Kuravanji is a 1960 Indian Tamil language film directed by A. Kasilingam. The film stars Sivaji Ganesan and Savitri. The film, produced by M. Karunanidhi, R. M. Veerappan, and A. Kasilingam, was released on 4 March 1960,[1] and was not a commercial success.[2]

Kuravanji
Poster
Directed byA. Kasilingam
Written byM. Karunanidhi
Produced byM. Karunanidhi
R. M. Veerappan
A. Kasilingam
StarringSivaji Ganesan
Savitri
CinematographyG. Durai
Edited byA. Kasilingam
Music byT. R. Pappa
Production
company
Mekala Pictures
Release date
  • 4 March 1960 (1960-03-04)
CountryIndia
LanguageTamil

Plot edit

The film tells the story of Thenpandiko, the king of Inbapuri. Ellaipuram is a part of the kingdom and the king appoints his brother, Mukhari, to rule it. Mukhari has a minister, Imaya, who has evil designs. Mukhari falls prey to his evil plans, and besides taking over Ellaipuram, he plans to usurp Inbapuri from his brother. To help the suffering people enter a man named Kadhiravan, hailing from the royal family. He moves around the kingdom in the guise of a vagabond. Princess Kumari wishes to marry him, while he falls in love with Ponni, who is from the fisherfolk community. Coming to know of this, Kadhiravan's brother is furious. The princess is equally upset, but Kadhiravan is more interested in saving the people. Soon there is a protest led by him that gains momentum. What happens to it is narrated in the latter half of the film.

Cast edit

Production edit

S. S. Rajendran was initially to play the lead role in Kuravanji. However, due to some "friction" between him and M. Karunanidhi, the role was later offered to Sivaji Ganesan. He was hesitant to accept as he believed Rajendran would misunderstand him if he accepted, but after being reassured by Karunanidhi, Ganesan accepted the offer out of respect.[4] Kuravanji is Ganesan's 60th film as an actor.[5] During the shoot, Ganesan chose to wear a gunny sack instead of the woollen clothes that were given to him. He wanted to "connect with the reality of the character of a tribesman".[6]

Soundtrack edit

The music was composed by T. R. Pappa.[3][7]

Song Singers Lyrics Length
"Kaadhal Pollathadhu" P. Susheela Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass 03:06
"Sengkayil Vandu Kalin"
"Thannamudhudan Pirandhhai"
"Sollakelaai Kuri Sollakelaai"
"Irunda Megam Sutri"
C. S. Jayaraman & Ramaiya
P. Leela
A. P. Komala & A. G. Rathnamala
C. S. Jayaraman
Thirikooda Rasappa Kavirayar 02:20
02:21
01:05
00:48
"Ennaalum Thanniyile" A. L. Raghavan & Jikki Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass 03.27
"Thanneril Meen Irukum.... Unakku Puriyudhu" C. S. Jayaraman & P. Leela Kannadasan 05:17
"Athaachi Naazhi Pathaachi" A. L. Raghavan & M. S. Rajeswari Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass
"Kaadhal Kadal Karaiyorame" C. S. Jayaraman, P. Leela & P. Susheela Kannadasan 03:53
"Paadi Azhaippen Endru" C. S. Jayaraman Kannadasan 03:23
"Nee Sollavidil Yaar Solluvar Nilavae" C. S. Jayaraman Kudanthai R. Krishnamurthi 03:30
"Alai Irukkuthu Kadalile" K. Jamuna Rani M. Karunanidhi 03:12
"Alaiyitta Karumbaaka" C. S. Jayaraman Kannadasan 01:07
"Onne Onnu Irukku" Jikki 03:16

Reception edit

Kanthan of Kalki noted that the film's lengthy runtime was not a detriment to it being an entertainer.[8]

References edit

  1. ^ "51–60". nadigarthilagam.com. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 6 November 2014.
  2. ^ Guy, Randor (5 July 2014). "Kuravanji (1960)". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 18 September 2020. Retrieved 29 June 2021.
  3. ^ a b குறவஞ்சி (PDF) (song book) (in Tamil). Madras: Mekala Pictures. 1960. Retrieved 29 June 2022 – via Internet Archive.
  4. ^ Ganesan & Narayana Swamy 2007, pp. 116–117.
  5. ^ Ganesan & Narayana Swamy 2007, p. 147.
  6. ^ "Sivaji statue unveiled". The Hindu. 5 October 2009. Archived from the original on 29 June 2021. Retrieved 29 June 2021.
  7. ^ Neelamegam, G. (2014). Thiraikalanjiyam — Part 1 (in Tamil). Chennai: Manivasagar Publishers. p. 196.
  8. ^ காந்தன் (20 March 1960). "குறவஞ்சி". Kalki (in Tamil). pp. 16–17. Archived from the original on 2 July 2022. Retrieved 2 July 2022.

Bibliography edit

External links edit