Jump to content

Kappalottiya Thamizhan: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
mNo edit summary
expanded sections
Line 24: Line 24:
}}
}}


'''''Kappalottiya Thamizhan''''' ({{lang-ta| கப்பலோட்டிய தமிழன்}}; {{lang-en|The [[Tamilian]] who launched a Ship}}) is a 1961 [[Tamil cinema|Tamil]] [[patriotic]] film directed by [[B. R. Panthulu]]. Starring [[Sivaji Ganesan]] and [[Gemini Ganesan]] in the lead roles, the film is based on the life of [[V. O. Chidambaram Pillai|Va Vu Chidambaram Pillai]], who founded the Swadeshi Stream Navigation Company to break the monopoly of the British over maritime trade out of India.
'''''Kappalottiya Thamizhan''''' ({{lang-ta| கப்பலோட்டிய தமிழன்}}; {{lang-en|The [[Tamilian]] who launched a Ship}}) is a 1961 [[Tamil cinema|Tamil]] [[patriotic]] film directed by [[B. R. Panthulu]]. Starring [[Sivaji Ganesan]] and [[Gemini Ganesan]] in the lead roles, the film is based on the life of [[V. O. Chidambaram Pillai|Va Vu Chidambaram Pillai]], who founded the Swadeshi Stream Navigation Company to break the monopoly of the British over maritime trade out of India. Upon release, the film received critical acclaim and was adjudged the "best Tamil film of the year" by the [[Government of India]], however it failed at the box office.<ref name=SERPENT/><ref name=BOOK/>


==Plot==
==Plot==
Line 55: Line 55:


==Production==
==Production==
===Development===
The film ''Kappalottiya Thamizhan'' is based on the life of freedom fighter [[V. O. Chidambaram Pillai|Va Vu Chidambaram Pillai]], who founded the Swadeshi Stream Navigation Company to break the monopoly of the British over maritime trade out of India. During a time when the [[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam|DMK]] was gaining political ground in [[Tamil Nadu]], a time when there was competition between parties, and films were pitched against each other, the opposition unleashed a malicious propaganda that since Chidambaram belonged to the [[Indian National Congress]], ''Kappalottiya Thamizhan'' was a film for the Congress. The film was not targeted for the masses, who at that time did not want to be "stirred" by the Nationalist Spirit.<ref name=BOOK/> [[Sivaji Ganesan]] was hesitant to do the role of VOC as he doubted whether he could assay the role flawlessly, but later accepted the role. He once said that the highest award he got for this film was when VOC's son Subramaniam said he saw his father alive in the screen.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.hindu.com/2001/07/27/stories/09270226.htm | title=Role that moved him to tears | publisher=The Hindu | date=July 27, 2001 | accessdate=March 24, 2012 | author=S. R. ASHOK KUMAR}}</ref>
The film ''Kappalottiya Thamizhan'' is based on the life of freedom fighter [[V. O. Chidambaram Pillai|Va Vu Chidambaram Pillai]], who founded the Swadeshi Stream Navigation Company to break the monopoly of the British over maritime trade out of India. During a time when the [[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam|DMK]] was gaining political ground in [[Tamil Nadu]], a time when there was competition between parties, and films were pitched against each other, the opposition unleashed a malicious propaganda that since Chidambaram belonged to the [[Indian National Congress]], ''Kappalottiya Thamizhan'' was a film for the Congress. The film was not targeted for the masses, who at that time did not want to be "stirred" by the Nationalist Spirit.<ref name=BOOK/>

===Casting===
[[Sivaji Ganesan]] was hesitant to do the role of VOC as he doubted whether he could assay the role flawlessly, but later accepted the role. He once said that the highest award he got for this film was when VOC's son Subramaniam said he saw his father alive in the screen.<ref name=TEAR>{{cite web | url=http://www.hindu.com/2001/07/27/stories/09270226.htm | title=Role that moved him to tears | publisher=The Hindu | date=July 27, 2001 | accessdate=March 24, 2012 | author=S. R. ASHOK KUMAR}}</ref> [[Gemini Ganesan]] was cast in the role of Madasamy, a character who was later labelled "authentic",<ref name=SERPENT>[[S. Theodore Baskaran]] (1996). ''The Eye of the Serpent: An Introduction to Tamil Cinema'', p. 131-132, East West Books, Chennai</ref>
and [[S. V. Subbiah]] was cast as the [[Tamil language]] poet [[Subramania Bharathi]].<ref name=SUB>http://www.hindu.com/ms/2004/12/01/stories/2004120100460400.htm</ref> While veteran villain actor [[S. A. Ashokan]] made his debut in this film as Collector Ash,<ref>http://www.cinefundas.com/2011/09/03/s-a-ashokan</ref>, actor Nagaiah who was then in "dire straits", was signed up for a significant role, as director [[B. R. Panthulu]] wanted to give him a "break in films".<ref name=NAG>http://www.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/article2853657.ece</ref>

===Filming===
There is no evidence of any research undertaken for making the film. The film had no [[theatrical property|prop]]s, apart from the character's costumes and the female character's ear-lobes, which were done to create a "period effect". The scenes which involved the burning of non-Indian textiles were labelled as "flat" and "unconvincing".<ref name=SERPENT/>


==Soundtrack==
==Soundtrack==
Line 105: Line 113:
==Release==
==Release==
===Reception===
===Reception===
''Kappalottiya Thamizhan'' received largely positive reviews for its patriotic dialogues. A reviewer said "Sivaji brings Chidambaram Pillai before our eyes with his portrayal of the freedom fighter."<ref>{{cite web | url=http://tamilnation.co/hundredtamils/voc.htm | title=Kappalottiya Tamilan - The Film | accessdate=March 24, 2012 | author=Balaji Balasubramaniam}}</ref> Though it was the first Tamil film to get tax exemption from the government, it was a commercial failure.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-08-04/chennai/29850271_1_films-with-tamil-titles-entertainment-tax-small-budget-films | title=Government rains on film world tax holiday | publisher=Times of India, Chennai | date=August 4, 2011 | accessdate=March 24, 2012 | author=M. T. Saju}}</ref> The film faced a loss of {{INRConvert|7|l}}.
''Kappalottiya Thamizhan'' has received largely positive reviews. Film critic Balaji Balasubramaniam said, "Sivaji brings Chidambaram Pillai before our eyes with his portrayal of the freedom fighter." He further pointed out, "He is majestic during the initial portions, as he strides with confidence, collecting money for buying the ship and sure of its success in propagating the freedom movement. He delivers his dialogs forcefully and with passion and the accompanying expressions and gestures complement the effect."<ref>{{cite web | url=http://tamilnation.co/hundredtamils/voc.htm | title=Kappalottiya Tamilan - The Film | accessdate=March 24, 2012 | author=Balaji Balasubramaniam}}</ref> Malathi Rangarajan of ''[[The Hindu]]'' said, "Films on patriotism are many. But Panthulu's ''Kappalottiya Tamizhan'' stands apart for the natural portrayal of Sivaji Ganesan as VOC, and S.V. Subbiah who came up with a brilliant performance as Bharatiar. The film remains a perfect showcase of the Independence Movement in the South!"<ref name=NAG/> Another reviewer from ''The Hindu'' said, "S. V. Subbiah's performance as Bharatiyar in the film, ''Kappalottiya Tamizhan'' was reminiscent of his role as Kavi Anandar."<ref name=SUB/> S. Viswanathan of ''[[Frontline (magazine)|The Frontline]]'' praised Ganesan's performance, saying "Critics list several films as his best in terms of performance. However, according to the actor, his career best was ''Kappalottiya Thamizhan'', which tells the life of a freedom fighter, V.O. Chidambaram."<ref>http://www.frontlineonnet.com/fl1816/18161140.htm</ref> Tamil film [[historian]] [[S. Theodore Baskaran]] said, "Though Sivaji Ganesan's portrayal of Chidambaram Pillai is affected in the earlier part of the film, later in the prison sequences and during the trauma of disillusionment, his acting is natural. The format of the film remains traditional with duets, songs and fight sequences."<ref name=SERPENT/>

===Box office===
''Kappalottiya Thamizhan'', despite being the first Tamil film to get tax exemption from the government, however emerged a commercial failure.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-08-04/chennai/29850271_1_films-with-tamil-titles-entertainment-tax-small-budget-films | title=Government rains on film world tax holiday | publisher=Times of India, Chennai | date=August 4, 2011 | accessdate=March 24, 2012 | author=M. T. Saju}}</ref> It faced a loss of {{INRConvert|7|l}}.
About the film's failure, [[Sivaji Ganesan]] wrote in his autobiography:
About the film's failure, [[Sivaji Ganesan]] wrote in his autobiography:
{{cquote|Since the Congress did not understand artistic sensitivities, ''Kappalottiya Tamizhan'', which was a film made for the Congress, was a box office failure. We were not upset that we lost money making movies to kindle the national spirit, but happy that we could harness the medium to remind people of the great freedom fighters of the bygone era. Whenever the people remember those leaders, they cannot help but remember me as well!<ref name=BOOK>[[Sivaji Ganesan]] (2002). ''Autobiography of an Actor'', p. 148-149, Sivaji Prabhu Charities Trust, Chennai</ref>}}
{{cquote|Since the Congress did not understand artistic sensitivities, ''Kappalottiya Tamizhan'', which was a film made for the Congress, was a box office failure. We were not upset that we lost money making movies to kindle the national spirit, but happy that we could harness the medium to remind people of the great freedom fighters of the bygone era. Whenever the people remember those leaders, they cannot help but remember me as well!<ref name=BOOK>[[Sivaji Ganesan]] (2002). ''Autobiography of an Actor'', p. 148-149, Sivaji Prabhu Charities Trust, Chennai</ref>}}

Revision as of 13:03, 6 May 2012

Kappalottiya Thamizhan
Directed byB. R. Panthulu
Written byS. T. Sundaram
Screenplay bySitra Krishnaswamy
Story byM. P. Sivagnanam
Produced byB. R. Panthulu
StarringSivaji Ganesan
Gemini Ganesan
S. V. Subbaiah
Music byG. Ramanathan
Production
company
Padmini Pictures
Release date
Feb 1961.[1]
CountryTemplate:Film India
LanguageTamil

Kappalottiya Thamizhan (Tamil: கப்பலோட்டிய தமிழன்; English: The Tamilian who launched a Ship) is a 1961 Tamil patriotic film directed by B. R. Panthulu. Starring Sivaji Ganesan and Gemini Ganesan in the lead roles, the film is based on the life of Va Vu Chidambaram Pillai, who founded the Swadeshi Stream Navigation Company to break the monopoly of the British over maritime trade out of India. Upon release, the film received critical acclaim and was adjudged the "best Tamil film of the year" by the Government of India, however it failed at the box office.[2][3]

Plot

Va Vu Chidambaram Pillai (Sivaji Ganesan), a lawyer by profession is also an owner of a salt factory. He participates in swadeshi movement and joins in burning all the foreign goods, frequently assisted by Madaswami (Gemini Ganesan) who idolizes him. Even he burns a new silk shirt his son wears which was brought from abroad. He notices that there is no Indian ship in the Indian waters to go abroad. So mobilises fund to buy two ships operating between Thoothukudi and Colombo. But the British India Steam Navigation Company (BISN) waged a price war. BSIN offered the tickets for 16 annas (1 Re). Swadeshi comapany in turn offered the ticket for 8 annas (.5 Re). The British company went further by offering free ticket and a free umbrella for the passengers. Unable to bear the monopolistic trade practices of the British company Va Vu Chidambaram Pillai's Swadeshi Steam Navigation Company becomes bankrupt. He was arrested on charges of sedation along with Subramaniya Siva for leading a strike against along with workers of the Coral mill run by a British. He is sentenced to life imprisonment and made to do hardwork in the jail. After a few years however, he gets released but is disappointed because his country did not get independence. Thus, he dies in vain.

Cast

Actor Role
Sivaji Ganesan Va Vu Chidambaram Pillai
Gemini Ganesan Madaswami
S.V. Subbaiah Bharathiar
T. K. Shanmugham Subramaniya Siva
Rukmini Chidambaram Pillai's wife
K. Balaji Vanchinathan
Savitri
S. V. Ranga Rao
S. A. Ashokan Collector Ash

Production

Development

The film Kappalottiya Thamizhan is based on the life of freedom fighter Va Vu Chidambaram Pillai, who founded the Swadeshi Stream Navigation Company to break the monopoly of the British over maritime trade out of India. During a time when the DMK was gaining political ground in Tamil Nadu, a time when there was competition between parties, and films were pitched against each other, the opposition unleashed a malicious propaganda that since Chidambaram belonged to the Indian National Congress, Kappalottiya Thamizhan was a film for the Congress. The film was not targeted for the masses, who at that time did not want to be "stirred" by the Nationalist Spirit.[3]

Casting

Sivaji Ganesan was hesitant to do the role of VOC as he doubted whether he could assay the role flawlessly, but later accepted the role. He once said that the highest award he got for this film was when VOC's son Subramaniam said he saw his father alive in the screen.[4] Gemini Ganesan was cast in the role of Madasamy, a character who was later labelled "authentic",[2] and S. V. Subbiah was cast as the Tamil language poet Subramania Bharathi.[5] While veteran villain actor S. A. Ashokan made his debut in this film as Collector Ash,[6], actor Nagaiah who was then in "dire straits", was signed up for a significant role, as director B. R. Panthulu wanted to give him a "break in films".[7]

Filming

There is no evidence of any research undertaken for making the film. The film had no props, apart from the character's costumes and the female character's ear-lobes, which were done to create a "period effect". The scenes which involved the burning of non-Indian textiles were labelled as "flat" and "unconvincing".[2]

Soundtrack

The soundtrack of the film was composed by G. Ramanathan.

Tracklist[8]
No.TitleLyricsSinger(s)Length
1."Vande mataram"BharathiarSeerkazhi Govindarajan2.44
2."Endru thaniyum"BharathiarTiruchi Loganathan2.18
3."Velli Panimalayin"BharathiarTiruchi Loganathan3.42
4."Paarukkulae nalla nadu"BharathiarSeerkazhi Govindarajan2.39
5."Thaneer vittom"BharathiarTiruchi Loganathan3.07
6."Nenjil uramindri"BharathiarSeerkazhi Govindarajan2.11
7."Kaatru Veliyidal"BharathiarP. B. Srinivas, P. Susheela 
8."Chinnakkuzhandaigal"BharathiarP. Susheela 
9."Odi vilayadu"BharathiarSeerkazhi Govindarajan, Gajalakshmi, Meera 

Release

Reception

Kappalottiya Thamizhan has received largely positive reviews. Film critic Balaji Balasubramaniam said, "Sivaji brings Chidambaram Pillai before our eyes with his portrayal of the freedom fighter." He further pointed out, "He is majestic during the initial portions, as he strides with confidence, collecting money for buying the ship and sure of its success in propagating the freedom movement. He delivers his dialogs forcefully and with passion and the accompanying expressions and gestures complement the effect."[9] Malathi Rangarajan of The Hindu said, "Films on patriotism are many. But Panthulu's Kappalottiya Tamizhan stands apart for the natural portrayal of Sivaji Ganesan as VOC, and S.V. Subbiah who came up with a brilliant performance as Bharatiar. The film remains a perfect showcase of the Independence Movement in the South!"[7] Another reviewer from The Hindu said, "S. V. Subbiah's performance as Bharatiyar in the film, Kappalottiya Tamizhan was reminiscent of his role as Kavi Anandar."[5] S. Viswanathan of The Frontline praised Ganesan's performance, saying "Critics list several films as his best in terms of performance. However, according to the actor, his career best was Kappalottiya Thamizhan, which tells the life of a freedom fighter, V.O. Chidambaram."[10] Tamil film historian S. Theodore Baskaran said, "Though Sivaji Ganesan's portrayal of Chidambaram Pillai is affected in the earlier part of the film, later in the prison sequences and during the trauma of disillusionment, his acting is natural. The format of the film remains traditional with duets, songs and fight sequences."[2]

Box office

Kappalottiya Thamizhan, despite being the first Tamil film to get tax exemption from the government, however emerged a commercial failure.[11] It faced a loss of ₹7 lakh (US$8,400). About the film's failure, Sivaji Ganesan wrote in his autobiography:

Since the Congress did not understand artistic sensitivities, Kappalottiya Tamizhan, which was a film made for the Congress, was a box office failure. We were not upset that we lost money making movies to kindle the national spirit, but happy that we could harness the medium to remind people of the great freedom fighters of the bygone era. Whenever the people remember those leaders, they cannot help but remember me as well![3]

Awards

National Film Awards

References

  1. ^ "Kappalottiya Thamizhan". Retrieved March 24, 2012.
  2. ^ a b c d S. Theodore Baskaran (1996). The Eye of the Serpent: An Introduction to Tamil Cinema, p. 131-132, East West Books, Chennai
  3. ^ a b c Sivaji Ganesan (2002). Autobiography of an Actor, p. 148-149, Sivaji Prabhu Charities Trust, Chennai
  4. ^ S. R. ASHOK KUMAR (July 27, 2001). "Role that moved him to tears". The Hindu. Retrieved March 24, 2012.
  5. ^ a b http://www.hindu.com/ms/2004/12/01/stories/2004120100460400.htm
  6. ^ http://www.cinefundas.com/2011/09/03/s-a-ashokan
  7. ^ a b http://www.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/article2853657.ece
  8. ^ "Kappalottiya Thamizhan songs". Retrieved March 24, 2012.
  9. ^ Balaji Balasubramaniam. "Kappalottiya Tamilan - The Film". Retrieved March 24, 2012.
  10. ^ http://www.frontlineonnet.com/fl1816/18161140.htm
  11. ^ M. T. Saju (August 4, 2011). "Government rains on film world tax holiday". Times of India, Chennai. Retrieved March 24, 2012.

External links

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Kappalottiya_Thamizhan&oldid=490979130"