Just as the ‘Love Triangle’ was the favourite of writers like Muttathu Varkey, for producers and directors like P. Subramaniam it was the subject of ‘The Other Woman’. This genre of mushy fiction called Painkili Sahityam popularised by writers like Muttathu Varkey had a major influence on Malayalam cinema.
Mariakutty , released on March 15, 1958, was a screen adaptation of Muttathu Varkey’s popular novel of same title which was first published in 1957. Produced and directed by P. Subrahmaniam for Neela Productions and shot at Merryland Studios, the script and dialogues were written by the novelist himself. The film was edited by K.D. George and cinematography was by N.S. Mani.
The unusual success of Padatha Painkili (1957) that was based on the ‘Love Triangle’ theme must have prompted Subramaniam to make Mariakutty . And this film was also a huge hit.
Prem Nazir played the main role with a negative shade. Thikkurissi Sukumaran Nair, T.S. Muthiah, Kottarakkara Sreedharan Nair, S.P. Pillai, Bahadur, Miss Kumari, Shanthi, Aranmula Ponnamma, Pankajavalli etc were the other popular artistes in the film. The film marked the Malayalam debut of Tamil actor-dancer Kusalakumari, who later went on to play the title role in Udaya Studio’s mythological Seetha (1960).
The story takes place in a remote Kerala village. Mariakutty (Miss Kumari), daughter of Kora (Kottarakkara Sreedharan Nair), is in love with Chacko (Abraham Joseph), young leader of the farmers fighting against the policies of the landlords. The landlord Martho (Nanukuttan) attempts to harm Chacko and defame him by spreading scandals about his love affair through his servant ‘Cheravanaakkan’ Thoma (T.S. Muthiah). The rich businessman Kuruvachan (Thikkurissi Sukumaran Nair) from the nearby town happens to see Mariakutty and is impressed by her humbleness and approach towards others. Kuruvachan thinks that only such a woman can reform his son Pappachan (Prem Nazir) who is a wastrel. Kuruvachan moots this idea and the greedy Kora agrees for the alliance. Pappachan weds Mariakutty.
Mariakutty is dedicated to her husband and his family. Martho’s enmity towards Kora and Chacko continues. Thoma spreads scandals about Mariakutty and Chacko. Suspicious of his wife, Pappachan begins to spend time in night clubs. He takes a fancy for Beatrice (Kusalakumari), a dancer, and spends most of his time with her. Pappachan even gifts Mariakutty’s ornaments to her. But Mariakutty’s love for Pappachan was true. She even sells her property in the village when Pappachan needed money for business.
Mariakutty becomes pregnant. Martho and Thoma continue their malingering. Tales of Chacko and Mariakutty meeting secretly spreads like wild fire. Mariakutty is sent back to her home. She meets Beatrice and narrates the story of her life. Beatrice talks to Pappachan and manages to convince him about the honesty of his wife. Pappachan promises Mariakutty that he will get back her property from Ponnachan (Jose Prakash), who bought it and leaves to the town. Mariakutty gives birth to a baby boy.
Pappachan dies in a car crash on his way back home after successfully redeeming Mariakutty’property. Kuruvachan takes Mariakutty and her child home.
Kusalakumari impressed with her acting and dancing prowess. Miss Kumari did justice to her tragic role.
Most of the songs written by Thirunainarkurichi Madhavan Nair and set to tune by Brother Lakshmanan were imitations of popular Hindi and Tamil film songs. Poonkuyil paadidumbol … (Santha P.Nair) and Karalil kaniyum rasamey … (Kamukara Purushothaman, Santha P.Nair) were imitations of Roshan’s Bade armaan se rakha hai … (Mukesh- Lata Mangeshkar) from the Hindi film Malhar (1951) and T.G. Lingappa’s tune Amudhai pozhiyum nilave … (P.Susheela) from the Tamil Film Thankamalai Rahasyam (1957) respectively. Easaputhraney vaa … (C.S.Radhadevi, Syamala, V.Lakshmi), Maayamee lokam … (Purushothaman), and Koottiloru thathamma …(C.S. Radhadevi) were some of the other popular songs.
Will be remembered : As the debut Malayalam film of Kusalakumari and for some songs, especially Poonkuyil paadidumbol …
