Vimochanam
| Vimochanam | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | T. Marconi |
| Starring |
Hemalatha Kanthamani Baby Jaya Indira Bhagirathi T. P. Sundari Selva Suguna |
| Music by | Ramani |
Release dates | 1939[1] |
| Country | India |
| Language | Tamil |
Vimochanam (English: Salvation) is a 1939 Indian Tamil film, dealing with the issue of prohibition. Directed by T. Marconi, the film stars Hemalatha, Kanthamani, Baby Jaya, Indira, Bhagirathi, T. P. Sundari, Selva and Suguna in the lead roles. This film received considerable attention because of the values it propagated, and since most of the artistes were girl children. No print or stills of this film are known to exist presently, and most film historians are "hardly aware" of this film.[1]
Plot
The male lead, Arumugham, sell his wife's jewelry to buy alcohol until probation in the Salem district offers much-needed relief. He soon goes to jail for trying to brew liquor illicitly. On his release, he finds the liquor shop has become a tea-stall and his wife destitute, leading to his reform.
Cast
- Hemalatha
- Kanthamani
- Baby Jaya
- Indira
- Bhagirathi
- T. P. Sundari
- Selva
- Suguna
Production
The film was inspired by Rajaji who published a pro-prohibition magazine titled Vimochanam, from his Ashram at Tiruchengode located near Salem. Rajaji obtained most of the material for the publication from the United States where prohibition was then in force.[1]
This film had a song paying tribute to Rajaji and his services for the uplift of the poor. Inspired by Rajaji'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. He wrote the script and lyrics, while Italian cinematographer T. Marconi, who was then living in Madras, directed the film.[1]
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… [1]
Reception
Film historian Randor Guy praised the film for its "meaningful lyrics, presentation and all roles being played by girl children."[1]