Puthiya Paravai: Difference between revisions
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'''''Pudhiya Paravai''''' ({{lang-en|New Bird}}), also spelt as '''''Puthiya Paravai''''', is a 1964 [[India]]n [[Kollywood|Tamil]] [[romantic thriller]] film directed by Dada Mirasi. It stars [[Sivaji Ganesan]], [[B. Saroja Devi]] and [[Sowcar Janaki]] in the lead roles, while [[V. K. Ramasamy (actor)|V. K. Ramasamy |
'''''Pudhiya Paravai''''' ({{lang-en|New Bird}}), also spelt as '''''Puthiya Paravai''''', is a 1964 [[India]]n [[Kollywood|Tamil]] [[romantic thriller]] film directed by Dada Mirasi. It stars [[Sivaji Ganesan]], [[B. Saroja Devi]] and [[Sowcar Janaki]] in the lead roles, while [[M. R. Radha]], [[V. K. Ramasamy (actor)|V. K. Ramasamy]], [[Nagesh]] and [[Manorama (actress)|Manorama]] play supporting roles. The film's original soundtrack was composed by the duo of [[M. S. Viswanathan]] and [[T. K. Ramamurthy]], while the cinematography was handled by K. S. Prasad.<ref name=CLASS/> It is a remake of the [[Bengali film]] ''Sheshankaa'', which itself was inspired by the 1958 [[British film]] ''[[Chase a Crooked Shadow]]''.<ref name=HINDU/> The film was also dubbed in [[Telugu language|Telugu]] as ''Singapoor CID''.<ref name=GEO/> |
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The story deals with a rich businessman who falls for a young woman he meets on a cruise ship, when going to his home country after a vacation in Singapore. She and her father stay with him. As they get closer, the man reveals that he was already married before, but his wife died and this continuously troubles him. The woman consoles him, and they decide to get married. But on the auspicious day, an unexpected incident changes their lives forever. How the man overcomes this forms the rest of the story. Released on 12 September 1964, ''Pudhiya Paravai'' opened to critical acclaim.<ref name=HINDU/> |
The story deals with a rich businessman who falls for a young woman he meets on a cruise ship, when going to his home country after a vacation in Singapore. She and her father stay with him. As they get closer, the man reveals that he was already married before, but his wife died and this continuously troubles him. The woman consoles him, and they decide to get married. But on the auspicious day, an unexpected incident changes their lives forever. How the man overcomes this forms the rest of the story. Released on 12 September 1964, ''Pudhiya Paravai'' opened to critical acclaim.<ref name=HINDU/> |
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==Plot== |
==Plot== |
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Gopal ([[Sivaji Ganesan]]) is a rich businessman who is returning back from vacation in [[Singapore]] to his hometown in a [[cruise ship]]. He meets Latha ([[Saroja Devi]]), another traveller who has been accompanied by her father ([[V. K. Ramasamy (actor)|V. K. Ramasamy]]). Repeated meetings develop a good friendship in course of time and Gopal invites them to his mansion home at [[Ooty]] and leaves for his place. Gopal again meets Latha and her father who have come on a tour to Ooty |
Gopal ([[Sivaji Ganesan]]) is a rich businessman who is returning back from vacation in [[Singapore]] to his hometown in a [[cruise ship]]. He meets Latha ([[Saroja Devi]]), another traveller who has been accompanied by her father ([[V. K. Ramasamy (actor)|V. K. Ramasamy]]). Repeated meetings develop a good friendship in course of time and Gopal invites them to his mansion home at [[Ooty]] and leaves for his place. Gopal again meets Latha and her father who have come on a tour to Ooty, and he takes them to his home. Gopal and Latha develop a liking for each other and he proposes to her to which she happily accepts. One fine day, Latha finds a nervousness in Gopal while he hears any train sound. Gopal explains the reason behind is his first wife. |
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Gopal who had lost his mother had been wandering aimlessly at Singapore. In a night club, he met a singer named Chitra ([[Sowcar Janaki]]). He got attracted to her and they both decided to marry, in the presence of Chitra's brother (Ramdoss). On the first night of the marriage, Gopal found that his wife was not cultured and she visits night clubs, parties and consumes drinks. Gopal was depressed by her attitude, but tolerated for respect of his family. Eventually, his father ([[Dada Mirasi]]) died of a heart attack after seeing Chitra's attitude. Gopal tried to control Chitra, but she always felt irritated by his acts. At one point, she tried to walk out of his life to which Gopal pleaded her to change her mind for the sake of his family |
Gopal who had lost his mother had been wandering aimlessly at Singapore. In a night club, he met a singer named Chitra ([[Sowcar Janaki]]). He got attracted to her and they both decided to marry, in the presence of Chitra's brother Raju ([[S. V. Ramdoss]]). On the first night of the marriage, Gopal found that his wife was not cultured and she visits night clubs, parties and consumes drinks. Gopal was depressed by her attitude, but tolerated for respect of his family. Eventually, his father ([[Dada Mirasi]]) died of a heart attack after seeing Chitra's drunken attitude. Gopal tried to control Chitra, but she always felt irritated by his acts. At one point, she tried to walk out of his life to which Gopal pleaded her to change her mind for the sake of his family honor. But Chitra did not obey and went away. The next day he heard Chitra died in railway track and this disturbs him a lot. Latha consoles him and tells him to forget the past. |
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A few days later, Gopal and Latha decide to get married. Latha's father accepts for the marriage happily and engagement is arranged. On the day of engagement, while Gopal and Latha are very happy, the ceremony is suddenly stopped by a woman claiming that she is Chitra, the wife of Gopal, along with her uncle Rangan ([[M. R. Radha]]). Gopal is taken aback by the incident and also the resemblance of the woman's identity to that of his wife's face. Latha leaves the hall with tears. Gopal resists that the lady is not Chitra as she has died a long time back. He also shows the death certificate, but Chitra explains that she is alive and want to live with him as a good wife. Gopal promises Latha that she is not Chitra and will marry her soon after proving this. Both Latha and Chitra have an internal cold war for right of Gopal's life and love. Gopal is tortured when no |
A few days later, Gopal and Latha decide to get married. Latha's father accepts for the marriage happily and engagement is arranged. On the day of engagement, while Gopal and Latha are very happy, the ceremony is suddenly stopped by a woman claiming that she is Chitra, the wife of Gopal, along with her uncle Rangan ([[M. R. Radha]]). Gopal is taken aback by the incident and also the resemblance of the woman's identity to that of his wife's face. Latha leaves the hall with tears. Gopal resists that the lady is not Chitra as she has died a long time back, which no-one except his policeman friend Kumar ([[O. A. K. Thevar]]) believes. He also shows the death certificate, but Chitra explains that she is alive and want to live with him as a good wife. Gopal promises Latha that she is not Chitra and will marry her soon after proving this. Both Latha and Chitra have an internal cold war for right of Gopal's life and love. Gopal is tortured when no-one believes whatever he says about her and additionally by Chitra when she sings the same song which she sang during their first meet. Gopal keeps trying to find evidence on Chitra's death, but all his efforts are ruined by Rangan. |
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Later, Raju (who knew about Chitra's death) arrives at Gopal's home and believes Gopal's story about the Chitra look-alike who was torturing him. However upon seeing her, believes Chitra is alive and curses Gopal for lying about Chitra's death. After a couple of more failed evidences, Gopal ultimately forces himself to reveals the truth - Before Chitra was ready to leave Gopal forever, the latter slapped her, causing her to mysteriously die. Gopal then found out the reason from his family doctor, that Chitra was a heart patient with a weak heart. Gopal, trying to hide the truth and wanting to make people believe Chitra committed suicide, took her and left her on the railway track, causing the running train to crush her. He also admits that he would not have slapped her if he knew about she was a heart patient. Thus, everyone accepts that the woman resembling Chitra is not really her, and Gopal orders Kumar to arrest the Chitra look-alike. However, Latha and her father reveal themselves as undercover police officers from Singapore, inquiring into the mysterious death of Chitra. Having solved the mystery, they finally arrest a heartbroken Gopal. |
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==Cast== |
==Cast== |
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* '''[[B. Saroja Devi]]''' as '''Latha'''. She meets businessman Gopal during a cruise to India, and they both fall for each other. As she and her father are revealed to be on a tour of [[Ooty]], she accepts to stay with Gopal at his mansion. When she finds out about Gopal's dark past, she consoles him and both are ready to get married. Still, Gopal is unaware of Latha's true background. |
* '''[[B. Saroja Devi]]''' as '''Latha'''. She meets businessman Gopal during a cruise to India, and they both fall for each other. As she and her father are revealed to be on a tour of [[Ooty]], she accepts to stay with Gopal at his mansion. When she finds out about Gopal's dark past, she consoles him and both are ready to get married. Still, Gopal is unaware of Latha's true background. |
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* '''[[Sowcar Janaki]]''' as '''Chitra''', a night club singer based in Singapore. Gopal sees her performing at the club, and both get married after falling in love. She is however not cultured and over-drinks, resulting in Gopal's dismay but he controls himself. After Gopal gets angry at Chitra for misbehaving at a party, she leaves, despite Gopal's persuasions to stop and reform her. She is later |
* '''[[Sowcar Janaki]]''' as '''Chitra''', a night club singer based in Singapore. Gopal sees her performing at the club, and both get married after falling in love. She is however not cultured and over-drinks, resulting in Gopal's dismay but he controls himself. After Gopal gets angry at Chitra for misbehaving at a party, she leaves, despite Gopal's persuasions to stop and reform her. She is later believed to have been killed on a railway track, but suddenly appears alive during Gopal's engagement with Latha. |
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* '''[[M. R. Radha]]''' as '''Rangan'''. He gets angry at Gopal for splitting with his niece Chitra, who appears to be alive still. He tries to re-unite Gopal and Chitra, but an irritated Gopal continuously refuses, claiming that the woman is just a look-alike of Chitra and not really her. |
* '''[[M. R. Radha]]''' as '''Rangan'''. He gets angry at Gopal for splitting with his niece Chitra, who appears to be alive still. He tries to re-unite Gopal and Chitra, but an irritated Gopal continuously refuses, claiming that the woman is just a look-alike of Chitra and not really her. |
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* '''[[Nagesh]]''' as '''Gopal's servant'''. |
* '''[[Nagesh]]''' as '''Gopal's servant'''. |
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* '''[[Manorama (actress)|Manorama]]''' as the '''Wife of Gopal's servant'''. |
* '''[[Manorama (actress)|Manorama]]''' as the '''Wife of Gopal's servant'''. |
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* '''Ramdoss''' as '''Chitra's brother |
* '''[[S. V. Ramdoss]]''' as '''Raju'''. A pilot officer, he is Chitra's brother. |
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* '''[[O. A. K. Thevar]]''' as |
* '''[[O. A. K. Thevar]]''' as '''Kumar''', a policeman. He is a close friend of Gopal. |
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* '''[[Dada Mirasi]]''' as '''Gopal's father''' ([[cameo role]]). When he sees Chitra's uncultured behavior on his son's birthday, he dies of a heart attack. This causes Gopal and Chitra to part ways, though Gopal still tries to reform Chitra with no success. |
* '''[[Dada Mirasi]]''' as '''Gopal's father''' ([[cameo role]]). When he sees Chitra's uncultured behavior on his son's birthday, he dies of a heart attack. This causes Gopal and Chitra to part ways, though Gopal still tries to reform Chitra with no success. |
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==Production== |
==Production== |
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===Development=== |
===Development=== |
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The 1958 [[British film]] [[thriller (genre)|thriller]] film ''[[Chase A Crooked Shadow]]'', directed by filmmaker [[Michael Anderson (director)|Michael Anderson]] was |
The 1958 [[British film]] [[thriller (genre)|thriller]] film ''[[Chase A Crooked Shadow]]'', directed by filmmaker [[Michael Anderson (director)|Michael Anderson]] was a "success around the world, including India". It later inspired the [[Bengali film]] ''Sheshankaa'', which starred [[Uttam Kumar]], [[Sharmila Tagore]] and Sabitha Chowdhary. ''Sheshankaa'''s screenplay was acquired by [[Sivaji Productions|Sivaji Films]] to be made in [[Tamil cinema]] as its first "in-house" production — ''Puthiya Paravai'' [sic], with Dada Mirasi as the director and screenplay writer.<ref name=HINDU>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/cp/2009/06/26/stories/2009062650331600.htm |title=Cinema Plus / Columns : Puthiya Paravai 1964 |author=[[Randor Guy]] |publisher=The Hindu |date=June 26, 2009 |accessdate=2012-04-24}}</ref> This film is also said to have been inspired by the 1940 film ''[[Rebecca (1940 film)|Rebecca]]'', directed by [[Alfred Hitchcock]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.orkut.com/Main#CommMsgs?tid=2520084215736984001&cmm=26815654&hl=en |title=Gr8 (sic) Remakes |publisher=[[Orkut]] |date=March 10, 2007 |accessdate=March 20, 2012}}</ref> |
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===Casting=== |
===Casting=== |
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While [[Sivaji Ganesan]] was cast as the male lead, both the female leads - [[B. Saroja Devi]] and [[Sowcar Janaki]] made an impact by being cast in roles very different from what they had generally done till then.<ref name=TIMES/> According to Ganesan's eldest son [[Ramkumar Ganesan]], "Sivaji always thought of Sowcar Janaki as classy and sophisticated. That is why he cast her in the role of a modern woman in the film ''Pudhiya Paravai''. Before that Sowcar had only acted in homely roles".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-01-23/chennai/30655334_1_sivaji-ganesan-sivaji-film-pudhiya-paravai |title=Fans go back in time to pay tribute to Sivaji |publisher=[[The Times of India]] |date=January 23, 2012 |accessdate=April 24, 2012}}</ref> Director Dada Mirasi, who did a [[guest role]] as the hero's father in the film,<ref name=HINDU/> was initially not convinced about Janaki acting in the film. But after seeing her performance in the song ''Paartha Gnabagam Illaiyo'', Mirasi conceded that "she had won".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/fr/2006/12/29/stories/2006122900820200.htm |title=A dauntless spirit showcased |publisher=[[The Hindu]] |author=Malathi Rangarajan |date=December 29, 2006 |accessdate=April 24, 2012}}</ref> Actors [[Nagesh]] and [[M. R. Radha]] were also selected |
While [[Sivaji Ganesan]] was cast as the male lead, both the female leads - [[B. Saroja Devi]] and [[Sowcar Janaki]] made an impact by being cast in roles very different from what they had generally done till then.<ref name=TIMES/> According to Ganesan's eldest son [[Ramkumar Ganesan]], "Sivaji always thought of Sowcar Janaki as classy and sophisticated. That is why he cast her in the role of a modern woman in the film ''Pudhiya Paravai''. Before that Sowcar had only acted in homely roles".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-01-23/chennai/30655334_1_sivaji-ganesan-sivaji-film-pudhiya-paravai |title=Fans go back in time to pay tribute to Sivaji |publisher=[[The Times of India]] |date=January 23, 2012 |accessdate=April 24, 2012}}</ref> Director Dada Mirasi, who did a [[guest role]] as the hero's father in the film,<ref name=HINDU/> was initially not convinced about Janaki acting in the film. But after seeing her performance in the song ''Paartha Gnabagam Illaiyo'', Mirasi conceded that "she had won".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/fr/2006/12/29/stories/2006122900820200.htm |title=A dauntless spirit showcased |publisher=[[The Hindu]] |author=Malathi Rangarajan |date=December 29, 2006 |accessdate=April 24, 2012}}</ref> Actors [[Nagesh]] and [[M. R. Radha]] were also selected to play important roles.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/jul-10-05/sivaj-ganesan-pudhiya-paravai-27-07-10.html |title=Sivaji still draws houseful audience |publisher=''Behindwoods'' |date=2010-07-27 |accessdate=2012-08-27}}</ref> |
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===Filming=== |
===Filming=== |
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==Release== |
==Release== |
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"It came as a shock when people called me up for tickets," said Sivaji Ganesan's son actor [[Prabhu (actor)|Prabhu]], in whose family-held theatre ''Shanthi'', the film could not be released in 1964. He further mentioned that "[[Bollywood]] film ''[[Sangam (film)|Sangam]]'' was running in the theatre and we had to release it at ''Paragon'' theatre, which does not exist anymore".<ref name=TIMES/> |
"It came as a shock when people called me up for tickets," said Sivaji Ganesan's son actor [[Prabhu (actor)|Prabhu]], in whose family-held theatre ''Shanthi'', the film could not be released in 1964. He further mentioned that "[[Bollywood]] film ''[[Sangam (film)|Sangam]]''' was running in the theatre and we had to release it at ''Paragon'' theatre, which does not exist anymore".<ref name=TIMES/> |
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===Reception=== |
===Reception=== |
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==Re-release== |
==Re-release== |
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''Pudhiya Paravai'' was re-released on July 23, 2010<ref name=MADRAS/> to commemorate Sivaji Ganesan's 9th death anniversary. The negatives of the film were "cleaned up at a lab" prior to release, and despite being a re-release, the film earned public acclaim took a big opening, running to "full houses" for three days.<ref name=TIMES>{{cite web|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-07-27/chennai/28321223_1_sivaji-ganesan-bollywood-film-first-film |title=Blast from the past as Sivaji movie runs housefull |publisher=[[The Times of India]] |date=July 27, 2010 |accessdate=April 24, 2012}}</ref> As of 2012, production house ''Dhivya Films'' had expressed interest in re-releasing the film again, as they felt it was "ideal for the current audience".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://600024.com/karnans-record-in-box-office/ |title=Karnan’s record in Box Office |publisher=600024.com |date= |accessdate=April 24, 2012}}</ref> |
''Pudhiya Paravai'' was re-released on July 23, 2010<ref name=MADRAS/> to commemorate Sivaji Ganesan's 9th death anniversary. The negatives of the film were "cleaned up at a lab" prior to release, and despite being a re-release, the film earned public acclaim and took a very big opening, running to "full houses" for three days.<ref name=TIMES>{{cite web|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-07-27/chennai/28321223_1_sivaji-ganesan-bollywood-film-first-film |title=Blast from the past as Sivaji movie runs housefull |publisher=[[The Times of India]] |date=July 27, 2010 |accessdate=April 24, 2012}}</ref> As of 2012, production house ''Dhivya Films'' [sic] had expressed interest in re-releasing the film again, as they felt it was "ideal for the current audience".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://600024.com/karnans-record-in-box-office/ |title=Karnan’s record in Box Office |publisher=600024.com |date= |accessdate=April 24, 2012}}</ref> |
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==References== |
==References== |
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Revision as of 15:43, 8 November 2012
| Pudhiya Paravai | |
|---|---|
| File:Pudhiya Paravai New Bird.jpg Promotional poster | |
| Directed by | Dada Mirasi |
| Produced by | Sivaji Productions |
| Starring | Sivaji Ganesan B. Saroja Devi Sowcar Janaki M. R. Radha V. K. Ramasamy |
| Music by | |
Release date | 12 September 1964[1] |
| Country | India |
| Language | Tamil |
Pudhiya Paravai (English: New Bird), also spelt as Puthiya Paravai, is a 1964 Indian Tamil romantic thriller film directed by Dada Mirasi. It stars Sivaji Ganesan, B. Saroja Devi and Sowcar Janaki in the lead roles, while M. R. Radha, V. K. Ramasamy, Nagesh and Manorama play supporting roles. The film's original soundtrack was composed by the duo of M. S. Viswanathan and T. K. Ramamurthy, while the cinematography was handled by K. S. Prasad.[2] It is a remake of the Bengali film Sheshankaa, which itself was inspired by the 1958 British film Chase a Crooked Shadow.[3] The film was also dubbed in Telugu as Singapoor CID.[4]
The story deals with a rich businessman who falls for a young woman he meets on a cruise ship, when going to his home country after a vacation in Singapore. She and her father stay with him. As they get closer, the man reveals that he was already married before, but his wife died and this continuously troubles him. The woman consoles him, and they decide to get married. But on the auspicious day, an unexpected incident changes their lives forever. How the man overcomes this forms the rest of the story. Released on 12 September 1964, Pudhiya Paravai opened to critical acclaim.[3]
Plot
Gopal (Sivaji Ganesan) is a rich businessman who is returning back from vacation in Singapore to his hometown in a cruise ship. He meets Latha (Saroja Devi), another traveller who has been accompanied by her father (V. K. Ramasamy). Repeated meetings develop a good friendship in course of time and Gopal invites them to his mansion home at Ooty and leaves for his place. Gopal again meets Latha and her father who have come on a tour to Ooty, and he takes them to his home. Gopal and Latha develop a liking for each other and he proposes to her to which she happily accepts. One fine day, Latha finds a nervousness in Gopal while he hears any train sound. Gopal explains the reason behind is his first wife.
Gopal who had lost his mother had been wandering aimlessly at Singapore. In a night club, he met a singer named Chitra (Sowcar Janaki). He got attracted to her and they both decided to marry, in the presence of Chitra's brother Raju (S. V. Ramdoss). On the first night of the marriage, Gopal found that his wife was not cultured and she visits night clubs, parties and consumes drinks. Gopal was depressed by her attitude, but tolerated for respect of his family. Eventually, his father (Dada Mirasi) died of a heart attack after seeing Chitra's drunken attitude. Gopal tried to control Chitra, but she always felt irritated by his acts. At one point, she tried to walk out of his life to which Gopal pleaded her to change her mind for the sake of his family honor. But Chitra did not obey and went away. The next day he heard Chitra died in railway track and this disturbs him a lot. Latha consoles him and tells him to forget the past.
A few days later, Gopal and Latha decide to get married. Latha's father accepts for the marriage happily and engagement is arranged. On the day of engagement, while Gopal and Latha are very happy, the ceremony is suddenly stopped by a woman claiming that she is Chitra, the wife of Gopal, along with her uncle Rangan (M. R. Radha). Gopal is taken aback by the incident and also the resemblance of the woman's identity to that of his wife's face. Latha leaves the hall with tears. Gopal resists that the lady is not Chitra as she has died a long time back, which no-one except his policeman friend Kumar (O. A. K. Thevar) believes. He also shows the death certificate, but Chitra explains that she is alive and want to live with him as a good wife. Gopal promises Latha that she is not Chitra and will marry her soon after proving this. Both Latha and Chitra have an internal cold war for right of Gopal's life and love. Gopal is tortured when no-one believes whatever he says about her and additionally by Chitra when she sings the same song which she sang during their first meet. Gopal keeps trying to find evidence on Chitra's death, but all his efforts are ruined by Rangan.
Later, Raju (who knew about Chitra's death) arrives at Gopal's home and believes Gopal's story about the Chitra look-alike who was torturing him. However upon seeing her, believes Chitra is alive and curses Gopal for lying about Chitra's death. After a couple of more failed evidences, Gopal ultimately forces himself to reveals the truth - Before Chitra was ready to leave Gopal forever, the latter slapped her, causing her to mysteriously die. Gopal then found out the reason from his family doctor, that Chitra was a heart patient with a weak heart. Gopal, trying to hide the truth and wanting to make people believe Chitra committed suicide, took her and left her on the railway track, causing the running train to crush her. He also admits that he would not have slapped her if he knew about she was a heart patient. Thus, everyone accepts that the woman resembling Chitra is not really her, and Gopal orders Kumar to arrest the Chitra look-alike. However, Latha and her father reveal themselves as undercover police officers from Singapore, inquiring into the mysterious death of Chitra. Having solved the mystery, they finally arrest a heartbroken Gopal.
Cast
- Sivaji Ganesan as Gopal, a rich businessman who is on his way to his hometown Ooty from Singapore. When he meets Latha, another co-passenger of the same cruise ship he went on, they both fall in love and she stays with him at Ooty. Gopal, despite his happy nature, has a dark past regarding his previous wife Chitra, which always torments him.
- B. Saroja Devi as Latha. She meets businessman Gopal during a cruise to India, and they both fall for each other. As she and her father are revealed to be on a tour of Ooty, she accepts to stay with Gopal at his mansion. When she finds out about Gopal's dark past, she consoles him and both are ready to get married. Still, Gopal is unaware of Latha's true background.
- Sowcar Janaki as Chitra, a night club singer based in Singapore. Gopal sees her performing at the club, and both get married after falling in love. She is however not cultured and over-drinks, resulting in Gopal's dismay but he controls himself. After Gopal gets angry at Chitra for misbehaving at a party, she leaves, despite Gopal's persuasions to stop and reform her. She is later believed to have been killed on a railway track, but suddenly appears alive during Gopal's engagement with Latha.
- M. R. Radha as Rangan. He gets angry at Gopal for splitting with his niece Chitra, who appears to be alive still. He tries to re-unite Gopal and Chitra, but an irritated Gopal continuously refuses, claiming that the woman is just a look-alike of Chitra and not really her.
- V. K. Ramasamy as Latha's father, who accompanies her on the cruise and her tour of Ooty. He keeps Latha company when both stay at Gopal's mansion. Gopal is unaware of Latha and her father's true background.
- Nagesh as Gopal's servant.
- Manorama as the Wife of Gopal's servant.
- S. V. Ramdoss as Raju. A pilot officer, he is Chitra's brother.
- O. A. K. Thevar as Kumar, a policeman. He is a close friend of Gopal.
- Dada Mirasi as Gopal's father (cameo role). When he sees Chitra's uncultured behavior on his son's birthday, he dies of a heart attack. This causes Gopal and Chitra to part ways, though Gopal still tries to reform Chitra with no success.
Production
Development
The 1958 British film thriller film Chase A Crooked Shadow, directed by filmmaker Michael Anderson was a "success around the world, including India". It later inspired the Bengali film Sheshankaa, which starred Uttam Kumar, Sharmila Tagore and Sabitha Chowdhary. Sheshankaa's screenplay was acquired by Sivaji Films to be made in Tamil cinema as its first "in-house" production — Puthiya Paravai [sic], with Dada Mirasi as the director and screenplay writer.[3] This film is also said to have been inspired by the 1940 film Rebecca, directed by Alfred Hitchcock.[5]
Casting
While Sivaji Ganesan was cast as the male lead, both the female leads - B. Saroja Devi and Sowcar Janaki made an impact by being cast in roles very different from what they had generally done till then.[6] According to Ganesan's eldest son Ramkumar Ganesan, "Sivaji always thought of Sowcar Janaki as classy and sophisticated. That is why he cast her in the role of a modern woman in the film Pudhiya Paravai. Before that Sowcar had only acted in homely roles".[7] Director Dada Mirasi, who did a guest role as the hero's father in the film,[3] was initially not convinced about Janaki acting in the film. But after seeing her performance in the song Paartha Gnabagam Illaiyo, Mirasi conceded that "she had won".[8] Actors Nagesh and M. R. Radha were also selected to play important roles.[9]
Filming
Pudhiya Paravai was filmed in Eastman Color. The costumes were tailored and brought from Singapore and England. The song recorded during the first day was Chittukuruvi Muththam Koduthu. An African music band which was visiting Chennai then was used for the song Paartha Gnabagam Illaiyo, picturized on Sowcar Janaki. K. S. Prasad handled the film's cinematography. The heavily orchestrated Engey Nimmadhi number, at that time, had the highest number of instruments used for recording. About this, a report said, "Apparently, Kannadasan could not get the right words nor was there a tune ready and Sivaji came to the composing and did a pantomime of what he would like to do and thus was born the line and the song".[10] The tuxedo worn by Sivaji Ganesan in the film was ordered from England, and was "something unheard of those days".[6]
Soundtrack
| Untitled | |
|---|---|
The film's original soundtrack was composed by M. S. Viswanathan and T. K. Ramamoorthy, while the lyrics were written by Kannadasan.[11] Before the recording of the track Engae Nimmadhi, they had "offered about 100 tunes".[2] All the songs were successful, and contributed to the film's success.[3] Elements of the song Paartha Gnaabagam were later used in the song Yae Dushyanta, composed by Bharadwaj for the 2010 film Asal.[12]
| No. | Title | Singer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Engey Nimmathi" | T. M. Soundararajan | 6:21 |
| 2. | "Chittu Kuruvi" | P. Susheela | 5:08 |
| 3. | "Aha Mella" | T. M. Soundararajan | 4:12 |
| 4. | "Unnai Ondru Ketpen" | P. Susheela | 3:02 |
| 5. | "Paartha Gnaabagam Illaiyo" | P. Susheela | 3:38 |
| 6. | "Paartha Gnaabagam Illaiyo (Sad)" | P. Susheela | 4:00 |
| 7. | "Unnai Ondru Ketpen (Sad)" | P. Susheela | 2:10 |
Critical response
The soundtrack received positive response. Randor Guy of The Hindu stated, "The movie has excellent music (Viswanathan-Ramamurthy; lyrics by Kannadasan) and many songs became hits — Paartha Gnaabakam Illayo…!, Unnai ondru ketpen (P. Sushila) and Engey nimmathee (T. M. Soundararajan)."[3] A review from The Times of India said, "All the songs, like Enge nimmadhi, chittu kuruvi, aha mella nada, unnai ondru had the fans singing along, and if most of them were off-key, no one bothered. It was actually quite enjoyable."[6] Film critic Balaji Balasubramaniam said, "The movie has a golden soundtrack. Paartha Nyaabagam [sic]... is haunting and melodious. Enge Nimmadhi... has some very strong lyrics and is picturised well with the settings reflecting the confusion in Sivaji's mind. Among the romantic songs, Mella Nada... comes out tops while both Unnai Ondru Kaetten [sic]... and Chittu Kuruvi... are melodious."[13]
Release
"It came as a shock when people called me up for tickets," said Sivaji Ganesan's son actor Prabhu, in whose family-held theatre Shanthi, the film could not be released in 1964. He further mentioned that "Bollywood film Sangam' was running in the theatre and we had to release it at Paragon theatre, which does not exist anymore".[6]
Reception
A different kind of film for its time, Pudhiya Paravai received positive reviews. Malathi Rangarajan of The Hindu said, "Pudhiya Paravai is a thriller in the whodunit genre. Dada Mirasi’s astute adaptation saw to it that the suspense was maintained till the very end, and the denouement neatly tied up the strands of suspense."[2] Film historian Randor Guy stated, "Sivaji Ganesan as the hero forced into a corner is excellent. Saroja Devi exudes glamour, while Sowcar Janaki as the boozing wife acquits her role with considerable conviction", while concluding that the film would be "Remembered for the taut onscreen narration, the excellent performances by Sivaji Ganesan, Sowcar Janaki and M. R. Radha, and Saroja Devi’s glamour".[3] Film chronicler "Film News" Anandan praised the film for being "the first film which had a classy, rich look right through."[6] Balaji Balasubramaniam rated the film 3 out of 5 stars, saying "The movie begins quite slowly. [....] The comedy, inspite [sic] of talented performers like Nagesh and Manorama, is not very funny and the separate track is more of a filler. The frequent phone calls from M.R.Radha are the only signs that all is not well" but praised the actor's performances, and pointed out that "Sivaji is very good, especially in the later stages as the man trying to find a way out of the sticky situation. [....] Since we have been familiar with seeing Sowcar as a housewife in most movies, she appears a little out of place as the nightclub singer."[13]
Box office
It was widely reported that Pudhiya Paravai did not do well during its first theatrical run, but it ran for over 100 days in theatres.[4] In Chennai, it completed 132 days at the Paragon theatre, 76 days at Krishna, 76 days at Sayani, and it crossed eight weeks in all major centers. After completing 70 days at Paragon, it was reportedly removed to allow the theatrical run of another Sivaji Ganesan film Aandavan Kattalai.[10]
Re-release
Pudhiya Paravai was re-released on July 23, 2010[10] to commemorate Sivaji Ganesan's 9th death anniversary. The negatives of the film were "cleaned up at a lab" prior to release, and despite being a re-release, the film earned public acclaim and took a very big opening, running to "full houses" for three days.[6] As of 2012, production house Dhivya Films [sic] had expressed interest in re-releasing the film again, as they felt it was "ideal for the current audience".[14]
References
- ^ "Pudhiya Paravai - Tamil Movie Reviews, Trailers, Wallpapers, Photos, Cast & Crew, Story & Synopsis". entertainment.oneindia.in. Retrieved 23 October 2012.
- ^ a b c Malathi Rangarajan (5 August 2010). "Arts / Cinema : The bird flies high". The Hindu. Retrieved 24 April 2012.
- ^ a b c d e f g Randor Guy (26 June 2009). "Cinema Plus / Columns : Puthiya Paravai 1964". The Hindu. Retrieved 24 April 2012.
- ^ a b "Chevalier Dr. Sivaji V. C. Ganesan". Geocities.ws. Retrieved 23 May 2012.
- ^ "Gr8 (sic) Remakes". Orkut. 10 March 2007. Retrieved 20 March 2012.
- ^ a b c d e f "Blast from the past as Sivaji movie runs housefull". The Times of India. 27 July 2010. Retrieved 24 April 2012.
- ^ "Fans go back in time to pay tribute to Sivaji". The Times of India. 23 January 2012. Retrieved 24 April 2012.
- ^ Malathi Rangarajan (29 December 2006). "A dauntless spirit showcased". The Hindu. Retrieved 24 April 2012.
- ^ "Sivaji still draws houseful audience". Behindwoods. 27 July 2010. Retrieved 27 August 2012.
{{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ a b c "Partha Gnyabagam Illayo". Madras Musings. Retrieved 23 May 2012.
- ^ "Puthiya Paravai (1964)". Raaga.com. Retrieved 13 February 2012.
- ^ Malathy Sundaram. "Asal Music Review". Behindwoods. Retrieved 15 July 2012.
- ^ a b Balaji Balasubramaniam. "Puthiya Paravai". Bbthots.com. Retrieved 15 July 2012.
- ^ "Karnan's record in Box Office". 600024.com. Retrieved 24 April 2012.
External links