Mani Malai (pronounced [maɳimaːl̪aɪ̯]) is a 1941 Indian Tamil-language anthology film. It consists of four short comedy films — Ashaadabuthi, Minor-in Kaathal, Abbuthi Adigal and Naveena Markandeyar — each made by a different director and featuring a different cast. The anthology film was successful.

Mani Malai
Poster
Release date
  • 1941 (1941)
CountryIndia
LanguageTamil

Cast

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Production

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Mani Malai is an anthology film consisting of four short comedy films, each made by a different director. The first, Ashaadabuthi, explores the serious issue of untouchability in a light manner, and was directed by Fram Sethna. The second, Minor-in Kaathal, revolves around a "minor"[a] refusing to marry the woman of his mother's choice. The third, Abbuthi Adigal, is a story of "godly devotion dealt with humour". The fourth, Naveena Markandeyar, tells the story of Markandeya in a parodical manner and was directed by A. T. Krishnaswamy. Shooting for Mani Malai took place at Vel Pictures Studio, Guindy.[1]

Release and reception

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Mani Malai was released in 1941 and emerged a commercial success; according to Krishnaswamy, it was due to "the presence of top comedy actors of that era".[1] The Indian Express wrote, "Usual slap-stick inescapably lapsing into cheap humourising of domestic life is provided."[2]

Notes

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  1. ^ a b In archaic Tamil vernacular, a "minor" is a young man living luxuriously on inherited wealth.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g Guy, Randor (31 August 2013). "Mani Malai (1941)". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 11 September 2018. Retrieved 21 January 2020.
  2. ^ "Mani Malai | Comic Programme at Kinema Central". The Indian Express. 22 November 1941. p. 3. Retrieved 19 February 2021.
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