Chenda , released on April 27, 1973, was the first film in Malayalam that revolved around the life of a percussionist. Produced and directed by A.Vincent for Sanmargachithra , the story was written by Ramanathan B.E, a medical practitioner, and a friend of Vincent. The script and dialogues were by Thoppil Bhasi. The film was shot at Satya Studios and at outdoor locations in and around Cheruthuruthy. Art direction was by Bharathan, cinematography by Venkit and editing by Venkitaraman.
Madhu, S.P. Pillai, Sudheer, Adoor Bhasi, Thikkurissi Sukumaran Nair, Sreevidya, Kaviyoor Ponnamma and Nandita Bose played important roles. This was the debut film of Oduvil Unnikrishnan who made a guest appearance. Dance choreography by Thankappan and dances by Kamala Lakshman was a major attraction. The film also marked the debut of lyricist Leela Namboodiripad, popularly known as Sumangala, a popular author of children’s literature. Music was by G. Devarajan.
Appu (Madhu) who was attracted towards the chenda from his childhood was encouraged by Marar (S.P.Pillai) a professional. He teaches Appu the art of Thayambaka, a solo chenda performance. Appu’s father (Adoor Bhasi ) and stepmother (Sukumari ) were against Appu’s interest. The landlord’s (Thikkurissi Sukumaran Nair) daughter Sumathi (Sreevidya), a Mohiniyattam dancer is fascinated by Appu’s talents and falls in love with him. Their marriage is fixed. Appu’s stepmother wanted Somathi to marry her son.
Appu agrees to play the chenda for Sumathi’s Mohiniyattam performance. Appu’s stepmother mixes arrack in the soft drink given to him. He gets intoxicated and ruins the performance. Upset by the incident Sumathi’s father cancels the marriage of his daughter with Appu and marries her off to her cousin (Sudheer). This man is a drunkard and Sumathi’s life becomes miserable.
Meanwhile, the Sangeetha Nataka Akademi organises a competition in which Appu decides to participate in Thayambaka. He faces stiff competition from a group led by Sumathi’s husband. On the night before the competition Appu’s fingers are crushed by this rival group thereby trying to thwart Appu’s chances. But for Appu, the chenda was not just a musical instrument it was his life itself. With bleeding fingers he participates in the competition and wins it. The film ends glorifying the dedication of a true artist to his art.
S P Pillai was brilliant in his role. Also impressive was Bharathan’s art direction. The presentation of Kerala art forms like Mohiniyattam, Kathakali and Thayambaka was a highpoint of the film.
The songs written by Vayalar Rama Varma, P. Bhaskaran, Bharanikkavu Sivakumar and Sumangala were set to tune by Devarajan. They were raga-based and all of them became very popular. Panchami thirunaal …and Thaalathil thaalathil … (both by P. Madhuri ) based on Mohanam and Madhyamavathi respectively, Chaarumukhi Usha mandham …(K.J. Yesudas ) in Saurashtra, Akkare akkare …(Madhuri) and Nruthyathi nruthyathi … (Yesudas) in Kalyani are still remembered.
Will be remembered : As a film that had the art forms of Kerala as it central theme, for the songs and as the debut of actor Oduvil Unnikrishnan and lyricist Sumangala.
