Anbu Thangai
DirectorS. P. Muthuraman
ProducerT. M. Govindan
StarringR. Muthuraman
Jayalalithaa
MusicK. V. Mahadevan
CinematographyBabu
EditingR. Vittal
StudioGowri Art Enterprises[1]
Released30 August 1974
Runtime121 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageTamil

Anbu Thangai () is a 1974 Indian Tamil-language film directed by S. P. Muthuraman, starring R. Muthuraman and Jayalalithaa. The film is a remake of the Telugu film Chelleli Kapuram. Kamal Haasan choreographed a song featuring Jayalalithaa and himself for the film.[2]

Plot summary

Anbu Thangai shows the story of Ramu, a poet who is ignored because of his dark skin. His friend Sriram takes Ramu’s poems, publishes them as his own, and becomes successful. As the truth comes out, Ramu finally gets his work back and is recognized for it.[3]

Cast

Production

Govindan, who previously worked as publicity designer, expressed interest in producing a film with S. P. Muthuraman as director which eventually became Anbu Thangai.[6] The film began production in early February 1973 and it was launched at AVM Studios on 3 February 1973.[7] Guhanathan, who co-produced the film, wanted Muthuraman to direct the film; however Muthuraman felt if Jayalalithaa was not comfortable working with him she can choose another director. When Jayalalithaa learned that the film is being directed by Muthuraman who previously worked in Enga Mama as assistant director she agreed to the choice.[5][8] Kamal Haasan, who was a dance assistant to K. Thangappan, made a cameo appearance as the Buddha in a song.[5]

Soundtrack

The music was composed by K. V. Mahadevan,[9] marking his first collaboration with S. P. Muthuraman.[10]

SongSingers
"Mannargal Vanagum"P. Susheela
"Vaangadi Vaanga"L. R. Eswari, P. Susheela
"Kozhiyum Kozhiyum"P. Susheela
"Aadi Vaa Azhagurani"T. M. Soundararajan

Release and reception

Anbu Thangai was released on 30 August 1974.[11] A critic from Kalki praised the performances of the cast, Guhanathan's story and Muthuraman's direction and included it among the list of films on the bond between a brother and sister after Pasamalar.[4] According to S. P. Muthuraman, despite the film's average response at the box office, the producer Govindan turned a profit.[12]

References

  1. ^ "1974-ல் வெளியான படப்பட்டியல் - தயாரிப்பாளர்கள்" [List of films released in 1974 – Producers] (in Tamil). Lakshman Sruthi. Archived from the original on 7 June 2020. Retrieved 10 May 2021.
  2. ^ "தமிழ் சினிமாவில் கமல்ஹாசனின் புயல் முத்திரைகள்!" (in Tamil). Ananda Vikatan. 7 November 2017. Archived 9 June 2021 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 25 August 2020.
  3. ^ "Telugu Movie Anbu Thangai Starring Jayalalithaa Completes 49 Years of Its Release". News18. 1 September 2023. Retrieved 12 May 2026.
  4. ^ "அன்புத் தங்கை" (in Tamil). Kalki. 15 September 1974. p. 43. Archived from the original on 27 July 2022. Retrieved 4 January 2022.
  5. ^ முத்துராமன், எஸ்.பி. (30 September 2015). "சினிமா எடுத்துப் பார் 28 – 'சிவாஜிக்கு முன், சிவாஜிக்குப் பின்'" [Try making a film 28 – Before Sivaji, after Sivaji] (in Tamil). Hindu Tamil Thisai. Archived 19 May 2021 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 19 May 2021.
  6. ^ Muthuraman 2017, p. 160.
  7. ^ "கெளரி ஆர்ட் பிலிம்சாரின் 'அன்புத் தங்கை'" (in Tamil). Navamani. 4 February 1973. p. 4. Archived 23 October 2024 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 23 October 2024. – via Endangered Archives Programme
  8. ^ "My First Shot: For ADs, the formative years can become their identity, says SP Muthuraman". The Times of India. 1 February 2020. Archived 24 September 2021 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 25 August 2020.
  9. ^ "Anbu Thangai Tamil Film EP Vinyl Record by K.V.Mahadevan". Mossymart.com. Archived 3 November 2021 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 25 August 2020.
  10. ^ Muthuraman 2017, p. 161.
  11. ^ "Anbu Thangai (1974)". Screen 4 Screen. Archived 17 November 2023 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 17 November 2023.
  12. ^ Muthuraman 2017, p. 162.

Bibliography

  • Muthuraman, S. P. (2017 [2005]). AVM Thandha SPM (in Tamil). 3rd ed. Vikatan. OCLC 607342391