Vimochanam

Plot

Arumugham sell his wife's jewellery to buy alcohol until probation in the Salem district offers much-needed relief. He is soon imprisoned for trying to brew liquor illegally. On his release, he finds the liquor shop has become a tea-stall and his wife destitute, leading to his reform.

Cast

Production

The film was inspired by C. Rajagopalachari who published a pro-prohibition magazine titled Vimochanam, from his Ashram at Tiruchengode located near Salem. Rajagopalachari obtained most of the material for the publication from the United States where prohibition was then in force.

This film had a song paying tribute to Rajagopalachari and his services for the uplift of the poor. Inspired by Rajagopalachari's crusade for the banishment of alcohol, a group of socially conscious people launched Vimochanam, a film which starred only girl children belonging to the Chennai Sirumigal Sangeetha Vidyasaalai. The main people behind the production were Carnatic musician Lalitha Venkataraman and short story writer Sasi. The latter wrote the script and lyrics, while Italian cinematographer T. Marconi, who was then living in Madras, directed the film.

Soundtrack

The film's music was composed by Ramani, the founder of the Ramani School of Music, Mylapore. The background score was composed by Sarma Brothers, who also worked for All India Radio. The film had many songs performed by Lalitha. Popular songs include "Kallai ozhithida sattamondru Chennai Congress aatchiyil seithanarey", "Mahaan Rajaji-yai ellorum vaazhthuvomey" and "Naattuomey jayakodi".

Reception

Film historian Randor Guy praised the film for its "meaningful lyrics, presentation and all roles being played by girl children."