Valmiki is a 1946 Tamil-language film starring Honnappa Bhagavathar, U. R. Jeevarathinam, N. C. Vasanthakokilam, T. R. Rajakumari and T. S. Balaiah. It was directed by Sundar Rao Nadkarni.[2]
Valmiki | |
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![]() Theatrical release poster | |
Directed by | Sundar Rao Nadkarni |
Produced by | B. Rangaswamy Naidu S. M. Sriramulu Naidu Samikannu Vincent |
Starring | Honnappa Bhagavathar U. R. Jeevarathinam T. R. Rajakumari N. C. Vasanthakokilam T. S. Balaiah |
Cinematography | P. Ramasamy Muthusamy |
Edited by | Sundar Rao Nadkarni |
Music by | S. V. Venkataraman |
Production company | Central Studios |
Release date |
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Country | India |
Language | Tamil |
Valmiki was one of the eleven movies announced by Central Studios with M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar as the lead, following the success of blockbuster hit Haridas and to be directed by Sundar Rao Nadkarni. Shooting commenced in 1944 with M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar, but following his arrest in the Lakshmikanthan Murder Case and with uncertainty over his release, the producers, with filming in mid-way opted for Honnappa Bhagavathar as lead and all the lead actor scenes had to be re-shot.
The film was based on the story of the Hindu sage Valmiki (played by Honnappa Bhagavathar), who starts as a bandit and eventually undergoes spiritual transformation into a religious mendicant. Valmiki falls in love with a princess (played by Jeevarathnam), who is kidnapped by the villain (played by T. S. Balaiah).
Actor | Role |
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Honnappa Bhagavathar | Valmiki |
U. R. Jeevarathinam | |
T. R. Rajakumari | |
N. C. Vasanthakokilam | Sage Narada |
T. S. Balaiah | |
D. Balasubramaniam | |
Kali N. Rathnam | |
C. T. Rajakantham |
The film was fairly successful and remembered for its music. Honnappa Bhagavathar cemented his place as a star performer in the absence of Thyagaraja Bhagavathar.