En Thangai (1952 film)
En Thangai (My Younger Sister) is a 1952 Indian Tamil-language film starring M. G. Ramachandran in the lead role. The film is based on T. S. Natarajan's play of the same name.[1] It was remade in Hindi as Chhoti Bahen , in Telugu as Aada Paduchu and in Kannada as Onde Balliya Hoogalu.
| En Thangai | |
|---|---|
 Poster | |
| Directed by | Ch. Narayana Murthy |
| Produced by | Ashoka Pictures |
| Written by | T. S. Natarajan K. M. Govindarajan |
| Screenplay by | Ch. Narayana Murthy |
| Based on | En Thangai by T. S. Natarajan |
| Starring | M. G. Ramachandran P. S. Govindan P. V. Narasimha Bharathi E. V. Saroja Madhuri Devi V. Susheela |
| Music by | C. N. Pandurangan |
| Cinematography | Jithen Banerji |
| Edited by | Ch. Narayana Murthy |
Production company | Ashoka Pictures |
| Distributed by | Ashoka Pictures |
Release date |
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Running time | 170 minutes |
| Country | India |
| Language | Tamil |
Plot
Elder brother Rajendran (M. G. Ramachandran, the good-hearted breadwinner of the family, watches over his young brother, Selvam (P. V. Narasimha Bharathi), a student, his younger sister Meena (E. V. Saroja) and their very ill mother, Gunavathi (S. R. Janaki). Karunagaran Pillai (M. G. Chakrapani), their paternal uncle, robs them of their fortune after the disappearance of the patriarch, and refuses all requests for financial help by Rajendran. On the other hand, Suriyamoorthy (P. S. Govindan), Karunagaran's son, discreetly devotes himself to his cousin, Rajendran, and his family. One evening, during a violent thunderstorm, young Meena loses her eyesight. She then becomes the scapegoat of Selvam's wealthy wife, Rajam (Madhuri Devi), her sister-in-law, who also begins hating Meena. Rajendran, previously unaware of the situation, finally discovers his younger sister's ordeal. Following a heated quarrel, Selvam and Rajam leave the family home, leaving Rajendran totally distraught. Then sadly, their mother dies and, expelled by their uncle, Rajendran and Meena are forced out onto the street.
Their cousin, Suriyamoorthy, runs away from his father to the capital, where he becomes a rickshaw driver and offers temporary accommodation to Rajendran and Meena. Meanwhile, younger brother, Selvam, becomes addicted to horse racing just like his father-in-law (R. B. Rao), driving his family into financial ruin and neglecting Rajam. After Rajendran manages to reconcile the couple, Rajam dies in a road accident. Karunagaran comes in search of his son, and he too is knocked down by a vehicle. Dying, he gives his permission for Suriyamoorthy to marry Mary (V. Susheela), a Christian. As for Rajendran, he is beaten and finally, pushed to his limits, carries his sister into the sea and they both disappear under the waves.
Cast
Cast according to the opening credits
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Production
The film was remade in Telugu by Ch. Narayana Murthy titled Na Chellelu and with the same team. It was released in 1953. The film was remade by L. V. Prasad in Hindi titled Chhoti Bahen and was released in 1959.[1]
Soundtrack
The music was composed by C. N. Pandurangan. Lyrics were written by Bharathidasan, A. Maruthakasi, Saravanabavananthar, Suratha, Ki. Rajagopal and Narasimman. Singers are P. S. Govindhan and C. S. Pandiyan. Playback singers are M. L. Vasanthakumari, P. Leela, N. Lalitha, A. P. Komala, K. V. Janaki, A. G. Rathnamala, T. A. Mothi, and A. M. Rajah.
| No. | Song | Singers | Lyrics | Length (m:ss) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Aadum Oonjalai Pole" | T. A. Mothi & P. Leela | Suratha | 03:33 |
| 2 | "Azhagaai Bommai Vaitthu" | A. P. Komala | A. Maruthakasi | 03:02 |
| 3 | "Good Luck Good Luck" | C. S. Pandiyan & A. G. Rathnamala | A. Maruthakasi | 02:30 |
| 4 | "Meelaa Thuyaraamo...Kangal Irandum" | A. P. Komala | Narasimman | 03:39 |
| 5 | "Dheena Dhayaabari Thaaye" | M. L. Vasanthakumari | Saravanabhavananthar | 03:34 |
| 6 | "Kaadhal Vaazhvile Magizhndhom" | T. A. Mothi & P. Leela | Bharathidasan | 03:11 |
| 7 | "Vaazhvadhilum Nalam Soozhvadhilum" | P. S. Govindhan | Bharathidasan | 02:56 |
| 8 | "Inbame Siridhum Ariyaadha Pen Jenmam" | P. Leela | Saravanabhavananthar | 03:12 |
| 9 | "Naalukku Naal Paarkira Podhe" | N. Lalitha | A. Maruthakasi | 03:01 |
| 10 | "Varumai Puyalaale...Karuvile Uruvaana Gaayam" | A. M. Rajah | A. Maruthakasi | 04:01 |
| 11 | "En Inba Jothiye Un Anbu Paarvaiyaal" | P. S. Govindhan & K. V. Janaki | A. Maruthakasi | 03:34 |
| 12 | "Annaiye Annaiye Annaiye Arul Thaaarum Mary Thaaye" | A. P. Komala | Ki. Rajagopal | 03:22 |
Reception
The film was a success in box office. Film historian Randor Guy wrote in 2008 that the film will be "Remembered for its emotion drenched storyline and MGR’s role as a loving brother, considered by critics as one of his best performances ever."[1]
References
- "En Thangai 1952". The Hindu. 28 November 2008. Archived from the original on 3 June 2015. Retrieved 1 February 2017.
Sources
- Soundtrack listing at dishant.com
- "A birthday tribute to Sivaji Ganesan", sify.com, 1 October 2003
- "A star fades away", hinduonnet.com
External links
- En Thangai at IMDb
- En Thangai Titles on YouTube
- En Thangai at CITWF
- tfmpage.mayam.com, "Unearthing Rare Golden Oldies of TFM"
- Good Luck on YouTube - Song from the film