The Pioneers of Tamil Cinema

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I DIRECTORS: THE CAPTAINS – MASTERS AND COMMANDERS WITH AN IMPACT TO LAST THE AGES

4a) THE RAOS – I

This week, we are going to talk about the Raos, a set of people who can truly be said to have ruled the Tamil film industry in the 1930s. These were Y. V. Rao, P. V. Rao, B. N. Rao and Sundar Rao Nadkarni – in some ways, the first royals of the Tamil industry.

4b) Y. V. RAO

Y. V. Rao alias Yaragudipati Varada Rao, born 30 May 1903, was rather prominent during his time as an extremely talented filmmaker; he does, however, seem to have been tragically largely forgotten today. A multifaceted mover in the industry, he donned many hats: as an editor, a director, an actor, a producer and even a screenwriter. His wife Kumari Rukmani, daughter Lakshmi, his granddaughter Aishwarya and even his mother-in-law, Nungambakkam Janaki, were all heavyweights in the industry as actors in their own right. His daughter, Lakshmi, and granddaughter, Aishwarya, are active in the industry to this day; Lakshmi, in fact, is well-known across languages and is National Award winning actress.

Y. V. Rao probably has the honour of bagging the most firsts in the South Indian film industries, collectively.  He made a number of multilingual films in Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, Konkani, and even Hindi, not to mention the plethora of silent movies in his filmography. He was the first to make motion pictures in so many languages; in fact, he holds an international record for this honour according to the film historian Randor Guy. His directorial venture SATI SULOCHANA was the first talkie ever made in the Kannada language. The battle scene in this film, shot using four cameras simultaneously, stayed with many viewers and was all the rage at the time of the film’s release. 

He was also the first filmmaker to ever make a film on the glittering world of cinema in his Telugu film VISWAMOHINI. At a time when most films were either mythological or based on social issues, VISHWAMOHINI was a pathbreaking film.  

Other notable works in the Tamil language by Y. V. Rao include: 

  • 1936: BHAMA PARINAYAM  
  • 1937: CHINTAMANI 
  • 1938: BHAKTA MEERA  
  • 1938: SWARNALATHA
  • 1941: SAVITHIRI

His film CHINTHAMANI, in particular, broke many box office records and catapulted its hero, M. K. Thyagarja Bhagavathar, to Superstar status. He, of course, went on to create a stunning legacy of his own. Ashwatama, the Kannada actress in the eponymous role, made her Tamil debut with this film. She, too, rose to dizzying heights with her acting and singing skills. However, she tragically succumbed to early death due to tuberculosis in 1939. The film itself ran for a year in single screen theatres – the first film to pull this feat off. It was not only a raging success in South Indian films, but went on to become one of the highest grossing films in India after its release. 

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Working Still from the Film CHINTHAMANI Featuring Y.V.RAO himself with L.NARAYANA RAO

PC: From the archives of TCRC

CHINTHAMANI, in later years, acquired a kind of cult status, and continues to be considered a historical event in South Indian cinema. Later, when Rao began producing films, he named his production company Chinthamani Pictures. The profit of this film as of such a magnitude that the distributors of the film, Royal Talkies, constructed a new cinema theatre in Madurai and named it after the film: Chinthamani Talkies.

With SWARNALATHA, Y. V. Rao bagged yet another first. This was the first film to be shot in one of the most famed studios of Chennai, Newtone Studios. 

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An advertisement for the Film SWARNALATHA

From the magazine CINE ART REVIEW 1937

PC: From the archives of TCRC

Although the movie itself wasn’t a raging success, commercially speaking, it did make a significant mark in the history of Tamil cinema – largely due to Y. V. Rao’s acting skills and careful direction, not to mention the distinction of being the first film to ever be shot at one of the busiest studios in the country during the period spanning 1940-1970. The studio was also was leased to the noted filmmaker A. Bhimsingh, who shot many of his films there. Later it was sold to Bharathiya Vidya Bhavan. This film grappled with many complex social issues such as alcoholism and unemployment. 

P.V.RAO

P. V. Rao was one of the foremost filmmakers in the South Indian film industry. His name is, perhaps a little oddly, often confused with the initials V. V. or T. V. However, according to compelling evidence available in publication, his name is stylised as P. V. See: the advertisement below, published in the year 1937. He directed many films in Tamil: VALLI, VALLI THIRUMANAM, SAKUNTHALA, SRI KRISHNALEELA, BHAKTHA DRUVAN, NALLA THANGAL, LEELAVATHI SULOCHANA, BALAMANI and DEVADAS

Interestingly during the shooting of BALAMANI (1937), it is said that the TKS brothers were unhappy with P. V. Rao’s discipline when it came to filmmaking. Unfortunately, as was anticipated, the film didn’t do well at the box office and was declared a flop rather swiftly. In startling move of creative revenge, the TKS brothers made a spoof of him, a character named V.P. Var – which cleverly reversed Rao’s name – in their next film, GUMASTHAVIN PENN. This film, curiously, was also directed by yet another Rao, B.N. Rao. This character, played by K.R. Ramasamy, was hilarious, and became quite popular and well loved! 

He also made the first of many DEVADAS films made in India – the first ever to me made in South India. It was released in 1937, where he himself played the lead role, opposite G. B. Rajayee.

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An advertisement for the Film DEVADAS

From the magazine ANANDHA VIKATAN DEEPAVALI MALAR 1937

PC: From the archives of TCRC

[To be continued] Next week we will talk about two more Raos – who were each immensely influential in establishing the trends in Tamil cinema.

About the Author:

V.V. Prasad is a Electronics and Communication Engineer based from Chennai. He is currently involved in the role of a Researcher and Archivist in THE CINEMA RESCOURCE CENTRE.
He takes care of the non film materials like Photographs, Magazines, Lobby Cards, Song books etc of the archives. Cataloguing them and digitizing them are part of his current work.
His interests and passion lie on the research of Cinema particularly South Indian Cinema.

The Pioneers of Tamil Cinema

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I DIRECTORS: THE CAPTAINS – MASTERS AND COMMANDERS WITH AN IMPACT TO LAST THE AGES

This week, we bring you yet another mover and shaker from the world of Tamil Cinema: Raja Sandow, a prominent filmmaker as well as a trendsetter — in every sense of the word!

3) RAJA SANDOW

P.K. Nagalingam, better known as Raja Sandow to the world, was born in Pudukottai, Tamil Nadu in 1895. There’s an interesting story behind the origin of this new name: the story goes he acquired this unique moniker due to his impressively toned physique, built through his pastime of choice, bodybuilding and wrestling. Once he was satisfied with his bodybuilding, he opened a gym for the world — and a very successful one, at that. He went on to earn many accolades through his wrestling career, and was even featured in the Bombay Chronicle.

This popularity eventually paved his way into the glittering world of show business, and he began acting in silent films in the City of Dreams, Bombay. Right from his very first film, BHAKTHA BHODANA, he performed his own stunts. This attracted the attention of many filmmakers of the time, as a result of which he went on to act in more than seventy silent films.

Once he climbed to the very top of his acting career, Raja Sandow turned his attention behind the scenes, to the art of filmmaking. A keen observer, he had been watching and learning from the films he starred in from the very first one. When opportunity knocked on his door in the form the filmmaker R. Padmanabhan, who offered him a chance to make his own film in Madras, he jumped at it. And thus was made the film ANADHAI PENN in 1929. 

The films Raja Sandow made aimed to portray deep social messages, particular the terrible ways the poor, and women, were treated in society. His films NANDANAR and RAJESWARI, released  in the 1920s, were some such films that were truly remarkable for the times in which they were made.

He was responsible for many firsts and beginnings in the Tamil film industry. In his MENAKA, for instance, the lead and actor and actress were pictured interacting very closely and even touching each other. This was revolutionary at a time when the norm was to place the hero and heroine at a two feet distance from each other at all times. He was, clearly, one of the first and foremost trendsetters of the Indian film industry as a whole.

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An advertisement for the Film MENAKA

From the magazine ANANDHA VIKATAN DEEPAVALI MALAR 1935

PC: From the archives of TCRC

MENAKA also marked the debut of the famous N.S. Krishnan, who went on to become one of the pioneers of comedy in Tamil films. It was also the first film appearance of the TKS Brothers, who were the foremost stars of the theatrical world at the time.

THIRUNEELAKANTAR, made in 1939, went on to become one of the biggest hits in the history of Tamil cinema. During its release period, shows were running in cinema halls even a year — 52 weeks — after the films initial release. This film, too, featured an extremely popular soundtrack by M.K. Thyagraja Bhagavathar. The songs were composed by Papanasam Sivan and became sensational runaway hits elevating the stardom of Thyagraja, known fondly as M.K.T. Songs from the movie such as Deena Karuna Karane Nataraja were all the rage. Songs from this film were catapulted to cult status, and remain both well-known and beloved by music lovers even today.

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Working Still from the Film TIRUNEELAKANDER Featuring M.K.T and TIRUNELVELI PAPA

PC: From the archives of TCRC

The comedy duo N.S. Krishnan and T.A. Madhuram— who were, incidentally, husband and wife in reality too — were quite the comedic sensation; many flocked to the cinema to see their exceptional comedy.

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Working Still from the Film TIRUNEELAKANDER Featuring N.K.S and T.A. Madhuram

PC: From the archives of TCRC

In 1943, Raja Sandow tragically suffered a heart attack and died in Coimbatore on the 25th of November. His last film was SIVAKAVI, which he had, in fact, quit due to creative differences with the producer, S.M. Sriramulu Naidu. Naidu went on see the film to its conclusion himself.

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Working Still from the Film SIVAKAVI Featuring M.K.T

PC: From the archives of TCRC

 [To be continued] We’ll be back next week with more hidden treasure from the history of Tamil cinema. Stay tuned! 

About the Author:

V.V. Prasad is a Electronics and Communication Engineer based from Chennai. He is currently involved in the role of a Researcher and Archivist in THE CINEMA RESCOURCE CENTRE.
He takes care of the non film materials like Photographs, Magazines, Lobby Cards, Song books etc of the archives. Cataloguing them and digitizing them are part of his current work.
His interests and passion lie on the research of Cinema particularly South Indian Cinema.

The Pioneers of Tamil Cinema

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I DIRECTORS: THE CAPTAINS – MASTERS AND COMMANDERS WITH AN IMPACT TO LAST THE AGES

This week is dedicated to an oft-forgotten legend of Tamil Cinema: Krishnamurthy Subramaniyam, also known as K. Subramaniyum, who played a truly vital role in the establishment of Tamil film industry.

2) K. Subramaniyam

Born in Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, K. Subramaniyam entered the professional world as a lawyer. Eventually, he gave up the practice of law to chase his sparkling dreams of making films. One of the first and foremost filmmakers of his time, Subramaniyam made films that were simultaneously grounded in a refined aesthetic sensibility even as they foregrounded social issues. His films were often centred on the freedom movement, and showcased the most pressing social issues of his time, from untouchability and child marriage to child marriage, the dowry system, and the treatment of widows and women. 

He was also responsible for the introduction of many actors who went onto become stalwarts of the industry:S.D. Subbulakshmi, the legendary music composer Papanasam Sivan, `Baby’ Saroja, who was Subrahmanyam own niece,the Bharatanatyam trio Lalita, Padmini andRagini, B. Saroja Devi and K.J. Mahadevan. His daughter, who went on to become an extremely well-regarded dancer, Padma Subramiyum, made her film debut as a child artist in his GITA GANDHI. His wife, on the other hand,Meenakshi, held the distinction of becoming southern India’s first female music director and lyricist.

Subramaniyam had been active in the industry right from the Silent Era, when he undertook his first directorial venture, PAVALAKODI,in 1934. This was an important era in the history of the industry: the film also marked the debut of the actor M.K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar, who went on to become one of the first superstars of the industry, gaining immense popularity through his acting as well as his immaculate singing prowess as a vocalist. 

Once the film was completed, Subramaniyam married S.D. Subbulakshmi, for whom the film was also a debut. The songs of this film were composed by the legendary Carnatic music composer and singer,Papanasam Sivan, who earned the moniker of Tamil Thyagaraja.

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Working Still from the Film PAVALAKODI Featuring S.D. SUBBULAKSMI

PC: From the archives of TCRC

He went on to have a stellar career as a filmmaker, making many successful films such as NAVEENASADARAM, NAVEENASARANGADHARA, KUCHELA AND BALAYOGINI. He also founded his own production company, The Madras United Artistes Corporation, with the critically acclaimed film NAVEENA SADHARAM.

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Working Still from the Film NAVEENA SADHARAM Featuring S.D. SUBBULAKSMI

PC: From the archives of TCRC

Subramaniyam was once felicitated in his own home town and was invited to perform stage show during the Mahamaham. The Mahamaham marks an important and richly celebrated Hindu festival that is celebrated once every twelve years in Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu. It is said that the show mesmerised the audience. During this show, his wife, S.D. Subbulakshmi introduced a young female singer to him and to the audience of the show. Her performance was magical, utterly enthralling all who were present, including Subramaniyam himself. This young girl? M.S. Subbulakshmi. She went on to become one of the most celebrated and revered Carnatic musicians of her generation. Subramaniyam inducted her into the world of film through his SEVASADHANAM. 

SEVASADHANAM, released in 1938, undertook an ambitious project: advocating for the reformation of society. The film took on a complex topic: ancient traditional practices of marriage where in young girls were forced to marry aged men and lead miserable lives with no say or agency. The film also showcased the dowry system and the devastating social inequality faced by women at the time. 

One scene, in particular, made quite a mark. At the end of the film, an aged Brahmin man realises the fundamentally evil core of these practices, and cuts off his sacred thread, his poonal, and throws it away. This was seen as a thundering blow and staunch rejection of the regressive practice of Brahmin orthodoxy.

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Working Still from the Film SEVASADHANAM Featuring M.S. SUBBULAKSMI with other artists

PC: From the archives of TCRC

His films were often deeply critical of the patriarchal and male dominated nature and structure of society. His, BALAYOGINI, tells the story of the trials and tribulations of a young widow after her husband dies.The film highlighted one of the most pressing issues of its time: the horrifying treatment of widows in society, especially when they were married off young and the death of their aged husbands inevitably followed.The film vividly and movingly depicted the heart rending condition of a young widow in a middle class family. Broadly speaking, Subramaniyam was quite successful in creating awareness on the problem

This film marked the debut of Baby Saroja, known famously as the Shirley Temple of India. Her performance was lauded greatly by audiences and critics alike. Her popularity skyrocketed after the film, and she was called on to endorse many products being advertised. BALAYOGINI holds the honour of being the first children’s film of India. It is also seen by many historians as a trendsetter when it comes films that dealt with social issues. 

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An advertisement for the Film BALAYOGINI by Madras United Artists Corporation

From the magazine ANANDHA VIKATAN DEEPAVALI MALAR 1936

PC: From the archives of TCRC

The film THYAGA BHOOMI is considered the crown jewel of Subramaniyam’s work as a director. Based on the novel by Kalki, also called Thyaga Bhoomi, this film was the first in India to ever be banned by the British Raj. Why? It featured scenes glorifying Mahatma Gandhi and the increasingly popular struggle for freedom in India. Despite the ban, however – in fact, even before the British had a chance to impose the ban – the film already had become one of the biggest hits of its time, and one of the greatest successes of the industry.

Baby Saroja, S.D. Subbulakshmi and Papanasam Sivan played important roles in the film. A young female singer, D.K. Pattamaal, also made her debut as a playback singer in the film. She later went on to form the holy trinity of Carnatic music along with M.S. Subbulakshmi and M.L. Vasanthakumari.

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An advertisement of the Film THYAGA BHOOMI from the magazine ANANDHA VIKATAN DEEPAVALI MALAR 1939

PC: From the archives of TCRC

[To be continued] We’ll be back next week with more hidden treasure from the history of Tamil cinema. Stay tuned! 

About the Author:

V.V. Prasad is a Electronics and Communication Engineer based from Chennai. He is currently involved in the role of a Researcher and Archivist in THE CINEMA RESCOURCE CENTRE.
He takes care of the non film materials like Photographs, Magazines, Lobby Cards, Song books etc of the archives. Cataloguing them and digitizing them are part of his current work.
His interests and passion lie on the research of Cinema particularly South Indian Cinema.

The Pioneers of Tamil Cinema

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Introduction

Cinema is easily one of the most fascinating and compelling of all human endeavours – both in the realm of storytelling and otherwise. The history of Indian cinema, in particular, can be said to have truly begun with the Silent Era – way back, late in the 19thcentury. The first Tamil Talkie, KALIDAS, changed the face of Tamil cinema and Indian film in 1931.

In this series, we bring to you the fascinating stories of the people behind and in front of the screen – people who were originally responsible for taking the Tamil film industry to dizzying heights. 

We begin with the captains of these majestic ships: directors. 

I. Directors: The Captains – Masters and Commanders With An Impact To Last The Ages

Although we intend to discuss film directors of a different era altogether – and the profound impact their work had on the development of Tamil cinema – we cannot speak of this industry without invoking the name of Shankardas Swamigal, the Father of Tamil Theatre. He and Pammal Sambhanda Mudaliar are considered the true pioneers of Tamil theatre. He was instrumental in shaping the careers of stalwarts of the craft, such as Nawab T.S. Rajamanickam, M.R. Radha, S.V. Venkatraman, K.B. Sundarambal, S.G. Kittappa and K. Sarangapani.

I. THE SILENT ERA

NATARAJA MUDALIAR

Nataraja Mudaliar began his career as a businessman trading in bicycles, and later, in the import of American cars. Greatly inspired by the first feature film to ever be released in India, Dadadsaheb Phalke’s RAJA HARISCHANDRA, which was released in 1913, he decided it was the world of filmmaking that was his true calling. 

After reaching out to a close friend, Pammal Sambhanda Mudaliar, one of the foremost pioneers of theatre in Tamil, he decided to tell the story of Draupadi and Keechaka from one of the greatest epics of India, the Mahabharata. The first feature film of his career was released in 1917, and was called KICHAKA VADHAM. It holds the honour of being the first South Indian silent film ever made and released in India. 

And thus was born the first ever production company in Southern India: The Indian Film Company. He donned many helms for the film; he was producer, cameraman, editor, as well as the director for the film. He went on to make many more films, often rooted in the rich heritage of Hindu mythology: DRAUPADI VASTRAPURANAM, LAVA KUSA, RUKMINI SATHYABAMA and MAYIL RAVANA.

However, as they say, all good things must come to an end, and so was the case with his time in cinema. After the devastating loss of his son and a catastrophic fire accident in his studio – which was already taking heavy losses – he went back to his trade of automobiles.

Despite this difficult end, he rightfully earned the moniker of being the Father of Tamil cinema, and was ultimately responsible for sowing the seeds that led to the fertile growth of the industry’s future. 

RAGHUPATHY SURYA PRAKASH

Raghupathy Surya Prakash, also known as R.S. Prakash, was one of the most prolific directors of silent films in Southern India. He also directed the first Telugu feature film, BHISHMA PRATINGNA, in 1921, which was produced by his father, Raghupathy Venkaiah Naidu, who was responsible for the construction of the first movie theatre in Chennai, Gaiety Talkies. He was also the man behind the first film studio in Chennai, Glass Studio, which was believed to run from Vepperi to Sangam Cinemas, now in Kilpauk. The film company was named as Star of the East Films, and BHISHMA PRATINGA was produced under this company. 

The formidable father-son duo went on to make many silent films for both Tamil and Telugu audiences in the 1920s and early 1930s, which was when the revolutionary shift from silent films to talkies finally took place. 

2. The 1930s

1) H.M. REDDY

H. M. Reddy is India’s first multilingual film director. In his film, KALIDAS, he featured and utilised dialogue in both Telugu and Tamil. The film went on to earn the shining distinction of the first film in India to have sound in more than one language, as well as being the first Talkie in both the Tamil and Telugu film industries. Reddy, who assisted Ardeshir Irani in the production and direction of the first Indian talkie film, ALAM-ARA, was deeply inspired by his experience and decided that he must make a talkie film with sound in the South as well. Thus, KALIDAS was conceived. L.V. Prasad, the founder of the famous Prasad Studios, who also played a small role in ALAM-ARA, became an integral part of the cast of KALIDAS as a comical priest as well.

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Working Still from the Film KALIDAS, Featuring T.P. RAJALAKSHMI and VENKATESAN

PC: From the archives of TCRC

H. M. Reddy went on to produce and direct many more films – BHAKTHA PRAHALDA, GRUHALAKSHMI and TENALIRAMAKRISHNA– primarily in the Telugu language.

He later directed a Tamil Movie MATHRU BHOOMI in 1939. One of the doyens of Tamil music, Papanasam Sivan, composed the music and wrote songs for the film. Kumidhini was the vocalist for many of the songs, which went on to become great hits of their time. The film’s theme was primarily dealing with the struggle for India’s freedom. However, the British Raj’s ironclad censorship would have made the release of such a film impossible. 

To sidestep this problem, he set the story at an entirely different time in history: the invasion of North West India by Alexander the Great. Despite this careful measure, the film did feature songs that were sympathetic to the freedom movement and echoed its sentiments; consequently, the film faced rumours of an impending ban.

MATHRU BHOOMI was made on a budget of two lakh Indian rupees – an enormous budget in that era – and was the most expensive movie of its time.

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Working Still from the Film MATHRU BHOOMI

PC: From the archives of TCRC

[To be continued] We’ll be back next week with more hidden treasure from the history of Tamil cinema. Stay tuned!

About the Author:

V.V. Prasad is a Electronics and Communication Engineer based from Chennai. He is currently involved in the role of a Researcher and Archivist in THE CINEMA RESCOURCE CENTRE.
He takes care of the non film materials like Photographs, Magazines, Lobby Cards, Song books etc of the archives. Cataloguing them and digitizing them are part of his current work.
His interests and passion lie on the research of Cinema particularly South Indian Cinema.

T. P. Rajalakshmi: The Forgotten Queen of Tamil Cinema

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« Cinema Rani »: that’s the title earned by T.P. Rajalakshmi who became a major star of the nascent Tamil cinema in the 1930s. She was part of the avant-garde that paved the way when film industry was in its infancy in South India, and she was definitely a pioneer in more than one respect, being one of the first female theatre artists in Tamil Nadu, the first actress of Tamil cinema, the first female director and producer of South Indian cinema. Yet, she is hardly known and celebrated nowadays !

1

A still of T.P. Rajalakshmi from the magazine Cine Art Review, 1937. Image Credit: The Cinema Resource Centre, Chennai.

Born in 1911 in Saliamangalam village in the district of Tanjore, Rajalakshmi’s early life was punctuated by many traumas as she was the victim of a child marriage at the age of 7 and never went to her older “husband’s” house due to dowry issues. She also lost her father some time after. As she and her mother fell into poverty, they moved to Thiruchi, and Rajalakshmi, who was a gifted child, started to sing to earn money for her family. Then, at a time when women were not allowed to act in dramas, she got involved in theatre and very soon met Sankaradas Swamigal, known as the father of Tamil Theatre, who recommended her in the milieu. From there, the young teenager joined many drama troupes like Cunniah Company, travelled a lot, and captivated audiences with her singing and acting talent.

Her rise as a popular drama artist coincided with the first steps of Tamil Cinema as it didn’t take long for Rajalakshmi to take the plunge in the Tamil film industry. In 1929, she acted in her first silent film, “Kovalan” and above all, in 1931, she was the heroine of “Kalidas”, recognized as the first Tamil talkie even though it was, in fact, multilingual—the hero spoke Telugu, the heroine spoke Tamil and some other characters spoke Hindi. At a time when the Tamilness of movies remained a question mark as most of them where technically made in Kolkata or Mumbai, the multitalented Rajalakshmi became the main attraction for a Tamil audience—indeed, her songs and dialogues in Tamil were much awaited (the movie has more than 50 songs!). One has to imagine the craze when this first talkie starring the most popular drama artist was released at the Madras Kinema Central—her name was announced from speakers, people used to stand outside theatres to see her acting; she was the Super Star of early Tamil cinema. She pursued her film career with box office successes like “Ramayan,” “Sathyavan Savithri,” and “Valli Thirumanam.” 

2A still of T.P. Rajalakshmi from the magazine Anandha Vikatan Deepavali Malar, 1937, mentioning her as the actor from Tamil talkies. Image Credit: The Cinema Resource Centre, Chennai.

However, T.P. Rajalakshmi’s thirst for art and cinema didn’t stop with the acting/singing parts. She was also a writer, producer, director and an editor. Indeed, after almost ten years of her career, she created her own production company, Sri Rajam Talkies, in order to make films by herself. That’s how she became the first woman director in South India in 1936 with her film “Miss Kamala” —an adaptation of her own novel, “Kamalavalli.” She was omnipresent in the making of this movie—acting, singing, directing, editing, producing, and even expecting a baby as she was pregnant with her daughter (her daughter was born in November and named Kamala after her mother’s film). She was a one-woman band, in other words. With this film, she became the first female director in South India, and the second one in India after Fatma Begum. 

3An advertisement of the film Miss Kamala from the magazine Anandha Vikatan Deepavali Malar, 1936, mentioning TPR’s production venture Sri Rajam Talkies. Image Credit: The Cinema Resource Centre, Chennai.
4A still of T.P. Ralalakshmi from the film Miss Kamala. Image Credit: The Cinema Resource Centre, Chennai.

Even though Rajalakshmi didn’t stop acting for other directors, after the success of “Miss Kamala,” she directed two other movies, the even more successful “Madurai Veeran” in 1939 and then, the major failure “Indiya Thai/Tamil Thai” in 1940. For her daughter Kamala, this movie was the swan song of her mother’s career as acting offers slowly dropped from there. Yet, Rajalakshmi didn’t mind too much for this commercial flop as she achieved what she wanted—to make a patriotic movie glorifying the Freedom movement and criticizing British rule.

5A still of V.A. Chellappa and T.P. Rajalakshmi from the magazine Anandha Vikatan Deepavali Malar, 1938, announcing these 2 stars in the film Madurai Veeran. Image Credit: The Cinema Resource Centre, Chennai.
6An advertisement of the film Madurai Veeran from the magazine Anandha Vikatan Deepavali Malar, 1938. Image Credit: The Cinema Resource Centre, Chennai.

Indeed, not only was she a multi talented artist, but a political activist and a freedom fighter in British India. She was imprisoned by British authorities for acting in dramas and writing songs that criticized their presence; one of them was named “Parandhu Pongada Vellai Kokkugala” (Fly away white storks), a straight anticolonial punch, in sum. Her works were also often censored. For example, as “India Thai” sounded too patriotic, the movie had to be renamed “Tamil Thai.” Patriot, politically rebellious, Rajalakshmi was also a fierce feminist who fought against child marriage, sati and in favour of widow remarriage. But she didn’t stop there and turned her words into action as, for instance, she adopted girl children to save them from female infanticide. In all logic, she was associated with the Indian National Congress and with great names of the Tamil political scene. Thus, Periyar E.V. Ramasamy used to address Rajalakshmi as “sister” and appreciated her artistic talents and her political thoughts. 

Although she quit the film industry in the 1940s, her name remained synonymous with the illustrious early Tamil cinema and she was very respected by successors like Sivaji Ganesan and M.G. Ramachandran. Thus, when she was given the “Kalaimamani Award” in 1961, MGR sent his own car to pick her up at her house, after he was informed that she was not doing well. However, the last part of her life was marked by financial difficulties. Even though her career made her very wealthy and the owner of many properties, she eventually had to sell her properties and live in a house on rent. Like many great female stars of Tamil film industry after her, Rajalakshmi’s last years were far from the lights and glory of stardom, and sadly, she died in 1964, in the greatest indifference. 

8A still of T.P. Rajalakshmi with master Sethuraman from the film Nanda Kumar from magazine Cine Art Review, 1937. Image Credit: The Cinema Resource Centre, Chennai.

The kaleidoscopic great lady of Tamil cinema—that’s how T.P. Rajalakshmi could be remembered. The more I learn about her, the more I am stunned by her enthusiastic desire for cinema, by her feminist and political thoughts and by her courage. How did she find the energy and the determination to achieve so much in the most patriarchal and conservative Tamil society of the early 20th century? The answer is maybe in her lost movie, “Miss Kamala,” which is somehow a reflection of the emancipated life Rajalakshmi dreamt for womankind where a young woman who is victim of cruel guardians and finally escapes from them returns with her lover even though she is married. 

An avant-garde. A feminist visionary. A legend who set the example throughout her life. It’s time to remember this forgotten queen of Tamil cinema and to give her the crowning that fits her grandeur.

About The Author:

Shakila Zamboulingame is a history/geography professor from the Tamil diaspora, born in Pondicherry but living in France since childhood. After a Masters on french history and research on war photojournalism, she is now beginning a new PhD project about Tamil Cinema. Since 2016, she is also running a blog (1916tamilcinema.com) and an Instagram account, named “1916 about Tamil cinema” (@1916tamilcinema), where she analyzes Tamil cinema, especially through visual culture and gender representations.

Song Book: Amuthavalli (1959)

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1Songbook cover of Amuthavalli (1959) directed by A.K. Sekar. The lead actors M.N. Rajam, T.R. Mahalingam and Tambaram Lalitha are seen in the image. The music was by the duo Viswanathan-Ramamurthy and lyrics by Udumalai Narayana Kavi, Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass, Kannadasan, Pattukkottai Kalyanasundaram and Muthu Koothan.

There were 12 songs in this movie:

  1. Taththuva Kalaiyudan
  2. Anbum Amaidhiyum
  3. Kannirandum Ondrai Onru
  4. Pitham Theliya Marundhondru
  5. Jilu Jilukkum Pachai Malai
  6. Kollimalai Vaazhum
  7. Kaalam Ennum Oru Aazhak Kadalinil (duet)
  8. Kangal Rendum Vandu
  9. Singara Vadivaana Thithikkum
  10. Kaalam Ennum Oru Aazhak Kadalinil (Female solo)
  11. Aadai Katti Vantha Nilavo
  12. Paasaththaal Enai Yeendra

Amuthavalli (1959) starred M.N. Rajam in the lead role. Although she started acting at the age of 9 as a child artist in Nallathambi (1949), she seldom played the lead role. Methavigal (1955) was her first film playing a female lead. She was then in a few films as the heroine (before Amuthavalli, opposite Prem Nazir), like Thai Piranthal Vazhi Pirakkum (1958), Periya koil (1958) and Kalyanikku Kalyanam (1959). She played a vamp in most of the films and received appreciation before shifting to motherly and elderly roles from the 1970s.

She married the singer A.L. Raghavan, a popular Tamil playback singer, on 2 May 1960. Both of them had started their careers on stage, at the ages of 7 and 8 respectively.

A.L. Raghavan started his acting career in 1947 with Jupiter Pictures’ Krishna Vijayam, which released only in the year 1950 as Lord Krishna. He also played Lord Panduranga in Royal Talkies’ Sudarshan (1951).

 

Black & White Photographs From The Cinema Resource Centre Archives (XXI)

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21-1Still from the movie Kanavane Kankanda Deivam (1955) directed by T.R. Raghunath.

Kanavane Kankanda Deivam (1955) was directed by T.R.Raghunath. Gemini Ganesan and Anjali Devi played the lead roles. T.R. Raghunath, younger brother of well-known director Raja Chandrasekhar began his career as a sound recordist after getting his M.A. degree, and later joined his brother in Bombay to work as his assistant before taking up film direction. The multilingual filmmaker of today, Kartik Raghunath, is his son. The vamp role played by Lalitha was originally offered to P. Bhanumathi. The popular song Unnai Kan Theduthe was believed to be sung by Bhanumathi before P. Suseela replaced her voice, although the hiccups in the song were of Bhanumathi’s.

Black & White Photographs From The Cinema Resource Centre Archives (XX)

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20-1Still from the movie Puthu Vasantham (1990) directed by Vikraman, which was also his first film. This film was a hit blockbuster and inspired many films. Seen are actors Murali and Sithara.

Puthu Vasantham (1990) was Vikraman’s directorial debut. It was a trendsetter in Tamil cinema and entered cult status for its unique story and treatment. During this period when most of the films were about romance and hailing it, Vikraman chose a different path and portrayed friendship over love. In this film, the heroine chooses friendship over her love when it comes to it. She also sacrifices her maternal home for her friends, which she had earlier refused to sell. Many films soon followed, featuring 4 friends and a 5th friend being a girl, though many of these films did not enjoy much success, as the audience found the trope too typical.

 

Black & White Photographs From The Cinema Resource Centre Archives (XIX)

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19-1Still from the movie Satyam (1976) directed by S.A. Kanan. Seen here are actors Manjula and Kamal Haasan.

Satyam (1976) was made based on the drama Vidhi written by S.A. Kannan. The film was directed by himself and written by Vietnam Veedu Sundaram with Sivaji Ganesan in the lead role. Kamal Haasan played the role of his younger brother. Kamal was paired with Manjula for the first and only time in his career. The music was by K.V. Mahadevan. Although the film performed averagely, the song Kalyana Kovilil Deiveega Kalasam (picturised on Kamal and Jaya Chitra) is still quite popular among fans of old Tamil songs. It will definitely get listed in the collection of the best songs by K.V. Mahadevan as well.

 

Black & White Photographs From The Cinema Resource Centre Archives (XVIII)

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18-1Still from the movie Payanam (1976) directed by Vietnam Veedu Sundaram. Seen here are actors Vijayakumar, Srikanth and Nagesh.

Payanam (1976) was written and directed by Vietnam Veedu Sundaram with music by  M.S. Viswanathan and songs written by Kannadasan. Vietnam Veedu Sundaram who worked as a service boy at United Amateur Artists run by Y.G. Parthasarathy, got interested in drama and cinema, and wrote many stage plays before moving to the big screen. His play Vietnam Veedu became very popular and attained huge success and he got the prefix to his name. He wrote for the film as well, when it was made with the same name under the direction of P. Madhavan.