Vidyapathi is a 1946 Indian, Tamil-language film produced by M. Somasundaram and Mohideen under the banner Jupiter Pictures and directed by A. T. Krishnasami.[2] The film stars T. R. Ramachandran, T. Premavathi and K. Thavamani Devi.

Vidyapathi
Tamilவித்யாபதி
Directed byA. T. Krishnasami
Screenplay byA. T. Krishnasami
Based onVidyasagar (Novel)
by K. Doraiswami Iyengar
Produced byG. Mani-C. Sundaram
StarringT. R. Ramachandran
T. Premavathi
CinematographyP. Ramasami
Edited byT. R. Gopu
Music byAdeppalli Rama Rao
Production
company
Release date
  • 17 October 1946 (1946-10-17) (India)
[1]
Running time
2 hrs 43 mins (14750 ft.)
CountryIndia
LanguageTamil

Plot edit

A young man tells his parents that he will marry only after wooing and loving a girl. He sees an ad in a matrimonial column and goes to meet the girl. On his way he is robbed. He is left behind only with a loin cloth. A fake sadhu finds him and take with him. The fake Sadhu makes the young man into a yogi. In the meantime, a zaminder who has an affair with a devadasi (dancer), neglects his wife and daughter. The Sadhu introduces the yogi (the young man) to the young woman with an idea for making money. But the young man and woman fall in love with each other. After many twists and turns, they both marry.[3]

Cast edit

Cast According to the film's song book[4]

Production edit

K. Thavamani Devi performed a Western-type dance choreographed by Mrs. Rainbird and the background music was provided by C. G. Rob and his party. The Tamil song had English words intermingled which was a novelty at that time. "Here goes the song.... ‘Atho rendu (there the two)....Black eyes! Ennai paarthu (Looking at me)...Once, twice! Kannai chimitti (winking!)... Dolly! Kai kotti (with hands)...Calls me! I will dance for you!'". The English words in the song were penned by K. Thavamani Devi herself. She also designed her own costume.[5]

Soundtrack edit

Music was composed by Adeppalli Rama Rao while the lyrics were penned by Udumalai Narayana Kavi. Singers are T. G. Kamala Devi, K. Thavamani Devi, T. R. Ramachandran, and M. N. Nambiar. The only playback singer is K. V. Janaki.[4]

No Song Singer Length (m:ss)
1 "Aadu Radde Suzhanrudu Radde" T. G. Kamala Devi
2 "Raman Varuvaarodi" K. V Janaki 02:52
3 "Atho Rendu" ... Black eyes
"Ennai Parthu" ... Once twice
"Kannai Chimitti" ... Dolly
"Kaiyai Kotti" ... Calls me!
K. Thavamani Devi
4 "Enpalli Kondeerayya" K. V. Janaki 04:11
5 "Aantavane Enaiyal" T. R. Ramachandran
6 "Booloka Janaki Mane ... Shri Ramasami Ramana" T. R. Ramachandran, K. V. Janaki
7 "Thayapara Jeevanilla Thegam Yano" K. V. Janaki 02:59
8 "Arivenaiya Un Antharangam" Dance
9 "Ragupathi Ragava Raja Ram" M. N. Nambiar

Reception edit

The film did not fare well at the box-office. Film historian Randor Guy wrote in 2010 that the film is "Remembered for the interesting storyline, witty dialogue, fine song and dance numbers and Thavamani's exciting screen presence."[5]

References edit

  1. ^ Film News Anandan (23 October 2004). Sadhanaigal Padaitha Thamizh Thiraipada Varalaru [History of Landmark Tamil Films] (in Tamil). Chennai: Sivakami Publishers. Archived from the original on 9 April 2017.
  2. ^ Ashish Rajadhyaksha; Paul Willemen. Encyclopedia of Indian Cinema (PDF). Oxford University Press, New Delhi, 1998. p. 654.
  3. ^ Guy, Randor (18 June 2015). "Played many parts". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 9 April 2017. Retrieved 9 April 2017.
  4. ^ a b Vidyapathi (song book) (in Tamil). Central Studios. 1946.
  5. ^ a b Guy, Randor (14 November 2010). "Vidyapathi 1946". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 9 April 2017. Retrieved 9 April 2017.