''Sumaithaangi'' () is a 1962 Indian Tamil-language

drama film In film and television, drama is a category or genre of narrative fiction (or semi-fiction) intended to be more serious than humorous in tone. The drama of this kind is usually qualified with additional terms that specify its particular ...

, written and directed by C. V. Sridhar. The film stars Gemini Ganesan,

Radha Radha (, ), also called Radhika, is a Hindu goddess and the chief consort of the god Krishna. She is the goddess of love, tenderness, compassion, and devotion. In scriptures, Radha is mentioned as the avatar of Lakshmi and also as the Prak� ...

and R. Muthuraman. Based on Ra. Ki. Rangarajan's novel of the same name that was serialised in '' Kumudam'', it revolves around a man who could not lead his life the way he wanted, and gets forced to undergo many sacrifices. The film, produced by Kovai Chezhiyan, was released on 7 December 1962. Ganesan won the Film Fans Association Award for Best Actor

Plot

The movie “Sumaithangi” revolves around a middle-class family led by Muthuraman, who supports his retired father Sarangapani, younger brother Babu (Gemini Ganesan), and younger sister L. Vijayalakshmi. The story unfolds with Babu, a college student, being challenged by his friends to woo Radha, the daughter of their former schoolteacher Rathnavel. Babu succeeds, but the family’s financial troubles force him to take up a job, sacrificing his education and love life. Muthuraman loses his job, and the family struggles financially. Babu finds a job and takes on the family’s responsibilities. Meanwhile, L. Vijayalakshmi falls in love and gets married. Babu’s noble act of returning a lost purse to a retired judge leads to a marriage proposal for Babu with the judge’s daughter, Indira Devi, who suffers from fits. Sarangapani conceals this fact from Babu for the family’s benefit. Rathnavel proposes Radha’s marriage to Babu, but Sarangapani rejects it. Babu, pressured by his family, agrees to marry Indira Devi, but the marriage is called off when she has a fit on the wedding day. Babu continues to make sacrifices for his family, giving his bonus money to his sister’s husband for a job deposit. Balaji, a friend of Nagesh and Rathnavel’s relative, offers Babu a job, but Muthuraman insists on taking it to resume his role as the family’s breadwinner. Babu, feeling dejected, resigns from his job and isolates himself. Despite his family’s pleas, he refuses to return home. As Radha’s wedding to Balaji approaches, Vijayalakshmi convinces Radha to reconsider her love for Babu. Balaji agrees to cancel the wedding, but Babu, unaware of these developments, decides to leave his family. He writes a letter explaining his decision and moves to Kodaikanal. Muthuraman, Rathnavel, and Radha rush to find Babu, only to discover that he has converted to Christianity and become a cleric. The movie ends with Babu walking past his stunned family, chanting sacred quotes from the Bible.

Cast

* Gemini Ganesan as Babu * Devika as Radha * R. Muthuraman * L. Vijayalakshmi * Nagesh *

Raja Raja (; from , IAST ') is a noble or royal Sanskrit title historically used by some Indian subcontinent, Indian rulers and monarchs and highest-ranking nobles. The title was historically used in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. T ...

* Leelavathi * K. Sarangapani * V. S. Raghavan as Rathnavel * K. Balaji *S. A. Natarajan *

K. R. Indira Devi K. R. Indira Devi (1949–2017) was an Indian actress who was active in Tamil Cinema during the latter half of the 20th century. She was well known for her supporting roles, but was also a successful dubbing artist. In a career spanning close ...

* G. Sakunthala

Production

''Sumaithaangi'' is based on Ra. Ki. Rangarajan's novel of the same name that was serialised in '' Kumudam''. Mid-way through production it was retitled ''Aayiram Vaasal Idhayam'' (), but this was reversed. The song "Manithan Enbavan" was shot at Marina Beach.

Soundtrack

The music was composed by Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy, with lyrics by Kannadasan. The song "Endhan Paruvathin Kelvikku" was replaced as "Endha Paarvaiyin Kelvikku" in the film. Kannadasan's timeless lyric 'Mayakama Kalakkama', sung by P.B. Srinivas is now considered as one of the most inspirational song in Tamil for those who would wilt during troubled times.

Release and reception

''Sumaithaangi'' was released on 7 December 1962. Kanthan of ''

Kalki Kalki (), also called Kalkin, is the prophesied tenth and final incarnation of the Hinduism, Hindu god Vishnu. According to Vaishnavism, Vaishnava cosmology, Kalki is destined to appear at the end of the Kali Yuga, the last of the four ages i ...

'' positively reviewed the film for the cast performances, particularly Radha. Ganesan won the Film Fans Association Award for Best Actor. Director Vasanth said, "''Sumaithangi'' made a huge impact on me. I cried watching it and emerged from the cinema hall as a different person. I think a film should teach you something and bring about a change".

References

External links

* {{C. V. Sridhar 1960s Indian films 1960s Tamil-language films 1962 drama films 1962 films Films based on Tamil novels Films directed by C. V. Sridhar Films scored by Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy Films with screenplays by C. V. Sridhar Indian drama films Tamil-language Indian films