Dikkatra Parvathi

Plot

The story espouses the evils of drink, Parvathi (Lakshmi) is a happy girl just married to a very loving husband, Karuppan(Sreekanth). With kind parents-in-law and a doting husband, her life is blissful. Soon, she is blessed with a child. Karuppan wants to increase his earnings and decides to buy a cart, though Parvathi is unwilling, asserting it is happier to be contented with what they have. However Karuppan takes a loan from a money lender and buys a cart. Initially, everything looks rosy. But Karuppan happens to cross the toddy shops on his way home. Slowly, he is initiated into the habit of drink and soon becomes an addict. Parvathi’s life changes into one of hardship and woe. The neglect of Karuppan results in the death of the child. Parvathi’s life becomes tragic. Karuppan is not able to repay the loan. The money lender’s son takes advantage of increasingly abominable attitude of her husband. Parvathi helplessly gives in to the approaches of the moneylender’s son. Coming to know about this, Karuppan throws a scythe at the moneylender’s son, which nearly kills him. Karuppan is arrested. Parvathi is rejected by her kith and kin. Alone she struggles to get her husband released. On the advice of a lawyer she makes a statement in the court that she is guilty, thinking it will facilitate the release of her husband. Karuppan is released, but angered by her statement, rejects her. Dismayed, Parvathi climbs up the hill and ends her trouble by committing suicide.

Cast

Production

The film was shot in Thorapalli, the birthplace of Rajaji, in a single 28-day schedule. The court scenes were shot in the actual court at Hosur and the local lawyers participated, for the first time in Tamil cinema. The film was sponsored by the Film Finance Corporation of India which was subsequently renamed National Film Development Corporation of India. When the producers and the director could not repay the loan, then Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M. G. Ramachandran, repaid the dues and purchased the film for the Tamil Nadu state. It was the first time in film history that a State Government had purchased a film after its release.

It was the only film with a story based upon Rajaji's work. The signature of Rajaji in the letter of permission given to Singeetam Srinivasa Rao is the last signature of his life.

Awards

Music

Chitti Babu composed two songs for the film, the lyrics of which were written by Rajaji and Kannadasan; both were sung by Vani Jairam.

1. "Aagaayam Mazhai Pozhindaal"
2. "Enna Kutram SeidhEnO "