Naam (1953 film)


Naam is a 1953 Tamil language film directed by A. Kasilingam and starring M. G. Ramachandran in the lead role.

Plot

Kumaran is the heir to a zamindari estate, which he learns from his dying mother. However, the will and the related testament are hidden by Malayappan. A doctor Sanjeevi is also interested in the property and wants his daughter to marry Kumaran. Against his wishes, Kumaran is in love with Malayappan's sister Meena. When Meena gets the will, Kumaran suspects her intentions, and leaves the village. In the city, he becomes a boxer. Meanwhile, Malayappan sets Kumaran's house on fire and Kumaran is presumed dead. However, he is saved by Meena. More complications arise about the missing will, and simultaneously, a disfigured boxer moves around at night, leading to rumours about a ghost in the village. However, the truth is eventually revealed, and the lovers are united.

Cast

Naam was jointly produced by Jupiter Pictures and Mekala Pictures. M. Karunanidhi wrote the screenplay, dialogue and lyrics, based on Kaadhal Kanneer, a story by screenwriter Kashi. M. G. Ramachandran, then not the popular icon that he would later become, spelt his name onscreen as "Ramachandar" because he thought it sounded "stylish", and wanted to differentiate himself from the already established actor T. R. Ramachandran.

Soundtrack

The music was composed by C. S. Jayaraman, while lyrics written by M. Karunanidhi. The playback singers were Jayaraman himself, in addition to Nagore E. M. Hanifa, A. M. Rajah, Jikki, M. L. Vasanthakumari, A. P. Komala, K. R. Chellamuthu and T. R. Gajalakshmi
S. No.Song TitleSingersLyricsDuration
1"Pesum Yaazhe Pennmaane"A. M. Rajah & JikkiM. Karunanidhi02:49
2"Edhaiyum Thaangum Idhayam"C. S. JayaramanM. Karunanidhi02:59
3"Pesum Yaazhe Pennmaane"JikkiM. Karunanidhi03:08
4"Paappaa Eppodhum Bayame"C. S. Jayaraman & T. R. GajalakshmiM. Karunanidhi02:56

Release and reception

Naam was released on 5 March 1953. According to film historian Randor Guy, the film was not successful, but he praised the "interesting storyline, meaningful dialogue, impactful direction, good performances by MGR, Chakrapani, Veerappa, Janaki and Saraswathi".