Kaavalkaaran

Kaavalkaaran is a 1967 Indian Tamil-language spy action film, directed by P. Neelakantan and produced and co-written by R. M. Veerappan. The film stars M. G. Ramachandran and Jayalalithaa, with M. N. Nambiar, S. A. Ashokan, Sivakumar and Nagesh in supporting roles. It was released on 7 September 1967 and became a major success. The film was remade in Hindi as Rakhwala.

Plot

Mani, from a modest background, starts working as a driver for the billionaire Maruthachalam. The daughter of this billionaire, Susheela and Mani fall in love with Mani
However, Mani seems to be very worried. He does not confine himself only to his driver's job. He is upset by the terrible secret (that her mother reveals to him about his young brother Chandra plus intrigued by the strange behaviour and the actions of his boss, Maruthachalam, Manikkam looks actively for the answers! In spite of the opposition of her father Susheela marries tManikkam. But does she really know Manikkam? But who is Mani? What does he want?

Cast

Production

Before Kaavalkaaran began production, Ramachandran's voice had been damaged due to a gunshot to his throat caused by M. R. Radha. Despite this, Ramachandran refused others' suggestion to use a dubbing artiste, and dubbed in his own voice. The song "Ninaithen Vanthai" has him and Jayalalithaa dressed as Mark Antony and Cleopatra respectively, re-enacting the William Shakespeare play Antony and Cleopatra, and later Layla and Majnun.

Soundtrack

The music was composed by M. S. Viswanathan.

Release and reception

Kaavalkaran was released on 7 September 1967. The Indian Express wrote that Veerappan and Neelakantan "made the story gripping with well-punctuated romantic, dramatic and fighting scenes." Kalki called the film a flawless, entertaining film. The film became a major success, and Ramachandran considered it his ninth turning point. It won the Tamil Nadu State [Film Award for Best Film].