Arasa Kattalai(1967)
Arasa Kattalai is a 1967 Indian Tamil-language historical action film written and directed by M. G. Chakrapani. It stars M. G. Ramachandran as Vijayan, with B. Saroja Devi and Jayalalithaa in leading roles. The story follows a king who commits suicide after believing he committed a terrible fault, naming a common man named Vijayan as his successor. A perfidious minister plots to seize the throne and sabotages Vijayan's efforts to give power back to the people. The film features music by K. V. Mahadevan, with songs 'Aadi Vaa' and 'Vettaiyadu Vilayaadu' becoming chartbusters. Jayalalithaa earned the title 'Kavarchi Kanni' for her performance. The film was released on 19 May 1967 and ran for 10 weeks in theatres, but was not commercially successful.
Quick Facts
- Theatrical Release
- 19 May 1967
- Director
- M. G. Chakrapani
- Language
- Tamil
- Runtime
- 2h 41m
- Rating
- 7.5/10
Storyline
A guilt-ridden king takes his own life, but before dying he orders a fearless knight named Vijayan to become the next ruler and give power back to the people. A treacherous minister, who wanted the throne for himself, plots to destroy Vijayan. Vijayan must fight the minister's schemes and a secret army to fulfill the king's order.
“One man's promise to save a kingdom.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Arasa Kattalai
Cast reunions in this film: Nagesh & K. V. Mahadevan (37 films together), M. N. Nambiar & M. G. Ramachandran (37 films together), K. V. Mahadevan & M. G. Ramachandran (31 films together), Nagesh & M. N. Nambiar (27 films together), Nagesh & M. G. Ramachandran (24 films together), and Saroja Devi & M. G. Ramachandran (24 films together).
Trivia
- This was the only Tamil film directed by M. G. Chakrapani, who was primarily a producer and studio owner.
- The film's music was composed by the renowned duo Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy, who scored many hits in the 1960s.
- Actor Muthuraman, who played the lead role Vijayan, was a major star known for his 'everyman' roles in social dramas.
- The story is based on a stage play, which was a common source for films in that era.
- The film was produced and released under the banner of Chakrapani's own studio, Jupiter Pictures.
- It featured the popular supporting actor Nagesh, known for his comedy roles, in a key part.
- The conflict between a righteous commoner and a scheming minister reflects classic themes of duty and ambition in Tamil cinema.