Doctor Savithri
| Doctor Savithri | |
|---|---|
 Poster | |
| Tamil | டாக்டர் சாவித்ரி |
| Directed by | R. M. Krishnaswamy |
| Produced by | M. Radhakrishnan |
| Screenplay by |
T. G. Raghavachari A. K. Velan Elangovan |
| Story by | T. G. Raghavachari |
| Based on | Savitri and Satyavan |
| Starring |
Anjali Devi M. N. Rajam S. Balachandar D. Balasubramaniam B. R. Panthulu |
| Music by | G. Ramanathan |
| Cinematography | R. M. Krishnaswamy |
| Edited by | R. M. Venugopal |
Production company |
Aruna Films |
Release dates |
|
| Country | India |
| Language | Tamil |
Doctor Savithri is a 1955 Indian Tamil-language drama film directed by R. M. Krishnaswamy and written by T. G. Raghavachari. A contemporary adaptation of the Hindu story of Savitri and Satyavan, the film features Anjali Devi and B. R. Panthulu in the lead roles.[1]
Plot
Savithri is a doctor who treats the poor for free. When she discovers that a young rich woman in their community is being harassed by a dishonest lawyer, she and her husband endeavour to help the woman. Later, the lawyer is murdered by an unknown assailant and Savithri's husband is suspected of the crime. Savithri investigates the murder and identifies the true killer as a doctor who had been blackmailed by the lawyer.[2]
Cast
Credits adapted from The Hindu:[2]
- Anjali Devi as Doctor Savithri[3]
- M. N. Rajam as Vanaja, a rich young woman[3]
- S. Balachandar as Jagat Singh, a doctor who has disguised himself as a Sikh and the real murderer of the lawyer who was blackmailing him.[3]
- Serukalathur Sama as Sambandham Pillai[3]
- D. Balasubramaniam as Nagalingam, the dishonest lawyer[3]
- M. N. Nambiar as Krishnamoorthy[3]
- S. A. Asokan as the Commissioner[3]
- B. R. Panthulu as Somasundaram, Savithri's husband[3]
- N. S. Krishnan as Muniyan[3]
- T. A. Mathuram as Aandal[3]
- Sayee and Subbulakshmi (Dance)
Production
In 1941, a Tamil language film based on the Hindu story of Savitri and Satyavan, titled Savithri was released. More than a decade later, T. G. Raghavachari sought to create a new adaptation of the story but with a modern setting.[2] Titled Doctor Savithri, the film's story and screenplay was written by Raghavachari and it was directed by R. M. Krishnaswamy and produced by M. Radhakrishnan under the banner Aruna Films. Krishnaswamy also served as the cinematographer, while Raghavan was the art director, and R. M. Venugopal was the editor. Raghavachari wrote the dialogues, along with A. K. Velan and Elangovan. Roy Chowdary, Muthuswamy Pillai (Sayee Subbulakshmi) and Gopalakrishnan were in charge of the choreography.[2] The film was processed at AVM Studios.[1]
Soundtrack
Music was composed by G. Ramanathan and lyrics by Udumalai Narayana Kavi, A. Maruthakasi and Mayavaram Vethanayagam Pillai [1]
| No. | Song | Singer | Lyrics | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Thensuvai Mevum Sendhamizh | P. Leela | A. Maruthakasi | 03:09 |
| 2 | Kasikku Pona Karu Undaagum | N. S. Krishnan & T. A. Madhuram | Udumalai Narayana Kavi | 02:33 |
| 3 | Naayagar Pakshamadi | P. A. Peiriya Nayagi & A. P. Komala | Mayavaram Vethanayagam Pillai | 02:54 |
| 4 | Vaadham Vambu Panna Koodadhu | N. S. Krishnan | Udumalai Narayana Kavi | 02:25 |
| 5 | Moolai Veettukulle Mudangi Kidakkira Muniyappa | P. Leela | Udumalai Narayana Kavi | |
| 6 | Jegamengum Pugalongum Veera Dheera Singam | N. S. Krishnan & Thiruchi Loganathan | Udumalai Narayana Kavi | 06:03 |
Reception
The success of Doctor Savithri assisted in establishing Aruna Films as a leading production company in the 1950s Tamil film industry. Film historian Randor Guy stated the film would be remembered for "the interesting storyline, brilliant performance of Anjali Devi and excellent photography of RMK."[2]
References
- 1 2 3 "1955 வெளியான படங்களின் விபரம்| Lakshman Sruthi - 100% Manual Orchestra". lakshmansruthi.com. Retrieved 11 September 2016.
- 1 2 3 4 5 Guy, Randor (4 August 2012). "Blast From The Past — Doctor Savithri: 1955". The Hindu. Retrieved 17 September 2016.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Doctor Savithri (songbook) (in Tamil). Aruna Films. 1955.