Kairasi

Kairasi (transl. Auspicious hands) is a 1960 Indian Tamil-language film directed by K. Shankar and produced by N. Vasudeva Menon. The film stars Gemini Ganesan (credited as Ganesh) and B. Saroja Devi. The plot revolves around a doctor whose father is wrongfully convicted.

Kairasi was released on 19 October 1960, during Diwali, and became a commercial success. It was later remade in Hindi as Jhoola (1962).

Sundaram, an honest police constable, is falsely accused of murder and imprisoned. Ramanathan, a judge, adopts Sundaram's son, Mohan, who later becomes a successful doctor.

Kairasi was directed by K. Shankar, who also served as the editor. It was produced by N. Vasudeva Menon under the banner of Vasu Films, marking his second venture as producer. The story was written by Kothamangalam Sadanandan, with dialogues written by K. S. Gopalakrishnan and K. D. Santhanam. Santhanam also appeared onscreen as a judge. Cinematography was handled by Thambu, with K. Narayanan co-editeding the film, while A. Balu served as the art director. The final cut of the film had a runtime of 163 minutes.

The music for Kairasi was composed by R. Govardhanam, with lyrics penned by Kannadasan, Kothamangalam Subbu and K. S. Gopalakrishnan. Music historian Vamanan noted that Kairasi "brought out the best in Govardhanam, with its limpid melodies brimming forth sweetly with lyrical intimations of love and romance."

Kairasi was released on 19 October 1960, coinciding with the Diwali festival. It was distributed by Solar Film Distributors in Madras and other distributors across various districts in Tamil Nadu. The Indian Express gave a positive review, commenting on the performances of Ganesh, Rajamma, Sahasranamam and Radha, as well as the songs written by Kannadasan and the title track written by Subbu. Despite facing competition from Mannathi Mannan, Petra Manam and Paavai Vilakku, which released on the same day, the film emerged as a commercial success.