Lavangi
| Lavangi | |
|---|---|
 Film Poster | |
| Directed by | Y. V. Rao |
| Produced by | Y. V. Rao |
| Story by | P. R. Narayanan |
| Starring |
Y. R. Rao Kumari Rukmini B. R. Panthulu K. R. Jayamma K. Sarangapani T. R. Ramachandran K. R. Chellam |
| Music by | C. R. Subburaman |
| Cinematography | Jiten Bannerjee |
Production company |
Newton Studios |
| Distributed by | Sri Jagadhish Films |
Release dates | 10 May 1946 |
| Country | India |
| Language | Tamil |
Lavangi is a 1946 Tamil film directed and produced by Y. V. Rao and written by P. R. Narayanan. It stars Y. V. Rao, Kumari Rukmini, B. R. Panthulu, K. R. Jayamma, K. Sarangapani, K. R. Chellam and T. R. Ramachandran.[1] The film features music by C. R. Subbu Raman. The story of Lavangi is a mix of facts and fiction, and its story line is built around a famed poet, Jagannathaa Pandita Rayalu, who was believed to have served to the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as one of his court poets.[2][3] The film did not do well, much to the disappointment of Rao, the producers, and others. Later it was dubbed into Hindi, but did not meet with success.[1]
Plot
The film tells the story of Jagannatha Pandita Rayalu, a Sanskrit poet from Andhra, who is fluent in many languages. He marries a young village woman (Kumari Rukmini) who lives in his town. Looking for fame and fortune, he heads to the court of King Shah Jahan (B. R. Panthulu) who is impressed with his multifaceted talents. Jagannatha leaves behind his young wife in the village for twelve years to join Shah Jahan. During these years alone, she suffers greatly.[3] Apart from other things, she endures poverty and ugly rumors about her morals. An old gossipy blackmailer (K. Sarangapani) tries to take advantage of her, and he and his attractive wife (K. R. Chellam) have an idiot son (T. R. Ramachandran).
After pining for her husband, the wife leaves home for Agra where she meets Empress Mumtaz Mahal (B. S. Jayamma), who takes her under her wing. The young village wife changes her appearance and lifestyle and is renamed Lavangi. Jagannatha, unaware that she is the same wife he had left behind 12 years earlier, falls in love and offers to marry her. In a romantic climax, the truth comes out and the couple is reunited.[1]
Comedy Track
The film had a comedy track far ahead of its time. K. Sarangapani plays only a minor role. Ramachandran pesters his mother (K. R. Chellam) to know what happens on the "wedding night" and a gypsy woman, who comes seeking alms, offers to tell him about it and invites him to her hut. Later his wedding is fixed and while he is about to start tying the Mangala sutra, the gypsy walks in pregnant with his child.[1]
Cast
- Y. V. Rao as Jagannatha Pandita Rayalu
- Kumari Rukmini as Jagannatha's Wife
- B. R. Panthulu as King Sha Jahan
- B. S. Jayamma as Queen Mumtaz Mahal
- K. Sarangapani as Old Gossipper and Blackmailer
- K. R. Chellam as Blackmailer's Wife
- T. R. Ramachandran as Blackmailer's Son
- Vinjamuri Varadaraja Ayyangar
- K. R. Jayagowri
- Miss Azurie as Dancer
Production
According to recorded history, the Jagannatha Pandita Rayalu married a Muslim woman by the name of Lavangi. The screenplay was, of course, manipulated by Rao and his writer. The film was well narrated with the screenplay by Rao. The film, which was shot at the famed Newton Studios, was recorded by noted photographer Jiten Bannerjee and designed by celebrated art director and film-maker F. Nagoor. The story line, tune, and comedy were remarkable in the film. However, the film did not do well, much to the disappointment of Y.V. Rao,[4] the producers, and others. It also was dubbed into Hindi, but even with this change, it still was not successful.[1][5]
Soundtrack
The music for the film was composed by C. R. Subbu Raman and H. Padmanabha Shastry, with lyrics written by Papanasam Sivan. There was also a dance sequence by noted film dancer Miss Azurie of Bombay, which raised eyebrows for her revealing dance costume and erotic movements. The film had melodious songs including a popular duet Vashakaarar Pola Thonuthey (performed by Rao and Rukmini).[1]
| No | Song |
|---|---|
| 1 | Vashakaakar Pola Thonuthey |
[6] Other Facts
- During the making of the film Y. V. Rao and Kumari Rukmini fell in love and later got married.
- The film, shot at the famed Newton Studios, was photographed by noted lensman Jiten Bannerjee.
References
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 Randor Guy (2013-05-25). "Blast from the past - lavangi 1946". "The Hindu". Retrieved 2016-01-04.
- ↑ "lavangi". spicyonion. Retrieved 2016-01-04.
- 1 2 Randor Guy (2015-05-07). "in a lighter vein column sarangapani". "The Hindu". Retrieved 2016-01-04.
- ↑ Dhananjayan 2016, p. 17.
- ↑ "Lavangi 2014". nthwall. Retrieved 2016-01-04.
- ↑ "Lavangi (1946)". The Hindu. 2013-05-25. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2016-01-27.
External links
- Lavangi at the Internet Movie Database