Chandhrodhayam(1966)
Chandhrodhayam is a 1966 Indian Tamil-language romantic comedy film directed by K. Shankar. The film stars M. G. Ramachandran as Chandran and J. Jayalalithaa as Devi, with M. N. Nambiar, M. R. Radha, and Nagesh in supporting roles. The story follows a runaway heiress who is rescued by an honest reporter, leading to romance and a battle against a corrupt newspaper editor. Inspired by the 1934 American film It Happened One Night, the film blends humour with social commentary on journalistic ethics. Jayalalithaa won the Tamil Nadu Cinema Fan Award for Best Actress for her performance. The soundtrack by M. S. Viswanathan features popular songs like 'Chandrodayam Oru Pennanatho' and 'Kaasikku Pogum Sanyasi'. The film was released on 27 May 1966.
Quick Facts
- Theatrical Release
- 27 May 1966
- Director
- K. Shankar
- Language
- Tamil
- Runtime
- 2h 25m
- Rating
- 7.5/10
Storyline
A rich heiress named Devi runs away from home to avoid an arranged marriage. Lost and alone, she meets Chandran, a kind reporter who offers her shelter. Chandran must protect her from her angry father while also fighting his greedy editor and a cruel rich man who hurt another woman. Love and danger collide.
“A runaway heiress. A brave reporter. A moonrise of love.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Chandhrodhayam
Cast reunions in this film: Nagesh & M. S. Viswanathan (108 films together), M. S. Viswanathan & Manorama (63 films together), M. N. Nambiar & M. S. Viswanathan (46 films together), M. S. Viswanathan & Jayalalitha (46 films together), Nagesh & Manorama (39 films together), and M. N. Nambiar & M. G. Ramachandran (37 films together).
Trivia
- The film was inspired by the 1934 Hollywood classic 'It Happened One Night', but adapted for a Tamil family audience.
- This was the first Tamil film to be shot in the picturesque hill station of Kodaikanal, setting a trend for location shoots.
- The movie's hit song 'Kannil Enna' was composed by the duo Viswanathan–Ramamurthy, who were at their peak popularity.
- Lead actor Ravichandran was a major star from Kannada cinema, making this a notable Tamil debut for him.
- Director K. Shankar was known for his comedies, and this film marked a shift to a more romantic, dramatic style for him.
- The film's success helped establish actress Jayalalithaa as a leading lady beyond her initial 'glamour' roles.
- It was one of the early Tamil films to use the 'road trip' narrative structure to bring two contrasting characters together.