Kaavalkaaran
Kaavalkaaran (transl. The Protector), is a 1967 Indian Tamil-language spy film, directed by P. Neelakantan, starring M. G. Ramachandran in the lead role and Jayalalithaa, M. N. Nambiar, S. A. Ashokan, Sivakumar and Nagesh among others. It was the first film released after the shooting in his neck took place in 1967 and there was a rumour that MGR had no scope to continue in films in view of his voice. It ran 164 days in Ceylon and over 100 days in Chennai and other major cities and became the top grosser of the year. Thus it proved MGR could continue in films as well and thus next year MGR acted in 8 films. Thereafter continuously, his films ran box office hits of the years, consecutively. The film was remade in Hindi as Rakhwala, starring Dharmendra and Leena Chandavarkar.
| Kaavalkaaran | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Directed by | P. Neelakantan |
| Produced by | R. M. Veerappan |
| Written by |
|
| Starring | |
| Music by | M. S. Viswanathan |
| Cinematography | V. Ramamoorthy |
| Edited by | C. P. Jambulingam |
Production company | |
| Distributed by | Sathiya Movies |
Release date |
|
Running time | 150 mins |
| Country | India |
| Language | Tamil |
Plot
Mani (alias Manikkam) (MGR), stemming from a modest background, enters in the service of the billionaire Maradhatchalam (M. N. Nambiar), as the driver.
The charming daughter of this fantastically wealthy notable, Susila (Jayalalitha) desperately falls in love with Mani and it is mutual.
However, Mani seems to be very worried. He does not confine himself only to his driver's job.
Indeed, upset by the terrible secret (that her mother reveals him at the bedside of her agony) on his young brother Chandra (Sivakumar) and intrigued by the strange behavior and the actions of his boss, Maradhatchalam, Manikkam looks actively for the answers!
In spite of the categorical opposition of his father and contrary to all expectations, Susheela marries the man of her life, Manikkam.
But does she believe and do they think all to know or to seize Manikkam, really?
But who is thus, in reality, this Mani? What does he plot?
Another version
Mani (alias Manikkam) (MGR) is employed as a driver with Maruthachalam (M. N. Nambiar). Mani and his employer daughter Susheela (Jayalalitha) fall in love with each other and get married against Maruthachalam wishes. This also enrages Nagu (S. A. Ashokan), her father's business partner, who intended to marry her.
In order to make her marriage successful, Susheela disowns her father and his wealth. Mani, on the other hand, loses his mother after a prolonged illness.
But before she dies, she tells him to safeguard the secret about his brother Chandra (Sivakumar) and is overhead by his uncle Vadhilingam (V. K. Ramasamy). He tries to blackmail Marudhachalam and make money with same. Meanwhile, Susila learns that her husband and father have been foes for long. Does Marudhachalam manage to keep the secret himself or does his enmity with Mani make him pay for his mistakes and greed?
Cast
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| M. G. Ramachandran | as Mani (alias Manickam), a driver |
| Jayalalithaa | as Susila |
| Sivakumar | as Chandra (alias Chandran), Mani's younger brother |
| Nagesh | as Gobi (alias Gobinath), the doctor |
| V. K. Ramasamy | as Vaithilingham |
| Pandari Bai (Guest star) | as Karpagham, Mani's mother |
| M. N. Nambiar | Maruthachalam -Susila's father |
| S. A. Ashokan | Nagu Maruthachalam's assistant |
| Usilaimani | Patient |
| Karikol Raju | Patient |
| Kallapetti Singaram | Patient |
| Ennathe Kannaiah | Doctor |
| Vijayarani | Guest appearance |
| Pusphamala | Pushpa, Vaithilingham's wife |
| C. T. Rajakantham | Guest appearance |
| Sirumi Radhgi | Guest appearance |
The casting is established according to the original order of the credits of opening of the movie, except those not mentioned
Awards
The Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Film (Sirede Padham)
By Tamizh Government Award (Tamizh Arasin Parisu)
Production
This was the first film after the incident of shooting in 1967 by the actor, "Nadiga vel" M. R. Radha in his neck.
It ran 100 days in Chennai and other major cities and in Ceylon it ran up to 164 days.
It was the first movie of the young actor Sivakumar at that time, with the great MGR.
Kaavalkaaran was almost called Manaivy at first.
Kaavalkaaran' marks the fifth realization of the great filmmaker P. Neelakantan for MGR and the third production under the famous Sathiya Movies!
Soundtrack
| No. | Title | Lyrics | Singer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Ninaithen Vanthai" | Vaali | T. M. Soundararajan, P. Susheela | 5:22 |
| 2. | "Mellappo Mellappo" | Vaali | T. M. Soundararajan, P. Susheela | 4:02 |
| 3. | "Adangoppuraane" | Alangudi Somu | T. M. Soundararajan | 3:00 |
| 4. | "Kaathu koduthukettaen" | Vaali | T. M. Soundararajan | 4:23 |
| 5. | "Kattazhagu Thangamagal" | Alangudi Somu | P. Susheela | 3:05 |
References
- "Kaavalkkaran songs". Retrieved 27 March 2012.
External links
- Kaavalkaaran at IMDb