ALAYAMANI - A movie review

Nadigar Thilagam , in his illustrious career had played many breathtaking characters …some are very unique which no other hero would dare to take up …. The Thyagarajan role he plays in Aalayamani is one such…. Produced by P.S.Veerappa under the PSV pictures banner, screen play and dialogues by Javar Seetharaman, the movie was released in 1962…. Aalayamani is a tale of an individual whose possessiveness and distrust leads to even trying to kill his best friend…but once he realizes the true sacrifice made by his friend as well as his lady love, even goes to the extent of sacrificing himself…. The character is actually a placid version of a characteristic split personality …..This pitiable man has an unforgettable childhood when he was a witness to the death of a girl due to his possessiveness……occasional revisits to his childhood memories only make him more insecure , possessive..he is left with none to care for despite being rich...however he finds an ultimate friend , a noble guy like SSR whom he comes across as someone who voluntarily loses a tennis match who actually was leading at one stage .. The movie starts with shot showing a temple tower with a big bell super imposing ….. a narration follows justifying the title…..one poor man was about to commit suicide on the death rock but was stopped by the divine bell from the temple…soon he becomes a rich man and his son is none other than Mr. Thayagarajan , the hero ! Shot 2 formally introduces the main character , our Nadigar Thilagam …. A servant putting sports shoes, another attendant arranging the wearing outfit, the third guy politely showing 3 racquets…..after a brief swing , he chooses one racquet and asks to bring some reserve racquet also ! Hallmark of a seasoned player ! the shot that follows covers a list of cups he had won as a tennis champion…as he proudly views them , he whispers, “ if I am manage to win today ” …as he briskly walks out of the bungalow , another attendant , S.A.Krishnan, a long time associate of NT comments in admiration….”Yejamanoda nadaiya paarraa !” now NT casually gives a smart look at him and a joyful hero , cheerfully walks out of the bungalow.. Now move on to the tennis stadium and the second hero SSRajendran gets introduced….those in the audience include MRR, TRR and VIjayakumari….So the director swiftly introduces all the support characters…. The match takes off with Thyagarajan ( NT ) pitted against Sekar ( SSR ). While there is a fierce competition, SSR gradually takes lead…but on seeing an upset Thyagu breaking his racquet, realizes his traits ….Sekar gives up and loses the match…As they congratulate post match, NT queries him on why he deliberately gave up for which SSR replies that he had noticed NT getting upset losing and hence decided to lose. This immensely pleases Thyagu who instantly announces Sekar to be his good friend and takes him home. He also convinces SSR to be alongside forever which Sekar accepts after much deliberations ….Thayagarajan gives his heart and soul to make Sekar happy and satisfied…..and gives the same royal treatment which he gets from his staff….NT also visits Sekar’s mother and requests her to allow SSR to be with him for which M.V.Rajamma also agrees….after some minor skirmishes, the 2 become thick friends as one understands each other….So, the initial scenes cover the mutual admiration , growing friendship and the fondness shown by the friends…….. SSR and SarojaDevi love each other and he promises to marry her…..it so happen that Nadigar Thilagam also comes across SD as a vivacious girl , while going for a routine visit to his estate and instantly falls in love …while both the friends share their thoughts about SarojaDevi, they didn’t realize that they are in love with the same woman… SD’s sister Pushpalatha falls in love with villain MRRadha’s son who demands a heavy price for the alliance. MRR is NT’s estate Manager . Unable to meet up with his commitments, Nagaiya , their Father is in a precarious situation. NT comes to the rescue, pays the money and enables the wedding too…..it was a pleasant surprise for NT to see SD being the daughter of Nagaiya…shortly NT proposes to marry SD and sends SSR as his messenger ….both SSR and SD get a shock of their life…Others unknown of the love triangle are all extremely pleased with the plan….….SSR realizes the extent of love NT has over SD and sacrifices his love , requests SD to agree to the offer . SD , besides had to yield in the larger interests of the family. When everything is about to fall in place, NT meets with an accident , legs get impaired , become immobile….So SD becomes his caretaker …. she forgets all her past love life and dedicates herself totally to NT , serves him ….. SSR though sacrifices his love for the sake of friendship , couldn’t come out of the past reminiscences and continues to move closely with SD though she maintains an arms length distance. She even advises SSR that NT should not suspect anything fishy as now she is very clear about her role….Vijayakumari , daughter of MRR loves SSR but he is not interested as of now. ….. The grisly phase starts with Sivaji doubting the genuineness of SSR ….basically, NT loves SD so much …further, he is incapacitated by the injury…a sort of complex gets built now onto him….Once NT asks SD to dress up well and she does appear ….SSR involuntarily admires the beauty of SD which NT observes and gets wild…..couple of incidents further add fuel to the fire….these are the scenes shown to justify the kind of possessiveness and jealousy shown by the central character… The suspicion grows and NT gets twitchy….now he concludes that both have a malevolent relationship …he also overhears a conversation and his anger blows out of proportion…….calls for a picnic in a place called Maranappaarai ( death rock ) , a sharp edge known for its scenic beauty as the end is sea but highly dangerous curve…His intention was to drive SSR to the edge and push him to death…. Shivaji while taking SSR to the edge reveals his anger and frustration on SSR-SD intimacy…..questions his sincerity ..SSR in turn bursts with revelation that he has actually sacrificed his love for the sake of his friend NT and swears that for the sake of friendship and to prove his innocence , goes to the extent of committing suicide…..NT stops him , realizing the truth and that he is a true friend ….decides to die and jumps into the sea…. . everyone conclude that he is dead…. SSR and SD are inconsolable . NT gets saved by a local fisherman Veerappa , who works in his company …interestingly, NT’s both legs get cured but walks on crutches… SD assumes the role of a widow (before marriage) and maintains her identity …also compels SSR to wed VK which finally happens….. On the wedding day, NT resurfaces at the hall … he overhears a conversation …SD expressing her thoughts … that NT is ultimate to her and without him there is no life for her…now NT is immensely pleased…he decides to announce his return…..but the wicked Manager MRR tries to kill him ( in pursuit of his wealth ) gives a blow on his head…. he falls unconscious…… As SSR marriage gets over, SD decides to end her life on the same edge where NT fell down earlier ….but to her shock and glee ….finds NT in crutches….shouting loudly to stop her suicidal attempt…….finally both join hands………As the song Ponnai virumbum boomiyile being replayed, a happy couple NT-SD joyfully give a warm goodbye to us with the same old pride on his face back ! The movie is absolutely serious & rarely one can witness comedy scenes…. MRR , the main villain, however does his customary witty, sarcastic comments and ensures both comedy and villainess prevail……T.R.Ramachandran, son of MRR sporadically appears to give some comic relief …… SSR has played alongside NT for many movies right from his Parasakthi days….to Deivapiravi, Kaikodutha deivam, Kungumam etc….Here plays the supportive role a good friend cum well wisher who sacrifices his love for the sake of his friend……. SD starts on a very merry note……..the initial scenes are all vibrant & energetic…...She displays exuberance and naughtiness during the pre-NT association with SSR ….but transforms into a caretaker and ideal homemaker once NT gets confined to wheel chair….She is like a devoted wife with motherly affection, controlling all her emotions and works with a single minded ardor to cure his handicap……highly matured and seasoned portrayal….she doesn’t even smile once The movie gets into damn serious mode once NT gets injured…….as he is confined to indoors, the story revolves around the 3 main characters ….NT-SD-SSR….every scene creates a sense of uneasiness and audience will be left wondering when the bubble will get burst…… Small characters like Pushpalatha ( sister of SD ), Nagaiyya ( Father of SD ), M.V.Rajamma ( SSR’s mother ) , T.R.Ramachandran ( MRR’s son ), Verappa , all make their contribution … The movie ceases to get into boredom despite the protagonist’s movements paralysed The Director Late K.Shankar takes honor for having presented with an unusual storyline, making it interesting tale of a domineering, protective character .probably K.S. was the only fortunate man to direct both the Thilagams simultaneously ( Panathottam was under making then ) He even revealed one interesting incident in a TV programme …. “I was trying to build an emotional scene for Panathottam…MGR was smart enough to quickly point out ……Neenga engerindho vandhu edhaiyo edhirparkireenga !! ” , a subtle remark that K.Shankar was largely influenced by NT’s acting in Aalayamani ….One will not get a greater credential on NT’s proficiency!. K.Shankar also carries the unique distinction of having directed 3 former CMs…. MGR, NTR and JJ . The movie has a nice editing work ….each scene has some relevance & distinctly related to another …even the flashback is quick and fast …never gets into a boring mould ….despite the hero getting handicapped very early ….the dialogues are sharp and precise …. By any yardstick, Alayamani was as good as the famous Paa series



The protagonist displays a surfeit of emotions……. ---As a rich man……..the body language , the attire, the proud walk before the injury ----As a loving friend…….. interesting interactions with SSR….even goes to the extent of comforting his mother and assures that SSR will be happy with him ……..this special scene shows how much he misses on motherly love and affection….. ----As a majestic boss for Nagaiya as he rescues his family from the financial commitments ----Shows that his romance is due when he meets SD first time in his estate ….while SD is on her funny best not knowing that NT is her Dad’s boss …….NT repeats the same words what she utters while going back…..will bring cheer to fans ! -----The occasional re-surfacing of the possessiveness, jealousy and anger …. On finally realizing the true love SD had over him , breaks into emotions…..he will behave as if he is enlightened now ! The highlight of the movie is the acting prowess of Nadigar Thilagam who gives an adroit performance ..He shows his class by displaying the profile of a complex personality who carries bitter childhood memories , someone rich but orphaned, yearning for love and affection , the love angle , value for friendship …. Wonder how Sivaji Ganesan had the nerve to don a negative character! Yes, this man never had any image inhibitions ….After all he was very young while playing THiruvarutchelvar or for that matter Motor Sundaram Pillai !


Kannadasan at his remarkable best as he unleashes an array ……you will not get an apt song for renunciation like Satti Suttadhadhaa…… padhi manadhai deivam irundhu parthu kondadhadaa…meedhi manadhai mirugam irundhu aati vaithadhadaaa…..aatti vaitha mirugam indru adangi vittadhadhaa….amaidhi deivam oru manadhil kovil kondadhadhaa …. Just these words cover the theme ! Don’t overlook Ponnai virumbum boomiyile …Pudhayal thedi alayum ulagil…idhayam thedum enuyere ….Sivaji delightfully sums up the character of SD ! The poet summarizes the Meena character ( SarojaDevi ) in just pallavi itself : Ponnai virumbum boomiyilae ennai virumbum oaruyirae pudhaiyal thaedi alayum ulagil idhayam thaedum ennuyirae Upon his legs getting powerless, Nadigar Thilagam had a doubt that SarojaDevi might not consider the marriage plans but the devotion towards his well being and the dedication shown by her convinces him about the true love she pours…. Our friend Mr. Sampath has literally written a thesis on the technical aspect of the song & hence I have very little to say except that the captivating lyrics and the wonderful guitar chords , the mouthorgan , the slow tabla …..a complete melody ! பொன்னை விரும்பும் பூமியிலே என்னை விரும்பும் ஓருயிரே புதையல் தேடி அலையும் உலகில் இதயம் தேடும் என்னுயிரே ஆயிரம் மலரில் ஒரு மலர் நீயே ஆலய மணியின் இன்னிசை நீயே தாய்மை எனக்கே தந்தவள் நீயே தங்க கோபுரம் போல வந்தாயே புதிய உலகம் புதிய பாசம் புதிய தீபம் கொண்டு வந்தாயே பொன்னை விரும்பும் பூமியிலே என்னை விரும்பும் ஓருயிரே புதையல் தேடி அலையும் உலகில் இதயம் தேடும் என்னுயிரே பறந்து செல்லும் பறவையை கேட்டேன் பாடிச்செல்லும் காற்றையும் கேட்டேன் அலையும் நெஞஜை அவரிடம் சொன்னேன் அழைத்து வந்தார் என்னிடும் உன்னை இந்த மனமும் இந்த உறவும் என்றும் வேண்டும் என்னுயிரே பொன்னை விரும்பும் பூமியிலே என்னை விரும்பும் ஓருயிரே புதையல் தேடி அலையும் உலகில் இதயம் தேடும் என்னுயிரே ஆல மரத்தின் விழுதுகள் போலே அணைத்து நிற்கும் உறவு தந்தாயே வாழை கன்று அன்னையின் நிழலில் வாழ்வது போலே வாழ வைத்தாயே உருவம் இரண்டு உயிர்கள் இரண்டு உள்ளம் ஒன்றே என்னுயிரே பொன்னை விரும்பும் பூமியிலே என்னை விரும்பும் ஓருயிரே புதையல் தேடி அலையும் உலகில் இதயம் தேடும் என்னுயிரே Kavignar Kannadasan deserves a special mention whenever we converse about Alayamani. The potent lyrics really dish up an enlightening message …Philosophical wordings cascade like a crescendo The song appears soon when Nadigar Thilagam recovers from the injury he sustains upon a great fall from Maranapparai ( Death rock ) …Just few days before, he was a very rich man often encircled by attendants …but never had the peace of mind …now he is away from the mainstream, like a beggar roams around ( after getting rescued by Veerappa from the sea ), even his dressing undergoes a diametrical change….the face fully bearded, the hair uncombed.. …By now , all the doubts about his friend’s attitude and his fiancée having been cleared , Sivaji Ganesan in his mind is relaxed ,free from agony……Gets a feeling as if he is reborn and sings this epic song penned by Kavignar… The champion composers MSV-TKR , respecting the lyrics give a befitting tune , mild orchestration with guitar and bangoos prevailing… சட்டி சுட்டதடா கை விட்டதடா புத்தி கெட்டதடா நெஞ்ஜை தொட்டதடா புத்தி கெட்டதடா நெஞ்ஜை தொட்டதடா நாலும் நடந்து முடிந்த பின்னால் நல்லது கெட்டது தெரிந்ததடா சட்டி சுட்டதடா கை விட்டதடா புத்தி கெட்டதடா நெஞ்ஜை தொட்டதடா புத்தி கெட்டதடா நெஞ்ஜை தொட்டதடா பாதி மனதில் தெய்வம் இருந்து பார்த்து கொண்டதடா மீதி மனதில் மிருகம் இருந்து ஆட்டி வைத்ததடா ஆட்டி வைத்த மிருகம் இன்று அடங்கி விட்டதடா அமைதி தெய்வம் முழு மனதில் கோவில் கொண்டதடா சட்டி சுட்டதடா கை விட்டதடா புத்தி கெட்டதடா நெஞ்ஜை தொட்டதடா புத்தி கெட்டதடா நெஞ்ஜை தொட்டதடா ஆரவார பேய்களெல்லாம் ஓடிவிட்டதடா ஆலய மணி ஓசை நெஞ்ஜில் கூடிவிட்டதடா தரும தேவன் கோவிலிலே ஒளிதுலங்குதடா மனம் சாந்தி சாந்தி சாந்தி என்று ஓய்வு கொண்டதடா சட்டி சுட்டதடா கை விட்டதடா புத்தி கெட்டதடா நெஞ்ஜை தொட்டதடா புத்தி கெட்டதடா நெஞ்ஜை தொட்டதடா எரும்பு தோலை உரித்துப்பார்க்க யானை வந்ததடா நான் இதய தோலை உரித்துப்பார்க்க ஞானம் வந்ததடா பிறக்கும் முன்னே இருந்த உள்ளம் இன்று வந்ததடா இறந்த பின்னே வரும் அமைதி வந்து விட்டதடா சட்டி சுட்டதடா கை விட்டதடா புத்தி கெட்டதடா நெஞ்ஜை தொட்டதடா புத்தி கெட்டதடா நெஞ்ஜை தொட்டதடா Cinema is a powerful medium. This great poet had the extraordinary skill to present even the toughest aspects in life by the simplest of words ! Without these 2 songs, the movie would be incomplete


Alayamani is a dazzling album for Mellisai Mannargal MSV-TKR…. awesome composition .. Kallellam manikka being the standout! Thookam unkangalai ….the duo exhibit their wonderful orchestration skills ….while TMS steals thunder for Kallelaam…singing emphatically …the same TMS is very delicate for Ponnai virumbum….the warmth of a loving NT !... P.Susheela is youthful for Kannana kannanukku and Maanaattam thangamayilaattam…..L.R.Eswari just hums for Kallellaam but its undoudtedly one of her very best ! S.Janaki aptly fits for Vijayakumari for Thookkam unkangalai …..Well there is Seergazi Govindarajan too for Kannana kannanukku …The songs were regularly aired in the 60s and are still popular even today ! Kallellam manikka is classical stuff while Ponnai virumbum is sheer melody magic ! Maanaattam thangamayilaattam for introducing SarojaDevi to NT…the song runs at lightening speed …tabla thunders ….. Ponnai virumbum boomiyile is to showcase how much love the hero has for his lady Thookam unkangalai thazuvattume is to make an injured SSR sleep & being sung by Vijayakumari Kannana kannanukku avasaramaa is a breezy number to illustrate the existing love between SSR and SD.. Kalellam manikka kallaguma ….an artistic view of Sivaji Ganesan on his love lady SD Satti suttadhadaa…..NT upon renunciation and realizing the truth about his lady’s past life and her monumental sacrifice Maanaattam might appear a regulation song but the speed with which the tune runs adds colour .. Ponnai virumbum boomiyile has some brilliant string work & this is an ideal song for playing in orchestra or any gathering … The duo have thoughtfully chosen Seergazi for the SSR sung portion because TMS had been loaded with some heavy stuff The champion composers have given a complete package for the movie and the songs have played a significant contribution to the movie’s success….