Vedhala Ulagam

Vedhala Ulagam

Theatrical poster
Directed by A. V. Meiyappan
Produced by A. V. Meiyappan
Written by P. Neelakantan
Screenplay by P. Neelakantan
Starring T. R. Mahalingam
Mangalam
K. Sarangapani
C. T. Rajakantham
R. Balasubramaniam
Music by R. Sudarsanam
Cinematography T. Muthusamy
Edited by M. V. Raman
Production
company
Distributed by AVM Productions
Release dates
 11 August 1948
Running time
 160 minutes
Country India
Language Tamil

Vedhala Ulagam (English: Demon Land Or Demon World) is a 1942 Indian Tamil fantasy film directed and produced by A. V. Meiyappan of AVM Productions. The film was adapted from the stage play of same name by Pammal Sambandha Mudaliar and adaptation was written by P. Neelakantan. Music was by R. Sundarsanam. The film starred T. R. Mahalingam ,K. Sarangapani , C. T. Rajakantham , Mangalam and K. R. Chellam in lead roles with R. Balasubramaniam Pandari Bai portraying supporting roles. Kumari Kamala , Padmini , Lalitha and Tara Choudhary made cameo appearances.[1][2] The film ran successfully in theatres.

Plot

Vedhala Ulagam is a world of demons where mortals are imprisoned by the demon king Mahandra Varman (R. Balasubramaniam). A daring Macha Desam Price Rajasimahan (T. R. Mahalingam) and his companion Thattadreyan (K. Sarangapani) comes to Vedhala Ulagam. Rajasimahan and Rajeevi (Mangalam) both are fall in love. Princess Rajeevi got one special boon; she was ever youthful. Rajasimahan and Thathan meet the demon king and both accept three challenges. They did well with the help of princess Rajeevi and set out to release the imprisoned men accompanied by his companion Thathan with whom a demoness princess Mohana Valli (K. R. Chellam) falls in love with Rajasimahan. Mohana valli was ask help to her demon mother Queen Komathi Devi (C. T. Rajakantham), her mother told the secret of the three challenges to her daughter Mohana and Mohana says secrets for her stepsister Rajeevi. Rajeevi was saved both life. Then finally, Rajasimahan and Rajeevi got married.[2]

Cast

Crew

Production

Vedhala Ulagam was adapted by P. Neelakandan from the stage play of the same name written by Pammal Sambandha Mudaliar. The film was entirely shot at AVM Studios with sets built by A. Balu. Vedhala Ulagam shoot at the AVM studio in Karaikudi situated on the outskirts of Devakottai. Not many are aware that some parts of the film were shot earlier with T. A. Jayalakshmi (heroine of AVM hit, Naam Iruvar), but many reasons she was replaced by Mangalam(Yogam) who along her sister Yogam were well known dancers. The dance sequence of Kumari Kamala, Lalitha, Padmini and Tara Choudary was choreograhed by Vazhuvoor Ramaiah Pillai.[2]

Soundtrack

Vedhala Ulagam
Soundtrack album by R. Sudarsanam
Released 1948
Recorded 1948
Genre Sareegama and Carnatic
Language Tamil
Producer R. Sudarsanam

Music composed by R. Sudarasanam and lyrics written by Mahakavi Subramaniya Bharathiyar , K. D. Santhanam , Papanasam Sivan and N. Raghavan. The playback singers consist of T. R. Mahalingam, T. V. Rathinam, P. A. Periya Nayaki, M. S. Rajeswari, and T. S. Bagavathy.[4] The song Ayyaya Paarkka Kannu Koosuthey (voice T. R. Mahalingam) was a straight lift from the famous song of Brazilian singer Carmen Miranda, I i..i.. Like You Very much.[2]

Singing Star T. R. Mahalingam, one of the top names in Tamil cinema sang a solo and duets with Mangalam (Voice T. S. Bhagavathi). One of the songs picturised on mangalam Vaarai Inbam Thanthai was hummed by one and all. As a story line was thin, AVM introduced song and dance sequence (including a dance drama Pavalakodi) which proved to be popular Subramania Bharati song in the Virahha Thaapam and Thoondil Puzhuvinai Pol (Kumari Kamala voice D. K. Pattammal).

Famous dancer Tara Choudary dance sequence and another dance drama featuring Lalitha and Padmini Vasamulla Poo Paripeney. As a post script sequence at the end of the movie, Kamala danced to the popular song Theeratha Vilayattu Pillai (Voice D. K. Pattammal and lyrics Subramania Bharati). The happy couple T. R. Mahalingam and Mangalam watch this sequence.[2]

No Song Singer Lyrics Length(m:ss)
1 Kalviyil Sirantha Thamizh Nadu T. R. Mahalingam Mahakavi Subramaniya Bharathiyar 4:59
2 Mahasugitha Ruba Sundari T. R. Mahalingam 3:02
3 Adhi Parashakthi T. R. Mahalingam 2:26
4 Sathiyam Seithu Tharuven T. R. Mahalingam 2:10
5 Un Manam Kalangatho T. R. Mahalingam
6 Dhayai Purivai T. R. Mahalingam 2:53
7 Solai Azhaginil Malai 3:02
8 Vaarai Inbam Thandhai T. S. Bhagavathi 2:22
9 Senthazhavum Vennilave T. R. Mahalingam T. S. Bhagavathi 6:45
10 Maganaga Sudhara Mana Mohanan T. S. Bagavathi 3:00
11 Ayyaya Paarkka Kannu T. R. Mahalingam 5:42
12 Aadum Mayil Padum Kuyil M. S. Rajeswari Mahakavi Subramaniya Bharathiyar 10:36
13 Odi Vilayadu Pappa 3:08
14 Thoondir Puzhuvinai Pol D. K. Pattammal 3:59
15 Vasam Ulla Pooparipene T. S. Bhagavathi & M. S. Rajeswari 8:20
16 Koondu Kulivinai Pol 4:19
17 Theeratha Villayattu Pillai D. K. Pattammal 5:17
18 Ananthamanen Naan 2:36

Trivia

The last sequence was hand tinted in color and drew large crowds because such colored sequence in Tamil Cinema were rarity then. Murugesan was an expert craftsman, who could paint every frame in the positive print. Unfortunately, Murugesan died in obscurity and poverty. Being a tale of demons, there were number of trick sequences in the film which were well executed by the in-house cinema. T. Mathuram whom few remember today. The picturised set were contributed by well known art director A. Balu. The interesting screenplay, narratation, pleasing Music and exquisite set and dance .[2]

References

  1. ↑ "vedhala ulagam". spicyonion. Retrieved 2015-12-29.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Randor Guy (2008-12-19). "todays paper vedhala ulagam 1948". "The Hindu". Retrieved 2015-12-29.
  3. ↑ "vedhala ulagam movie". gomolo. Retrieved 2015-12-30.
  4. ↑ "vedhala ulagam songs". youtube. Retrieved 2015-12-30.

External links

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