Naam Iruvar

Production

Based on a play Thyaga Ullam written by Pa. Neelakantan and directed by Sahasranamam(which itself was based on the story of the 1936 film Iru Sahodhargal), Nam Iruvar was directed and produced by A.V. Meiyappan. The film released in January, a few months before India's independence after six months of shooting and was a "thundering success". The story begins with a Subramania Bharati anniversary and ends with Gandhi's 77th birthday celebrations. A notable feature of the movie were its songs which were written by Indian nationalist Subramaniya Bharati and sung by D. K. Pattammal.

The film is remembered for the dance performances of Baby Kamala. It is also remembered as the first film produced under the banner of AVM Productions. Following the success of the film, AVM moved his studio from Karaikudi to Kodambakkam in Chennai. Nam Iruvar was also the last film directed by A. V. Meiyappan and extensively portrayed the hopes and aspirations of a nation on the brink of independence.

S. V. Sahasranamam who acted and directed the play was initially considered for the leading role. but couldn't take up the film due to other commitments hence he was replaced by T. R. Mahalingam. The film also marked the debut of V. K. Ramasamy who appeared in the role of an evil old man at the age of 21. The film had a prominent comedy track provided by T. R. Ramachandran of Sabapathy fame.

Cast

Plot synopsis

Mahalingam plays the part of Sukumar, the son of a black-marketeer who falls in the company of evil friends and invests his money in making a film in accordance with their advice. However, the film never sees the light of the day and leaves Sukumar heavy in debt. He is eventually questioned by financiers and when he fails to pay them, is dragged to court. How he is rescued from his perilous situation forms the climax of the story. At the end of the movie, Sukumar becomes a nationalist and a Gandhian

Nam Iruvar also marked the debut of V. K. Ramasamy who plays the role of an evil old man who desires to marry Sukumar's lady-love Kannamma. The film had a prominent comedy track provided by T. R. Ramachandran of Sabapathy fame.

Songs

Music composed by R. Sudarasanam and lyrics written by Mahakavi Subramaniya Bharathiyar and K. P. Kamatchisundaram. Singers are T. R. Mahalingam and T. R. Ramachandran. Playback singers are Devanarayanan, D. K. Pattammal, T. S. Bagavathi and M. S. Rajeswari.

The song "Aaduvome" was written by Subramaniya Bharathi while other two songs were written by K. P. Kamatchisundaram. Randor Guy of The Hindu wrote that the film was remembered for "The scintillating song and dance numbers, ‘Aaaduvomey…..’ and ‘Vetri Ettum’, performed by ‘Baby’ Kamala".

Reception

The reviewer for The Indian Express called the film "an interesting social drama well acted with the additional attraction of a few songs of the great Bharathi rendered by Mahalingam. Baby Kamala is responsible for some good dance numbers." Randor Guy of The Hindu wrote that the concept "had nothing to do with the freedom movement, but it had everything to do with perceptively capturing the spirit of the times, making it a hit".