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== Release and reception ==
== Release and reception ==
''Oli Vilakku'' was released on 20 September 1968.<ref name="poster" /> Two days later, the reviewer from ''[[The Indian Express]]'' derided the film, saying it "lapses into mediocrity thanks to inept handling of the theme and unconvincing performances." The reviewer criticised the performances of Ramachandran and Jayalalithaa, but praised that of Janaki.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=P9oYG7HA76QC&dat=19680922&printsec=frontpage&hl=en |title=Mediocrity |date=22 September 1968 |work=[[The Indian Express]] |page=3}}</ref> On 6 October 1968, the magazine ''[[Ananda Vikatan]]'' published a review jointly conducted by many people, most of whom positively commented on the film.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=6 October 1968 |title=சினிமா விமர்சனம்: ஒளி விளக்கு |url=https://www.vikatan.com/anandavikatan/2008-oct-29/vikatan-pokkisham/43901.html |magazine=[[Ananda Vikatan]] |language=ta |subscription=yes}}</ref> According to historian [[Randor Guy]], ''Oli Vilakku'' was "one of the biggest hits of 1968", with a 98-day run in Tamil Nadu theatres, and performed well even in Sri Lanka.<ref name="BFTP" /> In contrast, N. Kesavan of ''[[The Hindu]]'' says that while it did run well in Sri Lanka, "it failed to attract fans to the theatre" in India, thus becoming a [[box-office bomb]].<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/tamil-film-industry-100th-film-jinx-grips-the-mighty-sans-captain/article8595803.ece |title=100th film jinx grips the mighty sans 'Captain' |last=Kesavan |first=N. |date=14 May 2016 |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=18 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180628234546/https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/tamil-film-industry-100th-film-jinx-grips-the-mighty-sans-captain/article8595803.ece |archive-date=28 June 2018 |dead-url=no |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>
''Oli Vilakku'' was released on 20 September 1968.<ref name="poster" /> Two days later, the reviewer from ''[[The Indian Express]]'' derided the film, saying it "lapses into mediocrity thanks to inept handling of the theme and unconvincing performances." The reviewer criticised the performances of Ramachandran and Jayalalithaa, but praised that of Janaki.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=P9oYG7HA76QC&dat=19680922&printsec=frontpage&hl=en |title=Mediocrity |date=22 September 1968 |work=[[The Indian Express]] |page=3}}</ref> On 6 October 1968, the magazine ''[[Ananda Vikatan]]'' published a review jointly conducted by many people, most of whom positively commented on the film.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=6 October 1968 |title=சினிமா விமர்சனம்: ஒளி விளக்கு |url=https://www.vikatan.com/anandavikatan/2008-oct-29/vikatan-pokkisham/43901.html |magazine=[[Ananda Vikatan]] |language=ta |subscription=yes}}</ref> According to historian [[Randor Guy]], ''Oli Vilakku'' was "one of the biggest hits of 1968", with a 98-day run in Tamil Nadu theatres, and performed well even in Sri Lanka.<ref name="BFTP" /> In contrast, N. Kesavan of ''[[The Hindu]]'' says that while it did run well in Sri Lanka, "it failed to attract fans to the theatre" in India, thus becoming a [[box-office bomb]].<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/tamil-film-industry-100th-film-jinx-grips-the-mighty-sans-captain/article8595803.ece |title=100th film jinx grips the mighty sans 'Captain' |last=Kesavan |first=N. |date=14 May 2016 |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=18 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180628234546/https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/tamil-film-industry-100th-film-jinx-grips-the-mighty-sans-captain/article8595803.ece |archive-date=28 June 2018 |dead-url=no |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

== Legacy ==
When Ramachandran was hospitalised in 1984 at [[Brooklyn Hospital Center|Brooklyn Hospital]], New York, footage showing a tearful Janaki lip syncing to "Aandavane Un" prefaced film screenings across cinema halls in Tamil Nadu.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/ar-venkatachalapathy-on-jayalalithaas-acquittal-ammas-apogee-moment/article7194521.ece |title=Amma’s apogee moment |last=Venkatachalapathy |first=A. R. |date=12 May 2015 |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=5 April 2019 |author-link=A. R. Venkatachalapathy}}</ref>


== References ==
== References ==

Revision as of 05:10, 5 April 2019

Oli Vilakku
Theatrical release poster
Directed byTapi Chanakya
Story byO. P. Ralhan
Produced byS. S. Vasan
StarringM. G. Ramachandran
Jayalalithaa
Sowcar Janaki
CinematographyU. Rajagopal
Edited byM. Umanath
Music byM. S. Viswanathan
Production
company
Release date
20 September 1968
Running time
164 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageTamil

Oli Vilakku (lit. 'Shining Lamp') is a 1968 Indian Tamil-language crime film, directed by Tapi Chanakya and produced by S. S. Vasan. It is a remake of the Hindi film Phool Aur Patthar (1966). The film stars M. G. Ramachandran (in his 100th film), Jayalalithaa and Sowcar Janaki in the lead roles, with S. A. Ashokan, R. S. Manohar, Cho Ramaswamy and V. S. Raghavan in supporting roles. It was released on 20 September 1968.

Plot

Muthu is a career criminal who works for Master Jambu. His girlfriend Geetha also works with Master Jambu. He friends with Kadri an another petty thief. Due to his repetitive crime, court gives verdict to stay in a small town for 6 months. However, before 2 days on his release, he escapes. Master Jambu gives him another job to rob an safe case full of gold, from rich but miser Pannaiyar Paramasivam at nearby village Maanggudi.

When plague empties Maanggudi of its inhabitants, Muthu takes the opportunity to burgle a house. He finds nothing except Shanti, a widowed daughter-in-law who has been left to die by her cruel relatives, Pannaiyar Paramsivam, his wife and their son Somu. Shanthi being married of when she was 4 years old to 5 years old husband. However the boy die soon after. Muthu brings a local village doctor, Kannaiyah and nurses her back to health. When her relatives return, they are not pleased to find her alive and even less pleased to discover that someone has tried to rob them. Shanti gets the blame and a beating as the suspect her having an affair with thief, Muthu.

Somu, Pannaiyar Paramasivam another son, tries to rape Shanthi. Muthu saves her from worse, at the hands of her brother-in-law, Somu, and the pair flee, with help of Kadhri, where Kadhri treat Shanthi as her sister. They set up home in Muthu's house, much to the displeasure of the respectable neighbours, who are all too ready to think the worst. Shanti's relatives are dismayed when a lawyer arrives to announce that Shanti's mother's brother has been left a legacy for 500,000 rupees. They hatch a plot to get her back, by making false police report that, Muthu kidnapped Shanthi and steal his gold. This is overheard by the Kannaiyah who happens to pass by to visit Shanthi and Muthu.

Muthu approach Master Jambu to borrow money. However, Jambu sedate him. Geetha reluctantly assist Master Jambu, fearing that they may loose Muthu. The Kannaiyah steals the gold from Pannaiyar Paramasivam, which Kadhri came to know. Shanthi had been spleened by the local neighbours as prostitute. Muthu gets enraged and bash one of the neighbours. Shanthi pacify Muthu and Muthu reforms to a good man. One day Somu notice Muthu with Geetha. Somu with help of police, case both of them but they escape. Somu meets the commissioner and both of them went to see Muthu and Shanthi. However, Kadhri disguise as Shanti and saves them. Shanthi persuades both Kadhri and Muthu to reform.

Master Jambu came to know that the Muthu is reformed by Shanthi. He persuades Muthu to commit a diamond necklace worth 2 million. Muthu reluctantly agrees that the robbery will be his last and exchange with his freedom. Master Jambu reveals about 3 years, while he commits a bank robbery, Muthu tries to stop them and witness the robbery. However, he can't proof to the court, due to his past crime. Muthu came out after 1 year from his jail sentence. He works with the commissioner to nab the real culprits, however, he was fooled by Master Jambu. Master Jambu then trap Muthu into his gang, by playing drama, Geetha mistakenly kill Master Jambu gang member Rathnam to save Muthu. However, Rathnam still alives, but both Muthu and Geetha belief, Rathnam is dead. .

The rest of story, how Muthu escape from Master Jambu gang, Shanthi and Geetha fate.

Cast

Additionally, CID Sakunthala appears as a dancer in the song "Whistlings, Sips and Drunkenness".[1]

Production

Oli Vilakku was directed by Tapi Chanakya and produced by S. S. Vasan under Gemini Studios; Vasan was not credited onscreen as producer. The film was M. G. Ramachandran's 100th as an actor, and a remake of the Hindi film Phool Aur Patthar (1966).[1] Ramachandran agreed to act in the film only after long sessions of negotiations with Vasan, who assented to the conditions laid down by Ramachandran regarding to the choice of costume and the characterisation of the male lead.[2] It was Gemini' first colour film,[3] being colourised through Eastmancolor,[4] and was V. S. Raghavan's first collaboration with Ramachandran.[5] Jayalalithaa was chosen to reprise the role originally played by Shashikala, and Sowcar Janaki was chosen to reprise Meena Kumari's role.[6] The dialogues were written by Sornam, art direction was handled by A. K. Sekhar,[4] cinematography was handled by U. Rajagopal and the editing by M. Umanath.[1] While Janaki was initially billed as the first female actress in the opening credits, Jayalalithaa demanded she be billed first as she considered herself more popular; her request was granted.[7]

Soundtrack

The music was composed by M. S. Viswanathan and lyrics were written by Vaali.[8] One sequence required Ramachandran to act drunk and mouth a song. Stuck in a dilemma, he approached Vaali who came up with a solution: Ramachandran would be drunk, but his conscience would emerge as four different Ramachandrans to criticise his acting in the son. Ramachandran now anxiously asked Vaali for the pallavi, and Vaali came up with the lines "Dhayiriamaaga sol nee manidhan thaanaa, Nee thaan oru mirugam, Indha madhuvil vizhum neram" (Tell me bravely, are you a human? You are a beast when you fall into this alcohol), which impressed Ramachandran.[9] The song "Aandavane Un" is set in Shivaranjani raga.[10] "Naan Kanda Kanavil" is based on "Zindagi Mein Pyar Karna" from the Hindi original, and the Portuguese song "Andorinha Preta".[11] The instrumental piece "Whistlings, Sips and Drunkenness" is not included in the soundtrack.[1]

No.TitleSinger(s)Length
1."Dhairyamaka Chol"T. M. Soundararajan3:23
2."Nanga Pudusa"T. M. Soundararajan, P. Susheela3:12
3."Aandavane Un"P. Susheela3:16
4."Rukminiye"T. M. Soundararajan, L. R. Eswari3:18
5."Mampazha Thottam"Sirkazhi Govindarajan, L. R. Eswari4:15
6."Eraiva Un Maaligaiyil"P. Susheela4:04
7."Nee Thaan"T. M. Soundararajan3:21
8."Naan Kanda Kanavinil"L. R. Eswari3:09

Release and reception

Oli Vilakku was released on 20 September 1968.[4] Two days later, the reviewer from The Indian Express derided the film, saying it "lapses into mediocrity thanks to inept handling of the theme and unconvincing performances." The reviewer criticised the performances of Ramachandran and Jayalalithaa, but praised that of Janaki.[12] On 6 October 1968, the magazine Ananda Vikatan published a review jointly conducted by many people, most of whom positively commented on the film.[13] According to historian Randor Guy, Oli Vilakku was "one of the biggest hits of 1968", with a 98-day run in Tamil Nadu theatres, and performed well even in Sri Lanka.[1] In contrast, N. Kesavan of The Hindu says that while it did run well in Sri Lanka, "it failed to attract fans to the theatre" in India, thus becoming a box-office bomb.[14]

Legacy

When Ramachandran was hospitalised in 1984 at Brooklyn Hospital, New York, footage showing a tearful Janaki lip syncing to "Aandavane Un" prefaced film screenings across cinema halls in Tamil Nadu.[15]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o Guy, Randor (5 March 2016). "Oli Vilakku (1968)". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 5 June 2017. Retrieved 18 February 2019. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  2. ^ David, C. R. W. (1983). Cinema as Medium of Communication in Tamil Nadu. Christian Literature Society. p. 71.
  3. ^ சுவாமிநாதன், ஸ்ரீதர் (8 March 2016). "எம்ஜிஆர் 100 | 16 - அர்ப்பணிப்புடன் கூடிய உழைப்புக்கு சொந்தக்காரர்!". The Hindu Tamil. Archived from the original on 18 February 2019. Retrieved 18 February 2019. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  4. ^ a b c "Oli Vilakku". The Indian Express. 20 September 1968. p. 3.
  5. ^ Rangarajan, Malathi (8 October 2010). "A virtuoso recalls". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 18 February 2019. Retrieved 18 February 2019. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  6. ^ Chowdhary, Y. Sunita (6 December 2016). "First among equals". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 7 December 2016. Retrieved 18 February 2019. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  7. ^ Narasimham, M. L. (6 December 2016). "Jayalalithaa: The queen bee of politics". The Hindu. Retrieved 5 April 2019.
  8. ^ "Oli Vilakku (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)". iTunes. Archived from the original on 18 February 2019. Retrieved 18 February 2019. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  9. ^ Kannan 2017, pp. 87–88.
  10. ^ Mani, Charulatha (28 September 2012). "Sivaranjani for pathos". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 9 October 2014. Retrieved 5 February 2019. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  11. ^ Srinivasan, Karthik (5 February 2019). "When A Portuguese Song Made Its Way into Phool Aur Patthar And Its Remake Starring Jayalalitha". Film Companion. Archived from the original on 5 February 2019. Retrieved 5 February 2019. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  12. ^ "Mediocrity". The Indian Express. 22 September 1968. p. 3.
  13. ^ "சினிமா விமர்சனம்: ஒளி விளக்கு". Ananda Vikatan (in Tamil). 6 October 1968. {{cite magazine}}: Unknown parameter |subscription= ignored (|url-access= suggested) (help)
  14. ^ Kesavan, N. (14 May 2016). "100th film jinx grips the mighty sans 'Captain'". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 28 June 2018. Retrieved 18 February 2019. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  15. ^ Venkatachalapathy, A. R. (12 May 2015). "Amma's apogee moment". The Hindu. Retrieved 5 April 2019.

Bibliography

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