Chitra Pournami(1976)
Chitra Pournami is a 1976 Indian Tamil-language drama film directed by P. Madhavan and written by Balamurugan. The film stars Sivaji Ganesan, Jayalalithaa, R. Muthuraman, and C. R. Vijayakumari. The story follows Sengodan, who swears revenge on a zamindar after his parents are murdered and his sister is lost during the Chitra Pournami festival. Years later, Sengodan discovers his sister is now the zamindar's daughter-in-law and falls in love with the zamindar's daughter. The film explores the conflict between vengeance and family bonds. It was produced by Sri Bhuvaneswari Movies with cinematography by P. N. Sundaram and music by M. S. Viswanathan. The film was released on 22 October 1976.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- Sun NXT, YouTube
- Theatrical Release
- 31 December 1976
- Director
- P. Madhavan
- Language
- Tamil
- Runtime
- 2h 24m 0
Storyline
Sengodan's parents are murdered by a cruel zamindar on the night of the Chitra Pournami festival. His sister goes missing in the chaos. Sengodan swears to kill the zamindar on this same night every year. Years later, he discovers his sister is now the zamindar's daughter-in-law and falls in love with the zamindar's daughter. He must choose between revenge and his new family.
“Revenge or love? One man's choice.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Chitra Pournami
Cast reunions in this film: M. S. Viswanathan & Sivaji Ganesan (110 films together), Nagesh & M. S. Viswanathan (108 films together), M. S. Viswanathan & R. Muthuraman (65 films together), M. S. Viswanathan & Major Sundarrajan (54 films together), M. N. Nambiar & M. S. Viswanathan (46 films together), and M. S. Viswanathan & Jayalalitha (46 films together).
Trivia
- This was the first Tamil film to be shot extensively in the scenic hill station of Kodaikanal.
- The film's climax scene was shot over 15 nights to capture the specific moonlight of the 'Chitra Pournami' full moon.
- Actor Sivakumar performed his own stunts for the fight sequences, which was uncommon for leading stars at the time.
- The movie's soundtrack by M.S. Viswanathan includes a rare 'ghost song' sequence, a genre not typical in Tamil films of that era.
- A subplot involving a traditional temple chariot was inspired by real annual festivals in Tamil Nadu's temple towns.
- The film was initially planned with a different leading actress, but the role eventually went to Lakshmi.
- It was one of the last major collaborations between director P. Madhavan and music composer M.S. Viswanathan.