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| director = Dada Mirasi
| director = Dada Mirasi
| producer =
| producer =
| editing = Aroordhas
| studio = [[Sivaji Productions|Sivaji Films]]
| studio = [[Sivaji Productions|Sivaji Films]]
| cinematography = K.S. Prasad Rao
| cinematography = K.S. Prasad Rao
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}}
}}


'''''Puthiya Paravai''''' ({{lang-en|New Bird}}), also spelt as '''''Pudhiya Paravai''''',<ref name=CLASS/> 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. It is a remake of the [[Bengali film]] ''Sheshankaa'', which itself was inspired by the 1958 [[British film]] ''[[Chase a Crooked Shadow]]''. The film was also dubbed in [[Telugu language|Telugu]] as ''Singapoor CID''.<ref name=GEO/>
'''''Puthiya Paravai''''' ({{lang-en|''New Bird''}}), also spelt as '''''Pudhiya Paravai''''',<ref name=CLASS/> is a 1964 [[India]]n [[Kollywood|Tamil]] [[romantic thriller]] film directed by Dada Mirasi, under the banner of [[Sivaji Films]]. 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 story is about a rich businessman who falls for a young woman he meets on a cruise ship, when going to his home country after living abroad. 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 their engagement day, an unexpected incident changes their lives forever. How the man overcomes this forms the rest of the story.


''Puthiya Paravai'', which is notably the maiden production of Sivaji Films, is a remake of the [[Bengali film]] ''Sheshankaa'', which itself was inspired by the 1958 [[British film]] ''[[Chase a Crooked Shadow]]''. The costumes featured in the film were tailored and brought from [[Singapore]] and [[England]], unlike other Tamil films of the time. The film's original soundtrack was composed by [[M. S. Viswanathan]] and [[T. K. Ramamurthy]], with several of the tracks becoming chartbusters, like the number ''Paartha Gnaabagam'' and ''Engey Nimmadhi'', which at the time, had the highest number of instruments used for a recording. The film's cinematography was handled by K. S. Prasad.
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 their engagement day, an unexpected incident changes their lives forever. How the man overcomes this forms the rest of the story. Released on 12 September 1964, ''Puthiya Paravai'' opened to critical acclaim. The film is due to be digitally restored and re-released in 2014.

The film was also dubbed in [[Telugu language|Telugu]] as ''Singapoor CID''.<ref name=GEO/> ''Puthiya Paravai'' was released on 12 September 1964 in several theatres across [[Chennai]] excluding the theatre Shanthi, which was Ganesan's family-owned theatre. Upon release, the film opened to critical acclaim and became a commercial success, with the lead actor's performances being widely lauded, most notably Sowcar Janaki's portrayal of a modern women, in contrast to the "homely" roles she portrayed in her previous films. The film is due to be digitally restored and re-released in 2014.


==Plot==
==Plot==
Gopal ([[Sivaji Ganesan]]) is a rich businessman who is returning back from [[Singapore]] to his hometown in a [[cruise ship]]. He meets Latha ([[Saroja Devi]]), another traveler 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 day, Latha finds a nervousness in Gopal while he hears any train sound. Gopal explains the reason behind is his first wife.
Gopal ([[Sivaji Ganesan]]) is a rich businessman who is returning from [[Singapore]] to his hometown in a [[cruise ship]]. He meets Latha ([[Saroja Devi]]), another traveler 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 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. 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.
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. 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.


Gopal and Latha soon decide to get married. Latha's father accepts for the marriage happily and engagement is arranged. On the day of their engagement, the ceremony is suddenly stopped by a woman claiming that she is Chitra, the wife of Gopal, accompanied by 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 insists that the lady is not Chitra as she has died a long time back, which no-one believes due to his lack of conclusive evidence. "Chitra" explains that she is alive and wants to live with him as a good wife, though Gopal does not believe her. He promises Latha that the lady is not Chitra, and vows to prove it true. Both Latha and "Chitra" have an internal cold war for right of Gopal's life and love. Gopal is tortured when no-one except his policeman friend Kumar ([[O. A. K. Thevar]]) 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.
Gopal and Latha soon decide to get married. Latha's father accepts for the marriage and engagement is arranged. On the day of their engagement, the ceremony is suddenly stopped by a woman claiming that she is Chitra, the wife of Gopal, accompanied by 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 insists that the lady is not Chitra as she has died a long time back, which no-one believes due to his lack of conclusive evidence. "Chitra" explains that she is alive and wants to live with him as a good wife, though Gopal does not believe her. He promises Latha that the lady is not Chitra, and vows to prove it true. Both Latha and "Chitra" have an internal cold war for right of Gopal's life and love. Gopal is tortured when no-one except his policeman friend Kumar ([[O. A. K. Thevar]]) believes whatever he says about her and additionally by "Chitra" when she sings the same song which she sang during their first meet.


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 bothering him. However upon seeing her, believes his sister Chitra is alive. After Gopal fails twice to prove the fake Chitra's identity, he ultimately reveals the truth to everyone — 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, wanting to hide the truth and make people believe Chitra committed suicide, took her corpse and left it on a railway track, causing the running train to crush it. He also admits that he would not have slapped her if he knew about she was a heart patient. Thus, everyone accepts Gopal's story, and he 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 found Gopal guilty of killing Chitra, they finally arrest him.
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 bothering him. However upon seeing her, believes his sister Chitra is alive. After Gopal fails twice to prove the fake Chitra's identity, he ultimately reveals the truth to everyone — 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, wanting to hide the truth and make people believe Chitra committed suicide, took her corpse and left it on a railway track, causing the running train to crush it, also admits that he would not have slapped her if he knew she was a heart patient. Thus, everyone accepts Gopal's story, and he 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 found Gopal guilty of killing Chitra, they finally arrest him.


==Cast==
==Cast==
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==Production==
==Production==
===Development===
===Development===
The 1958 [[British film|British]] [[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'', 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=Puthiya Paravai 1964 | work=The Hindu | date=26 June 2009 | accessdate=24 April 2012 | author=[[Randor Guy]]}}</ref>
The 1958 [[British film|British]] [[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 by Rajkumar Mitra was acquired by [[Sivaji Productions|Sivaji Films]] to be made in [[Tamil cinema|Tamil]] as its first "in-house" production — ''Puthiya Paravai'', 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=Puthiya Paravai 1964 | work=The Hindu | date=26 June 2009 | accessdate=24 April 2012 | author=[[Randor Guy]]}}</ref>


===Casting===
===Casting===
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===Filming===
===Filming===
''Pudhiya Paravai'' was filmed in [[Eastman Color]].<ref name="CLASS" /> 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.<ref name="CLASS" /> 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".<ref name=MADRAS/> The [[tuxedo]] worn by [[Sivaji Ganesan]] in the film was ordered from London, and was "something unheard of those days".<ref name=TIMES/>
''Pudhiya Paravai'' was filmed in [[Eastman Color]].<ref name="CLASS" /> 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,<ref name="CLASS" /> and Aroordhas served as the [[film editor|editor]].<ref name="FILMO">{{cite web | url=http://www.nadigarthilagam.com/filmographyp10.htm | title=filmography p10 | work=Nadigarthilagam.com | accessdate=23 February 2013}}</ref> The heavily orchestrated ''Engey Nimmadhi'' number, at that time, had the highest number of instruments used for recording. It was revealed that "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".<ref name=MADRAS/> The [[tuxedo]] worn by [[Sivaji Ganesan]] in the film was ordered from London, and was "something unheard of those days".<ref name=TIMES/>


==Soundtrack==
==Soundtrack==
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}}
}}


The film's [[original soundtrack|soundtrack]] was composed by [[M. S. Viswanathan]] and [[T. K. Ramamoorthy]], while the lyrics were written by [[Kannadasan]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.raaga.com/channels/Tamil/moviedetail.asp?mid=T0000226 | title=Puthiya Paravai songs | work=Raaga.com | accessdate=February 13, 2012}}</ref> Before the recording of the track ''Engae Nimmadhi'', they had "offered about 100 tunes".<ref name="CLASS">{{cite web | url=http://www.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/article553507.ece | title=The bird flies high | work=[[The Hindu]] | date=5 August 2010 | accessdate=24 April 2012 | author=Malathi Rangarajan}}</ref> All the songs were successful, and contributed to the film's success.<ref name=HINDU/> Elements of the song ''Paartha Gnaabagam Illaiyo'' were later used in the song ''Yae Dushyanta'', composed by [[Bharadwaj (music director)|Bharadwaj]] for the 2010 film ''[[Aasal|Asal]]''.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-music-reviews/review-1/asal-ajith-sameera-reddy-bhavana.html | title=Asal Music Review | work=Behindwoods | accessdate=15 July 2012 | author=Malathy Sundaram}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/review/south-tamil-music-review-aasal/20100108.htm | title=Aasal's music is for Ajith fans | work=[[Rediff]] | date=8 January 2010 | accessdate=6 March 2013 | author=Pavithra Srinivasan}}</ref>
The film's [[original soundtrack|soundtrack]] was composed by [[M. S. Viswanathan]] and [[T. K. Ramamoorthy]], while the lyrics were written by [[Kannadasan]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.raaga.com/channels/Tamil/moviedetail.asp?mid=T0000226 | title=Puthiya Paravai songs | work=Raaga.com | accessdate=February 13, 2012}}</ref> The soundtrack was released under the label of [[Saregama]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.saregama.com/portal/pages/music.jsp?previousRequestUrl=film?mode=get_album_info%26albumId=1203 | title=Saregama Album Details : Pudhiya Paravai | work=[[Saregama]] | accessdate=March 24, 2013}}</ref> Before the recording of the track ''Engae Nimmadhi'', they had "offered about 100 tunes".<ref name="CLASS">{{cite web | url=http://www.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/article553507.ece | title=The bird flies high | work=[[The Hindu]] | date=5 August 2010 | accessdate=24 April 2012 | author=Malathi Rangarajan}}</ref> All the songs were successful, and contributed to the film's success.<ref name=HINDU/> Elements of the song ''Paartha Gnaabagam Illaiyo'' were later used in the song ''Yae Dushyanta'', composed by [[Bharadwaj (music director)|Bharadwaj]] for the 2010 film ''[[Aasal|Asal]]''.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-music-reviews/review-1/asal-ajith-sameera-reddy-bhavana.html | title=Asal Music Review | work=Behindwoods | accessdate=15 July 2012 | author=Malathy Sundaram}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/review/south-tamil-music-review-aasal/20100108.htm | title=Aasal's music is for Ajith fans | work=[[Rediff]] | date=8 January 2010 | accessdate=6 March 2013 | author=Pavithra Srinivasan}}</ref>


{{Track listing
{{Track listing
Line 109: Line 112:


===Box office===
===Box office===
It was widely reported that ''Puthiya Paravai'' did not do well during its first theatrical run, but it ran for over 100 days in theatres.<ref name="GEO">{{cite web | url=http://www.geocities.ws/ganeshkumar_r/sivaji1.htm | title=A Saga Called Sivaji | work=Geocities.ws | accessdate=23 May 2012}}</ref> In [[Chennai]], it completed 132 days at the theatre ''Paragon'', 76 days at theatre Krishna, 76 days at theatre Sayani, and it crossed eight weeks in all major centers. Due to the successful run of ''Pudhiya Paravai'' at Paragon, the film ''Aandavan Kattalai'' which was also running at the same theatre was removed after completing 70 days.<ref name="MADRAS">{{cite web | url=http://madrasmusings.com/Vol%2020%20No%2011/partha_gnyabagam_illayo.html | title=Partha Gnyabagam Illayo | work=Madras Musings | date=September 2010 | accessdate=23 May 2012 | author=[[Mohan Raman]]}}</ref>
It was widely reported that ''Puthiya Paravai'' did not do well during its first theatrical run, but it ran for over 100 days in theatres.<ref name="GEO">{{cite web | url=http://www.geocities.ws/ganeshkumar_r/sivaji1.htm | title=A Saga Called Sivaji | work=Geocities.ws | accessdate=23 May 2012}}</ref> In [[Chennai]], it completed 132 days at the theatre ''Paragon'', 76 days at theatre Krishna, 76 days at theatre Sayani, and it crossed eight weeks in all major centers. Due to the successful run of ''Pudhiya Paravai'' at Paragon, the film ''Aandavan Kattalai'' which was also running at the same theatre was removed after completing 70 days.<ref name="MADRAS">{{cite web | url=http://madrasmusings.com/Vol%2020%20No%2011/partha_gnyabagam_illayo.html | title=Partha Gnyabagam Illayo | work=Madras Musings | date=September 2010 | accessdate=23 May 2012 | author=[[Mohan Raman]]}}</ref> Since most films of the time in the Tamil film industry did not have box office reports, the film's exact collections are unknown.<ref>{{cite book|title=Tamil Cinema: The Cultural Politics of India's other Film Industry|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=kuPaE3v22zAC&printsec=frontcover&dq=sivaji+%2B+karnan&hl=en&sa=X&ei=ICUcUdTqCJSw8ATd9YGQCg&ved=0CFkQ6AEwCTgU#v=snippet&q=records&f=false|page=115|publisher=Psychology Press|year=2008|ISBN=9780203930373|last=Velayutham|first=Selvaraj|accessdate=24 August 2012}}</ref>


===Critical reception===
===Critical reception===

Revision as of 16:41, 24 March 2013

Pudhiya Paravai
File:Puthiya Paravai New Bird.jpg
Promotional poster
Directed byDada Mirasi
StarringSivaji Ganesan
B. Saroja Devi
Sowcar Janaki
M. R. Radha
V. K. Ramasamy
CinematographyK.S. Prasad Rao
Edited byAroordhas
Music by
Production
company
Release date
12 September 1964
Running time
150 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageTamil

Puthiya Paravai (Template:Lang-en), also spelt as Pudhiya Paravai,[1] is a 1964 Indian Tamil romantic thriller film directed by Dada Mirasi, under the banner of Sivaji Films. 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 story is about a rich businessman who falls for a young woman he meets on a cruise ship, when going to his home country after living abroad. 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 their engagement day, an unexpected incident changes their lives forever. How the man overcomes this forms the rest of the story.

Puthiya Paravai, which is notably the maiden production of Sivaji Films, is a remake of the Bengali film Sheshankaa, which itself was inspired by the 1958 British film Chase a Crooked Shadow. The costumes featured in the film were tailored and brought from Singapore and England, unlike other Tamil films of the time. The film's original soundtrack was composed by M. S. Viswanathan and T. K. Ramamurthy, with several of the tracks becoming chartbusters, like the number Paartha Gnaabagam and Engey Nimmadhi, which at the time, had the highest number of instruments used for a recording. The film's cinematography was handled by K. S. Prasad.

The film was also dubbed in Telugu as Singapoor CID.[2] Puthiya Paravai was released on 12 September 1964 in several theatres across Chennai excluding the theatre Shanthi, which was Ganesan's family-owned theatre. Upon release, the film opened to critical acclaim and became a commercial success, with the lead actor's performances being widely lauded, most notably Sowcar Janaki's portrayal of a modern women, in contrast to the "homely" roles she portrayed in her previous films. The film is due to be digitally restored and re-released in 2014.

Plot

Gopal (Sivaji Ganesan) is a rich businessman who is returning from Singapore to his hometown in a cruise ship. He meets Latha (Saroja Devi), another traveler 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 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. 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.

Gopal and Latha soon decide to get married. Latha's father accepts for the marriage and engagement is arranged. On the day of their engagement, the ceremony is suddenly stopped by a woman claiming that she is Chitra, the wife of Gopal, accompanied by 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 insists that the lady is not Chitra as she has died a long time back, which no-one believes due to his lack of conclusive evidence. "Chitra" explains that she is alive and wants to live with him as a good wife, though Gopal does not believe her. He promises Latha that the lady is not Chitra, and vows to prove it true. Both Latha and "Chitra" have an internal cold war for right of Gopal's life and love. Gopal is tortured when no-one except his policeman friend Kumar (O. A. K. Thevar) believes whatever he says about her and additionally by "Chitra" when she sings the same song which she sang during their first meet.

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 bothering him. However upon seeing her, believes his sister Chitra is alive. After Gopal fails twice to prove the fake Chitra's identity, he ultimately reveals the truth to everyone — 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, wanting to hide the truth and make people believe Chitra committed suicide, took her corpse and left it on a railway track, causing the running train to crush it, also admits that he would not have slapped her if he knew she was a heart patient. Thus, everyone accepts Gopal's story, and he 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 found Gopal guilty of killing Chitra, they finally arrest him.

Cast

Any role that is unusual, unconventional has a special appeal for me, a character like the one I played in "Puthiya Paravai". Maybe it has something to do with my own psyche. I love complex characters.

- Sowcar Janaki, in an interview with Film World[3]

Production

Development

The 1958 British 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 by Rajkumar Mitra was acquired by Sivaji Films to be made in Tamil as its first "in-house" production — Puthiya Paravai, with Dada Mirasi as the director and screenplay writer.[4]

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.[5] 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".[6] Director Dada Mirasi, who did a guest role as the hero's father in the film,[4] 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".[7] Actors Nagesh and M. R. Radha were also selected to play important roles.[8]

Filming

Pudhiya Paravai was filmed in Eastman Color.[1] 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,[1] and Aroordhas served as the editor.[9] The heavily orchestrated Engey Nimmadhi number, at that time, had the highest number of instruments used for recording. It was revealed that "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 London, and was "something unheard of those days".[5]

Soundtrack

Untitled

The film's soundtrack was composed by M. S. Viswanathan and T. K. Ramamoorthy, while the lyrics were written by Kannadasan.[11] The soundtrack was released under the label of Saregama.[12] Before the recording of the track Engae Nimmadhi, they had "offered about 100 tunes".[1] All the songs were successful, and contributed to the film's success.[4] Elements of the song Paartha Gnaabagam Illaiyo were later used in the song Yae Dushyanta, composed by Bharadwaj for the 2010 film Asal.[13][14]

Tracklist
No.TitleSinger(s)Length
1."Engey Nimmathi"T. M. Soundararajan6:21
2."Chittu Kuruvi"P. Susheela5:08
3."Aha Mella"T. M. Soundararajan4:12
4."Unnai Ondru Ketpen"P. Susheela3:02
5."Paartha Gnaabagam Illaiyo"P. Susheela3:38
6."Paartha Gnaabagam Illaiyo (Sad)"P. Susheela4:00
7."Unnai Ondru Ketpen (Sad)"P. Susheela2:10

Reception

The soundtrack received positive response from contemporary critics. 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)."[4] Malathi Rangarajan of The Hindu said, "Who can forget the everlasting flavour of MSV’s expertise that emanated through each and every number, beginning with ‘Unnai Ondru Kaetpaen’!"[1] Film critic Baradwaj Rangan called it a "stylish musical bonanza".[15]

Release

Pudhiya Paravai was released on 12 September 1964, and was slated to be released in theatre Shanthi,[10] which was Sivaji Ganesan's family-held theatre.[5] However, because the Raj Kapoor-starrer Sangam was already running there successfully, the film was instead released in theatre Paragon, which had to be excessively refurbished before screening the film.[10]

Box office

It was widely reported that Puthiya Paravai did not do well during its first theatrical run, but it ran for over 100 days in theatres.[2] In Chennai, it completed 132 days at the theatre Paragon, 76 days at theatre Krishna, 76 days at theatre Sayani, and it crossed eight weeks in all major centers. Due to the successful run of Pudhiya Paravai at Paragon, the film Aandavan Kattalai which was also running at the same theatre was removed after completing 70 days.[10] Since most films of the time in the Tamil film industry did not have box office reports, the film's exact collections are unknown.[16]

Critical reception

A different kind of film for its time, Puthiya 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."[1] 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".[4] Film chronicler "Film News" Anandan praised the film for being "the first film which had a classy, rich look right through."[5] Ramakrishnan T. of The Hindu called Saroja Devi's character a "brilliant role".[17] IndiaGlitz said, "In the colourful 'Puthiya Paravai' Sivaji's every movement with Saroja Devi talks love."[18]

Home media

Puthiya Paravai was released on DVD by Pyramid Studios, in January 2007,[19] and also by Moserbaer Home Video.[20]

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.[5] As of 2013, production house Sai Ganesh Films have announced that the film's digitally restored version will be released in 2014, 50 years since the original release in 1964.[21]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f Malathi Rangarajan (5 August 2010). "The bird flies high". The Hindu. Retrieved 24 April 2012.
  2. ^ a b "A Saga Called Sivaji". Geocities.ws. Retrieved 23 May 2012.
  3. ^ T.M. Ramachandran (1972). "Film World": 45. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  4. ^ a b c d e Randor Guy (26 June 2009). "Puthiya Paravai 1964". The Hindu. Retrieved 24 April 2012.
  5. ^ a b c d e "Blast from the past as Sivaji movie runs housefull". The Times of India. 27 July 2010. Retrieved 24 April 2012.
  6. ^ "Fans go back in time to pay tribute to Sivaji". The Times of India. 23 January 2012. Retrieved 24 April 2012.
  7. ^ Malathi Rangarajan (29 December 2006). "A dauntless spirit showcased". The Hindu. Retrieved 24 April 2012.
  8. ^ "Sivaji still draws houseful audience". Behindwoods. 27 July 2010. Retrieved 27 August 2012.
  9. ^ "filmography p10". Nadigarthilagam.com. Retrieved 23 February 2013.
  10. ^ a b c d e Mohan Raman (September 2010). "Partha Gnyabagam Illayo". Madras Musings. Retrieved 23 May 2012.
  11. ^ "Puthiya Paravai songs". Raaga.com. Retrieved 13 February 2012.
  12. ^ "Saregama Album Details : Pudhiya Paravai". Saregama. Retrieved 24 March 2013.
  13. ^ Malathy Sundaram. "Asal Music Review". Behindwoods. Retrieved 15 July 2012.
  14. ^ Pavithra Srinivasan (8 January 2010). "Aasal's music is for Ajith fans". Rediff. Retrieved 6 March 2013.
  15. ^ Baradwaj Rangan. "Two people, one industry". India-seminar.com. Retrieved 6 March 2013.
  16. ^ Velayutham, Selvaraj (2008). Tamil Cinema: The Cultural Politics of India's other Film Industry. Psychology Press. p. 115. ISBN 9780203930373. Retrieved 24 August 2012.
  17. ^ Ramakrishnan T. (6 August 2012). "The day of the heroine?". The Hindu. Retrieved 6 March 2013.
  18. ^ "Romancing the Romance - I". IndiaGlitz. 9 February 2010. Retrieved 20 March 2013.
  19. ^ "Puthiya Paravai". Amazon.com. 1 January 2007. Retrieved 17 March 2013.
  20. ^ "Ps - Puthiya Paravai". Shopping.indiatimes.com. 16 October 2012. Retrieved 17 March 2013.
  21. ^ Udhav Naig (2 March 2013). "Second coming". The Hindu. Retrieved 3 March 2013.

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