Petralthan Pillaiya


Petralthan Pillaiya is a 1966 Indian Tamil-language drama film directed by Krishnan–Panju. The film features M. G. Ramachandran and B. Saroja Devi. It is based on Charlie Chaplin's 1921 American comedy-drama film, The Kid. It was produced by Vasu, under Sri Muthukumaran Pictures. The film was the last time that T. S. Balaiah and M. R. Radha played beside Ramachandran. This is the 25th and final collaboration between Ramachandran and M. R. Radha, as a few days after the film was completed, Radha shot Ramachandran, wounding him. This is also the 25th film for the M. G. R and B. Saroja Devi pair.

Plot

Jeeva is a mother unable to afford the cost of raising a young boy. She abandons him in a temple where a tramp, Anandhan, discovers him. Anandhan tries to get rid of the boy, but he eventually becomes attached to him. Anandhan names the boy Kannan and educates him, despite his poor financial condition. After five years, Kannan's biological mother, Jeeva, her husband Sekhar and social services try to find her son.

Cast

Petralthan Pillaiya is based on Charlie Chaplin's 1921 American film, The Kid. Writer Aaroor Das initially narrated the story to Sivaji Ganesan, who seemed interested but "did not follow up"; he later gave it to M. G. Ramachandran. This is the 25th and final collaboration between Ramachandran and M. R. Radha, as a few days after the film was completed, Radha shot Ramachandran, wounding him.

Soundtrack

composed the soundtrack. One song, "Nalla Nalla Pillaigalai...", had to be modified for political reasons. The initial version contained the words "Arignar Annappol", a reference to Indian politician C. N. Annadurai. The lyrics were changed after filming to "Thiru Vi Ka pol", a reference to Indian scholar and activist Thiru. V. Kalyanasundaram.

Release and reception

Petralthan Pillaiya was released on 9 December 1966 and emerged a commercial success, running for over 100 days in theatres. Film historian Randor Guy wrote that the film would be remembered for "The melodious music of M.S. Viswanathan, fine acting of MGR, Sowcar Janaki and Baby Shakila; good camerawork by P. N. Sundaram and deft direction by Krishnan-Panju."