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Thiru Neellagandar(1972)

Tamil• mins•

Thiruneelakandar is a 1972 Indian Tamil-language biographical film directed by C. P. Jambulingam. The film stars T. R. Mahalingam as the titular devotee, with Sowcar Janaki, R. S. Manohar, M. Bhanumathi, and Gandhimathi in supporting roles. The story follows a potter who transforms from an agnostic into a devoted follower of Lord Shiva, faces personal turmoil after an extramarital affair, and undergoes a divine test. The screenplay and lyrics were penned by Kannadasan and Panchu Arunachalam, with music composed by C. N. Pandurangan. The film is notable for its devotional theme and strong performances, particularly Mahalingam's portrayal of the conflicted saint. It was released on 3 June 1972.

Director:Jambulingam
Mood:
emotionalinspiringdark
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Where to watch:
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Quick Facts

Theatrical Release
31 December 1972
Director
Jambulingam
Language
Tamil
0

Storyline

A potter who once mocked God becomes a passionate devotee of Lord Shiva. After an affair destroys his marriage, he vows to never touch a woman again. As he grows old and lonely, a mysterious hermit arrives to test the strength of his faith and love.

“From doubt to devotion, a potter's journey”

Film Details

Minutes
TamilLanguage
UCertificate
Release Date31 December 1972

Parental Guide

Violence
Low
Language
Low
Sex / Nudity
Mild
Drugs
Mild
Intensity
Low

Vibe & Tags

Mood
emotionalinspiringdark
Themes
identityfamilyjusticecorruption
Toneserious
Pacingslow-burn
Complexitymoderate
Audiencefamily
Best Withfamily
Violence2
Emotion4
Humor1
Rewatchability3

Cast & Crew

#1
T
T. R. MahalingamActor
→#2
Sowcar Janaki, Actor in Thiru Neellagandar
Sowcar JanakiActor
→#3
R. S. Manohar, Actor in Thiru Neellagandar
R. S. ManoharActor
→#4
C
C. N. PandurangamMusic Composer
→#5
J
JambulingamDirector
→#6
S
Suderkodi FilmsProducer
→

Reunion Meter

Frequent partnerships reunited for Thiru Neellagandar

Cast reunions in this film: Sowcar Janaki & R. S. Manohar (3 films together), and R. S. Manohar & Jambulingam (2 films together).

Sowcar Janaki
Sowcar JanakiActor
3rd time
R. S. Manohar
R. S. ManoharActor
Sowcar Janaki × R. S. Manohar — 3 films together →
R. S. Manohar
R. S. ManoharActor
2nd time
J
JambulingamDirector
R. S. Manohar × Jambulingam — 2 films together →

Trivia

  • The film is a rare biopic on Tirunilakanta Nayanar, one of the 63 Shaivite saints (Nayanars) revered in Tamil tradition.
  • Lyricist Kannadasan, a rationalist, wrote spiritual songs for this film, which was unusual for his career.
  • Lead actor T.R. Mahalingam was primarily a famous Carnatic musician, making his acting role here a notable shift.
  • The film's music director C.N. Pandurangan was better known as a violinist in M.S. Viswanathan's orchestra.
  • It was produced by K. Selvaraj, who was also a prominent film distributor in the Tamil industry at the time.
  • The movie was released the same year as the landmark 'Nathayil Muthu', showcasing diverse genres in Tamil cinema that year.

Frequently Asked Questions