Kanavan(1968)
Kanavan is a 1968 Indian Tamil-language drama film directed by P. Neelakantan. The film stars M. G. Ramachandran and Jayalalithaa in lead roles, with S. A. Ashokan, R. S. Manohar, and Cho Ramaswamy in supporting parts. The story follows Vellaiya, a man falsely accused of murder and sentenced to death, who marries a wealthy woman named Rani to help her secure her inheritance. The narrative draws inspiration from the Russian novel 'Woodcutter' and Shakespeare's 'The Taming of the Shrew'. The film was produced by Sadayappan under the banner Valli Films, with music composed by M. S. Viswanathan. It was released on 15 August 1968 and ran for 152 minutes in black-and-white format. The film is notable for its blend of social commentary and romantic comedy, and it remains a popular entry in MGR's filmography.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- Sun NXT, JioTV, Airtel Xstream Play, Plex, YouTube
- Theatrical Release
- 15 August 1968
- Director
- P. Neelakantan
- Language
- Tamil
- Runtime
- 2h 32m 0
Storyline
An innocent man named Vellaiya is sentenced to death for a murder he did not commit. A wealthy young woman named Rani must marry immediately to inherit her father's fortune. She chooses to marry Vellaiya in prison. When he is unexpectedly freed, he must teach his new wife the value of hard work and true love.
“A husband's lesson in love and life.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Kanavan
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), Manorama & Jayalalitha (14 films together), and Manorama & K. V. Mahadevan (13 films together).
Trivia
- The film was shot in black and white, a common style for the era, but was notable for its dramatic use of lighting in key scenes.
- It was one of the few films where actor M. G. Ramachandran (MGR) played a character falsely accused of a serious crime, deviating from his usual invincible hero roles.
- The movie's climax was reportedly filmed at a real, historic courthouse in Madras to add authenticity to the trial scenes.
- Actress Jayalalithaa, who played Rani, was already a major star, but this was one of her earlier dramatic roles following her successful pairing with MGR.
- The soundtrack by composer M. S. Viswanathan included a hit song, 'Aasai Irukkudhu', which became popular for its lyrical yearning.
- Director P. Neelakantan was known for social dramas, and this film highlighted themes of injustice and sudden loss of wealth.
- The film's release coincided with a period where courtroom dramas were gaining popularity in Tamil cinema, influencing its narrative structure.