Puthiya Paravai(1964)
Puthiya Paravai (transl. New Bird) is a 1964 Indian Tamil-language romantic thriller film directed by Dada Mirasi. It stars Sivaji Ganesan, B. Saroja Devi, M. R. Radha, and Sowcar Janaki. The story follows Gopal, a wealthy businessman who falls in love with Latha, only to have his presumed-dead wife Chitra reappear on his engagement day. Gopal claims she is an impostor, but no one believes him. The film is a remake of the Bengali film Sesh Anka (1963), which was inspired by the British film Chase a Crooked Shadow (1958). It was produced by Sivaji Ganesan under his banner Sivaji Films. The soundtrack, composed by Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy, became hugely popular, especially the song 'Engey Nimmadhi'. The film received positive reviews and was a commercial success, running for over 100 days in theatres. It was re-released in 2010 to strong audience response.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- YouTube, Eros Now
- Theatrical Release
- 12 September 1964
- Director
- Dada Mirasi
- Language
- Tamil
- Runtime
- 2h 26m
- Rating
- 7.6/10
Storyline
Gopal, a rich businessman, meets and falls in love with Latha on a cruise ship. Just as they plan to marry, a woman claiming to be his dead wife Chitra arrives. Gopal insists she is a fake, but everyone believes the impostor. He must prove the truth before he loses everything, including the woman he loves.
“The dead wife returns on his wedding day.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Puthiya Paravai
Cast reunions in this film: Sivaji Ganesan & Viswanathan Ramamoorthy (18 films together), Sivaji Ganesan & Saroja Devi (14 films together), Saroja Devi & Viswanathan Ramamoorthy (14 films together), Sivaji Ganesan & Sowcar Janaki (12 films together), Viswanathan Ramamoorthy & Sowcar Janaki (5 films together), and Sivaji Ganesan & Dada Mirasi (3 films together).
Trivia
- The film's title 'Puthiya Paravai' translates to 'New Bird', symbolising a fresh start for the protagonist.
- Director Dada Mirasi was a prominent cinematographer who shot landmark films like 'Parasakthi' before turning director.
- The movie was released during a wave of Tamil thrillers that blended romance with suspenseful wife-returns plots.
- Actor S. S. Rajendran, who played Gopal, was known for his socially conscious roles but took on this pure entertainment part.
- The film's music was composed by the duo Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy, who dominated Tamil film music in the 1960s.
- Actress C. R. Vijayakumari, who played Latha, was a famous dancer and later became a respected dance teacher.
- The plot device of a presumed-dead spouse returning was a popular dramatic trope in 1960s Indian cinema.