Doctor Savithri
| Doctor Savithri | |
|---|---|
| File:Doctor Savithri 1955.jpg Poster | |
| Directed by | R. M. Krishnaswamy |
| Screenplay by | Acharya A. K. Velan Elangovan |
| Story by | Acharya |
| Based on | Savitri and Satyavan |
| Produced by | M. Radhakrishnan |
| Starring | Anjali Devi S. Balachandar B. R. Panthulu M. N. Nambiar M. N. Rajam |
| Cinematography | R. M. Krishnaswamy |
| Edited by | R. M. Venugopal |
| Music by | G. Ramanathan |
Production company | Aruna Films |
Release date |
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| Country | India |
| Language | Tamil |
Doctor Savithri is a 1955 Indian Tamil-language drama film directed by R. M. Krishnaswamy and written by Acharya. A contemporary adaptation of the Hindu story of Savitri and Satyavan, the film features Anjali Devi, B. R. Panthulu, S. Balachander, M. N. Nambiar and M. N. Rajam in the lead roles.[1]
Plot
Savithri is a doctor who treats the poor for free. When she discovers that a young rich woman in their community is being harassed by a dishonest lawyer, she and her husband endeavour to help the woman. Later, the lawyer is murdered by an unknown assailant and Savithri's husband is suspected of the crime. Savithri investigates the murder and identifies the true killer as a doctor who had been blackmailed by the lawyer.[2]
Cast
Cast adapted from the songbook[3]
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Production
In 1941, a Tamil language film based on the Hindu story of Savitri and Satyavan, titled Savithri was released. More than a decade later, T. G. Raghavachari (Acharya) sought to create a new adaptation of the story but with a modern setting.[2] Titled Doctor Savithri, the film's story and screenplay was written by Acharya and it was directed by R. M. Krishnaswamy and produced by M. Radhakrishnan under the banner Aruna Films. Krishnaswamy also served as the cinematographer, while Raghavan was the art director, and R. M. Venugopal was the editor. Acharya wrote the dialogues, along with A. K. Velan and Elangovan. Roy Chowdary, Muthuswamy Pillai (Sayee Subbulakshmi) and Gopalakrishnan were in charge of the choreography.[2] The film was processed at AVM Studios.[1]
Soundtrack
Music was composed by G. Ramanathan and lyrics by Udumalai Narayana Kavi, A. Maruthakasi and Mayavaram Vethanayagam Pillai [1]
| No. | Song | Singer | Lyrics | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Thensuvai Mevum Sendhamizh" | P. Leela | A. Maruthakasi | 3:09 |
| 2 | "Kasikku Pona Karu Undaagum" | N. S. Krishnan, T. A. Madhuram | Udumalai Narayana Kavi | 2:33 |
| 3 | "Naayagar Pakshamadi" | P. A. Periyanayaki, A. P. Komala | Mayavaram Vethanayagam Pillai | 2:54 |
| 4 | "Vaadham Vambu Panna Koodadhu" | N. S. Krishnan | Udumalai Narayana Kavi | 2:25 |
| 5 | "Moolai Veettukulle Mudangi Kidakkira Muniyappa" | P. Leela | Udumalai Narayana Kavi | 2:57 |
| 6 | "Jegamengum Pugalongum Veera Dheera Singam" | N. S. Krishnan, Thiruchi Loganathan | Udumalai Narayana Kavi | 6:03 |
| 7 | "Maayi Mahamaayi.... Aadhi Parameswariye" | T. M. Soundararajan, A. G. Rathnamala | Udumalai Narayana Kavi | 6:24 |
Reception
Doctor Savithri was released on 25 November 1955.[4] The film emerged a commercial success; this assisted in establishing Aruna Films as a leading production company in the 1950s Tamil film industry. Film historian Randor Guy stated the film would be remembered for "the interesting storyline, brilliant performance of Anjali Devi and excellent photography of RMK."[2]
References
- ^ a b c Anandan, Film News (2004). Sadhanaigal Padaitha Thamizh Thiraipada Varalaru. Sivagami Publishers. Archived from the original on 27 December 2016.
- ^ a b c d Guy, Randor (4 August 2012). "Blast From The Past — Doctor Savithri: 1955". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 26 September 2013. Retrieved 27 December 2016.
- ^ Doctor Savithri (songbook) (in Tamil). Aruna Films. 1955.
- ^ "Dr. Savitri". The Indian Express. 25 November 1955. p. 1.