Maattukara Velan(1970)
Maattukara Velan is a 1970 Indian Tamil-language action drama film directed by Pa. Neelakandhan. It stars M. G. Ramachandran in a dual role as Velan and Raghu, alongside Jayalalithaa and Lakshmi. The film follows a cowherd who protects his cattle and gets entangled with a corrupt chairman. It is a remake of the 1966 Kannada film Emme Thammanna. The film features music composed by K. V. Mahadevan with lyrics by Kannadasan and Vaali. It was released on 14 January 1970 and ran for 175 days in theatres.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- YouTube, Airtel Xstream Play
- Theatrical Release
- 14 January 1970
- Director
- P. Neelakantan
- Language
- Tamil 0
Storyline
A simple cowherd named Velan loves his cattle deeply. When he beats the chairman's arrogant daughter for hurting his cows, he becomes a target. He must survive the chairman's wrath while navigating a case of mistaken identity with a lookalike. Love and justice hang in the balance.
“A cowherd fights for love and justice”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Maattukara Velan
Cast reunions in this film: K. V. Mahadevan & M. G. Ramachandran (31 films together), M. G. Ramachandran & Jayalalitha (26 films together), K. V. Mahadevan & Jayalalitha (16 films together), M. G. Ramachandran & P. Neelakantan (16 films together), Jayalalitha & P. Neelakantan (8 films together), and K. V. Mahadevan & P. Neelakantan (6 films together).
Trivia
- The film's title character Velan was inspired by a popular folk hero from Tamil Nadu's Kongu region.
- This was one of the few films where actor M.G. Ramachandran played a dual role as both Velan and the lawyer Raghu.
- The movie was shot simultaneously in Tamil as 'Mattukara Velan' and in Telugu as 'Jeevitha Chakram'.
- Director P. Neelakantan was known for social dramas, but this film leaned more into comedy and mistaken identity.
- The song 'Aasaiye Alai Paayum' by T.M. Soundararajan became a hit and is still remembered.
- The film's plot of a commoner impersonating a lawyer allowed for social commentary on class differences.
- It was produced by AVM Productions, one of the oldest and most successful studios in Indian cinema.