Madurai Veeran (1956 film)

Production

The legend of Madurai Veeran has been passed on over centuries, forming a vibrant part of the rich south Indian folklore. He is deified and worshipped with awe and devotion to this day in several southern districts. It was a resounding success, celebrating a silver jubilee run in many centers.

It is the remake of 1939 movie Madurai Veeran by Raju Films where T. P. Rajalakshmi had written, produced and acted. V. A. Chellappa played the title role.

Plot

Veeran was born to the chieftain of Varanavasi, but the baby was born with an unlucky mark destined to bring doom to the state. Acting as per the dictates of the astrologer, baby is abandoned in the forest. A cobbler and his wife discover the baby in the forest, and bring him up as their son.

Veeran grows up to be a brave and noble youth. He chances to save Bommi, the princess of Thottiyam from being drowned in the Cauvery. Bommi falls in love with him. Though Veeran doesn’t reciprocate initially, he perceives the depth of her love gradually after Bommi comes riding on an elephant dressed as a man and saves Veeran from being trampled to death. Bommi’s uncle, the cowardly Narasappan finds his schemes of marrying Bommi falling apart. Citing Veeran’s low birth, Narasappan causes the lovers undue hardships. Due to opposition from Bommi's father, Veeran arrives and carries the princess away. Finally the King of Tiruchi, from whom Narasappan had sought assistance, declares that Veeran and Bommi are not guilty of any crime and sanctifies their union in wedlock. And being impressed with Veeran’s valour, the King appoints him as the commander of the army.

Thirumalai Nayakar of Madurai appeals to Tiruchi to help curb the menace of a gang of robbers that was terrorizing the people of Madurai. Veeran is sent to Madurai and he is appointed Nayakar’s commander. There he sees Vellaiyamma, the beautiful court dancer and is impressed with her virtues and skills. Suitable disguised, Veeran and Vellaiyamma gain entry into the Azhagar Malai den of the thieves. With the help of hidden soldiers, they manage to capture most of the robbers and recover the plundered loot.

Nayakar, who wants to make Vellaiyamma his concubine, is furious when he hears that Vellaiyamma is in love with Veeran. And his mind further poisoned by the evil Narasappan and his former commander Kutilan, the King accuses Veeran of treason and orders a hand and leg of Veeran to be severed. Before the sentence is carried out Veeran recognizes in the crowd the leader of the thieves Sangilikaruppan, and puts him to death in a quick encounter. Satisfied that he has now accomplished his mission, Veeran subjects himself to the mutilation. And as his soul leaves his body soon after, Bommi and Vellaiyamma unite with him in the heavenly abode.

Crew

Soundtrack

The music was composed by G. Ramanathan. Lyrics were by Udumalai Narayana Kavi, Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass & Kannadasan. Singer is P. Bhanumathi. Playback singers are T. M. Soundararajan, M. L. Vasanthakumari, P. Leela & Jikki.