Doctor Savithri

Doctor Savithri is a 1955 Indian Tamil-language thriller film[1] directed by R. M. Krishnaswamy and written by Acharya. A contemporary adaptation of the Hindu story of Savitri and Satyavan, the film stars Anjali Devi, S. Balachander, M. N. Nambiar and B. R. Panthulu. It revolves around the title character's (Anjali Devi) efforts to clear the name of her wrongfully convicted husband (Panthulu). The film was released on 25 November 1955 and became a success.

Doctor Savithri
Theatrical release poster
Directed byR. M. Krishnaswamy
Produced byM. Radhakrishnan
Screenplay byAcharya
A. K. Velan
Elangovan
Story byAcharya
Based onSavitri and Satyavan
StarringAnjali Devi
S. Balachander
M. N. Nambiar
B. R. Panthulu
Music byG. Ramanathan
CinematographyR. M. Krishnaswamy
Edited byR. M. Venugopal
Production
company
Aruna Films
Release date
  • 25 November 1955 (1955-11-25)
CountryIndia
LanguageTamil

Plot

Savithri is a doctor who treats the poor for free. When she discovers that Vanaja, a young wealthy woman in their community is being harassed by Nagalingam, a crooked lawyer, she and her husband Somasundaram endeavour to help Vanaja. Later, Nagalingam is murdered by an unknown assailant and Somasundaram is wrongfully convicted of the crime. Savithri investigates the murder and identifies the true killer as Jagath Singh, a doctor who had been blackmailed by Nagalingam.[1]

Cast

Production

In 1941, a Tamil language film based on the Hindu story of Savitri and Satyavan, titled Savithri was released. More than a decade later, T. G. Raghavachari (Acharya) sought to create a new adaptation of the story but with a modern setting.[1] Titled Doctor Savithri, the film's story and screenplay was written by Acharya and it was directed by R. M. Krishnaswamy and produced by M. Radhakrishnan under the banner Aruna Films. Krishnaswamy also served as the cinematographer, while Raghavan was the art director, and R. M. Venugopal was the editor. Acharya wrote the dialogues, along with A. K. Velan and Elangovan. Roy Chowdary, Muthuswamy Pillai (Sayee Subbulakshmi) and Gopalakrishnan were in charge of the choreography.[1] The film was processed at AVM Studios.[3]

Soundtrack

Music was composed by G. Ramanathan and lyrics by Udumalai Narayana Kavi, A. Maruthakasi and Mayavaram Vethanayagam Pillai.[3] Singers are N. S. Krishnan & T. A. Mathuram. Playback singers are Thiruchi Loganathan, T. M. Soundararajan, P. Leela, P. A. Periyanayaki, A. P. Komala & A. G. Rathnamala.

No.SongSingerLyricsDuration
1"Thensuvai Mevum Sendhamizh"P. LeelaA. Maruthakasi03:09
2"Naayagar Pakshamadi"P. A. Periyanayaki & A. P. KomalaMayavaram Vethanayagam Pillai02:54
3"Kasikku Pona Karu Undaagum"N. S. Krishnan & T. A. MathuramUdumalai Narayana Kavi02:33
4"Vaadham Vambu Panna Koodadhu"N. S. Krishnan02:25
5"Moolai Veettukulle Mudangi Kidakkira Muniyappa"P. Leela02:57
6"Jegamengum Pugalongum Veera Dheera Singam"N. S. Krishnan & Thiruchi Loganathan06:03
7"Maayi Mahamaayi.... Aadhi Parameswariye"T. M. Soundararajan & A. G. Rathnamala06:24
8"Thenpazhani Malai Mel"T. M. Soundararajan03:24

Reception

Doctor Savithri was released on 25 November 1955.[4] The film emerged a commercial success; this assisted in establishing Aruna Films as a leading production company in the 1950s Tamil film industry. Film historian Randor Guy stated the film would be remembered for "the interesting storyline, brilliant performance of Anjali Devi and excellent photography of RMK."[1]

References
  1. Guy, Randor (4 August 2012). "Blast From The Past — Doctor Savithri: 1955". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 26 September 2013. Retrieved 27 December 2016.
  2. Doctor Savithri (songbook) (in Tamil). Aruna Films. 1955.
  3. Anandan, Film News (2004). Sadhanaigal Padaitha Thamizh Thiraipada Varalaru. Sivagami Publishers. Archived from the original on 27 December 2016.
  4. "Dr. Savitri". The Indian Express. 25 November 1955. p. 1.
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