Advocate Kumar and his sister Bhama lose their mother and are brought up by their maternal aunt, who loves them as her own. Radha gives Bhama daily music lessons. Radha is in love with Gopi, an artist. But her mother is against their relationship due to a family feud. Kumar invites Gopi to his house. Bhama impressed by the artistic talents of Gopi and falls in love with him at first sight. Gopi rejects her love and Bhama attempts to commit suicide. Her step mother consoles her and assures her fulfillment of her ambitions. One day, Bhama is not at home when Radha arrives for their lessons. Bhama's step mother gives her a cup of coffee and leaves for a wedding. Kumar, who is attracted to Radha, attempts to take advantage of the situation. Radha resists out of fear and shame. Kumar blocks her mouth with his hands. Radha dies and Kumar throws her corpse in a river. Gopi is arrested by the Police on the evidence of a letter found in her handbag, in which he suggests they elope. Kumar decides to surrender to the police to save Gopi, whom he knows to be innocent. Kumar's step mother comes to know about Kumar's decision. At the climax, the step mother appears before the court during Gopi's trial and reveals that the real cause for Radha's death was the poison that she mixed in Radha's coffee. Her objective was get Bhama and Gopi married following Radha's demise. Kumar commits suicide by consuming poison. The mother is sentenced to ten years imprisonment. Gopi is freed by the court and the film ends with Gopi lamenting his lover's demise on the banks of the river.
Cast
Jaishankar as Artist Gopi
A. V. M. Rajan as Advocate Kumar
Venniradai Nirmala as Radha, Bhama's music teacher
Processing: S. R. Ranganathan by Vijaya Laboratory
Audiography : S. P. Ramanathan
Audiography : D. Lasaras
Re - Recording: S. P. Ramanathan
Outdoor: Dejo Films Unit
Table of ''Mannippu'' and ''Padunna Puzha''
Box office
Padunna Puzha released on 20 June 1968 was probably the first Malayalam film that was remade in another language. M. Krishnan Nair, who directed the film, directed the Tamil remake Mannippu also. Both films were successful at the box office.
Soundtrack
Music was by S. M. Subbaiah Naidu and lyrics were written by Vaali. The playback singers consist of T. M. Soundararajan, Sirkazhi Govindarajan, P. Suseela and A. P. Komala.
