Mannathi Mannan ( ) is a 1960 Indian Tamil-language historical action film directed and produced by M. Natesan. The film stars M. G. Ramachandran, Anjali Devi and Padmini. It was released on 19 October 1960, during Diwali.
Plot
Dancer Chitra and prince of Uraiyur Manivannan fall in love with each other after meeting in a dance competition. However, Chola King Kanikannan also desires Chitra. Meanwhile, Manivannan's father, the Cheran King sends his minister, seeking the hand of Karpagavalli, daughter of King Karigala, for his son. But the King thwarts this proposal, talking ill of the heredity of Manivannan's mother. Unable to bear his mother being insulted, Manivannan goes to the Chola kingdom and abducts Karpagavalli. In the meantime, a dacoit, played very cleverly by Kanikannan, forces Manivannan to marry Karpagavalli.
Cast Cast according to the opening credits of the film
Male Cast M. G. R. as Manivannan P. S. Veerappa as Kanikannan M. G. Chakrapani as Karikala Chozhan Kula Deivam V. R. Rajagopal as Balaraman N. S. Narayana Pillai Azhwar Kuppusami P. S. Venkatachalam R. M. Sethupathi Thirupathisami T. V. Sivanantham
Female Cast Anjali as Karpagavalli Padmini as Chithra Ragini G. Sakunthala as Mangayarkarasi Lakshmiprabha Dance Lakshmi Rajyam, Rita, T. S. Jayanthi,T. S. Kamala, D. Madhuri, T. K. Rajeswari,Revathi, Sakunthala, C. R. Mohana, G. Bala,G. Sundari, Leela, N. Meera, B. Shantha,K. Rajeswari, Rajamma, Vittoba, J. N. Rajam,G. Kamala, Nagu and P. T. Saroja.
Soundtrack The music composed by Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy. The song "Aadatha Manamum" is based on Latangi raga. Among the 14 songs, the solo song by P. Susheela 'Kankal irandum enru unnai kandu pesuma', chiefly picturized on Padmini, with interspersed fighting scenes by MGR, and also clips of agony felt by Anjali Devi, has been acclaimed by Susheela's peers as well as the public as one of her best. It had stood the test of time, as one of the superbly tuned sad melody to appear in Tamil movies.
Song Singers Lyrics Length "Aadadha Manamum Undo" T. M. Soundararajan & M. L. Vasanthakumari A. Maruthakasi 03:59 "Aadum Mayile Azhagu Mayile" K. Jamuna Rani & L. R. Eswari 02:28 "Achcham Enbadhu Madamaiada" T. M. Soundararajan Kannadasan 03:09 "Avala Ivala Therndhu Edu" L. R. Eswari & L. R. Anjali 02:38 "Engalin Rani" Jikki & K. Jamuna Rani A. Maruthakasi 04:11 "Kangal Irandum enru Unnai kandu" P. Susheela Kannadasan 04:04 "Kaaduthazhaikka.... Kanniyar Perumai" S. C. Krishnan & P. Leela 04:53 "Kaaviri Thaaye Kaaviri Thaaye" K. Jamuna Rani 03:08 "Kadhar Kozhunan" Sirkazhi Govindarajan "Kalaiyodu Kalandhadhu Unmai" M. L. Vasanthakumari 03:39 "Kaniya Kaniya Mazhalai Pesum" T. M. Soundararajan & P. Susheela 03:57 "Neeyo Nano Yaar Nilave" P. B. Sreenivas, K. Jamuna Rani & P. Susheela 03:29 "Paadupatta Thannale" S. C. Krishnan "Thandai Kondu" T. M. Soundararajan 07:62
Release and reception Mannathi Mannan was released on 19 October 1960, during Diwali. It was previously scheduled for 30 September. The Indian Express wrote "the story could have been very well developed in a different way [..] Anyway the picture is replete with romance, dance and fight" and praised the performances of star cast including Padmini. Kanthan of Kalki called it a very ordinary film, but good by Ramachandran standards. Despite facing competition from Kairasi, Petra Manam, and Paavai Vilakku, released on the same day, the film became a commercial success. It achieved cult status in Tamil cinema, and the song "Achcham Enbadhu Madamaiada" helped Ramachandran become a "cultural icon".
References
External links