on the road, sick and abandoned by the world. The pet dog in ‘Adhyapika' featured prominently in the posters and other publicity material of the film.
The nine songs written by O. N. V. Kurup were tuned by Dakshinamoorthy. Some of them became hits. The romantic number ‘Swapnasundari nee orikkalen...' (K. J. Yesudas), the devotional numbers ‘Palli manikale palli manikale...' (P. Leela, Renuka and chorus) and ‘Kanya Nandana…' (Leela) are still popular. The other hits include the romantic duet ‘Aathira raavile…' (Yesudas-P. Susheela), and ‘Rajakumari...' (Leela).
Will be remembered: As one of the best weepies in Malayalam. For Padmini's brilliant acting, excellent music and as the National award winning film.
B. VIJAYAKUMAR
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Remakes from Malayalam to Other Languages
Some stories from Malayalam films are remade in other languages also. Such references seldom came in articles on cinema.
Hence the movie watching experience of members can help to build up such a list. I also might be having such details in my old diaries, which I have to get complied.
This point struck me in the course of my discussion with one of my friends. These are some examples
Paadunna Puzha - Remade in Tamil as "Mannippu" (Jayashankar, Ushakumari etc) It was remade in Telugu also I remember, title of telugu I have to confirm.
Agniputhri - Remade as Darpan (loose adaptation. Comments from the members welcome)
And the later films like Thenmavin Kombathu, Thaalavattam, Manichithrathazhu, Sanmanassullavarku Samadhanam etc etc which all know.
Hence the movie watching experience of members can help to build up such a list. I also might be having such details in my old diaries, which I have to get complied.
This point struck me in the course of my discussion with one of my friends. These are some examples
Paadunna Puzha - Remade in Tamil as "Mannippu" (Jayashankar, Ushakumari etc) It was remade in Telugu also I remember, title of telugu I have to confirm.
Agniputhri - Remade as Darpan (loose adaptation. Comments from the members welcome)
And the later films like Thenmavin Kombathu, Thaalavattam, Manichithrathazhu, Sanmanassullavarku Samadhanam etc etc which all know.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
A Real True Copy
Here is the true copy - a real true copy - Tune copied, lyrics copied.
Original - Hindi film "Ram Rajya" (1943) Directed by Vijay Bhatt. Music Shanker Rao Vyas
Singer, the renowned singer, legend of Hindustani music, Saraswati Rane.
Song " Beena Madhur Madhur Kachu Bol...."
And quite surprisingly, do you know, on the gramaphone record label (78 rpm) the singer's name is given as "Chitralekha 's song". Chitralekha is the name of the character in the film, I think the role was performed by Vijayalakshmi, as the servant maid of the heroine, Seetha devi enacted by Shobhana Samarth. The song is featured as a lullaby sung by her to get Seetha to sleep.
And when Ram Rajya was remade in Malayalam as "Seetha", Abhaya dev translated the lyrics and Dakshinamoorthy swami just copied the tune, making the song a real TRUE COPY.
Just listen to the song sent as attachment. In Malayalam the song that happened to be the first of P Suseela, is "Veeney paaduka priyatharamaai...."
Original - Hindi film "Ram Rajya" (1943) Directed by Vijay Bhatt. Music Shanker Rao Vyas
Singer, the renowned singer, legend of Hindustani music, Saraswati Rane.
Song " Beena Madhur Madhur Kachu Bol...."
And quite surprisingly, do you know, on the gramaphone record label (78 rpm) the singer's name is given as "Chitralekha 's song". Chitralekha is the name of the character in the film, I think the role was performed by Vijayalakshmi, as the servant maid of the heroine, Seetha devi enacted by Shobhana Samarth. The song is featured as a lullaby sung by her to get Seetha to sleep.
And when Ram Rajya was remade in Malayalam as "Seetha", Abhaya dev translated the lyrics and Dakshinamoorthy swami just copied the tune, making the song a real TRUE COPY.
Just listen to the song sent as attachment. In Malayalam the song that happened to be the first of P Suseela, is "Veeney paaduka priyatharamaai...."
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