K. Sornam (1933 – 8 June 2021) was an Indian journalist, writer and director who worked in Tamil cinema. He was active in the second half of the 1900s, and shared close associations with chief ministers of Tamil Nadu Karunanidhi and M. G. Ramachandran.
K. Sornam | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1933 |
| Died | 8 June 2021 (aged 87–88) Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Other names | Swarnam, Swornam |
| Occupation(s) | Writer, director |
Film career edit
Born in Thirukkuvalai, Sornam worked as a literary writer with his relative, Karunanidhi. He had a key role in the operations of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam's political newspaper, Murasoli. While at Murasoli, Sornam brought out the supplement Pudhayal, and also worked on archiving Karunanidhi's writings. In the 1960s, he worked on the theatrical play Vidai Kodu Thaaye (Bid Me Farewell Mother), a revolutionary play written to highlight the need for social reforms. For his script, he was presented with an award by C. N. Annadurai.[1]
Sornam went on to enrol in film institute in Chennai, besides becoming the secretary of Tamil Eyal Isai Nadaga Manram, a theatre organisation. Sornam wrote the dialogues for 3 movies starring MGR, including Nam Naadu (1969), Adimai Penn (1969) and Ulagam Sutrum Valiban (1973).[2][3][4] He also directed films with actors such as Sivakumar and Kamal Haasan in Thangathile Vairam (1975), R. Muthuraman's Seer Varisai (1976), and Jaishankar's Aasai Manaivi (1977).[5]
In 1987, he directed the film Ore Raththam featuring Karthik in the lead role. The film has since garnered attention for marking the acting debut of politician M. K. Stalin.[6] In the 1990s, Sornam was later the editor-in-charge for the magazine Ilaya Suriyan, that had been created by M. K. Stalin, and regularly served as the political party's voice.[1][7]
Death edit
Sornam died on 8 June 2021, aged 88, due to age-related ailments.[5]
Partial filmography edit
| Year | Film | Credited as | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Director | Writer | |||
| 1960 | Aada Vandha Deivam |  |
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| 1969 | Nam Naadu | |
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| 1969 | Adimai Penn | |
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| 1973 | Ulagam Sutrum Valiban | |
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| 1975 | Thangathile Vairam | |
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| 1976 | Nee Oru Maharani | |
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| 1977 | Aasai Manaivi | |
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| 1978 | Ganga Yamuna Kaveri | |
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| 1978 | Seervarisai | |
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| 1978 | Mela Thaalangal | |
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| 1979 | Naan Oru Kai Paarkiren | |
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| 1987 | Ore Raththam | |
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References edit
- ^ a b "'Voice' of megastars of Tamil Nadu politics, K Sornam, falls silent | Chennai News". The Times of India. 9 June 2021.
- ^ Guy, Randor (30 April 2016). "Ulagam Sutrum Vaaliban (1973)". The Hindu.
- ^ Guy, Randor (21 September 2013). "Aadavantha Deivam (1960)". The Hindu.
- ^ "MGR Remembered – Part 55 – Ilankai Tamil Sangam". sangam.org.
- ^ a b "Legendary writer-director Sornam passes away – M.K. Stalin's debut movie was directed by him – Tamil News". IndiaGlitz.com. 9 June 2021.
- ^ "MK Stalin's brief stint with acting: Two films and a TV serial". The News Minute. 26 March 2021.
- ^ Sugita Katyal PRAKASH M. SWAMY (30 April 1993). "DMK fails to exploit Congress(I)-AIADMK divorce due to rampant infighting within party". India Today.
External links edit
- Sornam, K. at IMDb