Kannamma En Kadhali (transl. “Kannamma is my lover”) is a 1945 Indian Tamil‑language film produced by Gemini Studios. The film starred M. K. Radha and M. S. Sundari Bai and was directed by Kothamangalam Subbu, marking his directorial debut. It is an adaptation of the 17th‑century French play The School for Wives by Molière.
Production
- Director: Kothamangalam Subbu
- Screenplay: Kothamangalam Subbu
- Producer: K. Ramnoth
- Cinematography: M. Natarajan
- Editing: N. K. Gopal
- Music: M. D. Parthasarathy, with lyrics by Subbu
- Studio: Gemini Studios
- Release date: 20 July 1945
- Runtime: 10,914 feet of film (approximately 120 minutes)
- Language: Tamil
Cast (as listed in the film’s song book)
- M. K. Radha as Muthu
- M. S. Sundari Bai as Sundari
- L. Narayana Rao as Vaiyapuri
- P. A. Subbaiah Pillai as Doctor
- S. Krishnamoorthy as Pottai, among others.
Plot The narrative follows a wealthy, lecherous older man named Vaiyapuri who discovers a young girl, Sundari, amidst a temple festival crowd and raises her with the intention of marrying her later. Unbeknownst to Vaiyapuri, Sundari falls in love with a young man, Muthu, and the two devise schemes to outwit Vaiyapuri and secure their union.
Soundtrack The film’s music was composed by M. D. Parthasarathy. Notable songs include:
- “Bangalow Kattiruken Baru” – sung by M. S. Sundari Bai
- “Manmadhan Dhane” – sung by M. S. Sundari Bai
- “Thulli Vilayadum Pulliman” – sung by M. K. Radha
Preservation status No known print of Kannamma En Kadhali survives, and the film is classified as a lost film.
References
- Wikipedia entry for Kannamma En Kadhali (accessed April 2024).
- Randor Guy, “Kannamma En Kaathali 1945”, The Hindu, 9 May 2008.
Kannamma En Kadhali is notable for its early adaptation of a Western theatrical work into Tamil cinema and for marking the entry of Kothamangalam Subbu into film direction.