Panathukkaga(1974)
Panathukkaga (1974) is a Tamil-language drama film directed and produced by M.S. Senthil. The cast includes Sivakumar, Jayachitra, Kamal Haasan, and Ennatha Kannaiya. The story follows Ramesh, a journalist who accepts money from a criminal to write fake news. His greed leads to the murder of his best friend, a police constable. The film explores the destructive power of money on personal relationships. It was released in black and white on December 6, 1974, in India. The film is noted for its moral lesson about integrity and the consequences of corruption.
Quick Facts
- Theatrical Release
- 31 December 1974
- Director
- M. S. Senthil
- Language
- Tamil
- Runtime
- 2h 13m 0
Storyline
A poor journalist named Ramesh takes a deal from a wealthy criminal to write false news stories. His sudden wealth strains his friendships and his relationship with his girlfriend. When his honest police officer friend investigates the criminal, it leads to tragedy. Ramesh must choose between his money and his conscience.
“How far will you go for money?”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Panathukkaga
Cast reunions in this film: M. S. Viswanathan & Thengai Srinivasan (57 films together), Kamal Haasan & M. S. Viswanathan (28 films together), M. S. Viswanathan & Sivakumar (26 films together), Kamal Haasan & Thengai Srinivasan (23 films together), Sripriya & M. S. Viswanathan (22 films together), and Sripriya & Kamal Haasan (19 films together).
Trivia
- This was the only film directed by M. S. Senthil, who was primarily known as a producer.
- The film's music was composed by Shankar–Ganesh, marking one of their earlier works in Tamil cinema.
- Actor Sivakumar played the journalist hero, a role type he was becoming popular for in the early 1970s.
- The movie was released the same year as the blockbuster 'Naan Avanillai', which starred the same leading actress, Jayalalithaa.
- The plot revolves around a journalist fighting corruption, a common theme in Tamil films of that era reflecting social issues.
- Despite the star cast, the film is not widely remembered today and had a modest box office performance.
- The title 'Panathukkaga' translates to 'For the Cause', hinting at the protagonist's journalistic mission.