Mannadhi Mannan

1960 Drama 178 minutes Directed by M. Natesan

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About Mannadhi Mannan

Chitra, a dancer, and Manivannan, prince of Uraiyur, fall in love after a dance contest. The Chola king Kanikannan wants her too. Manivannan's father, the Chera king, sends a minister to ask King Karikala for his daughter Karpagavalli. Karikala insults Manivannan's mother and kills the match. Manivannan goes into the Chola country and abducts Karpagavalli. Kanikannan, acting as a dacoit, forces him to marry her.

Cast & crew

More about Mannadhi Mannan

M. Natesan produced and directed. Kannadasan wrote the story. Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy composed the music. G. K. Ramu and C. J. Mohan were the cinematographers. C. P. Jambulingam, S. Krishnamoorthy, and Rajan edited. It had been set for 30 September and opened instead on Diwali, 19 October 1960. M. G. Ramachandran plays Manivannan, Padmini plays Chitra, Anjali Devi plays Karpagavalli, P. S. Veerappa plays Kanikannan, and M. G. Chakrapani plays Karikala.

Themes

Background

A Tamil historical film released in Madras on Diwali 1960, with M. G. Ramachandran in a prince's part between two kingdoms.

In film history

Kannadasan's Achcham Enbadhu Madamaiada, sung by T. M. Soundararajan, was built as a number for Ramachandran and stayed tied to him.

Audiences

It was a commercial success and opened in competition with three other Diwali releases.

Look

G. K. Ramu and C. J. Mohan shot the palace drama, including the dance contest and the abduction across the Chola border.

Music

Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy wrote 14 songs. Singers include T. M. Soundararajan, P. Susheela, M. L. Vasanthakumari, K. Jamuna Rani, L. R. Eswari, S. C. Krishnan, P. Leela, Jikki, and Sirkazhi Govindarajan.

Notes

  • The Tamil title is Mannathi Mannan, rendered King of Kings.
  • The soundtrack has 14 songs. Kannadasan and A. Maruthakasi wrote lyrics. T. M. Soundararajan sings Achcham Enbadhu Madamaiada.
  • Aadadha Manamum is set in the Latangi raga. Kangal Irandum, sung by P. Susheela, is pictured on Padmini.
  • G. Sakunthala plays Mangayarkarasi.

Scenes

  • Manivannan and Chitra meet at the dance contest.
  • After Karikala insults his mother, Manivannan abducts Karpagavalli.
  • Kanikannan forces the marriage.