Mahakavi Kalidas(1966)
Mahakavi Kalidas is a 1966 Indian Tamil-language biographical film produced and directed by R. R. Chandran. It stars Sivaji Ganesan in a dual role as Chinnaiah and the poet Kalidas, alongside Sowcar Janaki, R. Muthuraman, and L. Vijayalakshmi. The film is based on legends surrounding the life of the ancient Sanskrit poet Kalidasa. It follows an uneducated village boy who receives the gift of poetry from the goddess Kali and becomes a celebrated court poet. The story explores his rise, fall, and redemption through love and humility. The film features music composed by K. V. Mahadevan with lyrics by Kannadasan and Ku. Ma. Balasubramaniam. It was praised by Kalki magazine for its songs and cast performances. The film released on 19 August 1966.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- ZEE5, YouTube
- Theatrical Release
- 1 January 1966
- Director
- R. R. Chandran
- Language
- Tamil
- Runtime
- 2h 23m
- Rating
- 7.8/10
Storyline
A simple, uneducated village boy named Chinnaiah is mocked as a fool. He prays to the goddess Kali and is blessed with the gift of poetry, becoming the brilliant poet Kalidas. But his arrogance and a misunderstanding with his wife threaten to destroy everything he has gained.
“From fool to immortal poet.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Mahakavi Kalidas
Cast reunions in this film: Nagesh & R. Muthuraman (43 films together), Nagesh & Sivaji Ganesan (38 films together), Nagesh & K. V. Mahadevan (37 films together), Sivaji Ganesan & K. V. Mahadevan (35 films together), Sivaji Ganesan & V. K. Ramasamy (31 films together), and Nagesh & V. K. Ramasamy (24 films together).
Trivia
- The film was shot in both Tamil and Telugu simultaneously, with Sivaji Ganesan playing Kalidas in both versions.
- It was one of the earliest Tamil films to extensively use special effects, like the magical appearance of the goddess Kali.
- The story is based on legends, but the real poet Kalidas likely lived centuries earlier than the film's implied time period.
- Lyricist Kannadasan wrote the songs, with music by K. V. Mahadevan, creating a classic soundtrack.
- The film's elaborate sets and costumes were noted for their historical and mythological grandeur at the time.
- It was a major box office success, cementing Sivaji Ganesan's status as a versatile 'method actor' in Tamil cinema.
- The role of Princess Vidyotama was played by Padmini, a famous dancer, who performed intricate classical dance sequences.