Mannadhi Mannan


Mannadhi Mannan is a 1960 Indian Tamil-language swashbuckler film directed and produced by M. Natesan. The film features M. G. Ramachandran, Anjali Devi and Padmini in the lead roles. The film, written by Kannadasan, had musical score by Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy and was released on 19 October 1960, during Diwali.

Plot

Dancer Chitra and prince of Uraiyur Manivannan fall in love with each other after meeting in a dance competition. However, Chola King Kanikannan also desires Chitra. Meanwhile, Manivannan's father, the Cheran King sends his minister, seeking the hand of Karpagavalli, daughter of King Karigala, for his son.
But the King thwarts this proposal, talking ill of the heredity of Manivannan's mother. Unable to bear his mother being insulted, Manivannan goes to the Chola kingdom and abducts Karpagavalli. In the meantime, a dacoit, played very cleverly by Kanikannan, forces Manivannan to marry Karpagavalli.

Cast

Cast according to the opening credits of the film
;Male Cast
;Female Cast
;Dance
T. S. Kamala, D. Madhuri, T. K. Rajeswari,
Revathi, Sakunthala, C. R. Mohana, G. Bala,
G. Sundari, Leela, N. Meera, B. Shantha,
K. Rajeswari, Rajamma, Vittoba, J. N. Rajam,
G. Kamala, Nagu and P. T. Saroja.

Soundtrack

The music composed by Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy. Lyrics by Kannadasan & A. Maruthakasi. The song "Aadatha Manamum" is based on Latangi raga.

Release and reception

Mannathi Mannan was released on 19 October 1960, during Diwali. The Indian Express wrote "the story could have been very well developed in a different way Anyway the picture is replete with romance, dance and fight" and praised the performances of star cast including Padmini. Randor Guy of The Hindu wrote the film "achieve cult status and remembered for the melodious music, meaningful lyrics and dialogue, the dances by Padmini, Ragini and Anjali Devi and the impressive performance by MGR, and the opening song, 'Acchham Enbathu' helped MGR become a cultural icon". Despite facing competition from Kairasi, Petra Manam, and Paavai Vilakku, released on the same day, the film became a commercial success and "managed to run 92 days in theatres and fared well at the box office. It had to be shifted in view of the new releases of MGR".