Ponni (1953 film)
Ponni (Tamil: பொன்னி) is a Tamil film starring Sriram, Lalitha and Padmini.[1] The film was released in 1953, and the Telugu version, Oka Talli Pillalu in the same year.
| Ponni | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | A. S. A. Samy C. Srinivasa Rao |
| Produced by | S. M. Sriramulu Naidu |
| Screenplay by | A. S. A. Samy Elangovan Balasubramaniam |
| Story by | A. S. A. Samy |
| Starring | Lalitha Padmini Sriram |
| Music by | Subbiah Naidu |
| Cinematography | Sailen Bose N. Prakash |
| Edited by | Surya |
Production company | |
| Distributed by | Pakshiraja Studios |
Release date |
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| Country | India |
| Language | Tamil |
Production
Ponni was based on Sami's screen story, with dialogue by Sami, star Tamil screenwriter Elangovan and Balasubramaniam. For some reason, Sami opted out of the project midway, and C. S. Rao (C. Srinivasa Rao) completed it. The film was shot at Pakshiraja Studios in Coimbatore. An additional attraction in the film was the real-life wrestling sequence between King Kong (Hungarian World Champion) and Dara Singh along with referee Alireza Bey (Champion of Turkey). Such fights were a major attraction in Madras those days and they were performed in Park Town near Central Station.
A dance drama, Bhama Vijayam, the popular story of Lord Krishna, Sathyabhama and Rukmini was added to the film. It featured Ragini and her cousins Ambika and Sukumari, with dances composed by noted choreographer B. Hiralal.[2]
Plot
The story is about a less privileged woman (P. Santha Kumari) left with two daughters. She loses one girl ("Baby" Chandrakumari, later Padmini), who is found by a wealthy man (D. Balasubramaniam). He changes her name to Kanmani and brings her up in luxury. She becomes proud. The struggling mother sends the other girl Ponni ("Baby" Asha, later Lalitha) to work in Kanmani's house. Kanmani ill treats her and once pushes her down the staircase, which injures Ponni badly, and she lands in hospital. The rich man has an adopted son Sundaram (Kaushik). His brother, a ne'er-do-well (Sriram), misbehaves with both Ponni and Kanmani. In the process, Ponni tries to save her sister, and lands in prison, accused of murder. However, the truth comes out and they all live happily thereafter.[2]
Cast
Cast adapted from the film titles (see external links)
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Production
A. S. A. Sami was directing the film, but for an unknown reason he left half-way. C. Srinivasa Rao, (son of filmmaker C. Pullaiah) took over.
A dance drama with the popular story of Lord Krishna which was titled Bhama Vijayam was performed by Ragini and her cousins Ambika and Sukumari.[2] Choreography was handled by Hiralal.
Trivia
A real life wrestling contest between Dara Singh and King Kong was an added attraction.[2]
Soundtrack
The music was composed by Subbiah Naidu. Lyrics were by Narayanakavi, Ramaiah Dass, Balasubramaniam & Makkalanban. Playback singers are C. S. Jayaraman, Loganathan, Mariappa, Perianayaki, Jayalakshmi, Komala and Radha.
| No. | Song | Singers | Lyrics | Length (m:ss) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Azhagum Gunamaum Amaindha Pennukku" | Jayalakshmi | 01:47 | |
| 2 | "Mazhayai Nambi Uyir Vaazhum" | C. S. Jayaraman | 03:21 | |
| 3 | "Aangalai Pola Penngal" | Perianayaki | 02:35 | |
| 4 | "Aaduvadhum Paaduvadhum Edhukku" | Mariappa & Group | 03:12 | |
| 5 | "Paambodu Pazhagalaam Pennmani" | Jayalakshmi | 03:24 | |
| 6 | "Madhimuga Radhi Ena" | Perianayaki | 02:02 | |
| 7 | "Ulagam Pora Pokkile" | Loganathan & Mariappa | 01:42 | |
| 8 | "Aadi Paadu Paappaa" | Jayalakshmi | 01:48 | |
| 9 | "Aaduvome Oonjal Aaduvome" (Baama Vijayam dance drama) | P. A. Periyanayaki, Jayalakshmi, Radha and Komala | 09:02 |
References
- Ponni - AkkamPakkam.com
- Guy, Randor (7 December 2013). "Ponni (1953)". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 11 January 2014. Retrieved 17 March 2017.
External links
- Ponni at IMDb
- Ponni Titles on YouTube