Muthalali
| Muthalali | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | M. A. V. Rajendran |
| Written by | A.K Venkittaramanujam |
| Produced by | M. A. Venu |
| Starring | Prem Nazir, Sheela, Thikkurissy Sukumaran Nair, T. S. Muthaiah, Adoor Bhasi,Pappukkutty Bagavathar, Kottayam Santha, S. P. Pillai,Punjabi, Aranmula Ponnamma, Adoor Pankajam |
| Cinematography | K.Ramachandran |
| Edited by | E. Arunachalam |
| Music by | Pukazhenthi |
| Distributed by | Brother's Pictures |
Release date | 30 April 1965 |
| Country | India |
| Language | Malayalam |
Muthalali is a 1965 Malayalam language film directed by M. A. V. Rajendran. It stars Prem Nazir, Adoor Bhasi, T. S. Muthaiah and Thikkurissy Sukumaran Nair. Muthalali is inspired by the Tamil language film of the same name.[1][2][3]
The Tamil film Muthalali (1957), produced by M. A. Venu and directed by ‘Muktha’ Sreenivasan made on a small budget, was a huge hit. The film won the National Award for the best Feature Film in the regional language category. It was the screen version of a popular play by the same name written by A. K. Venkataramanujam.
The unprecedented success of the film was attributed to its good script combined with strong mass elements like songs and performances.
The producers remade the film in Malayalam with the same title. It was released on 30 April 1965. Directed by M. A. V. Rajendran, the film was shot at Rathna Studios, Salem. Dance sequences choreographed by ‘Chinni’ Sampath were an attraction of the film. Music director K. V. Mahadevan who composed the music for the original recommended his assistant T. K. Pukazhenthi’s name to compose for the remake. Playback singer B. Vasantha made her debut in Malayalam films through this film.
Plot
Venu (Prem Nazir) who owns a glass factory in Ernakulam goes to America for higher studies. During Venu’s absence his mother, Saraswathi Amma (Aranmula Ponnamma), manages the factory with the help of the manager Vikraman Nair (Muthiah). Gradually Vikraman brings everything under his control and swindles the company taking advantage of Saraswathi Amma’s trust in him.
After a few years Venu returns after his studies. He lands in Bombay en route to Ernakulam where he meets Kesavan (Pappukutty Bhagavathar), a hotel employee. Through Kesavan he comprehends the hardships faced by labourers and the need to understand the life is for a worker before becoming the owner of a factory. Venu sends telegram to his mother informing her that he has to go on a business tour and will reach home a month later.
Venu reaches Ernakulam, in disguise as Velu, and gets himself a job in his own factory with the help of Devaki (Sheela), a worker in the factory. Venu befriends her father, Raman Nair (Thikkurissi), and stays in their home.
Venu gets a clear picture of what Vikraman Nair is up to and how he manipulates the factory’s assets. Vikraman, in the meanwhile, is in love with Malathi (Junior Padmini) who Venu was supposed to marry. Venu falls in love with Devaki.
Within few days Venu gets a clear picture of the crisis the factory is passing through. Vikraman’s wicked eye falls on Devaki. Venu decides it is time to return as himself. He leaves after writing a letter to Devaki saying that he will come back soon. Devaki becomes suspicious of Venu’s motives. Devaki is dismissed from her job in the factory.
She leaves the city in search of Venu and reaches Thiruvananthapuram. There she meets her brother Kesavan, the hotel worker who Venu met in Bombay.
Venu comes back and takes charge of the factory. He is disappointed when he comes to know that Devaki has been dismissed and that she has left the home.
He meets the workers in his factory, tells them that he is aware of what the manager has been up to and assures them that there will be a change in how the factory is run.
Unable to come to terms with being shown his place in the factory, Vikraman spreads a rumour that Venu is an impostor Velu. And now for the climax.
Venu, in the meanwhile, sets out in search of Devaki and brings her back. He is arrested on charges of impersonation on a complaint by Vikraman. All misunderstandings are cleared. Venu reveals the purpose behind coming back under disguise and exposes Vikraman Nair. The police arrests Vikraman for swindling the factory. Venu marries Devaki. The workers of the factory are now under a ‘Muthalali’ (owner), who understands the hardships they face and acknowledges their rights. A happy ending to the film.
Cast
- Prem Nazir as Venu/Velu
- Sheela as Devaki
- Kottayam Santha as Meenashi
- Pappukutty Bhagavathar as Kesavan
- T. S. Muthaiah as Vikraman Nair
- Aranmula Ponnamma as Saraswathi Amma
- Baby Padmini as Malathi
- Panjabi as Sankaran
- S. P. Pillai as Paramu
- Thikkurissy Sukumaran Nair as Raman Nair
- Santo Krishnan as Watchman
Soundtrack
The music was composed by Pukazhenthi and lyrics was written by P. Bhaskaran.
| No. | Song | Singers | Lyrics | Length (m:ss) |
| 1 | Ethu Poovu Choodanam | S Janaki | P. Bhaskaran | |
| 2 | Kaniyaanum Vannilla | S Janaki | P. Bhaskaran | |
| 3 | Mullappoothailamittu | K. J. Yesudas, S Janaki | P. Bhaskaran | |
| 4 | Panineeru Thoovunna | K. J. Yesudas | P. Bhaskaran | |
| 5 | Ponnaara Muthalaali | S Janaki, B Vasantha, Soolamangalam Rajalakshmi | P. Bhaskaran |
References
- ^ "Muthalaali". www.malayalachalachithram.com. Retrieved 11 October 2014.
- ^ "Muthalaali". malayalasangeetham.info. Retrieved 11 October 2014.
- ^ "Muthalaali - The Hindu". thehindu.com. Retrieved 11 October 2014.