Bhagyavathi is a family-based melodrama, revolving around Somu (Sivaji Ganesan), a criminal, who marries Meena (Padmini). Unable to expose Somu because of her love and devotion to him, she tries to transform him. In a separate storyline, Ravi (‘Master’ Gopal), a six-year-old boy, comes to know that his father Suppanna is a criminal, and leaves his home.
Suppanna also has a daughter, Bhama (M.N. Rajam), who fails in her attempts to reform her father’s ways. As a result, she commits suicide.
Built around these characters, the film was tautly directed by ace filmmaker L.V. Prasad. He also had his own full-fledged studio.
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A.C. Pillai, a small-time bank clerk-turned-film producer, made this movie. The film was written by ‘Ra. Ve’. P.L. Rai was the cinematographer and audiography was handled by A. Krishnan.
The film was produced at the Vijaya Vauhini Studios. Music was composed by Susarla Dakshinamurthi, who mostly composed music for Telugu movies.
Lyrics were written by Subbu Arumugham and A. Marudhakasi, and the singers included A.M. Rajah, S.C. Krishnan, P. Leela, Soolamangalam Rajalakshmi, R. Balasaraswathi, T.V. Rathinam and Chidambaram S. Jayaraman.
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Singer Chidambaram S. Jayaraman also played Sage Narada in some Tamil movies. His hit songs ‘Kaa..kaa…’ ‘Kutram Purindhavan’ are still popular even after half century and more. He had a slight tremor in his voice which added to his appeal.
There were eight songs in the film, and some of them filmed on K.A. Thangavelu and M.N. Rajam like ‘Kannala vettadhe’ a duet (voices: S.C. Krishnan and T.V. Rathinam), were hits.
Padmini, who played the female lead, was appreciated for her performance in the film. Sivaji Ganesan also excelled in this difficult role. K. A. Thangavelu’s performance, one of melodrama, added the comical touch in the song situations and also other scenes.
In spite of the stellar cast, interesting storyline and fine direction, the film did not do well.
Remembered for: The classic performances of Padmini, excellently supported by Sivaji Ganesan. Good acting by Thangavelu and M.N. Rajam, and music with some comical songs.