One of the major hits of T.R. Ramachandran was ‘Kalyanam Panniyum Brahmachari,’ (1954), which also had Sivaji Ganesan. Both Ramachandran and Sivaji Ganesan had lead roles. Interestingly, in the credit titles Sivaji Ganesan’s name came fourth, while Ramachandran topped the list!
It was written and directed by noted filmmaker Pa. Neelakantan and produced by B.R. Panthulu under his banner Padmini Pictures. The film ran into problems over copyright issues landing the makers in a suit for damages on the Original Side of the Madras High Court.
The hearing of the case came before Mr. Justice N. Rajagopala Ayyangar and V.C. Gopalratnam, a leading lawyer of the Madras High Court appeared for the defendants.
The plaintiff was Vedam Venkataraya Sastri Jr., who had the same name as his illustrious grandfather (one of the top literary figures of Telugu culture of the day). The plaintiff claimed that the film was a straight lift of his book ‘Vyamoham.’ The film did have similarities and while the case was still pending, Panthulu offered Sastri a cash compensation of Rs. 10,000 if he withdrew the case. In an ill-advised move, Sastri refused the offer and wanted his name as writer in the film credits, which the producer was not interested in.
Sastri was an eccentric and had a comical way of talking, which made several leading lawyers remark that the trial was more of a comedy than the movie itself!
The hero (Ramachandran) has no intention of getting married, but his parents ask him to visit Madurai to meet a village girl (Ragini). He goes along with his friend Ambalavaanan (Sivaji Ganesan), who wants to meet his college girlfriend (Padmini) from the same family as Ragini. In Madurai, Ramachandran falls for Padmini not knowing that his pal is already in love with her and rejects Ragini.
Padmini changes Ragini’s name, lifestyle and introduces her to the hero as a modern young woman. Now he falls for her and marries her. Soon, he realises the truth and problems arise… The story was woven around Ramachandran, with Sivaji Ganesan more or less playing a supporting role.
The film was a hit and enhanced Ramachandran's reputation to such an extent that M.G. Ramachandran, for a certain period, spelt his name in film titles as ‘Ramachandar,’ to avoid being mistaken for the comedian. Such was the popularity of T.R. Ramachandran at that time.
Another film with TRR as hero was ‘Gomathiyin Kaathalan’ (1955) in which TRR was paired with K. Savithri, one of the top stars of South Indian Cinema.
With the enormous success Ramachandran achieved, he turned producer by promoting TRR Productions, under which banner this film was produced. From earning a monthly salary of Rupees 15 to becoming the owner of properties, underscored his achievements.
‘Gomathiyin Kaathalan’ was based on a popular Ananda Vikatan magazine serial novel of the same title by the celebrated writer Devan (R. Mahadevan). The film had Ramachandran playing the title role as the ‘Kaathalan’ (lover).
It was a story of impersonation of a rich zamindar by a crook ( K.A. Thangavelu), who tries to rob the family. People think the crook is the zamindar’s son (Ramachandran) However, he fights the crook, exposes him and marries his sweetheart (Savithri).
This film had D. Balasubramaniam, R. Balasubramaniam, K. Sarangapani, Sayeeram, V.P.S Mani, T.P. Muthulakshmi, and several others who play different roles contributing to the comedy and the interesting plot development.
The music was composed by G. Ramanathan and the film was directed by Pa. Neelakantan. However the movie die not do as well as expected.
(To be continued)
