Thavaputhalvan(1972)
Thavaputhalvan is a 1972 Indian Tamil-language drama film directed by Muktha Srinivasan. The film stars Sivaji Ganesan as Nirmal, a wealthy musician who hides his night blindness from everyone. K. R. Vijaya plays Radha, his loving partner, and Jayachitra plays Vimala, the dancer who blackmails him. The story follows Nirmal as he struggles to maintain his independence and his relationship while being exploited. The film is notable for its emotional depth and the realistic portrayal of a hidden disability. It was a box office hit, running for 100 days in theatres. The music was composed by M. S. Viswanathan with lyrics by Kannadasan and Vaali.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- Sun NXT, YouTube
- Theatrical Release
- 31 December 1972
- Director
- Mukta V. Srinivasan
- Language
- Tamil
- Rating
- 6.6/10
Storyline
A proud musician from a rich family chooses to work as a hotel orchestra player. He develops night blindness and keeps it a secret. A dancer discovers his condition and blackmails him. His lover senses something wrong but does not know the truth. He must choose between his pride and the people who love him.
“A secret darker than the night”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Thavaputhalvan
Cast reunions in this film: M. S. Viswanathan & Sivaji Ganesan (110 films together), K. R. Vijaya & M. S. Viswanathan (69 films together), K. R. Vijaya & Sivaji Ganesan (32 films together), M. S. Viswanathan & Pandari Bai (20 films together), M. S. Viswanathan & Mukta V. Srinivasan (17 films together), and Mukta V. Srinivasan & Muktha Films (17 films together).
Trivia
- The film's title 'Thavaputhalvan' translates to 'The Man Who Sells Himself', hinting at the protagonist's secret struggle.
- This was one of the few Tamil films where actor Sivakumar played a character with a physical disability.
- The movie featured music by the renowned composer M.S. Viswanathan, known for his work in over a thousand films.
- Director Muktha Srinivasan was also a successful producer and co-founded the influential Muktha Films banner.
- The story's focus on night blindness brought a rare medical condition into mainstream Tamil cinema of the era.
- Actress Jayalalithaa, a major star, was initially considered for the female lead before other casting decisions were made.
- The film was released during a period when social dramas with musical backdrops were popular in South Indian cinema.