Ponni (1976 film)
Ponni is a 1976 Malayalam language film, scripted and directed by Thoppil Bhasi, based on Malayattoor Ramakrishnan's novel of the same name. Produced by M. O. Joseph under the banner of Manjilas, the film features music by G. Devarajan, cinematography by Balu Mahendra and editing by M. S. Mani. It has Kamal Haasan as the protagonist and Lakshmi in the eponymous role. The supporting cast includes Soman, Adoor Bhasi, Sankaradi, Bahadoor, Janardhanan, Rajakumari and K. P. A. C. Lalitha. The film was dubbed into Tamil as Kollimalai Maaveeran[1] and Telugu as Kondaraju Koyapilla.[2]
| Ponni | |
|---|---|
 Promotional Poster | |
| Directed by | Thoppil Bhasi |
| Produced by | M. O. Joseph |
| Screenplay by | Thoppil Bhasi |
| Based on | Ponni by Malayattoor Ramakrishnan |
| Starring | |
| Music by | G. Devarajan |
| Cinematography | Balu Mahendra |
| Edited by | M. S. Mani |
Production company | Manjilas |
| Distributed by | Central Pictures |
Release date |
|
| Country | India |
| Language | Malayalam |
Plot
The film is based on the lifestyle of the Adivasis of Attappady at Malleswaram hills. Slash and burn cultivation practised by the Adivasis was suddenly stopped by the Government, forcing them to search for new jobs. The hero changes his hair style to suit the times. The courtship dance and traditional songs were depicted in a realistic way.
Writing
The film is based on Malayattoor's famous novel titled Ponni. The novel was written in 1966-67 and was inspired by true stories that Malayattoor heard when he worked as Ottappalam sub-collector during 1959 - 1961.[3]
Cast
- Kamal Haasan as Maaran
- Lakshmi as Ponni
- Soman as Chellan
- Adoor Bhasi as Bomman
- Sankaradi as Nanjan
- Bahadoor as Adhikari
- Janardhanan as sub-collector
- Paravoor Bharathan as Hanuman
- Manavalan Joseph as Sankaran
- Sam as Aandhi
- Muthukulam Raghavan Pillai as Mooppan
- J. A. R. Anand as Mooppan's assistant
- Prathapachandran as Chinnan
- Punjabi as tea-shop keeper
- C. A. Balan as Bhandari
- E. Madhavan as Muthalali
- Rajakumari as Maashi
- K. P. A. C. Lalitha as Chikki
- Pala Thankam as Chelli
Soundtrack
The music was composed by G. Devarajan with lyrics by P. Bhaskaran.[4]
| No. | Song | Singers | Lyrics | Length (m:ss) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Kaaveri Thalakkaaveri" | P. Leela, P. Madhuri, C. O. Anto | P. Bhaskaran | |
| 2 | "Maamaramo Poomaramo" | P. Madhuri | P. Bhaskaran | |
| 3 | "Maargazhiyil Mallika" | K. J. Yesudas | P. Bhaskaran | |
| 4 | "Maattupponkal" | P. Jayachandran, P. Leela, P. Madhuri, Chorus, Srikanth | P. Bhaskaran | |
| 5 | "Neeraattu Ponkal Neeraattu" | P. Susheela, Chorus | P. Bhaskaran | |
| 6 | "Ponnee Ponnee" | P. Madhuri, Chorus | P. Bhaskaran | |
| 7 | "Sinkarappenninte" | P. Leela, P. Madhuri | P. Bhaskaran | |
| 8 | "Thenkaashi" | P. Jayachandran, P. Leela, P. Madhuri, Sreekanth | P. Bhaskaran |
- Tamil Version
Tamil lyrics were written by Deva Narayanan. playback singers are Sherin Peter, Sasirekha, T. R. Sarojarani and Harimathavan.
| External audio | |
|---|---|
 |
| No. | Song | Singers |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Azhagana Thenmalai Mele Padavantha Penne" | |
| 2 | "Pamparamo Penn Manamo" | |
| 3 | "Yamma Ho Yamma, cauvery" | |
| 4 | "Sinthatha Muthukkal" | |
| 5 | "Neerattu Pongal Neerattu" |
References
- https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=KgrCbkL_fto&t=4695s
- https://ghantasalagalamrutamu.blogspot.com/2015/05/1980_72.html?m=1
- "Ponni: 1976". The Hindu. 16 February 2015. Archived from the original on 5 February 2017. Retrieved 4 February 2017.
- "Ponni". www.malayalachalachithram.com. Retrieved 4 October 2014.