This week, we bring from you yet another gem from the TCRC archives. Given that the Prakash Raj-produced, Radha Mohan-directed “Gouravam” has just released, we thought it would be fun to revisit the original “Gauravam” starring Sivaji Ganesan, Nagesh and ‘Major’ Sundarrajan, which was released in 1973. Interestingly, in the old “Gauravam,” Sivaji plays the role of Rajnikanth, a senior lawyer. When seen against that fact that superstar Rajnikanth’s original name is Shivaji (Shivaji Rao Gaikwad), the nomenclature system seems to come fulls circle! Given below is the photograph of the original LP set of Sivaji Ganesan’s “Gauravam”:
“Gauravam” | LP Record | Tamil | 1973
“Gauravam” was directed by ‘Vietnam Veedu’ Sundaram and the music was scored by MS Vishwanathan. “Vietnam Veedu” was Sundaram’s first stage play for Sivaji Ganesan’s theatre company Sivaji Nataka Mandram. The play was staged for the first time in 1965 and was a massive hit. It was later turned into a movie as well.
The Cinema Resource Centre (TCRC) 
Hi..
I think Gauravam too was earlier a stage play..titled Kannan Vandhaan..
Thanks for taking us down memory lane. According to Vietnam Veedu Sundram this movie has been a source of reference for lawyers who specialize in criminal law. That was what he told in a television interview sometime back.
We would also appreciate it very much if the lyricists are highlighted in your stories. ‘Gauravam’ had beautiful songs with situational lyrics which were plus points for its success. (how Kaviarasu Kannadhasan vented his anger and frustration for being betrayed by his own protege through two songs in this film but which found relevance to the story situation is another matter though). Let us face the fact. Films are forgotten over the decades but not the songs. Some films ran successfully for the songs alone. So, it will be only in order if we acknowledge both the lyricists and music directors who are some how immortal for their timeless contribution.
After Deiva Magan, this was the film where sivaji Ganesan gave an
equally stupendous performance. I saw this film many times in 1974 when
i was in college. Even Nagesh’s performance was very good in this film.