Gauravam(1973)
Gauravam is a 1973 Indian Tamil-language legal drama film written and directed by Vietnam Veedu Sundaram. The film stars Sivaji Ganesan in a dual role as a barrister and his nephew. It is an adaptation of Sundaram's stage play Kannan Vanthaan. The story follows a brilliant but arrogant lawyer who defends a guilty murderer to prove his power after being denied a judgeship. His nephew opposes him in court, leading to a personal and professional conflict. The film was a commercial success and won Ganesan the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil. It was released on 25 October 1973, Diwali day.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- Amazon Prime Video, YouTube
- Theatrical Release
- 11 December 1973
- Director
- Vietnamveedu Sundaram
- Language
- Tamil
- Runtime
- 2h 16m
- Rating
- 7.5/10
Storyline
A brilliant barrister with an unbeaten record is passed over for a judgeship. To prove his power, he defends a guilty murderer. His nephew, who believes in true justice, opposes him in court. The courtroom becomes a battlefield between family and principle.
“Pride before the fall”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Gauravam
Cast reunions in this film: M. S. Viswanathan & Sivaji Ganesan (110 films together), Nagesh & M. S. Viswanathan (108 films together), M. S. Viswanathan & Major Sundarrajan (54 films together), Nagesh & Major Sundarrajan (43 films together), M. S. Viswanathan & V. K. Ramasamy (40 films together), and Nagesh & Sivaji Ganesan (38 films together).
Trivia
- This was the first Tamil film to feature Rajinikanth in a credited role, though he only appears in a brief scene.
- The film's director, Vietnam Veedu Sundaram, was a well-known art director before turning to filmmaking.
- The movie's title 'Gauravam' means 'pride' or 'prestige' in Tamil, reflecting the protagonist's central conflict.
- It was produced and distributed by the director's own company, Sundaram Productions.
- The film's plot, involving legal corruption, was considered a bold theme for its time in mainstream Tamil cinema.
- Despite its dramatic premise, the film was not a major commercial success upon its initial release.