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Parasakthi (1952 film)
Encyclopedia
Parasakthi was a 1952 Tamil film starring Sivaji Ganesan
, Pandari Bai
, S. S. Rajendran, S. V. Sahasranamam and Sriranjani
. It was directed by R. Krishnan and S. Panju and produced by AVM. The dialogues for the film were penned by writer M. Karunanidhi
who later became the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.
which was on a roll having produced a series of hits as Naam Iruvar and Vazhkai planned to make a film in 1952 with a newcomer called Sivaji Ganesan
who had earlier dubbed for a Telugu artist in a Tamil movie
Niraparadhi.
Made at an impressive budget and with dialogues penned by eminent writer M. Karunanidhi, the film critically examined the social issues at the time. By the time the film was off the theatres, it had created a revolution. Today, it forms a part of Tamil political history and comprises an unforgettable chapter in the history of the Dravidian Movement.
As the Japanese shelling of Burma intensifies, Chandrasekaran and Gnanasekaran decide to pack their belongings and cross over to India. But Gnanasekaran is lost and is presumed killed in Japanese bombardment.
Meanwhile, Kalyani delivers a boy. But soon after the birth of the child, her husband as well as her father die leaving her destitute. Misfortune befalls the family when Kalyani becomes the target of anti-social elements and is raped by a temple priest while Gunasekaran is robbed of his belongings on arrival in India (He even meets Kalyani many times, but refuses to reveal himself as her brother). Swearing revenge, Gunasekaran kills the temple priest and lands up in jail. Gunasekaran fights an epic battle in court explaining the misfortunes which had befallen him and justifying his actions. Gunasekaran's valiant defence in the court filled with soul-stirring dialogues revolutionized Tamil film industry. The film, regarded as the first significant attempt by the Dravidian Movement to use media for propaganda, catapulted Sivaji Ganesan to fame overnight and evoked comparisons with the Hollywood legend Spencer Tracy
. However through a sequence of events, Gunasekaran, Gnanasekaran and Kalyani finally find their elder brother and re-unite with him, thus returning to riches from rags
. The film ends as C.N. Annadurai, M. Karunanidhi
and several other famous people attend a stage drama conducted by Gnanasekaran.
Sivaji Ganesan
Viluppuram Chinnaiahpillai Ganesan Manrayar , commonly known by his stage name Sivaji Ganesan , was an Indian stage and film actor active during the latter half of the 20th century. He is one of the most respected film actors in India. He is well known for his versatility and acting skills with...
, Pandari Bai
Pandari Bai
Pandari Bai was a prominent heroine of South Indian languages films mostly in Kannada and Tamil during the 1950s and 60s. She has the distinction of having acted as both heroine and mother to stalwarts such as Dr. Rajkumar and Sivaji Ganesan...
, S. S. Rajendran, S. V. Sahasranamam and Sriranjani
Sriranjani (junior)
Sriranjani was Telugu and Tamil film actress. She is the younger sister of Sriranjani. She is known mainly for her tragedy roles particularly as the long-suffering wife.-Brief life:...
. It was directed by R. Krishnan and S. Panju and produced by AVM. The dialogues for the film were penned by writer M. Karunanidhi
M. Karunanidhi
Muthuvel Karunanidhi is an Indian politician and a former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. He is the head of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam , a Dravidian political party in the state of Tamil Nadu. He has been the leader of the DMK since the death of its founder, C. N...
who later became the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.
Production
The film Parasakthi was released on Deepavali Day, 1952, after months of shooting and preparations. Meiyappan's newly established AVM ProductionsAVM Productions
AVM is the oldest and largest film production studio in India. It is currently owned by M. Saravanan and his son, M. S. Guhan. The most recent film they have produced since their opening with Nam Iruvar in 1947, is Vettaikkaaran and Leader. The filming studios are located in Vadapalani, Chennai....
which was on a roll having produced a series of hits as Naam Iruvar and Vazhkai planned to make a film in 1952 with a newcomer called Sivaji Ganesan
Sivaji Ganesan
Viluppuram Chinnaiahpillai Ganesan Manrayar , commonly known by his stage name Sivaji Ganesan , was an Indian stage and film actor active during the latter half of the 20th century. He is one of the most respected film actors in India. He is well known for his versatility and acting skills with...
who had earlier dubbed for a Telugu artist in a Tamil movie
Niraparadhi.
Made at an impressive budget and with dialogues penned by eminent writer M. Karunanidhi, the film critically examined the social issues at the time. By the time the film was off the theatres, it had created a revolution. Today, it forms a part of Tamil political history and comprises an unforgettable chapter in the history of the Dravidian Movement.
Plot synopsis
The story is based on the tale of three brothers, Chandrasekaran (Sahasranamam), Gnanasekaran (S. S. Rajendran) and Gunasekaran (Sivaji Ganesan) who settle down in Burma during the Second World War. The youngest Gunasekaran gets the opportunity to visit India for the marriage of their younger sister Kalyani (Sriranjani) but as fate would have it, he gets stranded at sea due to intense Japanese bombardment of Burmese ports.Meanwhile, Kalyani delivers a boy. But soon after the birth of the child, her husband as well as her father die leaving her destitute. Misfortune befalls the family when Kalyani becomes the target of anti-social elements and is raped by a temple priest while Gunasekaran is robbed of his belongings on arrival in India (He even meets Kalyani many times, but refuses to reveal himself as her brother). Swearing revenge, Gunasekaran kills the temple priest and lands up in jail. Gunasekaran fights an epic battle in court explaining the misfortunes which had befallen him and justifying his actions. Gunasekaran's valiant defence in the court filled with soul-stirring dialogues revolutionized Tamil film industry. The film, regarded as the first significant attempt by the Dravidian Movement to use media for propaganda, catapulted Sivaji Ganesan to fame overnight and evoked comparisons with the Hollywood legend Spencer Tracy
Spencer Tracy
Spencer Bonaventure Tracy was an American theatrical and film actor, who appeared in 75 films from 1930 to 1967. Tracy was one of the major stars of Hollywood's Golden Age, ranking among the top ten box office draws for almost every year from 1938 to 1951...
. However through a sequence of events, Gunasekaran, Gnanasekaran and Kalyani finally find their elder brother and re-unite with him, thus returning to riches from rags
Rags to riches
Rags to Riches refers to any situation in which a person rises from poverty to wealth, or sometimes from obscurity to fame. This is a common archetype in literature and popular culture ....
. The film ends as C.N. Annadurai, M. Karunanidhi
M. Karunanidhi
Muthuvel Karunanidhi is an Indian politician and a former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. He is the head of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam , a Dravidian political party in the state of Tamil Nadu. He has been the leader of the DMK since the death of its founder, C. N...
and several other famous people attend a stage drama conducted by Gnanasekaran.
Controversy
Right from the onset, Parasakthi was marred by much controversy. The film was accused of trying to portray Brahmins in poor light. Abuse of Hindu customs and religious practices evoked strong protests from the Hindu orthodoxy. The then Chief Minister of Madras, Chakravarthi Rajagopalachari was unhappy with the extremely provocative nature of the film but allowed it to be screened. The State Government unsuccessfully requested the Union Government to reconsider film certification.Soundtrack
Partial list of songs from Parasakthi:- Kaa Kaa Kaa - C. S. JayaramanC. S. JayaramanC. S. Jayaraman was a playback singer who songs were featured in numerous Tamil films.-Discography:Desam Gnanam Kalvi - C. S. JayaDesam Gnanam Kalvi - C. S. Jaya-References:...
- Nenju Porukkuthillaiye - C. S. JayaramanC. S. JayaramanC. S. Jayaraman was a playback singer who songs were featured in numerous Tamil films.-Discography:Desam Gnanam Kalvi - C. S. JayaDesam Gnanam Kalvi - C. S. Jaya-References:...
- Desam Gnanam Kalvi - C. S. JayaramanC. S. JayaramanC. S. Jayaraman was a playback singer who songs were featured in numerous Tamil films.-Discography:Desam Gnanam Kalvi - C. S. JayaDesam Gnanam Kalvi - C. S. Jaya-References:...
- Puthu Pennin Manathai - M. S. Rajeswari
- O Rasikkum Seemane - M. S. Rajeswari
- Konjum Mozhi - T. S. Bagavathi
- Poomalai - T. S. Bagavathi
- Ilvaazhvinil - M. H. Hussain & T. S. Bagavathi
- Porule Illarkku - T. S. Bagavathi
- Ellorum Vazha Vendum - T. S. Bagavathi & M. S. Rajeswari