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.

Bharya (1962)

Sathyan, Kottayam Chellappan, S. P. Pillai, Ragini, Rajasree, Adoor Pankajam etc

Like the ‘love triangle,' another favourite subject for films is that of the ‘other woman' The Telugu film ‘Swargaseema' (1945) was probably the first popular Indian film that focussed on this rather controversial subject. Tamil films like ‘Rakthakkanneer,' ‘Illara Jyothi,' (1954) ‘Town Bus' (1955) etc. are examples of successful films with this theme. The ageless subject even finds its place in ancient Tamil epics like ‘Chilappathikaram' based on which Tamil films ‘Kannagi' (1942), ‘Poompuhar' (1964) etc were made.

In Malayalam, ‘Bharya,' (1962) produced and directed by Kunchacko under the banner of Udaya Studios is considered the best and most popular film that discusses this subject. The film was adapted from the novel of the same title by E. J. Philip, popularly known as Kaanam E J. The novel is said to be based on a real incident, the Thiruvalla Ammalu murder case. Some of the early Malayalam films like ‘Ponkathir' (1954), ‘Ashadeepam' (1954), and ‘Mariyakutty' (1958) also used this same theme. Released as a Christmas gift, on December 20, 1962, the film broke many a box office record.

The dialogues written by Ponkunnam Varkey became a favourite and for the first time in Malayalam cinema dialogues of important scenes were released in a set of four 78 rpm records.

Popular artistes like Sathyan, Kottayam Chellappan, S. P. Pillai, Ragini, Adoor Pankajam starred in the film. Rajasree made her Malayalam debut in this film. Her name in the title cards was listed as Gracy, the name of the character in the film. Her role as the ‘other woman' became so popular that in some of her later films also her name in the title cards was shown as Gracy.

Benny (Sathyan) runs a parallel college. He leads a peaceful and happy family life with his wife Leela (Ragini), and children Molly (Baby Seetha) and Rajan (Master Jijo). Benny falls in love with Gracy (Rajasree), one of his students. Gracy's parents (S. P. Pillai and Adoor Pankajam) take undue advantage of Benny's blind love for Gracy. They gradually manage to eat into his wealth. Leela's attempts to bring her husband back fail. In fact, Benny does not even visit his ailing father Dr. Joshua (Kottayam Chellappan).

Benny plans to elope with Gracy. When Leela tries to prevent him she is beaten up. Leela falls unconscious. Thinking that Leela is dead, Dr Joshua orders his son to shoot her. He wanted to create an impression that Leela had committed suicide. Benny pulls the trigger. Leela, who was unconscious, dies of bullet injuries. Benny is arrested by the police.

A stand out performance by Ragini and Sathyan in the negative role were the highpoints of the film.

Nine songs by the Vayalar-Devarajan team turned timeless melodies. ‘Periyare, Periyare…' (A. M. Raja-P. Susheela) , ‘Panjarapaalu Mithayi…' (K. J. Yesudas-Leela), ‘Manas samadham thannattey…' (Raja-Jikki), ‘Omanakkayyil …' (Susheela), ‘Mulkireedamithenthinu…' (Susheela), ‘Kaanaan nalla kinavukal…' (S. Janaki), and a song and dance sequence pictured in colour, ‘Adam, Adam…' (Yesudas-Susheela) are still hummed.

Will be remembered: For its excellent music and the good story. As the film debut of Kaanam E J and the first Malayalam film of Rajasree.

Krishna Kuchela (1961)

Popular film companies and producers have always been engaged in a fierce competition. The result has been some excellent social, historical, action movies. In some cases films with the same plot or concept have been made and released almost simultaneously. There are also instances where movies flopped as a result of this competition.

Take the case of the Tamil films ‘Gnana Soundari' (1948). Two films, with the same title and storyline, one produced by Gemini Films, with M. K. Radha and V. S. Suseela in the lead roles and the other by Citadel Films that had T. R. Mahalingam and M. V. Rajamma in the lead roles. These films were released within a month of each other. While the Gemini film flopped the Citadel version became a runaway hit, a classic.

The Malayalam film ‘Krishna Kuchela,' produced by Udaya Studios,' and ‘Bhakta Kuchela,' produced by Neela Productions', had the same Bhagavatha story of Krishna and his childhood friend Kuchela. ‘Bhakta Kuchela' was released on November 9, 1961, and ‘Krishna Kuchela' on November 18, 1961. The Neela film, directed by P. Subramaniam, was a huge hit, whereas ‘Krishna Kuchela' failed miserably.

The Telugu film ‘Krishna Kuchela,' released on June 6, 1961, was the inspiration behind the production of the two Malayalam versions. This Telugu film, directed by C. Narayanamoorthy, was a crowd puller and is considered as one of the best mythological films in the language. Kuchela, played by C. S. R. Anjaneyalu, an actor noted for his mythological roles, came up with a brilliant performance. In fact, his role in the Neela production is widely believed to be the reason behind the film's success. The role of Krishna was played by another popular Telugu star, Kantha Rao. ‘Bhakta Kuchela' was an unusual collaboration between a Malayalam producer and an array of Telugu stars.

Directed by Kunchacko, ‘Krishna Kuchela' was shot at Udaya Studios. The dances choreographed by Hiralal and cinematography by T. N. Krishnankutty were commendable. The high point of the film was its music, which was composed by K. Raghavan.

Popular artists like Sathyan, Prem Nazir, T. S. Muthiah, Kottayam Chellappan, Ragini, B. S. Saroja, and KPAC Sulochana were cast in important roles. Apart from the popular story a few sequences from the Bhagavatha, like the birth of Krishna, Radha's love and devotion towards Krishna, enmity with Sisupala, slaying of Kamsa etc. were included as a sub-plot.

The competition between these two films was apparent in music and advertisement techniques. The distinctive numbers of the 78 rpm gramophone records of the songs indicate that they were released the same day or same week. Along with the publicity notices of ‘Bhakta Kuchela', especially in the theatres, ‘aval' or beaten rice was distributed in small packets wrapped in the publicity notice itself. Not to be left behind the publicity material of ‘Krishna Kuchela' were sent to houses along with ‘aval kizhi' or beaten rice packed in a small piece of cloth.

The songs in both the films were good. In this case, however, ‘Krishna Kuchela' scored. There were 22 songs in this film. Written by P. Bhaskaran and tuned by K. Raghavan some of them like ‘Omanakuttan Govindan…' (Shanta P. Nair), ‘Marayalle mayalle Radhey…' (K. Raghavan), ‘Umma nalkuthengineyamma…' (P. Susheela) and ‘Varnippathengine nin…' (M. L. Vasanthakumari-P.Leela) turned hugely popular.

Will be remembered:‘Krishna Kuchela' did not do well at the box office but it will be remembered as one of the two films with the same story, produced at the same time, which was the first instance in Malayalam cinema. It will also be remembered for its good music.