Nellu (1974 film)

Plot

The film portrays the life of "Adiyar" community, a tribe whose ways of life belongs to centuries ago. They live in the Wayanad hills in the deep Kerala forests. The film envelopes the passions, superstitions, religious practices, customs, and the servility and exploitation the tribal people endure. The film is narrated through the observations of an outsider.

Cast

Production

P. Valsala wrote the novel after a rejuvenating experience in Wayanad. It was published in 1972 by Sahithya Pravarthaka Cooperative Society. It went on to become a bestseller and won the Kumkumam Award for Best Novel in 1973. Kariat approached Valsala for permission to adapt the novel, and when she agreed, he asked K. G. George, S. L. Puram Sadanandan and Valsala to write separate scripts based on the novel and in the end, took certain portions from all the three and made the film.

Noted South Indian actress Sharada was originally chosen for the role of Mara. She turned down the offer when Kariat insisted that she dress like the tribal women of Wayanad. Later, Kariat fixed Jayabharathi, another leading actress of the time, for that role. Nellu marked the debut of actor Mohan Sharma who went on to act in about 100 films in Malayalam.

The film's production occurred at various villages near Thirunelli in Wayanad. It was produced by N. P. Ali under the banner of Jammu Films International.

Songs

The film features five songs composed by Salil Chowdhary and written by Vayalar. The song " Kadali Chenkadali" was sung by Lata Mangeshkar and is her only song in Malayalam to date.

1. "Chemba Chemba" - Manna Dey, Jayachandran, Chorus
2. "Kadali Chenkadali" - Lata Mangeshkar
3. "Neela Ponmane" - Yesudas, P. Madhuri
4. "Kaadu Kuliranu" - P. Susheela