Thanga Pathakkam

Plot

S.P. Choudhry (Sivaji Ganesan) is a dedicated policeman, caring husband and a respected man in the community. Being a policeman, however, makes him a strong disciplinarian, even at home. Because of Choudhry’s dedication to hs job, his son, Jagan (Shrikanth), grows up more under the care of his mother Lakshmi (K.R.Vijaya) than under his father. As Jagan grows up he becomes more and more rebellious. He begins to play truant, gamble and lie to his parents. Choudhry’s attempts to discipline him only results in Jagan resenting him.

Cast

Production

Sivaji Ganesan wrote in his autobiography:

Soundtrack

Music is composed by M. S. Viswanathan, with lyrics by Kannadasan. Behindwoods said, "Songs in the film were superhits like the soulful Sumaithangi saindhal, or the lilting Nalladhoru kudumbam." One of the songs from this film "Nallathoru Kudumbam" has inspired a 1979 film of same name.

Reception

Behindwoods called the film "a simple story told in a powerful manner." and added that "Sivaji breathed life into the character so much so that several of his successors have imbibed his style in playing the upright police officer."

Legacy

Comedian Vivek has imitated the mannerisms and dialogue delivery of Sivaji Ganesan in various films. He did the satire on Thangapadhakkam in the film Pasupathi c/o Rasakkapalayam (2007). In a comedy scene from Eththan (2011), Singampuli is seen watching "Thangapadhakkam" while Vimal investigates him about the money he was having. In Uthama Raasa (1993), Vellaiyan (Senthil) would be seen lip-syncing for the song "Sodhanai Mel Sodhanai". The dialogue "Kaanjipona Bhoomiyellam" from the song "Sothanai" was a famous dialogue. In Tata Birla (1996), R. Parthiban mimics the same dialogue to Goundamani who is nude. In Manasthan (2004), R. Sarathkumar misspells the film's title as "Thangappa Thakkam".