Uyarndha Manidhan(1968)
Uyarndha Manithan is a 1968 Indian Tamil-language drama film directed by Krishnan–Panju. It stars Sivaji Ganesan as Rajalingam and Sowcar Janaki as Vimala, with S. A. Ashokan, Major Sundarrajan, Vanisri, and Sivakumar in supporting roles. The story follows Raju, the son of a wealthy industrialist, who secretly marries Parvathi, only for his father to discover the marriage and set the estate on fire with her inside. Nineteen years later, Raju unknowingly hires his own son as a servant, leading to a dramatic reunion. The film won the National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer for P. Susheela and four Tamil Nadu State Film Awards, including Best Film. It was released on 29 November 1968 and completed a theatrical run of over 125 days.
Quick Facts
- Theatrical Release
- 31 December 1968
- Director
- Krishnan-Panju
- Language
- Tamil
- Runtime
- 2h 30m
- Rating
- 7.5/10
Storyline
A wealthy industrialist's son secretly marries a poor woman against his father's wishes. When his father discovers the marriage, he burns down the estate with the pregnant wife inside. Nineteen years later, the son unknowingly hires his own child as a servant, setting the stage for a shocking revelation.
“A father's cruelty. A son's sacrifice.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Uyarndha Manidhan
Cast reunions in this film: M. S. Viswanathan & Sivaji Ganesan (110 films together), M. S. Viswanathan & Manorama (63 films together), M. S. Viswanathan & Major Sundarrajan (54 films together), M. S. Viswanathan & V. K. Ramasamy (40 films together), Sivaji Ganesan & Major Sundarrajan (38 films together), and Sivaji Ganesan & Manorama (32 films together).
Trivia
- The film was a remake of the Bengali movie 'Uttar Purush', but the director duo Krishnan-Panju adapted it heavily for Tamil audiences.
- Sivaji Ganesan's powerful performance in the climax court scene is often cited as a masterclass in acting by critics.
- The movie's success helped solidify the popularity of the 'rich man-poor girl' romance trope in Tamil cinema of that era.
- Actress Sowcar Janaki, who played a key role, was already a well-established star in multiple Indian languages by this time.
- The film's soundtrack by Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy was a major hit, with songs like 'Naan Paadum Paadal' remaining popular.
- It was one of the few films where Sivaji Ganesan's character faces severe legal and social consequences, deviating from typical hero narratives.
- The title 'Uyarndha Manidhan' translates to 'Exalted Human', reflecting the moral stature of the protagonist despite his struggles.