Thiruvilaiyadal(1965)
Thiruvilaiyadal (1965) is a Tamil Hindu mythological film directed and co-produced by A. P. Nagarajan. It stars Sivaji Ganesan as Lord Shiva, with Savitri as Parvati. The film is based on Paranjothi Munivar's Thiruvilaiyadal Puranam, which chronicles Shiva's divine games in Madurai. The narrative follows Shiva testing humans through various incarnations and challenges. K. V. Mahadevan composed the music, with lyrics by Kannadasan and Shankaradas Swamigal. The film was a major critical and commercial success, celebrated for its spiritual depth and visual storytelling. It was released in 1965 and remains a landmark in Tamil cinema.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- YouTube, Eros Now
- Theatrical Release
- 31 July 1965
- Director
- A. P. Nagarajan
- Language
- Tamil
- Runtime
- 2h 55m
- Rating
- 8.6/10
Storyline
Lord Shiva plays divine games to test the faith and humility of people on Earth. He appears as a beggar, a hunter, and a sage to challenge kings, poets, and devotees. Each test reveals the true heart of a person. Will they pass or fail?
“When God plays, everyone learns”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Thiruvilaiyadal
Cast reunions in this film: Nagesh & Sivaji Ganesan (38 films together), Nagesh & K. V. Mahadevan (37 films together), Sivaji Ganesan & K. V. Mahadevan (35 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 originally planned to be shot in colour, but was filmed in black and white due to budget constraints.
- The role of Lord Shiva was played by veteran actor Sivaji Ganesan, who was known for his meticulous preparation for divine roles.
- The famous song 'Kettavarellam' was filmed at the real Palani Hills, adding to the film's authentic feel.
- Director A. P. Nagarajan was known for his mythological films and this was one of his biggest commercial successes.
- The film's script is based on a collection of Tamil folk tales about Lord Shiva's playful interventions.
- It was one of the few films where the popular comedian Nagesh played a serious role, as the poet Dharumi.
- The movie was remade in Hindi as 'Mahadev' in 1989, but was not as successful as the Tamil original.