Thayumanavar (1938 film)

Thayumanavar is a 1938 Indian Tamil-language film produced and directed by T. R. Sundaram.[2] The film brought to screen the life story of Hindu Saint and Philosopher Thayumanavar who lived in the 18th century. Carnatic Singer and actor M. M. Dandapani Desikar featured in the title role.[3]

Thayumanavar (1938 film)
Film Poster
Directed byT. R. Sundaram
Screenplay byP. S. Chettiar
Story byP. S. Chettiar
Based onLife story of Thayumanavar, a Hindu Saint and Philosopher
Produced byT. R. Sundaram
StarringM. M. Dandapani Desikar
M. S. Devasena
CinematographyP. K. Krishna Iyer
Music byG. Pichala
Narasimha Rao
Production
company
Jayabharath Film Company Ltd.
Distributed byModern Theatres
Release date
  • 31 December 1938 (1938-12-31) (India)
[1]
Running time
3 hr 31 mins (19000 ft)
CountryIndia
LanguageTamil

Plot

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Muthukrishnan Naiker was the ruler of Thiruchirapalli. He visited the temple at Vedaranyam. The Dharmakartha (trustee) of the temple gave a grand welcome to the ruler. Impressed by the reception, the ruler made the dharmakartha a minister of his court. A son is born to the minister who names him as Thayumanavan. Meanwhile, Muthukrishnan Naiker died and his son came to the throne. He appointed Thayumanavan as his minister. Thayumanavan was brilliant. He helped the king to develop the country. However, Thayumanavan was more inclined towards philosophy and divinity. Soon, the ruler becomes aware of the divine power of Thayumanavan and became a disciple. Thayumanavan performed many miracles, eventually his mortal remains and became a saint.[3]

Cast

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The list is adapted from the film's songbook[4]

Production

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During the 1930s many films were made with life stories of religious saints. M. M. Dandapani Desikar who was well trained in Carnatic music and with fluency in religious lore and was the obvious choice of producers. Earlier he featured in similar role in Pattinathar and later in Nandanar.[3]

Soundtrack

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Music was composed by G. Pichala Narasimha Rao and lyrics were penned by Papanasam Sivan.[1][4] The songs were recorded by Sardar Eswara Singh.[4] Most of the songs were compositions of the Saint himself who sang nearly 1500 songs. There were 31 songs in the film most of which were sung by M. M. Dandapani Desikar.[3] Singers are Vidwan C. S. Selvarathnam Pillai, P. G. Venkatesan, Master Vedhamoorthi, Master Krishnamoorthi, N. S. Rathnambal, M. M. Dandapani Desikar, P. S. Gnanam, M. S. Devasena, and the chorus.

Orchestra[4]
No Songs Singers
1 Om Shankara Purahara Sadhasiva Nin Chorus
2 Ninnavar Prarandri Niyeyanay Prayer Vidwan C. S. Selvarathnam Pillai
3 Malarthal Vanangum Adiyar P. G. Venkatesan
4 Thejonmaya Chandra Shobhitha Bala Lullaby Music
5 Kailasa Pathiye Saranam Master Vedhamoorthi
6 Adiyum Nadumutiyum Ilan Master Krishnamoorthi
7 Evaraiyum Imsai Seyya Lagadugan Master Vedhamoorthi
8 Nandrudaiyanai Theeyathillanai Narai Velleru M. M. Dandapani Desikar
9 Undendru Uruthikolvom M. M. Dandapani Desikar
10 Kana Virumbum Manam Dhanuvin Karunaiye M. M. Dandapani Desikar
11 Aasaikkor Alavilai M. M. Dandapani Desikar
12 Penne – Nee Ennaibharati Ullasamaka N. Ramasami Pillai, V. M. Ezhumalai & Aparanji
13 Ennakoram Iraivanuraiyum M. M. Dandapani Desikar, Chorus
14 Kanthuka Mathakkariyai Vasama M. M. Dandapani Desikar
15 Envasamillai En Seiven M. S. Devasena
16 Pazhan Kadhal Kadhi P. G. Venkatesan
17 Vaira Manthaiyum Ulluruka M. S. Devasena & M. M. Dandapani Desikar
18 Enai Unakkintha Pedhai M. M. Dandapani Desikar
19 Parayo Ennai Mugam M. M. Dandapani Desikar
20 Udhavikku Oruvarille P. S. Gnanam
21 Kannadi Nee Kizhicha Kottaiyini P. G. Venkatesan, P. S. Gnanam
22 Patukindra Bhanuva Lorgal M. M. Dandapani Desikar
23 Padhini Polave Itharai M. M. Dandapani Desikar
24 Kalla Lerinthun, Kaivilla Ladithum, Kanimadhura M. M. Dandapani Desikar
25 Azhuvathin Payanethu M. M. Dandapani Desikar, N. S. Rathnambal
26 Kali Magamayi Enga Atha Nitha Chorus
27 Kaka Muravu Kalandhunna M. M. Dandapani Desikar
28 Ennannu Ennikkitte P. S. Gnanam, P. G. Venkatesan
29 Saiva Samayame Samayameni Lachamaya M. M. Dandapani Desikar
30 Veene Azhiyathe Nanba Perinba (Dialogue) M. M. Dandapani Desikar
31 Chinthaiyeer Thandhaiyay Thayumanavan P. G. Venkatesan

Lost film

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No print of the film is known to exist today.[3]

Reception

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Film historian Randor Guy wrote in 2012 that the film is "Remembered for the rich singing of Dandapani Desikar and the scenes featuring holy places."[3]

References

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  1. ^ a b Film News Anandan (23 October 2004). Sadhanaigal Padaitha Thamizh Thiraipada Varalaru [History of Landmark Tamil Films] (in Tamil). Chennai: Sivakami Publishers. Archived from the original on 8 April 2017.
  2. ^ Ashish Rajadhyaksha; Paul Willemen. Encyclopedia of Indian Cinema (PDF). Oxford University Press, New Delhi, 1998. p. 648.
  3. ^ a b c d e f Guy, Randor (3 November 2012). "Thayumanavar (1938)". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 8 April 2017. Retrieved 8 April 2017.
  4. ^ a b c d தாயுமானவர் (song book) (in Tamil). Modern Theaters. 1938.
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