Vettaikaaran (1964 film)


Vettaikaaran is a 1964 Indian Tamil-language action drama film directed by M. A. Thirumugam. The film features M. G. Ramachandran and Savitri in lead roles. The film, produced by Sandow M. M. A. Chinnappa Thevar, had musical score by K. V. Mahadevan and was released on 14 January 1964. The film was a blockbuster at the box office and was well received by the people.

Plot

Babu is a wealthy estate owner and hunter. He is always in the forest hunting animals, much to the annoyance of his mother. He meets Latha, a woman lost in the forest. He rescues her, they fall in love and marry. Latha gives birth to Babu's son Raja who develops an extreme attachment to his father. Meanwhile, a plunderer Mayavan lusts for Latha. To get her, he makes Babu undergo untold miseries. He tricks Latha and Raja into the forest, and demands the papers of the estate. Babu arrives on time and kills Mayavan, saving both Latha and Raja in the process.

Cast

Vettaikaaran was directed by M. A. Thirumugam and produced by Sandow M. M. A. Chinnappa Thevar under Devar Films.

Soundtrack

Music is composed by K. V. Mahadevan, with lyrics by Kannadasan.

Release and reception

Vettaikaaran was released on 14 January 1964, Thai Pongal day. To promote the film, the Chennai-based Chitra theatre had a jungle set to welcome audiences. After much deliberation, they also managed to get a caged tiger inside the theatre premises. The Indian Express wrote on 17 January, "Loaded with fun and frolic with a substantial sprinkling of spicy scenes and intriguing drama told in a fascinating manner, is designed to please the filmgoer." Despite facing competition from another Pongal release Karnan, the film became a box office success, running for 25 weeks in theatres. It was dubbed Telugu-language as Inti Donga and released on 4 September 1964.