Poompuhar(1964)
Poompuhar is a 1964 Indian Tamil-language epic film directed by P. Neelakantan and written by M. Karunanidhi. The film stars C. R. Vijayakumari as Kannagi, S. S. Rajendran as Kovalan, Rajasree as Madhavi, and K. B. Sundarambal as Gavundhi Adigal. It is the second film adaptation of the ancient Tamil epic Cilappatikaram, following Kannagi (1942). The story is set in the ancient Tamil kingdoms of Chola, Pandya, and Chera, and follows the tragic love story of Kannagi and Kovalan. The film is noted for its grand sets, lavish production design, and powerful performances. The Indian Express called it an ambitious motion picture in the grand tradition of screen spectacle. The music was composed by R. Sudarsanam. Poompuhar was released on 18 September 1964 and distributed by SSR Pictures in Madras.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- YouTube
- Theatrical Release
- 1 January 1964
- Director
- P. Neelakantan
- Language
- Tamil
- Runtime
- 2h 14m
- Rating
- 7.5/10
Storyline
A wealthy merchant named Kovalan loses everything to a courtesan. He returns to his faithful wife Kannagi. They travel to a new city to sell her ruby anklets. But a greedy goldsmith frames Kovalan for theft. The king executes him without proof. Kannagi seeks divine justice.
“Love that burned a city”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Poompuhar
Cast reunions in this film: Nagesh & Manorama (39 films together), Nagesh & K. V. Mahadevan (37 films together), S. S. Rajendran & Vijayakumari (23 films together), K. V. Mahadevan & S. S. Rajendran (20 films together), K. V. Mahadevan & Vijayakumari (17 films together), and Manorama & K. V. Mahadevan (13 films together).
Trivia
- This was the first Tamil film adaptation of the ancient Tamil epic Silappadikaram.
- The film was shot in black and white to give it a classic, timeless look.
- It featured a famous Carnatic music singer, M. L. Vasanthakumari, in a lead acting role.
- The movie's climax scene of the city of Madurai burning was created using practical effects.
- Director P. Neelakantan was known for historical films and insisted on detailed period costumes.
- The story is based on a real legend from Tamil literature about a faithful wife named Kannagi.
- It was released during a period when many Tamil films were inspired by literary works.