Pazhani(1965)
Pazhani is a 1965 Indian Tamil-language drama film directed by A. Bhimsingh. The lead cast includes Sivaji Ganesan, Devika, S. S. Rajendran, and R. Muthuraman. The story follows Pazhani, an honest farmer who fights to keep his ancestral land from a greedy landlord named Pannaiyar. The film depicts the struggles of rural life, family bonds, and the conflict between honesty and corruption. It is a remake of the 1962 Kannada film Bhoodana. Pazhani won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil under the Certificate of Merit category. The film was released on 14 January 1965 and received critical praise for its realistic storytelling.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- YouTube, ZEE5
- Theatrical Release
- 31 December 1965
- Director
- A. Bhimsingh
- Language
- Tamil
- Runtime
- 2h 55m
- Rating
- 7.5/10
Storyline
Pazhani is a poor farmer who loves his land more than anything. A rich landlord uses fake documents to steal that land. Pazhani must fight a corrupt system to get back what belongs to his family. His honesty is tested, his family breaks apart, and he almost loses everything. But the truth finds a way to win.
“Some fights are worth losing everything for.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Pazhani
Cast reunions in this film: M. S. Viswanathan & Sivaji Ganesan (110 films together), Nagesh & M. S. Viswanathan (108 films together), M. S. Viswanathan & R. Muthuraman (65 films together), Nagesh & R. Muthuraman (43 films together), Nagesh & Sivaji Ganesan (38 films together), and Sivaji Ganesan & R. Muthuraman (19 films together).
Trivia
- The film's story was written by G. V. Iyer, who later became the first filmmaker to receive the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Kannada.
- It was one of the few films where Sivaji Ganesan shared the screen with his contemporary and fellow leading actor S. S. Rajendran in a major role.
- The movie's climax was reportedly shot at the actual Pazhani Murugan Temple, adding to its devotional authenticity.
- Composer Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy included a rare 'Thillana' in Carnatic style for a dance sequence, which was uncommon in mainstream Tamil films then.
- Despite being a drama, the film featured comedian Nagesh in a significant role, showcasing his range beyond pure comedy.
- The film was released on Thai Pongal day (January 14), a strategic date to align with its cultural and festival themes.
- Director A. Bhimsingh, known for his family dramas, collaborated with dialogue writer M. S. Solaimani for the first time on this project.