En Thangai is a 1952 Indian, Tamil language film starring M. G. Ramachandran in the lead role. The film is based on T. S. Natarajan's play of the same name. It was remade in Hindi as Chhoti Bahen, in Telugu as Aada Paduchu and in Kannada as Onde Balliya Hoogalu.
Plot
Elder brother Rajendran, a student, his younger sister Meena and their very ill mother, Gunavathi. Karunagaran Pillai, their paternal uncle, robs them of their fortune after the disappearance of the patriarch, and refuses all requests for financial help by Rajendran. On the other hand, Suriyamoorthy, Karunagaran's son, discreetly devotes himself to his cousin, Rajendran, and his family. One evening, during a violent thunderstorm, young Meena loses her eyesight. She then becomes the scapegoat of Selvam's wealthy wife, Rajam, her sister-in-law, who also begins hating Meena. Rajendran, previously unaware of the situation, finally discovers his younger sister's ordeal. Following a heated quarrel, Selvam and Rajam leave the family home, leaving Rajendran totally distraught. Then sadly, their mother dies and, expelled by their uncle, Rajendran and Meena are forced out onto the street. Their cousin, Suriyamoorthy, runs away from his father to the capital, where he becomes a rickshaw driver and offers temporary accommodation to Rajendran and Meena. Meanwhile, younger brother, Selvam, becomes addicted to horse racing just like his father-in-law, driving his family into financial ruin and neglecting Rajam. After Rajendran manages to reconcile the couple, Rajam dies in a roadaccident. Karunagaran comes in search of his son, and he too is knocked down by a vehicle. Dying, he gives his permission for Suriyamoorthy to marry Mary, a Christian. As for Rajendran, he is beaten and finally, pushed to his limits, carries his sister into the sea and they both disappear under the waves.
The film was remade in Telugu by Ch. Narayana Murthy titled Na Chellelu and with the same team. It was released in 1953. The film was remade by L. V. Prasad in Hindi titled Chhoti Bahen and was released in 1959.
Soundtrack
The music was composed by C. N. Pandurangan. Lyrics were written by Bharathidasan, A. Maruthakasi, Saravanabavananthar, Suratha, Ki. Rajagopal and Narasimman. Singers are P. S. Govindhan and C. S. Pandiyan. Playback singers are M. L. Vasanthakumari, P. Leela, N. Lalitha, A. P. Komala, K. V. Janaki, A. G. Rathnamala, T. A. Mothi, and A. M. Rajah.
Reception
The film was a success in box office. Film historianRandor Guy wrote in 2008 that the film will be "Remembered for its emotion drenched storyline and MGR’s role as a loving brother, considered by critics as one of his best performances ever."
