Umma (English: Mother) is a 1960 Malayalam social drama film directed and produced by Kunchacko. It was the first directorial venture of Kunchacko. Its screenplay is written by Vimal while the dialogues are by P. K. Sarangapani, who was on his debut. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Moidu Padiyath. It was the first Muslim social film in Malayalam. The story of the film revolves around marital evils that prevailed in the Muslim community, particularly in the Malabar region.[1][2][3][4][5]

Umma
Directed byKunchacko
Written byScreenplay:
Vimal
Dialogues:
P. K. Sarangapani
Novel:
Moidu Padiyath
Produced byKunchacko
StarringThikkurissy Sukumaran Nair
K. P. Ummer
B. S. Saroja
Edited byS. Williams
Music byM. S. Baburaj
Lyrics:
P. Bhaskaran
Production
company
Distributed byExcel Productions
Release date
  • 29 March 1960 (1960-03-29)
CountryIndia
LanguageMalayalam

The film was a box office success and gained critical praise.[2] The famous song "Kadalivaazhakayyilirunnu" is from this film.

Plot

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Polygamy is the theme of the film. An illiterate rich landlord Aboobacker Haji married three times and divorced all the three wives. His next aim is to get married again which according to traditions will be his last marriage. He marries Ibrahim Kakka's daughter Ayisha. Ayisha gives birth to a daughter and a maid servant named Khadeeja is appointed to take care of the child.

Haji eventually develops a desire to marry Khadeeja. Though this was against custom, nobody was dare to question him. Haji divorces Ayisha, who seeks refuge in Ibrahim Kakka's house. She sends her daughter Zainaba to school ignoring protests from the community. Zainaba falls in love with her classmate Hameed. When Haji learns of this affair, he tries to take his daughter with him, which is opposed by Ayisha and Ibrahim Kakka. They decide to conduct the marriage of Zainaba with Hameed. The marriage did not take place as Haji interrupted. Haji takes Zainaba to his house where she faces tortures from her stepmother Khadeeja.

Meanwhile, Ibrahim Kakka dies. Haji arranges Zainaba's marriage with a rich jewellery shop owner. Haji's mother Pathumma comes to the help of her granddaughter. She pleads with the Haji to change his decision. At this moment in time Haji learns of Khadeeja's cruel tricks. His heart melts and he withdraws from his decision. In the end, Zainaba marries Hameed.

Cast

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Soundtrack

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All lyrics are written by P. Bhaskaran; all music is composed by M. S. Baburaj

No.TitleArtist(s)Length
1."Appam Thinnaan Thappukottu"Jikki 
2."En Kanninte Kadaviladuthaal"P. Leela, A. M. Rajah 
3."Kadalivaazhakayyilirunnu"Jikki 
4."Kadha Parayaamen Kadha"P. Leela 
5."Kanneerenthinu Vaanambaadi"P. B. Sreenivas, Choir 
6."Konchunna Painkili"P. Leela, Choir 
7."Kuyile Kuyile"P. Leela, M. S. Baburaj, A. M. Rajah 
8."Nithyasahaaya Naadhe"Jikki, Choir 
9."Paalaanu Thenaanen"A. M. Rajah 
10."Pettammayaakum"P. Leela 
11."Poru Nee Ponmayile"P. Leela, A. M. Rajah 
12."Raariro Raarariro"Jikki 
13."Thallaanum Kollaanum"P. B. Sreenivas 
14."Velikku Kaanumbam"Mehboob 

References

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  1. ^ Abdul Salam, Najla Kaikulangara (April 2019). "Muslim Women in Malayalam Cinema; Within and Beyond Stereotypes" (PDF). The Literary Herald. 4 (6): 20–31. ISSN 2454-3365.
  2. ^ a b B. Vijayakumar (7 March 2009). "Umma 1960". The Hindu. Retrieved 11 March 2011.
  3. ^ "Umma". www.malayalachalachithram.com. Retrieved 9 October 2014.
  4. ^ "Umma". malayalasangeetham.info. Retrieved 9 October 2014.
  5. ^ "Umma". spicyonion.com. Retrieved 9 October 2014.
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