Deivacheyal(1967)
Deivacheyal is a 1967 Indian Tamil-language drama film directed by M. G. Balu and produced by Sandow M. M. A. Chinnappa Thevar. The cast includes Major Sundarrajan, R. Muthuraman, and Bharathi Vishnuvardhan. The story follows a circus owner who forms a deep bond with his animals after they save his life. His son and daughter-in-law force him to choose between them and the animals. The film features real trained elephants, lions, and a rhinoceros. It received praise for the animal performances but was not a commercial success. It later inspired the Hindi hit Haathi Mere Saathi (1971) and the Tamil remake Nalla Neram (1972). The film was released on 23 June 1967.
Quick Facts
- Theatrical Release
- 31 December 1967
- Director
- M. G. Balu
- Language
- Tamil 0
Storyline
A circus owner named Major loves his animals more than his own family. His son and daughter-in-law demand he sell them. When he refuses, they throw him out of the house. Major must rebuild his life with only his animals by his side.
“Love can heal any wound.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Deivacheyal
Cast reunions in this film: Major Sundarrajan & R. Muthuraman (20 films together), Bharathi & Major Sundarrajan (3 films together), and R. Muthuraman & Dandayudhapani Films (2 films together).
Trivia
- The film's director M. G. Balu was also a noted music composer, but for this film, the music was scored by the duo M. S. Viswanathan and T. K. Ramamoorthy.
- Major Sundarrajan, known for his stern character roles, played a rare, emotionally soft lead part as the elephant-loving hero.
- The movie was filmed with real elephants, requiring special safety measures and trainers on set during production.
- It was released during a period when Tamil cinema often featured stories about human relationships with animals, like 'Kadhalikka Neramillai' (1964) with a dog.
- The conflict between a wife and animals for a man's affection was an unusual domestic drama theme for its time.
- The film's title 'Deiva Cheyal' translates to 'Divine Hand', symbolizing fate or intervention in the story.
- While not a major commercial hit, the film is remembered for Major Sundarrajan's dedicated performance and its emotional storyline.