Poova Thalaiya


Poova Thalaiya is a 1969 Tamil-language comedy film directed by K. Balachander. The film features Gemini Ganesan, Jaishankar, Rajasree, Vennira Aadai Nirmala and S. Varalakshmi. The film, produced by M. L. A. Rama. Arangakannal, had musical score by M. S. Viswanathan and was released on 10 May 1969. The film was remade in Telugu as Bomma Borusa, in Malayalam as Balapareekshanam and in Kannada as Balondhu Uyyale.

Plot

Gemini Ganesan is a widower and S. Varalaxmi is his mother in law. Jaishankar is the younger brother of Gemini Ganesan and he falls in love with S. Varalaxmi's youngest daughter Venniradai Nirmala. A healthy competition takes place between evil minded S. Varalaxmi and Jai Shankar so as to overthrow one another.

Cast

The film was shot at AVM Studios and was produced by Rama Arangannal, an active politician.

Soundtrack

The music was composed by M. S. Viswanathan with lyrics by Vaali. The song "Maduraiyil Parandha" is based on Kalyani raga.

Release & reception

Poova Thalaiya was released on 10 May 1969. The Indian Express called the film "an all-out attempt at comedy and it succeeds reasonably well", however cited Balachander's direction "not come up with the standard of his previous films". Randor Guy of The Hindu stated that the film is remembered for "The interesting story line, situational comedy, humorous dialogues, tuneful music and superb acting by Varalakshmi, Jai Shankar, Gemini Ganesh, Nagesh, Rajasri, Manorama, Srikanth and Rama Rao".