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Thunaivan
Theatrical release poster
Directed byM. A. Thirumugam
Written byV. Balamurugan
Produced bySandow M. M. A. Chinnappa Thevar
Starring
CinematographyN. S. Varma
Edited by
  • M. G. Balu Rao
  • M. A. Thirumugam
Music byK. V. Mahadevan
Production
company
Release date
  • 4 July 1969 (1969-07-04)
Running time
156 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageTamil

Thunaivan (transl. Companion) is a 1969 Indian Tamil-language devotional film directed by M. A. Thirumugam and produced by Sandow M. M. A. Chinnappa Thevar. It was written by V. Balamurugan, while the music was composed by K. V. Mahadevan.[1] The film stars Sridevi, A. V. M. Rajan and Sowcar Janaki while Major Sundarrajan, Nagesh, Sachu, Vennira Aadai Nirmala and K. B. Sundarambal are featured in supporting roles. The film marked Sridevi's first leading film role of her career at the age of five, playing Muruga. It was partially filmed in black and white and Eastmancolor, and was a commercial success, running in theatres for over 100 days.[1] The film was remade in Hindi as Maalik.

Plot

[edit]

Velayudham (A. V. M. Rajan), an orphan and a devotee of Lord Murugan lives in the Murugan Temple of Pooncholai town with the support of the priest Ponnambalam (Senthamarai). The temple trustee (Major Sundararajan) comes for a special Pooja and notices the ruby stone missing in the deity's spear. He blames Velayudham and beats him and threatens to send him out of the town if it is not returned by him the next day. An upset Velayudham pleads with Lord Murugan for justice and since the stone could not be traced, Ponnambalam gives his relative contact in Coimbatore and tells him to leave the town to avoid getting any punishment from the trustee. The next day, Ponnambalam finds the ruby inside the temple and rushes to stop him but it is too late as Velayudham has already left by train. On reaching Coimbatore, he loses his bag containing the address of Ponnambalam's relative. Lost in a new place, he finds solace in a discourse happening there by Kirupananda Variar and believes that Lord Murugan will certainly help him.

While buying Lord Murugan's portrait from Paramasivam (Nagesh) shop, Velayudham gets the address chit which he had lost and realises that the person he was supposed to meet is none other than Paramasivam. Velayudham gets a job from Bhama (Sachu), a fruit shop vendor close to paramasivam, and sells fruits on the roadside. He does very good business and saves up all the money. One day he gets help from Maragatham (Sowcar Janaki) in getting the money due from her friends, who try to cheat him.

One day, Velayudham helps an old man (V. S. Raghavan) with epilepsy struggling at the Murugan temple. Velayudham's help and sincerity in taking care of the old man's briefcase full of money impresses him and he offers Rs.10, 000/- as a token of his appreciation. Using that money, Velayudham starts a fruit stall, which becomes successful. He later starts jewellery shop and many other businesses. He soon becomes a rich businessman in the city and helps many people with his wealth.

Velayudham helps to retrieve Maragatham's stolen chain from his shop by a thief and she is very grateful. He chances upon the temple trustee on the road and invites him for lunch and the trustee comes with his daughter who to Velayudham's surprise is Maragatham. They both likes each other and the trustee notices this and proposes marriage between them. The marriage takes place and they commence a happy life.

One day, Velayudham asks Maragatham to accompany him to the Murugan temple at his hometown for the annual Pooja but she refuses. She tells him that she is an atheist and Velayudham is God to her and her home is her temple. She does not believe in God and temples. Velayudham is shocked and carries on with his plan. One day Kirupananda Variar comes home and Maragatham refuses to take his blessings as she does not believe in Sadhus also. Variar leaves a letter advising him to let her be for now.

Days pass by and Maragatham becomes pregnant. She delivers a very sick baby boy with birth defects. Velayudham is shattered and keeps praying to God and blames her disbelief. Velayudham requests her to come with him to the temples with the child but she refuses. A year passes by and all doctors give up on the baby and finally her that only God can save the child without going to the temple and agrees to join him.

They both start visiting Lord Murugan temples across many towns with the child. One day, while Maragatham is bathing, a snake comes near the child and in desperation she calls out Lord Murugan's name and a peacock appears and takes away the snake. She realises the presence of God there and starts believing and joins Velayudham in praying for the recovery of her child. They both meet Kirupananda Variar and seek his blessings in one of the temples. Finally, they visit Tiruchendur Temple along with another Devotee (K. B. Sundarambal) and pray to Lord Murugan there.

They both pleads to Lord Murugan by ringing the temple bell continuously for many hours and faint. Their prayers work and Lord Murugan (Sridevi) appears as a child and rings the bell. The bell falls down, breaking the floor and water seeps out on the baby. The child recovers and becomes normal making everyone happy. Velayudham, Maragatham and others pray to Lord Murugan for his blessings.

Cast

[edit]

Production

[edit]

Actress Sridevi made her acting debut at the age of four with this film in the role of Muruga.[2] Although the makers wanted her to shave her head for the role, she ultimately did not do so.[3] It was partially filmed in black and white and Eastmancolor.[1]

Soundtrack

[edit]

The soundtrack was composed by K. V. Mahadevan and assisted by Pugazhendhi. Lyrics were written by Kannadasan and A. Maruthakasi.[1][4]

Track listing
No.TitleArtist(s)Length
1."Naan Yaar Enbathai"T. M. Soundararajan, P. Susheela03:35
2."Gokulathil Oru Iravu"L. R. Eswari03:54
3."Marudhamalai Meethile"T. M. Soundararajan, P. Susheela08:39
4."Pazhanimalai Meethile"K. B. Sundarambal02:10
5."Gnanamum Kalviyum"K. B. Sundarambal03:36
6."Andru Nee"K. B. Sundarambal01:17
7."Koopitta Kuralukku"K. B. Sundarambal00:51
8."Kondadum Thiruchendur"K. B. Sundarambal01:22
Total length:24:04

Release and reception

[edit]

Thunaivan was released on 4 July 1969.[5] The Indian Express wrote, "If you can ignore the cinema medium, ignore the shortcomings in acting, story, direction and the craft of film-making but are bent upon seeing only the Murugasthalas, you will not be disappointed."[6]

Accolades

[edit]
1969 National Film Awards
1969 Tamil Nadu State Film Awards[7]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Thunaivan

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Thunaivan is a Indian Tamil-language devotional drama film directed by . Produced by Sandow M. M. A. Chinnappa Thevar under Dhandayuthapani Films, it features in the lead role as a devotee of Lord Murugan, alongside as his wife, a young , , and . The film, with a runtime of 156 minutes and music composed by , was released on 4 July . The narrative follows Velayutham, an orphan raised in a Murugan temple who is falsely accused of stealing a precious gem from the deity's idol, forcing him to leave the premises. He marries Marahatham, a nonbeliever, and after their child falls ill, he endeavors to instill religious faith in her to seek divine intervention for recovery. Lord Murugan manifests as the titular "Thunaivan" (companion) to aid the family, emphasizing themes of unwavering devotion, redemption, and familial bonds. Thunaivan garnered appreciation for its portrayal of Tamil Hindu devotion and the performances, particularly Sridevi's portrayal of young Murugan as a child artist. It won the National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer, highlighting the impact of its . The film remains a notable entry in Tamil devotional cinema from the late .

Synopsis

Plot

Velayutham, an orphan raised in a Murugan temple village in Pooncholai, leads a simple life as a devoted servant who rings the temple bell daily and tends to the deity's needs under the care of the local priest. His unwavering faith in Lord Murugan defines his existence, but this is shattered when a precious pearl gem goes missing from the idol's , and the temple trustee accuses him of the theft due to his proximity to the deity. Branded a thief despite his innocence, Velayutham is forced into , leaving the village in and wandering toward in search of a new life. In , Velayutham befriends the kind-hearted Paramasivam, who helps him establish a fruit-selling business, allowing his honest and diligent nature to gradually build wealth and prosperity. Upon returning to his village as a successful man, he encounters Marahatham, the daughter of the same trustee who accused him, and despite her staunch and initial skepticism toward his devotion, they fall in love and marry. Their union is blessed with a son, but tragedy strikes when the child is born with a severe illness, rendering him paralyzed and in need of urgent care. As the child's condition worsens, tensions arise between Velayutham's firm belief in divine intervention through prayer to Lord Murugan and Marahatham's preference for modern medical treatment, which proves ineffective. Influenced by her husband's unyielding and the desperation of the situation, Marahatham reluctantly agrees to forgo further medical efforts in favor of spiritual remedies, leading the family on a pilgrimage to Murugan temples. There, amid fervent prayers, a miraculous vision of Lord Murugan appears as a child to heal the boy instantly and profoundly transform Marahatham's into deep devotion, affirming the power of and reuniting the family in harmony.

Themes

Thunaivan explores the central theme of unwavering devotion to Lord Murugan, portraying the triumph of over doubt as a core moral message in its devotional narrative. This is exemplified through the protagonist's steadfast , which ultimately leads to divine intervention and resolution. The film critiques by depicting the transformation of a skeptical character, Marahatham, from doubt to belief, emphasizing the superiority of and over material remedies for life's challenges. Miracles are portrayed as rewards for true , reinforcing the idea that genuine devotion invites divine blessings.

Cast and crew

Cast

The lead role of Velayudham, a devout protagonist embodying humility and unwavering faith as an orphan devotee of Lord Murugan living at the temple, was portrayed by . played his skeptical wife, Maragatham, a nonbeliever whose involves gradual induction into religious beliefs to aid their family. appeared in one of her early films as the young Lord Muruga, the child deity, delivering an innocent and expressive portrayal at the age of five. In supporting roles, provided comic relief through his lighthearted character, adding levity to the devotional narrative. appeared as Maragatham's father, contributing to the film's familial and religious undertones with his authoritative presence. featured in a devotional cameo, enhancing the mythological elements with her seasoned performance in a brief but impactful appearance. and rounded out the cast in minor female parts, supporting the ensemble without dominating the central storyline.

Production team

The film was directed by , a veteran filmmaker recognized for his contributions to action-oriented and devotional cinema, where he adeptly merged dramatic storytelling with mythological motifs to create engaging narratives. Production was overseen by Sandow M. M. A. Chinnappa Thevar through Dhandayuthapani Films, a company renowned for its emphasis on mythological and socio-devotional subjects, which enabled the financing of the film's distinctive combination of black-and-white and Eastman color sequences on a modest budget. The screenplay was penned by V. Balamurugan, who structured the devotional storyline around themes of faith and companionship, seamlessly incorporating song sequences to enhance the emotional and spiritual depth. Lyrics for these integrated songs were composed by A. Maruthakasi, whose poetic contributions, such as the acclaimed "Marutha Malaiyaane," reinforced the film's devotional essence and earned him the 1969 State Film Award for Best . Key technical roles were filled by cinematographer N. S. Varma, responsible for capturing the transitional color elements that symbolized shifts in the narrative's worldview, and editor M. G. Balu Rao, who streamlined the footage to maintain the production's efficient, low-budget approach typical of Dhandayuthapani Films' mythological output.

Production

Development

The project for Thunaivan was conceived by producer Sandow M.M.A. Chinnappa Thevar, a staunch devotee of Lord Murugan throughout his life, who drew inspiration from Tamil folklore and temple legends surrounding the deity to create devotional narratives in cinema. Chinnappa Thevar, operating under Dhandayuthapani Films, aimed to produce a low-budget film emphasizing themes of faith and divine intervention, aligning with his approach to quick, cost-effective productions that incorporated memorable song sequences and avoided reliance on external financing. The screenplay was penned by V. Balamurugan, focusing on trials of faith with integrated devotional elements. V. Balamurugan won the 1969 State Film Award for Best Story Writer. Lyrics were provided by A. Maruthakasi and . Written around 1968, the script highlighted the story of a devotee's encounter with Lord Murugan as a companion, blending mythological lore with dramatic sequences suitable for a modest production. Casting decisions prioritized actors suited to devotional tones for authenticity. was selected for the lead role of the protagonist due to his established presence in mythological and faith-based Tamil films by the late . For the pivotal role of young Lord Murugan, , approximately 5 years old during filming, was cast after being spotted for her expressive talent. Supporting roles included from to balance the film's serious devotional narrative, ensuring a mix of emotional depth and light-hearted moments within the constrained budget.

Filming

The principal photography for Thunaivan commenced in late 1968 and was wrapped up within several months, enabling its release on 4 July 1969. The production utilized Chennai-based studios for constructing temple sets that mimicked authentic Murugan shrines, with additional shooting in rural for forest and village sequences, and climax scenes at replicas of the . Technical execution involved partial black-and-white filming for dramatic narrative portions, shifting to for divine visions and song sequences to emphasize the film's devotional tone. was handled by N. S. Varma, with by M. G. Balu Rao and . Practical effects were incorporated to depict miracles, including rays of healing light. A key challenge was managing scenes featuring child actor Sridevi as Lord Muruga, who performed without dialogue at the age of five, while maintaining low-budget sets that conveyed devotional authenticity.

Soundtrack

Composition

The soundtrack for Thunaivan was composed by , assisted by Pugazhendhi. Renowned for his work in devotional and folk genres, Mahadevan's score incorporated elements of traditional Tamil music and Carnatic styles to suit the film's themes of devotion to Lord Murugan. The lyrics were written by and A. Maruthakasi.

Songs

The soundtrack includes eight songs. The songs feature playback singers such as , , , and , with lyrics by and A. Maruthakasi.
Track No.TitleSingersDurationLyricsNarrative Function
1Naan Yaar Enbathai, 3:35, A. MaruthakasiPhilosophical exploring the protagonist's , serving as an early reflective opener to his devotion and impending .
2Gokulathil Oru Iravu3:54, A. MaruthakasiIntroductory folk-style number setting a lively village atmosphere before the central conflict.
3Marudhamalai Meethile, 8:39A. MaruthakasiDevotional invoking Lord Murugan at Marudhamalai, advancing the plot by highlighting the hero's plea for divine intervention during his struggles.
4Pazhanimalai Meethile2:10Solemn Carnatic-style hymn praising the temple, functioning as a temple sequence that underscores the theme of unwavering faith.
5Gnanamum Kalviyum3:36Introspective Carnatic rendition on knowledge and devotion, integrated as a moment of spiritual guidance for the exiled protagonist.
6Andru Nee1:17A. MaruthakasiEmotional Carnatic plea recalling past divine encounters, heightening tension in the narrative.
7Koopitta Kuralukku0:51Brief Carnatic interlude lamenting suppressed voices of the innocent, bridging the hero's hardships toward redemption.
8Kondadum Thiruchendur1:22Celebratory closing hymn honoring the Thiruchendur temple, culminating in the climax with the protagonist's vindication and communal joy.
These songs employ traditional Carnatic elements in K. B. Sundarambal's performances to evoke divine companionship, while duets by and provide emotional depth to the human-divine interactions central to the story.

Release and reception

Release

Thunaivan premiered theatrically on 4 July 1969 across theaters in , distributed by Films. The film marked the first leading role of child actress as the deity Murugan, at the age of six. The film was released in the standard 35mm format for its initial theatrical run and subsequently aired channels, extending its accessibility to broader audiences. Commercially, Thunaivan performed strongly in key centers, achieving a run of over 100 days within the devotional genre, underscoring its regional impact. Its prompted a Hindi adaptation titled in 1972, directed by and starring .

Critical response and box office

Upon its release, Thunaivan received mixed reviews from critics. Audience reception was particularly popular among rural and religious viewers who appreciated the elements and emotional depth tied to devotion. At the , the film achieved commercial success with a theatrical run exceeding 100 days. This performance contributed to the enduring popularity of devotional films in 1960s , establishing Thunaivan as a hit despite the absence of precise financial figures.

Legacy

Accolades

Thunaivan garnered several accolades following its release, particularly recognizing its musical contributions. At the 17th National Film Awards (presented in 1970), K. B. received the Silver Lotus Award for Best Female Playback Singer for her performance in the film's devotional songs. The film also earned honors at the 1969 , where A. Maruthakasi was awarded Best for his work on songs including "Marudhamalai yaane".

Cultural impact

Thunaivan marked the film debut of at the age of four, where she portrayed the child form of Lord Murugan in a brief but memorable appearance that showcased her natural acting talent. This role launched her illustrious career, leading to over 300 films across Tamil, Telugu, , , and , establishing her as one of Indian cinema's most versatile and enduring stars. Retrospectives of her work frequently highlight Thunaivan as the starting point of her journey from child artist to leading lady, emphasizing its role in her early exposure to mythological and devotional themes. The film's success propelled into a series of roles, including further portrayals of Murugan in films like and , as well as Krishna in , flooding her with offers to embody divine figures in South Indian productions. This pattern reinforced her association with devotional narratives, contributing to the genre's appeal by blending youthful innocence with spiritual fervor in child-centric miracle stories. As a key entry in 1960s Tamil cinema's wave of faith-based storytelling, Thunaivan exemplified the era's emphasis on themes of devotion to Lord Murugan, a central figure in Tamil Hindu tradition, helping sustain such motifs into the 1970s through similar miracle-driven plots. Its enduring legacy is evident in ongoing discussions of Tamil devotional films and Sridevi's foundational contributions, with the movie remaining a reference point in analyses of her child roles and the genre's cultural resonance.

References

  1. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/thunaivan
  2. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8056936/
  3. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movie-details/thunaivan/movieshow/67345994.cms
  4. https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/thunaivan
  5. https://www.moviebuff.com/thunaivan-1969-tamil
  6. https://letterboxd.com/film/thunaivan/
  7. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/thunaivan/cast-and-crew
  8. http://www.venpura.com/movie/Thunaivan-1969
  9. https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/sridevi-in-tamil-filmdom-the-child-artiste-who-made-it-big/article61479225.ece
  10. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8056936/fullcredits/
  11. https://www.cinemaazi.com/people/m-a-thirumugam?ctr=13&filterBy=m&search=&people=
  12. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/mma-chinnappa-devar-coimbatore-dream-merchant-who-turned-out-nearly-60-films/article67415529.ece
  13. https://asridevi.blogspot.com/2018/08/sridevi-in-thunaivan-1969.html
  14. https://www.avid.wiki/Dhandayuthapani_Films
  15. https://www.venpura.com/movie/Thunaivan-1969
  16. https://www.indian-heritage.org/flmmusic/thunaivan_1969/marudhamalaiyaane_tmsps.html
  17. https://www.kovaimetro.in/index.php/2019/06/08/1885/
  18. https://alchetron.com/Colour-era-in-Indian-cinema
  19. https://sureshs65music.blogspot.com/2007/04/k-v-mahadevan-and-carnatic-music.html
  20. https://www.indian-heritage.org/flmmusic/thunaivan_1969/thunaivan_1969.html
  21. https://music.apple.com/us/album/thunaivan-original-motion-picture-soundtrack/1330494041
  22. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/K.V.-Mahadevan/movies
  23. https://www.siliconindia.com/news/entertainment/top-10-iconic-movies-of-sridevi-the-legendary-bollywood-actor-nid-203743-cid-50.html
  24. https://myswar.co/album/maalik-1972
  25. https://asridevi.blogspot.com/2011/07/thunaivan-1967.html
  26. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/movie-awards/national-awards-winners/1969/108
  27. https://www.asian-voice.com/Volumes/2017/3-June-2017/Sridevi-to-talk-Tamil%2C-Telugu-%2CMalayalam-and-Hindi-for-her-300th-film
  28. https://www.thenewsminute.com/news/sridevi-south-years-playing-murugan-ruling-hearts-screen-180990
  29. https://www.koimoi.com/bollywood-news/when-sridevi-was-flooded-with-offers-to-play-play-goddesses-in-several-films-after-playing-lord-murugan-in-the-film-thunaivan-deets-inside/
  30. https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/decoding-the-diva/article62058428.ece
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