Naam (1953 film)
Naam (English: Us) is a 1953 Indian Tamil-language film directed by A. Kasilingam and starring M. G. Ramachandran in the lead role.[1]
| Naam | |
|---|---|
 Poster | |
| Directed by | A. Kasilingam |
| Produced by | Jupiter Pictures Mekala Pictures |
| Written by | M. Karunanidhi |
| Screenplay by | M. Karunanidhi |
| Story by | Kashi |
| Based on | Kaadhal Kanneer by Kashi |
| Starring | M. G. Ramachandran V. N. Janaki M. N. Nambiar P. S. Veerappa P. K. Saraswathi |
| Music by | C. S. Jayaraman |
| Cinematography | G. K. Ramu |
| Edited by | A. Kasilingam |
Production company | Jupiter Pictures Mekala Pictures |
| Distributed by | Jupiter Pictures |
Release date |
|
| Country | India |
| Language | Tamil |
Plot
Kumaran (M. G. Ramachandran) is the heir to a zamindari estate, which he learns from his dying mother. However, the will and the related testament are hidden by Malayappan (Veerappa). A doctor Sanjeevi (M. G. Chakrapani) is also interested in the property and wants his daughter (Saraswathi) to marry Kumaran. Against his wishes, Kumaran is in love with Malayappan's sister Meena (Janaki). When Meena gets the will, Kumaran suspects her intentions, and leaves the village. In the city, he becomes a boxer. Meanwhile, Malayappan sets Kumaran's house on fire and Kumaran is presumed dead. However, he is saved by Meena. More complications arise about the missing will, and simultaneously, a disfigured boxer moves around at night, leading to rumours about a ghost in the village. However, the truth is eventually revealed, and the lovers are united.[1]
Cast
- M. G. Ramachandran as Kumaran
- V. N. Janaki as Meena
- P. S. Veerappa as Malayappan
- M. N. Nambiar
- M. G. Chakrapani as Sanjeevi
- P. K. Saraswathi as Sanjeevi's daughter
- S. R. Janaki
- R. M. Sethupathi
- S. M. Thirupathisami
- T.M. Gopal
- M. Jayashree
- A. C. Irusappan
- Sandow M. M. A. Chinnappa Thevar
Production
Naam was jointly produced by Jupiter Pictures and Mekala Pictures. M. Karunanidhi wrote the screenplay, dialogue and lyrics, based on Kaadhal Kanneer, a story by screenwriter Kashi. M. G. Ramachandran, then not the popular icon that he would later become, spelt his name onscreen as "Ramachandar" because he thought it sounded "stylish", and wanted to differentiate himself from the already established actor T. R. Ramachandran.[1]
Soundtrack
The music was composed by C. S. Jayaraman, while lyrics written by M. Karunanidhi. The playback singers were Jayaraman himself, in addition to Nagore E. M. Hanifa, A. M. Rajah, Jikki, M. L. Vasanthakumari, A. P. Komala, K. R. Chellamuthu and T. R. Gajalakshmi.[1]
| S. No. | Song Title | Singers | Lyrics | Duration (mm:ss) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Pesum Yaazhe Pennmaane" | A. M. Rajah & Jikki | M. Karunanidhi | 02:49 |
| 2 | "Edhaiyum Thaangum Idhayam" | C. S. Jayaraman | 02:59 | |
| 3 | "Pesum Yaazhe Pennmaane" | Jikki | 03:08 | |
| 4 | "Paappaa Eppodhum Bayame" | C. S. Jayaraman & T. R. Gajalakshmi | 02:56 | |
| 5 | "Maari Magamaayi Maari Magamaayi" | K. R. Chellamuthu & A. P. Komala | 03:06 |
Release and reception
Naam was released on 5 March 1953.[2] According to film historian Randor Guy, the film was not successful, but he praised the "interesting storyline, meaningful dialogue, impactful direction, good performances by MGR, Chakrapani, Veerappa, Janaki and Saraswathi".[1]
References
- Guy, Randor (29 December 2012). "Naam (1953)". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 29 November 2016. Retrieved 25 November 2016.
- Film News Anandan (2004). Sadhanaigal Padaitha Thamizh Thiraipada Varalaru [Tamil film history and its achievements] (in Tamil). Chennai: Sivagami Publishers. Archived from the original on 7 May 2018. Retrieved 7 May 2018.