Thulabharam (transl. Weighing scale) is a 1968 Indian Malayalam-language film, directed by A. Vincent. It is based on the Kerala People's Arts Club play of the same name, written by Thoppil Bhasi.[1] Thoppil Bhasi also adapted the play for the screen. The film had an ensemble cast including Prem Nazir, Sharada, Madhu, Sheela, Thikkurisi Sukumaran Nair and Adoor Bhasi.[2] The film won two National Awards.[3] The film was a major blockbuster and following the Malayalam version, the film was made in Tamil (Thulabharam), Telugu (Manushulu Marali) and Hindi (Samaj Ko Badal Dalo), with Sharada playing lead roles in all versions.
| Thulabharam | |
|---|---|
 Poster | |
| Directed by | A. Vincent |
| Written by | Thoppil Bhasi |
| Produced by | Hari Pothen – Supriya |
| Starring | Prem Nazir Sharada Madhu Sheela Thikkurisi Sukumaran Nair Adoor Bhasi |
| Cinematography | P. Bhaskara Rao |
| Edited by | G. Venkittraman |
| Music by | G. Devarajan |
Production company | |
Release date |
|
| Country | India |
| Language | Malayalam |
Plot
editTwo close friends, Vijaya and Vatsala had to part ways after Vatsala's father, a lawyer loses a case of Vijaya's father and it results in the latter's death. Vijaya marries Ramu, a trade union leader against her will. Ramu leads a union strike and is killed when the agitation turns violent. Vijaya's life becomes miserable and she kills her starving children, but she is arrested before being able to commit suicide. In the end, she is given the death penalty by the prosecution, led by her former dear friend Vatsala, who had become a famous lawyer in the meantime.
Cast
edit- Prem Nazir as Ramu
- Sharada as Vijaya
- Madhu as Babu
- Sheela as Valsala
- Adoor Bhasi as Achuthan Nair
- Thikkurissy Sukumaran Nair as R. K. Menon
- Adoor Bhavani
- Baby Ranjani
- Kaduvakulam Antony
- N. Govindankutty
- Nellikode Bhaskaran
- Thoppil Krishna Pillai
- KPAC Khan
Production
editThulabharam is an adaptation of the Kerala People's Arts Club play of the same name, written by Thoppil Bhasi.[4]
Soundtrack
editThe music was composed by G. Devarajan and the lyrics were written by Vayalar Ramavarma.
| No. | Song | Singers | Lyrics | Length (m:ss) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Bhoomidevi Pushpiniyaayi" | P. Susheela, B. Vasantha | Vayalar Ramavarma | |
| 2 | "Katadichu" | K. J. Yesudas | Vayalar Ramavarma | 3:45 |
| 3 | "Nashtappeduvaan" | P. Jayachandran, Chorus | Vayalar Ramavarma | |
| 4 | "Omanathinkalinnonam" | K. J. Yesudas, P. Susheela | Vayalar Ramavarma | |
| 5 | "Omanathinkalinnonam" (Pathos) | P. Susheela | Vayalar Ramavarma | |
| 6 | "Prabhaatha Gopura" | K. J. Yesudas, S. Janaki | Vayalar Ramavarma | |
| 7 | "Thottu Thottilla" | K. J. Yesudas | Vayalar Ramavarma |
Remakes
editThe film's success prompted for three remakes with Sharada playing the same role in all versions.[5] The Tamil film with the same name was made by Vincent himself with A. V. M. Rajan replacing Nazir. V. Madhusudhana Rao directed the Telugu and Hindi versions.[4]
Awards
editThe film won two awards at the 16th National Film Awards.[4]
- Filmfare Award for Best Film - Malayalam won by Supriya Pictures (1968)[6][7]
References
edit- ^ "Two women". The Indian Express. 2 November 1968. p. 5. Archived from the original on 30 January 2021.
- ^ "Cinema Of Malayalam". CinemaOfMalayalam.net. Archived from the original on 1 July 2019. Retrieved 23 January 2021.
- ^ Times of India, Entertainment. "National Awards Winners 1968: Complete list of winners of National Awards 1968". timesofindia.indiatimes.com. Archived from the original on 11 May 2021. Retrieved 11 August 2021.
- ^ a b c Vijayakumar, B. (10 October 2010). "Thulabharam 1968". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 21 December 2013. Retrieved 22 December 2010.
- ^ "4 மொழிகளில் வெளியான 'துலாபாரம்' படத்தில் வாழ்ந்து காட்டிய சாரதா 'ஊர்வசி' விருது பெற்றார்". Maalai Malar (in Tamil). 5 November 2013. Archived from the original on 4 April 2014. Retrieved 24 April 2014.
- ^ "Collections". 1991.
- ^ Reed, Sir Stanley (1969). "The Times of India Directory and Year Book Including Who's who".
External links
edit- Thulabharam at IMDb