Thayumanavar (1938 film)

Muthukrishnan Naiker was the ruler of Thiruchirapalli. He visited the temple at Vedaranyam. The Dharmakartha (trustee) of the temple gave a grand welcome to the ruler. Impressed by the reception, the ruler made the dharmakartha a minister of his court. A son is born to the minister who names him as Thayumanavan. Meanwhile, Muthukrishnan Naiker died and his son came to the throne. He appointed Thayumanavan as his minister. Thayumanavan was brilliant. He helped the king to develop the country. However, Thayumanavan was more inclined towards philosophy and divinity. Soon, the ruler comes to know the divine power of Thayumanavan and became a disciple. Thayumanavan performed many miracles and in course of time he sheds his mortal remains and became a saint.[3]

The list is adapted from the film's songbook[4]

During the 1930s many films were made with life stories of religious saints. M. M. Dandapani Desikar who was well trained in Carnatic music and with fluency in religious lore and was the obvious choice of producers. Earlier he featured in similar role in Pattinathar and later in Nandanar.[3]

Music was composed by G. Pichala Narasimha Rao and lyrics were penned by Papanasam Sivan.[1][4] The songs were recorded by Sardar Eswara Singh.[4] Most of the songs were compositions of the Saint himself who sang nearly 1500 songs. There were 31 songs in the film most of which were sung by M. M. Dandapani Desikar.[3] Singers are Vidwan C. S. Selvarathnam Pillai, P. G. Venkatesan, Master Vedhamoorthi, Master Krishnamoorthi, N. S. Rathnambal, M. M. Dandapani Desikar, P. S. Gnanam, M. S. Devasena, and the chorus.

Orchestra[4]

• Rajukaru – Dilruba, Sitar, Organ
• T. S. Krishna Pillai – Fiddle
• G. H. Anjaneyalu – Tabla
• K. Rengaiya Naidu – Clarinet
• T. M. Ibrahim – Piano

No print of the film is known to exist today.[3]

Film historian Randor Guy wrote in 2012 that the film is "Remembered for the rich singing of Dandapani Desikar and the scenes featuring holy places."[3]