Valarthumrigangal (1981)

Special Arrangement

CIRCUS REALITIES Sukumaran and Madhavi from the film

TOPICS

cinema

Malayalam cinema

Valarthumrugangal, released on May 29, 1981, was based on a short story of the same title written by M.T. Vasudevan Nair which was first published in December, 1954. The story also won an award in a national-level competition conducted the magazine where it was published. In an interview the author had stated that the story was written after watching a circus show at Palakkad and understanding the hardships faced by the artistes. The film portrays the bitter side of life in a circus camp. Humans are just valarthumrugangal or pet animals, treated worse than the animals in a circus.

Produced by K.C. Joy for Priyadarshini Movies, and directed by Hariharan, the script, dialogues and songs were by M.T. Vasudevan Nair. Mention also should be made of Mehli Irani’s cinematography and editing by G. Venkitaraman.

Circus was the main theme of many earlier films like S.S. Vasan’s Tamil-Hindi bilingualChandralekha (1948), P.Bhaskaran’s Malayalam film Nair Pidicha Pulivaal (1958), and Raj Kapoor’s Mera Naam Joker (1970). But none of these films trained the camera on the lives of the circus artistes. Probably, Valarthumrugangalwas first film to do this.

Thikkurissi Sukumaran Nair, popular Tamil actor Nagesh, K.P. Ummer, Sukumaran, Ratheesh, Nandita Bose, Madhavi played important roles in the film. The music composed by M.B. Sreenivasan was impressive.

Kumaran (Balan K. Nair) the owner of a circus company was virtually thrown to the streets when his company was destroyed in a cyclone while performing in Nasik. He now earns a living by performing on the streets. Grand Malabar Circus, owned by Madhavan (Thikkurissi Sukumaran Nair), who once worked with Kumaran in a circus company, sets up camp in the city where Kumaran now performs. Some members of Kumaran’s group, Nanu (Nagesh), Lakshmi (Nandita Bose), Janu (Madhavi) and Chandran (Ratheesh) join Grand Malabar Circus.

Janu and Chandran were children when they joined the Circus company. Lakshmi was degraded as a “helper” when she crossed her youth. Janu became an efficient trapeze artist and became the “Star” of the Circus Company. Madhavan’s nephew Gopi (K P Ummer) takes charge of the Circus Company when Madhavan leaves to the native place. Lakshmi dies of prolonged illness and lack of proper medical care. Kumaran and Nanu leaves the Circus Company unable to withstand the discrimination and humiliation by the management.

One day Gopi attempts to molest Janu . Chandran saves Janu and Gopi is beaten by him severely. Chandran is dismissed from the job and he leaves the Company. Chandran who was in love with Janu invites her to accompany him, but she stays back.

The newly joined Bike rider Bhaskaran (Sukumaran) is fascinated by Janu and slowly she falls in love with him. He raises voice against exploitation of the artists in the Company and fights for better work conditions. But the fate was cruel. Bhaskaran dies in a simulated accident while performing “Jeep Jump” in the Circus show . Janu becomes “helpless” , nobody to support her, protect her . Unable to resist, she surrenders to Gopi’s desires. Chandran comes back to take her with him. Janu who is “spoiled” now, refuses to go with Chandran who was once her sincere lover. Janu loses her mental balance. She falls down from the trapeze while performing the show and breaks her arm . Janu who was once the “Star” performer of the Circus Company is now degraded as “Helper” since she is unable to perform. Janu leaves the Circus Company. She joins the ‘Street Circus “ that Kumaran and Nanu were performing in the streets.

Madhavi, Balan K Nair and Nagesh excelled in their roles. Madhavi won the Kerala State Film award for the best supporting actress. The film dispensed with usual hilarious comedy scenes. The bleak melodrama failed at the box office.

This is one and the only film for which M T Vasudevan Nair wrote songs. M B Sreeenivasan composed music. “Kaakkaalan Kaliyachan…. “ (Yesudas) and “ Shubha Rathri Shubha Rathri….. “ (Yesudas) became popular. Other hits include “ Orumuri Kannadiyilonnu…. “ (Janaki) and “ Karmathin Paathakal… “ (Yesudas).

Why remembered:

A realistic story of the life in a circus camp.

One and the only film for which M T Vasudevan Nair wrote songs.

Kerala State Film Award for the best supporting actress (Madhavi).

Kallichellamma (1969)

Special Arrangement

Life on the coast Sheela in a still from the film

G. Vivekanandan’s novels portrayed life in the backdrop of rural Kerala. One of his worksKallichellamma, first published in 1956 was a bestseller. This novel was made into a film with the same title and released on August 22, 1969. The story focused on the life of tapioca farmers and vendors settled in a seashore village near Kovalam in Thiruvananthapuram district. The film, like the novel, was a perfect adaptation of the mannerisms of these people, their slang, and their lifestyle. This was the first Malayalam film to be shot in Orwo Color, and probably the first of its kind in Indian cinema.

Produced by Shobhana Parameswaran Nair for Roopavani and directed by P.Bhaskaran, the film was shot outdoors, except for a few scenes inside a studio. U Rajagopal and Benjamin captured the natural beauty of the seashore villages perfectly. The music composed by K. Raghavan was in sync with the mood of the film.

Prem Nazir, Madhu, Sankaradi, Veeran, Sheela, Adoor Bhavani played important roles in the film.

Chellamma (Sheela) loses her parents quite early in her life. Valli Akkan (Adoor Bhavani), her neighbour brought her up and trained her in tapioca trading. Chellamma was a tenant of Adhikari or the landlord (Veeran) who was enamoured by her beauty. Adhikari’s son Gopi Pillai (Jesey) was also charmed by her beauty. Bold and brave Chellamma knew how to keep such men at arms length. Athraamkannu (Madhu), an agent in the market, was in love with Chellamma and supported her whenever she needed help.

Kunjachan (Prem Nazir) a pump operator comes to the village to help the villagers drain out the rainwater that has flooded the paddy fields. Kunjachan, who saves Chellamma from an attack by Adhikari’s men, becomes intimate with her. Kunjachan returns after completing his work never to return though he had promised Chellamma that he would come back to marry her. Chellamma becomes pregnant. The entire village turns against her, except Valli Akkan and the kind-hearted tailor Kochu Kunjan Maistry (Sankaradi). Chellamma delivers a stillborn baby.

Athraamkannu supports Chellamma who is unable to work owing to ill health. One night, Kunjachan returns to the village and sees Athrakannu and Chellamma together in her hut.

Chellamma’s plea that Athraamkannu is like a brother to her does not convince Kunjachan. In the ensuing fight Athraamkannu is wounded severely and Kunjachan runs away.

Kunjachan breaks his arm in an accident and is hospitalised. Chellamma takes care of him and they move to a house away from her hut.

Chellamma struggles to manage the household as Kunjachan is unable to work with the fractured arm. Kunjachan’s wife Mary (Saraswathi) comes to the village with her two children. Chellamma is shocked to know that Kunjachan was married. She gives refuge to Mary and the children.

That night she attempts to commit suicide. She plucks a tender coconut to quench her thirst. Adhikari and his men catch her red-handed and brand her a thief – Kallichellamma, moments before her death.

Sheela excelled in her role which won for her the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actress. Also impressive were Adoor Bhavani and Sankaradi. Adoor Bhavani won the State award for Best Supporting Actress.

Songs written by P. Bhaskaran and tuned by K.Raghavan became very popular. Karimukil kaattile… (P.Jayachandran), Maanathe kayalin… (K.P. Brahmanandan), Ashokvanathile Seethamma… (Kamukara Purushothaman- B.Vasantha), Kaalamenna Karanavarkku….(C.O. Anto, P. Leela, Sreelatha, Kottayam Santha) and Unni Ganapathiye… (M.G. Radhakrishnan-Anto) has all stood the test of time.

Will be remembered: As the film that won State awards for Sheela and Adoor Bhavani, for the music and as the first film to be shot in Orwo Color.

Sarapanjaram (1979)

Jayan and Sheela in a still from the film.Photo: special arrangement

TOPICS

arts, culture and entertainment

cinema

cinema

Tamil cinema

Released on March 2, 1979, Sharapanjaram was a box office hit. The story of this film was written by Malayattoor Ramakrishnan. Dialogues written by popular playwright K.T. Mohammed were impressive. Written and directed by Hariharan and produced by G.P. Balan under the banner of G.P. Films, the film was shot at Satya, Vahini and Arunachalam Studios. Cinematography by Mehli Irani, especially the outdoor scenes shot in beautiful landscapes of tea and coffee estates, impressed the audience. The music composed by G. Devarajan was the highlight of the film, which was edited by V.P. Krishnan.

The story line of the film closely resembles the controversial novel Lady Chatterley’s Lover written by D.H. Lawrence in 1928. The novel was banned by several countries including Britain, and the ban on the novel is still in force in India though other countries have lifted the ban.

Popular artists like Jayan, Sathar, Nellikodu Bhaskaran, P.K. Abraham and Sheela essayed the important roles. Popular star Shanker appeared in a guest role. The dances were choreographed by E. Madhavan.

Flashbacks were put to use in narrating the story. Saudamini (Sheela) is married to a rich planter (P. K. Abraham) who becomes a heart patient shortly after Saudamini gives birth to their daughter Baby (Baby Sumathi and Priya). Saudamini’s husband becomes impotent due to the disease and though life becomes dull for her, Saudamini nurses her husband and the family live together, happily.

Chandrasekharan (Jayan), is appointed by Saudamini’s husband to train his newly bought horse. Saudamini is fascinated by Chandrasekharan. Taking advantage of the situation, one day Chandrasekharan seduces Saudamini.

At the same time Saudamini’s husband succumbs to a massive heart attack. Baby (Baby Sumathi) who was searching for her mother happens to see Saudamini with Chandrasekharan. Saudamini then marries Chandrasekharan but Baby develops a hatred towards her mother, believing that Saudamini’s neglect of her father resulted in his death.

A grown up Baby (Priya) leads a wayward life in her college hostel. She goes to clubs and parties, consumes alcohol and gets dismissed from the college. Baby returns home. Saudamini’s attempts to get Baby married also do not succeed. Prabhakaran (Sathar), son of a faithful servant Siddhayyan (Nellikodu Bhaskaran), who was dismissed by Chandrasekharan, is appointed as a driver by Saudamini. Baby falls in love with Prabhakaran. Prabhakaran succeeds in bringing Baby to a righteous path.

Saudamini repents her marriage with Chandrasekharan when she comes to know his real character.

After his marriage with Saudamini he turns more depraved. Chandrasekharan mismanages the estates and swindles away their wealth. He turns against Prabhakaran, murdering him and throwing his corpse from a hilltop.

Baby comes to Chandrasekharan to enquire about her lover. Chandrasekharan attempts to rape Baby, but Saudamini arrives and shoots Chandrasekharan to death, bringing the action-packed family drama to a tragic end.

Nellikodu Bhaskaran won the Kerala State Film Award for the Best Supporting Actor. Jayan and Sheela impressed in their key roles.

Jayan exuded machismo in his role of the gamekeeper and the scene in which he grooms the horse became a sensation. The comic scenes involving Oduvil Unnikrishnan provided moments of laughter.

Songs written by Yusuf Ali Kecheri and set to tune by Devarajan became popular. Instant hits were the Harikhamboji Raga based Saraswatha madhuventhum… (Vani Jairam) and Ambalakulathile aambal poley…’ (K.J. Yesudas). Other hits include Malarinte manamulla rathri… (P. Madhuri), Shrungara virunnorukki… ( P. Susheela) and Theyyaka thheyya thaalam…. (P. Jayachandran-Madhuri).

Will be remembered:

For Jayan’s performance, the music and the State award for the Best Supporting Actor for Nellikodu Bhaskaran.

Kaattupookkal (1965)

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  MELODRAMAA scene from the film Kattupookkal

Popular Tamil actress Devika was introduced to Malayalam cinema through Kaattupookkal , released on March 9, 1965. The film was produced and directed by K Thankappan, the popular South Indian dance director for Giri Movies. Jayanthi and Sujatha were the other actresses introduced through this film. Noted novelist Ponkunnam Varkey wrote script and dialogues for a story developed by the crew of Giri Movies.

Madhu, Thikkurissi Sukumaran Nair, Kottayam Chellappan, O.Madhavan, Adoor Bhasi, Adoor Pankajam, Philomina were some of those who essayed important roles.

Doctor Johny (Madhu) qualifies for a scholarship for higher studies abroad. His mother Theyyamma (Philomina) decides to conduct his marriage with Mary (Jayanthi), the elder daughter of Lonachan (O.Madhavan). Their betrothal takes place. Before the wedding Theyyamma comes to know that Mary is not Lonachan’s own daughter, but an orphan brought up by him. His own daughter is the younger one, Annie (Devika). Johny’s marriage with Mary is cancelled. Mary commits suicide out of shame and disappointment. The mental shock makes Lonachan sick and bedridden. Annie goes to the nearby town to attend an interview for a job. Lonachan dies when Annie was out of town.

Annie stayed at a convent where she meets an inmate Venu (Master Suresh). She takes pity for this disabled boy and takes him home with her. Annie becomes amma (mother) for him. She starts an orphanage in her house and called it Kaattupookkal . Annie’s uncle Thomachan (Thikkurissi Sukumaran Nair) tries to marry off Annie with Thommikunju (Manavalan Joseph). But Annie refuses. Thomachan has an illicit relationship with Annamma (Sujatha), a servant in the orphanage and she becomes pregnant. Thomachan disowns her and Annamma leaves the place.

Johny returns home. He supports Annie’s orphanage. They fall in love. Once, while travelling together their car meets with an accident. Annie loses her eyesight. Johny takes her to Madras for a surgery. The operation is successful. At the hospital Annie meets Annamma. Annamma dies after giving birth to a child. Annie and Johny return home with Annamma’s new born baby.

Thomachan spreads rumours about Johny and Annie even saying that the child is theirs. Theyyamma curses Annie for spoiling the life of her son. Unable to withstand the false charges against her Annie commits suicide. Annamma’s brother (Nellikodu Bhaskaran) unfolds Thommachan’s cruelty. The film ends with the scene that shows Venu, accompanied by Johny, paying homage to Annie at her tomb.

The songs written by ONV Kurup were set to tune by Devarajan. Some of them like Manikya veenayumaayen… (K.J. Yesudas), Athappo chithirappooo … (P.Susheela), Deepam kaattuka neelaakasamey … (Susheela, Gomathi, L.R. Anjali), Kaattupookkal njangal …(P.Leela-chorus) andPuzhavakkil pullanimettil … (G. Devarajan, Leela, Anjali and chorus) are still popular.

Will be remembered : As the debut Malayalam film of Devika, Jayanthi and Sujatha, as the first film produced and directed by K. Thankappan, and for the music, especially for the memorable songMaanikya veenayumaayen …

Swami Ayyappan (1975)

Special Arrangement

A scene from 'Swami Ayyappan'

TOPICS

cinema

Malayalam cinema

The first film on a temple in Kerala was made in Tamil, K. Subramaniam’sAnanthasayanam (1942) that told the story of Lord Padmanabha, the presiding deity of the famous Padmanabhaswami Temple, in the erstwhile Travancore.

Sreeramulu Naidu’s Sabarimala Ayyappan (1961) was the first Malayalam film on the famous hill temple probably the first in the language on a Kerala temple. Producer and director P. Subramaniam, popular for his big-budget mythological films, some of them on the stories of temples, went on to make films in this genre like Sree Guruvayoorappan (1972) and Devi Kanyakumari (1974).

Swami Ayyappan, released on August 17, 1975, was produced by Subramaniam Religious Trust and shot at Merryland Studios and around the Sabarimala Temple. Directed by P Subramaniam, the dialogues were by Sreekumaran Thampi.

The film went on to win State awards in various categories like Best Cinematography (Masthan), Best Lyricist (Vayalar Rama Varma), Best Child Actor (Master Raghu) and Best Film with Popular Appeal and Aesthetic Value.

Subramaniam donated the proceeds from this super-hit film to the development of Sabarimala and to improve the facilities for pilgrims there.

Produced simultaneously in Malayalam and Tamil, popular stars from both languages were included in the star cast. Master Shekhar, Gemini Ganeshan, AVM Rajan, K. Balaji, V.K. Ramaswami, Manohar and others from Tamil, Thikkurissi Sukumaran Nair, P.K. Abraham, Hari, S.P. Pillai, Bahadur, Sreevidya, Unni Mary, Rani Chandra and others from Malayalam were part of this film.

The film was later dubbed in to other South Indian languages.

The myth behind the Sabarimala Temple is narrated to pilgrims assembled to witness theMakaravilakku by a devotee (Kedamangalam Sadanandan). The popular stories are shown in a flashback. Manikantan’s birth, adoption by the king of Pandalam, slaying of the demoness Mahishi by Manikantan, expedition to the jungle to get tiger’s milk to treat his mother, are all narrated with effective use of special effects.

Master Shekhar impressed in his role as Manikantan (Lord Ayyappa). Gemini Ganeshan (King of Pandalam), Sreevidya (Queen), P.K. Abraham (crooked minister), Balaji (Vavar), Thikkurissi (Manikantan’s Guru), Hari (Narada), AVM Rajan (Lord Shiva), Unni Mary (Mahishi), Lakshmi (Mohini) did justice to their roles.

The film opens with a song sequence with a visual of the pilgrims trekking the hills to the Sabarimala Temple.

After narrating the myths the film goes on to record some of the miracles that happened in the lives of some devotees.

The old and weak Sanku Pillai (S.P. Pillai) who is helped by a divine power to climb the mountain and complete his pilgrimage, Prabhakaran (Raghavan), a military officer, who, on his way home to begin his pilgrimage to the temple, is saved from a road accident, a little girl (Baby Sumathi), who, while travelling with her father (Vanchiyoor Madhavan Nair), to the temple is saved from a poisonous snake, the atheist Sankaralingam Mudaliyar (V.K. Ramaswami) of Madurai who is cured of his stomach ailment by the sacred ash from the temple are some of the side stories that make up the film.

A musical hit, the songs tuned by G. Devarajan turned huge hits.

Lyrics were by Vayalar Rama Varma and Sreekumaran Thampi. Harivarasanam…. (K.J. Yesudas) written by Kambakkudi Kulathoor Sreenivasa Iyer, composed in Madhyamavathi by Devarajan for this film, has now become part of the regular temple routine. This version is today sung when the temple is closed for the day. Paalazhi kadanjeduthoru….(P. Madhuri), Thedi varum kannukalil… (Ambili),Mannilum vinnilum… (Yesudas-Chorus), Kailasa shailadi natha,…(Sreekanth- P. Leela),Sabarimalayil thanka sooryodayam… (Yesudas), Swami saranam…(P. Jayachandran-Chorus) and the comic number Thummiyal therikkunna… (Jayachandran-Chorus) are all popular even today.

Will be remembered: As a good mythological film, for the many State awards the film won, and for the music.

Keywords: Swami Ayyappan, Sabarimala Temple

Kanyakumari (1974)

M.T. Vasudevan Nair usually wrote the script and dialogues for his own published stories. One story that he wrote specifically for a film was that ofKanyakumari. The film, released on July 26, 1974, was Kamal Haasan’s first film as hero. This was also the Malayalam debut of noted Bengali actress Rita Bhaduri. Produced by KSR Moorthy for Chithranjali Films, the entire film was shot at Kanyakumari, the temple there and its surroundings. Directed by K.S. Sethumadhavan, the film went on to become a box office hit. Cinematography by P.L. Roy who captured the natural beauty of Kanyakumari and the soulful music of M.B. Sreenivasan were was the highpoints of the film



Prem Nawaz, Sankaradi, Murali Das, Veeran, Manimala, Pala Thankam, Jagathi Sreekumar and Mallika (in guest roles) were some of the other actors who were part of this film.



The story pivots around the love affair of Sankaran (Kamal Haasan), a sculptor, who comes to Kanyakumari to work under a contractor and a group of tourists who reach the place. Sankaran falls in love with a poor vendor of necklaces made of sea shells, Parvathi (Rita Bhaduri). An orphan, Parvathi is brought up by Kannamma (Pala Thankam), her maternal grandmother. Veerappan (Govindankutty), the foster son of Kannamma, keeps tormenting Parvathi, destroying the necklaces she makes. Sankaran decides to marry Parvathi once his work is complete. He hopes to leave Kanyakumari with Parvathi. In the meanwhile, Veerappan attempts to ‘sell’ Parvathi to Frederick (Murali Das), a depraved sportsman camping at the guest house on the beach. Parvathi manages to escape this attempt.



Jayan (Prem Nawaz), son of a rich businessman, comes to Kanyakumari seeking solace. He happens to meet his lover Rajani (Manimala), now wife of Somasundaram (Veeran), a wealthy businessman. It was this broken love affair that turned Jayan into a wreck. Rajani was forced to marry the old businessman man to save her family from a financial crisis.



The immoral relationship between Frederick and the young wife of a North Indian businessman (Sankaradi) forms the sub-plot of the film. Jayan who happens to see this is threatened by Frederick and is warned not to interfere in his personal matters. Jayan makes friends with Swami (K.G. Menon), an itinerant sanyasi. Both of them take pity on Parvathi and they try to save her Veerappan and Frederick.

Events take a cruel turn. One night, Frederick accosts Parvathi while she was alone on the beach and rapes her. Sankaran who hears her screams rushes to the spot. He hits Frederick with his sculptor’s hammer killing him at once. The film ends Sankaran taken away by the police and Parvathi staring at him with eyes full of tears.


Kamal Haasan and Rita Bhaduri impressed with their natural style of acting. Alummoodan, as a waiter in the guest house, created moments of laughter.



The songs written by Vayalar Rama Varma and set to music by M.B. Sreenivasan (MBS) like Chandra palunku manimala…. (K.J. Yesudas-S.Janaki), the English song that has lyrics by MBS, I am in love… (Usha Uthup) and Ayiramkannulla Mariyamma… (Yesudas-P.Leela-L.R.Easwari and chorus) turned very popular.


Will be remembered: As the first film of Kamal Haasan as hero, as the debut Malayalam film of Rita Bhaduri and for the song Chandra palunku manimala
…

MInnaminungu (1957)

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  Minnaminungu, released on May 24, 1957, introduced M.S. Baburaj, the musical genius who popularised Hindustani music through his compositions, to Malayalam cinema. This was also the first independent directorial venture of Ramu Kariat. Playback singer Machad Vasanthi also made her debut in this film.

  Produced by Ramu Kariat, jointly with Sreenivasan, under the banner of Chithra Keralam, the film was shot at Premiere Studios, Mysore. The impressive dialogues were by KSK Thalikulam for a story developed by Ramu Kariat along with Rafi.

  The film dealt with a novel theme of inadequacy and corruption in the medical sector, which was prevalent in the remote villages of Kerala. Hindi films like Franz Osten’s Durga (1939) and Subodh Mithra’s Doctor (1941) had looked at this subject with fair success earlier. But Minnaminungu was not a commercial success. Film critics attribute the reason for failure to relatively unknown star cast of the film. The film was however noted for its sensible direction, K.V. Padmanabhan’s editing and cinematography by B.J. Reddy.

  Eddy, Vasudev Cheruvari, Damayanthi, Mary Eddy, Padmam Menon were new. They were supported in guest roles by the more experienced actors such as Santhadevi, Premji and Manavalan Joseph.

  The story pivots around a dispensary in a remote village. The greedy and corrupt doctor (Vasudev Cheruvari) in charge of the dispensary refuses to give proper medical care to Ammini’s (Damayanthi) mother (Santhadevi) and the old woman dies. The reason for this indifference was because Ammini could not pay the money demanded by the doctor. Ammini seeks refuge in the house of her neighbour Mathai (Vakkachan). The doctor is transferred following a complaint from the villagers. Sadanandan (Eddy), the new doctor posted here, is a widower. His mother (Padmam Menon) is unable to manage the household and the doctor struggles hard to bring up his children Babu (Vipin) and Suma (Seetha).

  Mathai’s wife Thandamma (Mary Eddy) asks the doctor to appoint Ammini as a caretaker for his children. He does this and Ammini soon wins the heart of Babu and Suma. Ammini gets seriously wounded and Sadanandan’s prompt medical care cures her. Sadanandan falls in love with Ammini. Rumours are spread about them. Fearing that this would affect the reputation of her son the doctor’s mother dismisses Ammini from her job.

  Babu and Suma are unable to bear this separation. Babu falls ill and Sadanandan’s medical care fails to give him relief. The news of Babu’s pathetic condition reaches Ammini who rushes to the doctor’s house. Her presence and care helps Babu recover. Sadanandan realises the need for a woman in bringing up his children. Ammini becomes part of the family. The film ends with the villagers bidding a tearful farewell to the doctor and his family following a transfer to another village.

  The film reminds us of characters in the novels of Thomas Hardy. The illiterate Sanku Ammavan (Premji) who loves listening to Ramayana reading, his nephew Kunju (Balakrishna Menon) who earns his livelihood by reading the Ramayana, the retired soldier Vasu (Manavalan Joseph) who is always caught in some legal battleare some of the interesting characters.

  The songs written by P. Bhaskaran and set to tune by Baburaj turned hits. Songs like Ithra naal ithra naal ee vasantham…, Enthinu kavilil bashpadhara…(both by Kozhikode Abdul Khader), Oru vattippoo tharenam…., Vaalittu kannezhuthenam…(both by Santha P. Nair), Thapassu cheythu….(H. Mehboob), Thathamme thathamme nee padiyaal… (Machadu Vasanthi-Meena Sulochana) were very popular.

  Will be remembered: As the debut film of music director M.S. Baburaj and playback singer Machad Vasanthi; for the long list of actors like Eddy who went on to appear in guest roles in many films later and as the first independent directorial venture of Ramu Kariat.