Mannathi Mannan (pronounced [mannaːdi mannan] transl. King of Kings) is a 1960 Indian Tamil-language historical action film directed and produced by M. Natesan. The film stars M. G. Ramachandran, Anjali Devi and Padmini. It was released on 19 October 1960, during Diwali.

Mannathi Mannan
Theatrical release poster
Directed byM. Natesan
Story byKannadasan
Produced byM. Natesan
StarringM. G. Ramachandran
Anjali Devi
Padmini
CinematographyG. K. Ramu
C. J. Mohan
Edited byC. P. Jambulingam
S. Krishnamoorthy
Rajan
Music byViswanathan–Ramamoorthy
Production
company
Natesh Art Pictures
Release date
  • 19 October 1960 (1960-10-19)
Running time
178 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageTamil

Plot

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Dancer Chitra and prince of Uraiyur Manivannan fall in love with each other after meeting in a dance competition. However, Chola King Kanikannan also desires Chitra. Meanwhile, Manivannan's father, the Cheran King sends his minister, seeking the hand of Karpagavalli, daughter of King Karigala, for his son. But the King thwarts this proposal, talking ill of the heredity of Manivannan's mother. Unable to bear his mother being insulted, Manivannan goes to the Chola kingdom and abducts Karpagavalli. In the meantime, a dacoit, played very cleverly by Kanikannan, forces Manivannan to marry Karpagavalli.

Cast

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Cast according to the opening credits of the film

Soundtrack

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The music composed by Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy.[1][2] The song "Aadatha Manamum" is based on Latangi raga.[3]

Song Singers Lyrics Length
"Aadadha Manamum Undo" T. M. Soundararajan & M. L. Vasanthakumari A. Maruthakasi 03:59
"Aadum Mayile Azhagu Mayile" K. Jamuna Rani & L. R. Eswari 02:28
"Achcham Enbadhu Madamaiada" T. M. Soundararajan Kannadasan 03:09
"Avala Ivala Therndhu Edu" L. R. Eswari & L. R. Anjali 02:38
"Engalin Rani" Jikki & K. Jamuna Rani A. Maruthakasi 04:11
"Kangal Irandum Unnai" P. Susheela Kannadasan 04:04
"Kaaduthazhaikka.... Kanniyar Perumai" S. C. Krishnan & P. Leela 04:53
"Kaaviri Thaaye Kaaviri Thaaye" K. Jamuna Rani 03:08
"Kadhar Kozhunan" Sirkazhi Govindarajan
"Kalaiyodu Kalandhadhu Unmai" M. L. Vasanthakumari 03:39
"Kaniya Kaniya Mazhalai Pesum" T. M. Soundararajan & P. Susheela 03:57
"Neeyo Nano Yaar Nilave" P. B. Sreenivas, K. Jamuna Rani & P. Susheela 03:29
"Paadupatta Thannale" S. C. Krishnan
"Thandai Kondu" T. M. Soundararajan 07:62

Release and reception

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Mannathi Mannan was released on 19 October 1960,[4] during Diwali.[5] It was previously scheduled for 30 September.[6] The Indian Express wrote "the story could have been very well developed in a different way [..] Anyway the picture is replete with romance, dance and fight" and praised the performances of star cast including Padmini.[7] Kanthan of Kalki called it a very ordinary film, but good by Ramachandran standards.[8] Despite facing competition from Kairasi, Petra Manam, and Paavai Vilakku, released on the same day,[9] the film became a commercial success. It achieved cult status in Tamil cinema, and the song "Achcham Enbadhu Madamaiada" helped Ramachandran become a "cultural icon".[10]

References

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  1. ^ "Mannathi Mannan ( EP 45 RPM )". AVDigital. Archived from the original on 27 June 2022. Retrieved 27 June 2022.
  2. ^ "Mannadhi Mannan (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)". Apple Music. Archived from the original on 27 June 2022. Retrieved 27 June 2022.
  3. ^ Mani, Charulatha (20 July 2012). "Sweet and sour Lathangi". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 21 August 2021. Retrieved 11 February 2020.
  4. ^ "1960 – மன்னாதி மன்னன் – நடேஷ் ஆர்ட் பிக்" [1960 – Mannathi Mannan – Natesh Art Pic.]. Lakshman Sruthi (in Tamil). Archived from the original on 27 June 2022. Retrieved 27 June 2022.
  5. ^ "சரோஜா தேவி: 4. எம்.ஜி.ஆர். சாப்பாடு...!". Dinamalar (in Tamil). 14 May 2016. Archived from the original on 14 November 2018. Retrieved 14 November 2018.
  6. ^ "மன்னாதி மன்னன்". Kalki (in Tamil). 25 September 1960. p. 2. Archived from the original on 26 June 2022. Retrieved 27 June 2022.
  7. ^ "Mannaathi Mannan". The Indian Express. 23 October 1960. p. 3. Retrieved 6 February 2020 – via Google News Archive.
  8. ^ காந்தன் (6 November 1960). "மன்னாதி மன்னன்". Kalki (in Tamil). Archived from the original on 3 July 2022. Retrieved 3 July 2022.
  9. ^ "தீபாவளிக்கு வெளியான தமிழ் படங்கள் – 3" [Films released during Diwali – 3]. Screen 4 Screen (in Tamil). 2 August 2020. Archived from the original on 13 February 2024. Retrieved 13 February 2024.
  10. ^ Guy, Randor (28 April 2012). "Blast from the past: Mannaathi Mannan (1960)". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 11 February 2020. Retrieved 7 November 2014.
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