50 Tamil Movies to watch before you die – 11
The Tamil history is full of legends, interesting anecdotes and wonderful heroic stories. But the number of historical movies and Historical fictions is very minimal. The ones which came are either skewed or executed in the worst possible way. I think there will be only two movies in this genre.in my list. The one which I consider the perfect movie in Tamil, didn’t do well in the box office too.. (it will be featured in the later part of the series)
During the 50s and 60s, there were lot of historicals featuring the freedom fighters from Tamil Nadu. Veerapandiya Kattabomman, Sivagangai Seemai, Raja Desingu were some of them and worst of all came in 1973 – Raja Raja Chozhan. The problem with all the historical movies were it gives you an skewed perspective and not the true history. All movies tried to glorify the lead characters rather than giving out the true to life depictions. I think that’s were Chinese and Hollywood movies score a point.
Kappalotiya Thamizhan
One historical which came close to be a true depiction was Kappalotiya Thamizhan, a biopic depicting the life V.O. Chidambaram, who fought an economic and business based war against the British. I said came close, because they had a lot of extra fictitious characters who may or may not have lived.
V.O.Chidambaram Pillai aka VOC ( Sivaji Ganesan) is an ardent nationalist and owner of a salt factory. On seeing that, Indians are discriminated in the ports and not allowed to export through ships, he starts the Swadeshi Steam Navigation Company ( and hence the name Kappalotiya Thamizhan). As the British see the economic war, more dangerous than the ahimsa war, they confiscate VOC’s company and put him in jail. The movie depicts the struggle VOC went through in the jail and he writing his autobiography etc.
The movie not only focuses on VOC but also his interactions with the revolutionary Tamil poets Bharathiyar (a memorable performance by SV Subbaiah), Subramania Siva (TS Shanmugam) and other national leaders. It also depicts the other important moments of independence happened at that time, like the Vanchinathan – Collector Ash incident (K.Balaji as Vanchinathan was fantastic).
I could not understand the characterizations of Madasami and his wife ( Gemini Ganesh and Savithri) because there are no references of them in the history. They get a considerable screen presence and I think they were included to provide the lighter moments of a very tight serious drama. Madasami acts as the only link between Vanchinathan and VOC, who otherwise had not met in the history. Most of the websites claim that Gemini Ganesh was Vanchinathan and of course it is not true.
The movie was directed by BR Panthulu with Sivaji Ganesan, Rukmini, Gemini Ganesh, Savithri, SV Subbaiah, TS Shanmugam, K. Balaji as actors. The music was done by G Ramanathan and produced by Padmini Pictures.
Why it is so Special?
1. The memorable acting of Sivaji. Although people remember him as Kattabomman and Karnan, he himself loves VOC more than anything else. In every interview, he claims that this was the toughest and the most favorite of all. And you will know it only when you see it.
2. The supporting cast was equally awesome too. The court scene were SV Subbaiah counters the British lawyer and the collector office scene of TS Shanmugam bears testimony to their talent. Although subdued, Rukmini as VOC’s wife was wonderful.
3. The music and the lyrics. All the songs in the movie was from Bharathiyar’s poems. Only a few movies have all the songs written by Bharathi. The other two that I can remember now – Ezhavathu Manithan and Bharathi ( the autobiography). It was G.Ramanathan’s best (Kaatru Veliyidai Kannamma and Yendru Thaniyum indha Sudandhira Thagam are masterpieces still remembered)
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4. A true biographical account well taken and rightly screen played.
Why it is in the list?
1. The historical movies of those times were totally skewed. Veera Pandiya Kattabomman ( incidentally made by BR Pantulu) and Sivagangai Seemai were one of the most skewed historical depictions. Although this movie had a lot of extra characters added, it was true to life when it came to VOC. They even skip the few years before his death, because they could not get enough information about that part of his life.
2. One of the best when it comes to historical biographies in Tamil Movies.
3. For Sivaji Ganesan – once again.
Trivia
1. Although a good movie, it ran only for a week when it was released for the first time even after giving a tax exemption. It did well in the sub-sequent reruns.
2. VOC is the most favourite role of Sivaji Ganesan and he reportedly said that he had difficult time doing it.
3. SS Gallia and SS Lawoe are the two ships bought by VOC to start his Swadeshi Steam Navigation Company
4. Padmini Pictures was the production company of BR Panthulu and produced famous blockbusters like Veerapandiya Kattabomman, Karnan, Kalyanam Panniyum Brahmachari. The last recorded movie produced by them was Rahasiya Police 115 in 1968.
For more info about VOC and the movie peek in to the following link. This link has wonderful info about famous Tamils.
http://www.tamilnation.org/hundredtamils/voc.htm
PS: Its pity that his family is in road side now. Do we really respect the families which sacrificed for our country?
Related posts:
- 50 Tamil Movies to watch before you die-9
- 50 Tamil Movies to watch before you die – 5
- 50 Tamil Movies to watch before you Die- 1
- 50 Tamil Movies to watch before you die-3
- 50 Tamil Movies to watch before you die – 6
Facebook comments:
Kapal Ottiya Thamizhan was/is an awesome movie. I saw it on DD way back in the late 80s, when as kids we tend to be more ideal :-) The songs make one's hair stand up. And rightly said, it was Chevalier Sivaji Ganesan's fav portrayal. It is pathetic how our true leaders families suffer later on, Gulzarilal Nanda was another such Gandhian who tied a simpleton. Great post and great site.
Thanks Vatsa for the comment. There are lot of people who came to know about VOC because of the movie. I think we have forgotten those leaders who fought for our freedom. Its a pity.
Hi Bro, I think you have missed "Pattinathar" movie. It is also the movie to watch before you die.
What about “Avvaiyar’ movie? Please add this movie too.