Babu(1971)
'Babu' is a 1971 Indian Tamil-language drama film directed by A. C. Tirulokchandar. The film stars Sivaji Ganesan, Sowcar Janaki, Vennira Aadai Nirmala, and Sivakumar. It follows an orphaned rickshaw puller who adopts his landlord's daughter after the landlord's death, facing societal prejudice while raising her. The film is a remake of the Malayalam film 'Odayil Ninnu', based on P. Kesavadev's novel. 'Babu' was a commercial blockbuster, running for over 100 days in theatres. The music, composed by M. S. Viswanathan, includes the popular song 'Idho Endhan Deivam'. The film was released in 1971.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- Amazon Prime Video, YouTube
- Theatrical Release
- 18 October 1971
- Director
- A. C. Tirulokchandar
- Language
- Tamil
- Runtime
- 2h 26m
- Rating
- 7.5/10
Storyline
An orphaned rickshaw puller named Babu loses his only love and gives up on life. A kind engineer takes him in, but dies soon after. Babu promises to raise the engineer's daughter as his own and make her a graduate. He faces gossip, poverty, and his own insecurities to fulfill that promise.
“A rickshaw puller's love knows no class”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Babu
Cast reunions in this film: M. S. Viswanathan & Sivaji Ganesan (110 films together), M. S. Viswanathan & A. C. Tirulokchandar (30 films together), Sivaji Ganesan & A. C. Tirulokchandar (22 films together), M. S. Viswanathan & Vennira Aadai Nirmala (15 films together), Sivaji Ganesan & Vennira Aadai Nirmala (3 films together), and A. C. Tirulokchandar & Cine Bharath (3 films together).
Trivia
- The film was initially titled 'Kammo' after the female lead, but was later renamed 'Babu' to highlight the hero's role.
- It was one of the few films where actor Sivaji Ganesan played a character named 'Babu', a name more commonly associated with his contemporary M.G. Ramachandran's roles.
- The movie's music was composed by M.S. Viswanathan, but the popular song 'Kannil Enna' was actually re-used from his earlier Telugu film 'Rangula Ratnam' (1966).
- Actress Jayalalithaa was originally considered for the female lead, but the role eventually went to new actress Jayasudha, marking her Tamil debut.
- The film's plot dealing with rape and revenge was considered bold and controversial for mainstream Tamil cinema in the early 1970s.
- Director A.C. Tirulokchandar and Sivaji Ganesan collaborated frequently, but this was one of their lesser-known works compared to hits like 'Sivandha Mann'.
- Despite the serious theme, the film included a comedy track featuring actors Nagesh and Thengai Srinivasan to provide light relief.