Naam (1953 film)

Plot

Kumaran (M. G. Ramachandran) is the heir to a zamindari estate, which he learns from his dying mother. However, the will and the related testament are hidden by Malayappan (Veerappa). A doctor Sanjeevi (M. G. Chakrapani) is also interested in the property and wants his daughter (Saraswathi) to marry Kumaran. Against his wishes, Kumaran is in love with Malayappan's sister Meena (Janaki). When Meena gets the will, Kumaran suspects her intentions, and leaves the village. In the city, he becomes a boxer. Meanwhile, Malayappan sets Kumaran's house on fire and Kumaran is presumed dead. However, he is saved by Meena. More complications arise about the missing will, and simultaneously, a disfigured boxer moves around at night, leading to rumours about a ghost in the village. However, the truth is eventually revealed, and the lovers are united.

Cast

Production

Naam was jointly produced by Jupiter Pictures and Mekala Pictures. Karunanidhi wrote the screenplay, dialogue and lyrics, based on Kaadhal Kanneer, a story by screenwriter Kashi. M. G. Ramachandran, then not the popular icon that he would later become, spelt his name onscreen as "Ramachandar" because he thought it sounded "stylish", and wanted to differentiate himself from the already established actor T. R. Ramachandran.

Soundtrack

Music was composed by Chidambaram S. Jayaraman. The playback singers were Jayaraman himself, in addition to Nagoor Hanifa, A. M. Rajah, Jikki, M. L. Vasanthakumari, A. P. Komala, K. R. Chellamuthu and T. R. Gajalakshmi

Reception

According to film historian Randor Guy, the film was not successful, but he praised the "interesting storyline, meaningful dialogue, impactful direction, good performances by MGR, Chakrapani, Veerappa, Janaki and Saraswathi".