Thivarutchelvar(1967)
Thivarutchelvar is a 1967 Indian Tamil-language devotional film directed and produced by A. P. Nagarajan. The film stars Sivaji Ganesan in five roles including Sekkizhar, Appar, Sundarar, and Tiru Kurippu Thondar, with Gemini Ganesan as Lord Shiva. Savitri, Padmini, and K. R. Vijaya play supporting roles. The narrative is an episodic collection of stories from the Periya Puranam, depicting Lord Shiva testing the devotion of his Nayanmar followers. Notable sequences include Appar reviving a dead child through song and temple doors opening miraculously. The film was released on 28 July 1967 and ran for 100 days in theatres. It is considered a classic of Tamil devotional cinema.
Quick Facts
- Theatrical Release
- 31 December 1967
- Director
- A. P. Nagarajan
- Language
- Tamil 0
Storyline
A king writes the lives of 63 Shaiva saints. The film shows how Lord Shiva tested these devotees through miracles and hardships. A saint brings a dead child back to life. Another devotee cuts his own flesh to feed a beggar who is actually God. A wedding is stopped by God himself. The stories show that true faith overcomes all obstacles.
“Five roles, one God, endless miracles.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Thivarutchelvar
Cast reunions in this film: Sivaji Ganesan & K. V. Mahadevan (35 films together), Sivaji Ganesan & R. Muthuraman (19 films together), K. V. Mahadevan & R. Muthuraman (17 films together), Sivaji Ganesan & Savitri (16 films together), K. V. Mahadevan & A. P. Nagarajan (14 films together), and K. V. Mahadevan & Savitri (14 films together).
Trivia
- The film was based on the life of the 9th-century Tamil poet-saint Manikkavacakar.
- It was one of the few films where actor Sivaji Ganesan played a king who becomes a saint.
- The movie featured over 50 songs composed by K. V. Mahadevan, an unusually high number.
- It was shot in the studio with elaborate painted backdrops to create a mythological look.
- The film's success led to more devotional films from director A. P. Nagarajan.
- It was released during a period when devotional films were major box office draws in Tamil cinema.