Mayabazar
This film was released in the fifties. But even now, the film can be relished by the young and old alike. S.V. Ranga Rao excelled in his brief role as Ghatotkacha. The song ‘Kalyana Samayal Saadham’ from this movie is popular. The scene in which Savitri sees the image of Gemini Ganesan holding a laptop-like box, gave the audience a foretaste of modern technology.
Missiamma
It was a very good comedy film. Savitri displayed her histrionic talents. Can anyone forget ‘Brindavanamum Nandakumaranum’ with lilting music? So also, ‘Maayame Naan Ariyen’. Gemini Ganesan’s decent acting in the romantic scenes won him the nickname ‘Kadhal Mannan’.
Andha Naal
This film has the unique distinction of being the first film without songs, which was unthinkable in those days. Though the film was not a hit at the box office for obvious reasons, it was a classic film which will long be remembered. The film was packed with suspense. Sivaji Ganesan’s subdued acting was an asset. It was an out-and-out director’s film (S. Balachander).
Nenjil Or Aalayam
It was a film taken in a short span of 28 days. But yet it was a complete film – be it story content, acting, songs, not to mention the director’s touch (Sridhar) in every frame. Kannadasan’s lyrics need a special mention. Every lyric was situational to the core, which added strength to the storytelling. The actors – Kalyan Kumar, Muthuraman, Nagesh, Devika, Kutty Padmini – gave mature performances.
Thiruvilaiyadal
Director A.P. Nagarajan studied Tamil literature in depth and this was reflected in his dialogue writing. The film was a roaring success, smashing all records, and set the tone for his subsequent films with puranic themes. Nagesh has outdone himself and stolen the limelight. His portion, though brief, will be remembered for decades The music by K.V. Mahadevan was an asset. Particularly, ‘Indroru Naal Pothuma’ sung by Balamuralikrishna and ‘Paattum Naane’ sung by TMS will remain evergreen.
V.N.Gopal,
Chennai
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