Swathi Thirunal is a 1987 Indian Malayalam-language biographical film co-written and directed by Lenin Rajendran. The film is based on the life of Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma, the Maharaja of Travancore. It stars Anant Nag in the title role, with Srividya, Nedumudi Venu and Murali in other important roles. The cinematographer was Madhu Ambat.
Plot The story begins with Gowri Lakshmi Bayi entrusting the four-month-old Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma to the care of the English East India Company whose representative was Col. Munro. Then it cuts to when Swathi Thirunal is sixteen and takes over the reins of Travancore from his aunt Gowri Parvati Bayi. Swathi Thirunal's biography is then shown against the backdrop of the music that he himself has composed. The movie ends with his death in 1846.
Cast Anant Nag as Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma (voice dubbed by Venu Nagavally) Srividya as Gowri Parvati Bayi Nedumudi Venu as Irayimman Thampi Murali as Shadkala Govinda Marar Ambika as Narayani Panam Pillai Amma Kochamma Babu Namboothiri as Diwanji Subbaravu Ranjini as Sugandhavalli Jagannathan as Vadivelu Innocent as Krishna Ravu Kaithapram Damodaran Namboothiri as singer Ravi Vallathol as singer Kanakalatha as Narayani's Thozhi Mehboob Sait ( guest role ) Kuyili as dancer Sujatha Thiruvananthapuram Anoop as Baby Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma
Production After Anant Nag's Kannada film Narada Vijaya (1980) was dubbed into Malayalam and performed well in the Kerala box office, the director Lenin Rajendran and cinematographer Madhu Ambat approached him to portray Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma in their biopic of him. Though initially reluctant, he ultimately agreed. Actor Saikumar was initially offered the lead role, but he later made his debut in Ramji Rao Speaking (1989). ( In return, Nag told Rajendran about the work of art director P. Krishnamoorthy whom he had worked with in Hamsageethe and the latter made his debut in Malayalam through this film.
Soundtrack
The film's original music was composed by M. B. Sreenivasan. The soundtrack features vocals of several singers including M. Balamuralikrishna, who received a State award for his work.
Song title Singer(s) Raga 1 Pannakendra Sayana M. Balamuralikrishna, K. J. Yesudas, Neyyattinkara Vasudevan Raagamaalika (Sankarabharanam, Bhairavi, Revagupti) 2 Alarsara Parithapam K. J. Yesudas, B. Arundhathi Surutti 3 Mokshamu Galadha M. Balamuralikrishna Saramathi 4 Parama Purusha K. J. Yesudas, Neyyattinkara Vasudevan Vasantha 5 Suma Sayaka B. Arundhathi Karnataka Kapi 6 Parvathi Nayaka K. J. Yesudas, K. S. Chithra Bowli 7 Sarasamukha Sarasija K. J. Yesudas Madhyamavati 8 Thillana Ambilikkuttan Dhanashree 9 Mamava Sada Janani Neyyattinkara Vasudevan Kanada 10 Devanuke Pathi S. P. Balasubrahmanyam Darbari Kanada 11 Krupaya Palaya K. J. Yesudas Charukesi 12 Jamuna Kinaare M. Balamuralikrishna Mishra Pilu 13 Kosalendra Neyyattinkara Vasudevan Madhyamavati 14 Chaliye Kunjanamo K. S. Chithra Vrindavani sarang
Additional tracks from the movie
Song title Singer(s) Raga 1 Bhaja Bhaja Manasa M. Balamuralikrishna Sindhu Bhairavi 2 Entharo M. Balamuralikrishna Shree 3 Mamava Sada Varade S. Janaki Nāttai Kurinji 4 Omanathinkal Kidavo S. Janaki Kurinji 5 Omanathinkal Kidavo B. Arundhathi Kurinji 6 Praananaathan B. Arundhathi Kambhoji 7 Sa Ni Dha Sa (Swarangal) Chorus 8 Anjaneya K. J. Yesudas Saveri 9 Anantha Venmani Haridas
Awards Kerala State Film Awards: Special Jury Award – Lenin Rajendran Special Jury Award – M.B Sreenivasan Best Play Back Singer – M. Balamuralikrishna Best Art Director – P. Krishnamoorthy
References
External links