Kuzhandaiyum Deivamum

Cast

Production

Kuzhandhaiyum Deivamum was the adaptation of Disney's The Parent Trap (1961) which told the story of twin girls bringing together their separated parents. Actor and screenwriter Javar Seetharaman adapted that film in Tamil, making changes in the screenplay to suit the local milieu. AVM Kumaran liked The Parent Trap and advised A. C. Tirulokchandar to integrate the theme of this film into Kaakkum Karangal which Tirulokchandar was directing at that time for AVM. However Tirulokchandar was not interested as he felt his script was better. AVM then chose Krishnan–Panju to direct the film.

The script of the film was completed before the commencement of shooting. Jaishankar was selected to play the main protagonist and it was his third film which featured him in a leading role. Jamuna, was selected as the leading actress. T. A. Madhuram enacted a negative character and it was one of her rare screen appearances after the death of her husband N. S. Krishnan. There was a sequence where the two sisters fight with each other which was hard to film at that time. In the climax of the film which was shot at Pazhani the scene where Kutti Padmini slipped was a real incident, she was later saved by the production team.

Soundtrack

The music was composed by M. S. Viswanathan and the lyrics were written by Vaali and Kannadasan. All the songs were well received. The song "Pazhamuthir Solai" is based on Abheri Raga. The song "Anbulla Maanvizhiye" was remixed by Rafi in the film Jaggubhai (2010). Randor Guy of Hindu wrote "One of the major factors contributing to the success of the movie was its melodious music composed by M. S. Viswanathan. Many of the songs became hits and are still remembered today".

Critical reception

The Tamil magazine Ananda Vikatan, in a review dated 19 December 1965, applauded Padmini's performance and stated that she was the sole reason to watch the film, which the reviewer called childish. Randor Guy mentioned that the film was "Remembered for the interesting storyline, Kutti Padmini's performance and melodious songs".

Remakes

The film was remade in Telugu as Leta Manasulu (1966) with Jamuna, Haranath and Kutti Padmini in lead roles. Directed by the same duo, it, however, did not enjoy the same success as the Tamil original. The film was also remade in Hindi as Do Kaliyaan (1967) which was also directed by Krishnan-Panju, it featured noted stars Mala Sinha and Biswajeet as the couple. Meiyappan wanted Padmini again to reprise the twins however Pandit Mukram Sharma who was the dialogue writer for Hindi version felt she was too old for the roles. The role of the twins was enacted by Baby Sonia who later as a young woman was known as Neetu Singh. Do Kaliyan was a silver jubilee hit.

Awards