Kudiyirundha Koyil(1968)
'Kudiyirundha Koyil' is a 1968 Indian Tamil-language spy film directed by K. Shankar. The film stars M. G. Ramachandran in a dual role as Anand and Sekhar, alongside Jayalalithaa and Rajasree. The story follows twin brothers separated in childhood, with one becoming a criminal and the other a dancer. It is a remake of the 1962 Hindi film 'China Town'. The film was a commercial success, running for over 100 days in theatres. MGR won his first Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actor for his performance. The soundtrack, composed by M. S. Viswanathan, features the hit song 'Thulluvadho Ilamai'.
Quick Facts
- Theatrical Release
- 14 March 1968
- Director
- K. Shankar
- Language
- Tamil
- Runtime
- 2h 27m
- Rating
- 7.5/10
Storyline
Twin brothers Sekhar and Anand are separated as children after a tragedy. Sekhar is kidnapped and raised as a criminal named Babu. Anand grows up to be a club dancer. Years later, the police ask Anand to impersonate his criminal brother to infiltrate a gang. Anand discovers the truth and must reunite his family.
“Two brothers. One face. One destiny.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Kudiyirundha Koyil
Cast reunions in this film: Nagesh & M. S. Viswanathan (108 films together), M. S. Viswanathan & Major Sundarrajan (54 films together), M. N. Nambiar & M. S. Viswanathan (46 films together), M. S. Viswanathan & Jayalalitha (46 films together), Nagesh & Major Sundarrajan (43 films together), and M. S. Viswanathan & V. K. Ramasamy (40 films together).
Trivia
- This film was a remake of the 1967 Hindi movie 'Ram Aur Shyam', which itself was inspired by the 1961 Telugu film 'Iddaru Mitrulu'.
- It was one of the few Tamil films where actor Muthuraman played a dual role, portraying both the gentle Anand and the tough Sekhar.
- The movie's hit song 'Kadavul Ullam' was composed by M.S. Viswanathan and T.K. Ramamoorthy, with lyrics by Kannadasan.
- Director K. Shankar was known for his successful remakes of Hindi films into Tamil, and this was one of his notable projects in that style.
- The film's plot of twins separated at birth and leading opposite lives became a popular template for many later Tamil masala films.
- Actress Jayalalithaa, who played the female lead, was reportedly paid a high salary for her role, reflecting her star power at the time.