A van Amaran is a meaningful film highlighting the cause of the struggling workers, produced by Nagercoil S. Nagarajan who also wrote the film. A strong believer in Leftist- Marxist philosophy, he highlighted the principles of the working class and their relentless fight for justice against stifling capitalism. He even named his production company 'Peoples Films,' which tells much about his ideas and ideals. Sadly, the film did not do well despite an impressive cast and excellent direction by S. Balachandar.
The film narrates the story of a poor woman (Kannamba), who toils to bring up her only child, a son (Ramasami), who does odd jobs to keep the home fires burning. An accident disables her and life becomes harsher. The boy has a classmate (Rajasulochana), the daughter of a mill owner (Balaiah). The two fall in love and finally marry against the wishes of the dictatorial mill owner.
The poor boy wins a scholarship, goes to England and comes back as a barrister. He dedicates himself to the cause of the poor, struggling underpaid workers exploited by the mill owner.
The mill owner creates much trouble because his daughter defied him and married the poor labour leader. More problems arise when the workers demand bonus and better wages and go on strike. The mill owner indulges in several subterfuges by setting fire, beating up workers and in the process the labour leader dies leaving his widow and a small child. The mill owner's daughter takes up the cause of her idealistic husband and dedicates her life to the welfare of the mill workers.
The movie came as a breath of fresh air into the formula-ridden Tamil Cinema.
Ramasami, an idealistic stage and screen star of the day, gave an impressive performance — he was well known for his distinct dialogue delivery. Rajasulochana played the mill owner's daughter with much conviction. Balaiah as the dictatorial mill owner was his usual self as a rich man whose apple of the eye was his daughter! Pasupuleti Kannamba the multilingual star also excelled in her role as the suffering struggling poor mother.
The film was shot at Newtone, Paramount, and Revathi studios. All of them have vanished today. The lyrics were by Marudhakasi, Ku. Sa. Krishnamurthi and Kuyilan and the singers were Chidambaram
Jayaraman, Sirgazhi Govindarajan, A.M. Raja, Jikki and A.P. Komala. Ramasami, of course, sang in his own voice!
Despite talented performers such as Ramasami, Kannamba, Rajasulochana and Balaiah, direction by Balachandar and cinematography by Nimai Ghosh (a confirmed Marxist), the film did not fare well at the box office much to the disappointment of the producer, director and the others involved in the project.
Remembered for the leftist message-oriented story, screenplay and dialogue, the performances by Ramasami, Kannamba, Balaiah and Rajasulochana, and Balachandar's deft direction.
K. R. Ramasami, P. Kannamba, Rajasulochana, T. S. Balaiah, S. V. Subbaiah, T. P. Muthulakshmi, G. M. Basheer, D. Kamini, T. K. Sampangi, ‘Friend' Ramasami, ‘Master' Ranganathan, ‘Pottai' Krishnamurthi, Kaliyugam T. V. Sethuraman, Kolappan, Desikan, A. Ramanujam, V. K. Narayanan, L. D. Rajan, M. N. Shanmugaraj, M. N. Rajagopal, ‘Baby' Uma and Sasi-Kala
