Novel cinema in Kollywood - II

The 60s also had seen some popular novels were filmed by reputed directors. Paavai Vikaku by Akilan Partiban Kanavu by Kalki Iruvar Ullaam from Penn Manam by Lakshmi, Kulamagal Radhai from Vaazhvu Enge by Akilan and Thillana Mohanambal by Kothamangalam Subbu are some novels from the seniors to have gone on big screen. Interestingly apparent social novels when filmed had Sivaji Ganesan at the helm on screen.

Also this was the time when one of the most influential writers who hates cinema got associated with films. Jayakantha who always pew venom on cinema and particularly stars like MGR had many of his novels was the time

From Unnaipol Oruvan in 1965 several novels of Jayakanthan were made into films. Yarukaha Azhuthan, Kaval Deivam from Kai Vilangu, Ethanai Konam Ethanai Parvai from Kathiruntha Oruthi are some of the novel films of Jayakanthan that made the relationship between literature and cinema in the 60s special. Sridhar's Sumai Thangi and Idhu Sathyam are Ra. Ki. Rangarajan novels.

The 70s is a golden period in Tamil cinema. Be it cinema or its music 70s created its own moments. The domination of MGR and Sivaji was in the wane for legitimate reasons. New wave cinema started making its presence and the new air opened the doors for realistic cinema. Many film makers used the opportunity to create an opportunity and change the course of cinema. To look foe unusual content where else one can go but to books.

The novels of Maniyan and Sujatha were the best sellers for cinema. Idhayaveenai starring MGR, Sollathan Ninaikiren directed by K. Balachander adapted from Ilavu Katha Kili are Manian novels. Manian understood the psyche of middle class family aspirations out of his experience in periodical journals had many stories for films. Moham Mupathu Varusham, Vayasu Ponnu from Love Birds are other good critically acclaimed award winners of Manian’s.

Jayakanthan still had his followers. When his Silanerangalinl Sila Manithargal won the major award including the best national award for best actress to Lakshmi the team immediately launched Jayakanthan’s ‘Oru Nadigai Nadakam Paarkiral’. Lakshmi was the sudden favorite when directors planned to film a novel. Lakshm also features in the screen adaptation of ‘Thikatra Parvathi’ by T Rajaji.

Sujatha was another major contributor. The first novel of his to be filmed was ‘Gayathri’ starring Rajnikanth and Sridevi. Priya, Idhu Eppadi Iruku from Anitha Ilam Manaivi, Poi muhgangal from Kaagitha Sangilikal, Yaruku Yaar kaaval from Jannal Marlar are some of Sujatha’s novels. But Sujatha never approved the way his novels were turned into films. In Gayathri the popular detective duo in Ganesh-Vasanth were not major characters. In fact Ganesh was a minuscule character which appears at the end of the film.

In this period, Nadhiya Thedi Vantha Kadal by Maharishi, Oru Oothapoo Kan Simitukirathu by Pushpa Thanagthurai, Thanikudithanam by Mareena, Vanakathukuriya Kathaliye by Rajendrakumar Yaga salai by Ko Vi Manisekaran and Pootatha Pootukal from Uravugal by Poneelal are some notable novel films. But the best were Bhuvana Oru Kelvikuri by Maharishi and Mullum Malarum by Umachandran.

Director Mahendran used the novel to the best effects. He alone directed three time testing films. Udhiripookal, Pootatha Pootukkal and Mullum Malarum are precious contribution of Mahendran. Towards the end of the decade MGR filmed Akilan’s heroine centric novel Kayalvizhi as a hero worshipping Maduraiyai Meeta Sundarapandiyan.