Petralthan Pillaiya[lower-alpha 1] is a 1966 Indian Tamil-language drama film directed by Krishnan–Panju and written by Aaroor Dass. The film stars M. G. Ramachandran, B. Saroja Devi and Sowcar Janaki. Based on Charlie Chaplin's 1921 American film, The Kid, it revolves around a tramp finding a homeless boy and raising him as his own son until five years later the boy's biological parents try to find him.
Petralthan Pillaiya | |
---|---|
![]() Theatrical release poster | |
Directed by | Krishnan–Panju |
Screenplay by | Aaroor Dass |
Based on | The Kid by Charlie Chaplin |
Produced by | K. K. Vasu |
Starring | M. G. Ramachandran B. Saroja Devi Sowcar Janaki |
Cinematography | P. N. Sundaram |
Edited by | S. Panjabi |
Music by | M. S. Viswanathan |
Production company | Sri Muthukumaran Pictures |
Release date |
|
Running time | 168 minutes |
Country | India |
Language | Tamil |
Petralthan Pillaiya was released on 9 December 1966. The film emerged a commercial success, running for over 100 days in theatres.
![]() | This article needs an improved plot summary. (April 2021) |
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. Five years later, Jeeva, her husband Sekhar and social services try to find her son.
Petralthan Pillaiya is based on Charlie Chaplin's 1921 American film, The Kid.[1] Writer Aaroor Dass initially narrated the story to Sivaji Ganesan, who seemed interested but "did not follow up"; he later gave it to M. G. Ramachandran.[5] The duo Krishnan–Panju (R. Krishnan and S. Panju) directed the film, and Panju edited the film under the alias S. Panjabi. It was produced by K. K. Vasu under the banner Sri Muthukumaran Pictures, and photographed by P. N. Sundaram.[4] 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.[6]
M. S. Viswanathan composed the soundtrack The lyrics were written by Vaali.[7][8] The song "Nalla Nalla Pillaigalai" had to be modified for political reasons. The initial version contained the words "Arignar Annappol" (Like Anna, the scholar), a reference to the politician C. N. Annadurai. The lyrics were changed after filming to "Thiru Vi Ka pol" (Like Thiru Vi Ka), a reference to the scholar and activist Thiru. V. Kalyanasundaram.[4][9][10]
No. | Title | Singer(s) | Length |
---|---|---|---|
1. | "Chakkara Katti" | T. M. Soundararajan, P. Susheela | 3:23 |
2. | "Chellakkiliye" | T. M. Soundararajan | 3:15 |
3. | "Chellakkiliye" (Pathos) | P. Susheela | 2:43 |
4. | "Kannan Piranthaan" | T. M. Soundararajan, P. Susheela | 5:27 |
5. | "Nalla Nalla Pillaigalai" | P. Susheela, Sirkazhi Govindarajan | 6:26 |
6. | "Nalla Nalla Pillaigalai" (Solo) | T. M. Soundararajan | 3:26 |
Petralthan Pillaiya was released on 9 December 1966.[11][12] Kalki said the film was strictly for those who prefer affection towards children over love.[13] The film emerged a commercial success, running for over 100 days in theatres.[4][14]