Pilot Premnath is a 1978 Tamil-language film written and directed by A. C. Tirulokchandar. The film stars Sivaji Ganesan as the eponymous character. It is based on R. Venkat's play Mezhugu Bommaigal (transl. Wax Figurines). The film, the first joint Indo-Sri Lankan co-production in history, was shot entirely in Sri Lanka, while post-production took place in India. It was released on 30 October 1978.
| Pilot Premnath | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | A. C. Tirulokchandar |
| Screenplay by | A. C. Tirulokchandar |
| Based on | Mezhugu Bommaigal by R. Venkat |
| Produced by | D. M. Chandrasena M. M. Saleem Mukundan Menon |
| Starring | Sivaji Ganesan Malini Fonseka |
| Cinematography | T. S. Vinayagam |
| Edited by | B. Kanthasamy |
| Music by | M. S. Viswanathan |
Production company | Cine India Productions |
Release date |
|
| Countries | India Sri Lanka |
| Language | Tamil |
Plot edit
This article needs an improved plot summary. (March 2021) |
Pilot Premnath, devastated by the tragic loss of his wife in an accident, redirects his love and affection towards his two sons and a blind daughter. However, a significant shift occurs when he discovers an unsent letter written by his late wife.
Cast edit
- Sivaji Ganesan as Premnath
- Malini Fonseka as Premnath's wife
- Vijayakumar as Premnath's son
- Jai Ganesh as Premnath's son
- Jayachitra as Vijayakumar's lover
- Sridevi as Kanchan
- Major Sundarrajan as Balu
- Prem Anand as Kanchan's lover
- Thengai Srinivasan as Premnath's co-pilot
- Manorama as Thengai Srinivasan's wife
- Sathyapriya as Jai Ganesh's lover
Production edit
Pilot Premnath was directed by A. C. Tirulokchandar, who also wrote the screenplay while Aaroor Dass wrote the dialogues. The film was produced by D. M. Chandrasena, Mukundan Menon and M. M. Saleem. The first joint Indo-Sri Lankan co-production in history, it was shot entirely in Sri Lanka, while post-production took place in Madras, India.[1][2] The film was an adaptation of the play Mezhugu Bommaigal written by R. Venkat.[3] Sivaji Ganesan portrayed the lead character originally played by A. R. Srinivasan,[4] and Sridevi portrayed that character's blind daughter, reprising the role originally played by Sachu.[5][6]
Soundtrack edit
The songs were composed by M. S. Viswanathan, and written by Vaali.[7] The song "Azhagi Oruthi" belongs to Baila, a Sri Lankan genre.[8]
| No. | Title | Singer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Ilangaiyin Ilam Kuyil" | T. M. Soundararajan, Vani Jairam | |
| 2. | "Azhagi Oruthi" | P. Jayachandran, L. R. Eswari | |
| 3. | "Muruganendra Thirunaamam" | T. M. Soundararajan | |
| 4. | "Who Is The Black Sheep" | T. M. Soundararajan | |
| 5. | "Kopithootta Mudhalalikku" | L. R. Eswari, Ceylon Manohar |
Release and reception edit
Pilot Premnath was released on 30 October 1978, Diwali day.[9] The Hindu wrote, "Excellent photography is the chief asset of Pilot Premnath". The Indian Express wrote, "Captivating photography and M. S. Viswanathan's music. A few of the melodious numbers are bound to become hits".[10] Kousigan of Kalki appreciated the film for its music and cinematography, especially the capturing of Sri Lankan locales on camera.[11] Ananda Vikatan rated the film 48 out of 100.[12] Historian Randor Guy noted that the film was a "reasonable success" in both the countries it was produced.[1]
References edit
- ^ a b Guy, Randor (19 April 2014). "Pilot Premnath 1978". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 7 July 2018. Retrieved 16 December 2018.
- ^ Fernando, Susitha (10 July 2012). "Indo-Lanka film-production after four decades". The Sunday Times. Sri Lanka. Archived from the original on 8 September 2022. Retrieved 8 September 2022.
- ^ Venkatramanan, Geetha (30 March 2012). "Drama with dignity". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 16 December 2018. Retrieved 16 December 2018.
- ^ Kumar, S. R. Ashok (6 January 2012). "Showbitz – 'Kolaveri' rules!". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 27 March 2021. Retrieved 27 March 2021.
- ^ Kumar, S. R. Ashok (13 April 2012). "Showbitz". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 27 March 2021. Retrieved 27 March 2021.
- ^ "ரோஜா மலரே! - 67: நடிகரால் ஏற்பட்ட காயம் - குமாரி சச்சு". Dinamani (in Tamil). 6 December 2020. Archived from the original on 8 September 2022. Retrieved 8 September 2022.
- ^ "Pilot Premnath Tamil Film EP Vinyl Record by M S Viswanathan". Mossymart. Archived from the original on 10 June 2021. Retrieved 10 June 2021.
- ^ Vamanan (6 February 2018). "His Surangani ferried Baila tunes from Lankan shores". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 21 November 2020. Retrieved 27 March 2021.
- ^ "கமலுக்கு 'சிகப்பு ரோஜாக்கள்' - ரஜினிக்கு 'தாய் மீது சத்தியம்' - மேலும் கமலுக்கு 4 ; ரஜினிக்கு 2". Hindu Tamil Thisai (in Tamil). 3 November 2019. Archived from the original on 3 November 2019. Retrieved 27 March 2021.
- ^ "பைலட் பிரேம்நாத்". Dina Thanthi. 17 December 1978. p. 12. Archived from the original on 7 September 2022. Retrieved 7 September 2022.
- ^ கெளசிகன் (12 November 1978). "பைலட் பிரேம்நாத்". Kalki (in Tamil). p. 57. Archived from the original on 4 July 2022. Retrieved 4 July 2022.
- ^ "விகடன் பொக்கிஷம்: ஒரு தீபாவளி... 11 படங்கள்!". Ananda Vikatan (in Tamil). 19 November 2020. Archived from the original on 15 August 2023. Retrieved 16 August 2023.
