Meenda Sorgam (transl. Paradise regained)[1] is a 1960 Indian Tamil-language romantic musical film, written and directed by C. V. Sridhar, and produced by T. A. Dorairajan. The film stars Gemini Ganesan, Padmini and Tambaram Lalitha. It was released on 29 July 1960, and failed commercially.
Meenda Sorgam | |
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![]() Theatrical release poster | |
Directed by | C. V. Sridhar |
Written by | C. V. Sridhar |
Produced by | T. A. Dorairajan |
Starring | Gemini Ganesan Padmini Tambaram Lalitha |
Cinematography | A. Vincent |
Edited by | N. M. Shankar |
Music by | T. Chalapathi Rao |
Production company | Madhuram Pictures |
Release date |
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Running time | 180 minutes |
Country | India |
Language | Tamil |
![]() | This article needs an improved plot summary. (December 2021) |
Nirmala is a poor but talented dancer who falls in love with Sekar, a rich man's son. But Sekar is forced into a marriage with Prathiba, a rich man's spoilt daughter. Inconsolable, Nirmala promises her lover that she will never give public performances. Due to various circumstances, Sekar's finances suffer losses and his house is put up for auction. To rescue him from a dire future, Nirmala breaks her promise and gives a dance performance. With the money thus earned, she saves his house. But Sekar is unaware of this. When he learns the truth, he begins searching for her. In the meantime, Prathiba, who is now reformed, commits suicide. Sekar locates Nirmala, who is on the verge of committing suicide, and they are reunited.
Meenda Sorgam was written and directed by C. V. Sridhar, and produced by T. A. Dorairajan under Madhuram Pictures. Cinematography was handled by A. Vincent, and editing by N. M. Shankar.[2][3] C. V. Rajendran, a relative of Sridhar, joined the film as an assistant director, making this the first of many collaborations between him and Sridhar.[4]
Music was composed by T. Chalapathi Rao and lyrics were written by Kannadasan, Subbu Arumugam and P. S. Gopalakrishnan.[5][6] Sridhar signed on Rao as the composer after working with him in Amara Deepam (1956).[7] He initially wanted Pattukkottai Kalyanasundaram to write the lyrics, but could not hire the poet due to his death.[8] The song "Kalaiyae En Vazhkaiyin" is set in Bageshri raga,[9][10] and "Aadum Arul Jothi" is set to Kalyani.[11][12]
Song | Singers | Lyrics | Length |
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"Thulli Thulli Oduthe" | Jikki | 03:22 | |
"Aadum Arul Jothi" | M. L. Vasanthakumari & Seerkazhi Govindarajan | P. S. Gopalakrishnan | 04:39 |
"Kalaiyae En Vazhkaiyin" (Male) | A. M. Rajah & P. Susheela (humming) | Kannadasan | 04:19 |
"Singara Thoppile" | P. Leela & S. Janaki | 04:02 | |
"Kalaiyae En Vazhkaiyin" (female) | P. Susheela | Kannadasan | 03:55 |
"Padmini Dance" | Instrumental | 04:41 | |
"Thuyilladha Penn Ondru" | A. M. Rajah & P. Susheela | 03:34 | |
"Mana Nattiya Medaiyil" | P. Susheela & A. M. Rajah | 04:31 | |
"Aangikam Bhuvanam" | M. L. Vasanthakumari | 06:24 |
Meenda Sorgam was released on 29 July 1960.[2][13] Kanthan of Kalki appreciated Ganesan's performance, but felt it lacked newness, though the film could be watched more than once.[14] According to historian Randor Guy, the film did not succeed commercially, as it was thought to be too highbrow and idealistic.[3]