One of the biggest hit of 1964, Dheiva Thaai was based on a story idea by Hindu filmmaker Nanabhai Bhatt. The film revolves around MGR, who portrays the role of a CID officer, Maran (this role was inspired by 1960s James Bond film, Dr. No ). His widowed mother (Pandari Bai) undergoes many problems, and sacrifices her married life in order to keep a secret. Maran, meanwhile, is working hard, to hunt down a notorious criminal called Baba. It turns out that the criminal he is searching for is, in fact, his own father Karunakaran (S. A. Asokan). His father, previously an inveterate gambler, has taken on the name Baba under various circumstances, and becomes a crook. Baba is also not aware that the officer searching for him is indeed his son, with whom he has lost touch for years. Maran’s mother also does not reveal the secret. It is only in the climax that Maran comes to know the real identity of Baba, and that he is his father. Nambiar portrays the role of a criminal associate of Baba. Comic relief is provided by Nagesh, who plays the role of a talentless musician, trying to teach the art to his students, and also helps the hero in getting information on wanted criminals. The film is loaded heavily with ‘mother sentiment’. Saroja Devi plays the hero’s lover. The screenplay was written by R. M. Veerappan and T. N. Balu, and the dialogue was by a newcomer, destined to create history in Indian cinema: K. Balachander.Music for this film was composed by Viswanathan-Ramamurthi, with many songs becoming hits. Popular numbers include ‘Moondrezhuthil en moochirukkum’ (T. M. Soundararajan), ‘Indha punnagai enna vilai’ (TMS and P. Susheela), ‘Vannakkili’ (TMS and P. Susheela), ‘Oru pennai paarthu’ (TMS) and ‘Kaathalikkathey’ (P. Susheela). Lyrics were by Vaali and Aalangudi Somu.
Interestingly, Joseph Krishna, later the associate of Viswanathan-Ramamurthi in composing, worked as a choreographer-assistant in this film. MGR excelled in his portrayal as the affectionate son and sincere CID officer. Equally impressive was Pandari Bai as the sacrificing mother. S. V. Sahasranamam, noted stage and film star and also producer, plays the senior police officer who takes care of the suffering mother.
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