When Tamil Cinema began to talk in 1931, Madurai, the famed temple city, was active in Tamil film production with prosperous silk yarn and dye merchants entering this new world of arts as distributors and producers. Two companies, Rayal Talkie Distributors and Murugan Talkie Films, were most active. This film was produced by Murugan Talkie in Calcutta at the East India Films Studio and was directed by K. Subramanyam who contributed in many ways to the growth of Indian Cinema. Noted stage and screen star S. D. Subbulakshmi played the lead role of Usha, daughter of the demon king Banasura.
The film is based on the mythological tale of Lord Krishna, his handsome grandson Aniruddha, and the latter's ladylove Usha. Banasura, a devotee of Lord Shiva and who hates Lord Vishnu, obtains many boons from Shiva. His lovely daughter Usha sees a painting of Aniruddha shown by her companion Chitralekha and falls for him. The companion, after many adventures, enters the strongly guarded palace of Krishna and lifts Aniruddha sleeping in his cot and brings him to Usha's bedside. Waking up, both fall in love and marry, exchanging rings. The demon father imprisons Krishna's grandson. Thanks to Narada, Krishna learns about his grandson's whereabouts, and Banasura and Krishna fight a battle. Finally, Shiva appears and explains to Banasura that Vishnu and Shiva are one, known as Sankara Narayanan. Peace is restored and Usha and Aniruddha marry and live happily blessed by Krishna, Shiva and all the other gods and goddesses.
Subbulakshmi, a talented actor, excelled in the role of Usha, while stage and screen star of the day C.V.V. Panthulu played Banasura. Stage star Krishnappa was Aniruddha.
Interestingly, in keeping with the tradition, the film had a chorus song at the beginning against the credit titles (still followed on the stage where all the persons involved stand behind the curtain and sing a chorus in prayer.) In the film, the chorus appeals to the Gods to bless Murugan Talkie, East India Films, director Subramanyam, song-writers Madurai Bhaskaradas and Sathasivadas and others.
There are as many as 33 songs in the movie, including one by a gypsy where words such as ‘jokku' are found! Another point of interest about the film is the song book has titles for practically everybody in the movie — Subbulakshmi is ‘Cinema Beauty Srivai Miss' (she hailed from Srivaikuntam). In keeping with the practice, there was a short film featuring N. S. Krishnan and T. A. Mathuram to evoke laughter.
Subramanyam was assisted by his uncle C.S.V. Iyer whose name appears as ‘assistant director.' (His son C. V. Ramakrishnan-Thambu was a well-known cinematographer who has worked in many movies, including productions of Gemini Studios.)
Remembered for the interesting storyline, impressive performances by Subbulakshmi and Panthulu and deft direction by K. Subramanyam.
