Mathew Iype, popularly known as E. M. Kovoor, was a renowned novelist and short story writer in Malayalam. Kovoor wrote script and dialogues for the film Ammaye Kaanaan, which released on November 22, 1963 and was a huge box office hit. The film was produced P. Bhaskaran jointly with V. Abdulla under the banner of ‘Chithrasagar’ and directed by P. Bhaskaran. Music composed by K. Raghavan with a background score arranged by M. B. Sreenivasan was a highlight of this hit.
A social melodrama, the story of the film resembled that of the Malayalam film Manasakshi (1954). Uttar Falguni Remakes of this film in Hindi as Mamta (1966) and in Tamil as Kaviya Thalaivi (1970) were also box office hits. Unusual melodramatic situations bringing close relatives face to face before the court of law proved to be a successful formula in Indian cinema. AwaraParasakthi
Comedy in the film , involving Adoor Bhasi, Bahadur and S. P. Pillai, was another attraction of this hit film.
Barrister Panicker (Kottayam Chellappan) wishes to send his son Chandran (Sathyan), a law graduate, to England for higher studies in law (Bar-at-Law). Before leaving Chandran goes on an excursion to a small island in Kerala to for a short holiday. There he meets and falls in love with Madhavi (Ambika), daughter of the ferry man Kuttayi ( Kunjandy) and marries her secretly . She becomes pregnant. Panicker comes to the island and takes Chandran with him for his journey to England. Before Madhavi can tell Chandran she is pregnant, he leaves for England.
Kuttayi dies of a heart attack when he finds out Madhavi is pregnant. Madhavi leaves home. She gives birth to a girl and abandons the child at the gate of an orphanage. She ties the ring given to her by Chandran around the child’s neck.
Madhavi attempts to commit suicide, but is saved by a wealthy woman, Parvathi Amma (Lakshmi) who gives refuge to her. Parvathi Amma stays with her cousins Sukumaran Nair (P J Antony) and Rema (Vasanthi).
Chandran’s sister Leela (K.P.A.C Leela) leaves home after her marriage with Balagopal (Madhu). Rema is Leela’s friend and she takes care of Chandran’s father thereafter. After his studies Chandran returns home and Rema is appointed headmistress at the orphanage school.
Chandran, despite earnest efforts, cannot find Madhavi. He concentrates on his profession and becomes a Sessions Judge. Chandran is invited for the Annual Day celebrations of the orphanage where he befriends a little girl called Suhasini (Baby Vinodini), whom he identifies as his daughter by the ring tied around her neck.
Chandran takes Suhasini home and brings her up. Rema is appointed as her tuition teacher. Rema expresses her love for Chandran but is disappointed when he tells that he loves her as a sister. An intoxicated Sukumaran Nair attempts to molest Madhavi. Madhavi yells for help. A jealous Rema, who witnesses this does not help Madhavi. She knows it is because of Madhavi that Chandran rejected her. Sukumaran Nair’s friend intervenes and in the ensuing fight Nair is killed. Madhavi is arrested. The case comes to the court where Chandran is the judge. Chandran meets Madhavi in jail and finds out that she is innocent. The only witness, Rema, refuses to give evidence to prove Madhavi’s innocence despite Chandran’s repeated requests.
Suhasini comes to know the facts and that Madhavi is her mother. She pleads with Rema to appear before the court. Finally Rema appears before the court on the day of judgment and Madhavi’s innocence is proven. Chandran, Madhavi and Suhasini live happily.
Excellent music composed by K. Raghavan was supported by the background score arranged by M. B. Sreenivasan.
The eight songs written by P. Bhaskaran were the main factor that led the film to success. Konnappoove ….. , Unarunaroo Unnippoove …. (S Janaki), Katha Katha Painkiliyum … , Pranante Praananil … (P. Leela), Pennaayi Pirannenkil … (Udayabhanu) were instant hits. Other hits include Gokkale Meychu Kondum … (Leela), Madhura Pathinezhukaari … (Yesudas) and Deivame Kai Thozhaam …. (A P Komala) .
Will be remembered: The debut film of E. M. Kovoor and for the excellent music.
