Kadathanaattu Maakkam


Kadathanaattu Maakkam is a 1978 Indian Malayalam-language historical drama film directed and produced by Navodaya Appachan under Navodaya Studio. The film stars Prem Nazir, Jayan, Sheela and Sukumari in the lead roles. The film has musical score by G. Devarajan.

Plot

Maakam, sister to four brothers played by G. K. Pillai, N. Givindankutty, S. P. Pillai and Adoor Bhasi belong to the famed Elavannoor Madom. The wives of the brothers are played by Lalithasree, Meena, Sreelatha Namboodiri and Sukumari. All three except Sukumari are jealous of Maakkam and plot to turn their husbands against her.
When the brothers go in search of a suitable groom for their sister, the three sisters-in-law, steal gold, money and grains from the stores of the house and send them off to their respective homes. When the brothers return the wives turn them against Maakkam. A series of events lead to the brothers having issues with Maakam especially with the brother of Meena losing his leg in a duel with K. P. Ummer in an issue relating to his family.
Swearing to destroy Maakkam, Meena plots to kill her and poisons her food with the help of the cooks. But it was Sukumari who fell victim to the trap. Sukumari on her deathbed, realises she was poisoned and the target was Maakkam, but the way her last words came out implies that Maakkam was the one who poisoned her and this was supported by the cooks on being forced by Meena.
Maakkam is also accused of having an illicit relationship with Nambeeshan played by Nasir, a mental patient. Both are convicted and sentenced to death. Maakkam consummates her relationship with Nambeeshan on the night before the execution.
On the day of the execution, K. P. Ummer along with his sister and his kalari students, attack the executioner and others rescue Maakkam. Years later her son returns seeking revenge and clearing his mother's name.

Cast

The music was composed by G. Devarajan and the lyrics were written by P. Bhaskaran and Chirayinkeezhu Ramakrishnan Nair.