Thalaivan (transl. Leader) is a 1970 Indian Tamil-language thriller film, directed by P. A. Thomas. The film stars M. G. Ramachandran and Vanisree, while M. N. Nambiar and S. A. Ashokan portray the antagonists. It was released on 24 July 1970.[2]

Thalaivan
Theatrical release poster
Directed byP. A. Thomas
Singhu Muthu
Written byA. Abdul Muthalib
Dialogue byR. K. Shanmugham
Produced byP. A. Thomas[1]
StarringM. G. Ramachandran
Vanisree
S. A. Ashokan
CinematographyP. S. Nagappa
Edited byV. Rajagopal
Music byS. M. Subbaiah Naidu
Production
company
Thomas Pictures
Release date
  • 24 July 1970 (1970-07-24)
CountryIndia
LanguageTamil

Plot edit

Sanguili (M. N. Nambiar) is a man without faith nor law, who extorts, kidnaps, if necessary, which murders and desires for a very long time, the fabulous treasure of the king of neighbourhood, (S. V. Ramadoss).

At the time of seizing it, where he fails moreover, he kills the king and puts the blame of this heinous crime on his wife, the queen, then pregnant.

All the indications accuse the poor queen, who eventually volatilises.

The only one, Velamma (G. Sakunthala), who could acquit her, is silenced by the threats of Sanguili. Some years passed.

Ilango (MGR), a particularly very effective secret agent (grace, among others, in its total control of the yoga and to his knowledge complete of the well done of healing plants, inherited from his father, Moghan Ram (K. Nadarajan (or) K. Nadaraja Iyer), an herbalist of great renown) is sent by his superiors with a mission to stop the actions of Sanguili.

A map is in the centre of this case, because it indicates the location exact of the famous treasure, so looked for, for years by Sanguili.

Cast edit

Actor Role
M. G. Ramachandran as Ilango (alias Thalaivan), an Indian spy officer
M. N. Nambiar as Sangili
S. A. Ashokan as Bhairavan
Nagesh as Pandjavarnam
O. A. K. Thevar as Soma Sundaram
Vanisree as Usha, Ilango's lover
Jodhilakshimi as Paruvakodi, the tribal girl
Manorama as Palamma
G. Sakunthala as Velamma
S. V. Ramadoss as the King Marthanda Boopathy (Ilango Father)
Kumari Rukmini as Queen Manimegalai (Ilango Mother)
S. Rama Rao as
Trichy Soundararajan as the Commanding Officer
K. Nadarajan (or) K. Nadaraja Iyer as Mohan Ram

The casting is established according to the original order of the credits of opening of the movie, except those not mentioned.

Production edit

The film faced numerous production troubles for over 18 months, including financial and call sheet issues.[1]

Soundtrack edit

The music was composed by S. M. Subbaiah Naidu, while the lyrics were written by Vaali.[3] In his memoir, Vaali wrote that Ramachandran told him, "Unlike for other movies, I had given the most number of call sheets for this movie. More than 18 months had passed: finance problem, call sheet problem, and also a particular lyric you had written when it was recorded on the first day of ‘pooja’ shooting, that turned out to be a bad omen. Vaali, the movie's title is Thalaivan (i.e., leader). You had written a line that Thalaivan hasn't come yet".[1]

Title Singer(s)
"Arivukku Velaikodu" T. M. Soundararajan
"Neerazhi Mandabathil" P. Susheela, S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
"Odayile Oru Thamarai Poo" T. M. Soundararajan, L. R. Eswari
"Paai Viriththathu" T. M. Soundararajan, P. Susheela

References edit

  1. ^ a b c Sri Kantha, Sachi (27 December 2019). "MGR Remembered – Part 54 | An Overview of the Final 31 movies of 1970s". Ilankai Tamil Sangam. Archived from the original on 31 October 2020. Retrieved 4 April 2021.
  2. ^ "எம்.ஜி.ஆர். நடித்த படங்களின் பட்டியல்". Ithayakkani (in Tamil). 2 April 2011. Archived from the original on 14 November 2018. Retrieved 4 April 2021.
  3. ^ "Thalaivan". Gaana. Archived from the original on 30 November 2021. Retrieved 4 April 2021.

External links edit