Odayil Ninnu (film)


Odayil Ninnu is a 1965 Indian Malayalam-language drama film directed by K. S. Sethumadhavan and written by P. Kesavadev based on his own novel of the same name. The film deals with the life and struggles of a rickshaw puller, Pappu. It stars Sathyan, Prem Nazir, K. R. Vijaya and Kaviyoor Ponnamma in the lead roles, Master Dasarath plays the young Pappu. Suresh Gopi made his acting debut with the film, who was then six years old, appeared as the feudal lord's timid son, who also becomes the root cause for Pappu running away from home.
The film was a commercial success and also received critical acclaim for its raw energy and Sathyan's performance in the lead role. It received a certificate of merit at the National Film Awards. It was remade in Tamil as Babu with Sivaji Ganesan playing the lead role, in Telugu as Marapurani Manishi and in Hindi as Babu with Rajesh Khanna in leading role.

Plot

Pappu is a relentless fighter for justice and equality from early childhood. He organises protest against his teacher who discriminates between the landlord's son and other children. The landlord is provoked to wrath, and Pappu is obliged to leave home. From now on, he has to lead a hard, tough life, fighting at every step to uphold his ideals.
He takes odd jobs but had to give them up as he cannot stand the iniquity meted out by his employers. Ultimately, he settles down as a rickshaw-puller. He takes care of a child from the gutter. That child became so arrogant and proud when she grew up. She did not even want Pappu's presence.
Pappu suffers ill health due to his hard work. The subsequent developments reveal him as an extremely affectionate human being, seeking pleasure in doing good to others and demanding nothing for himself. The film ends with the girl realising her mistakes.

Cast

The music was composed by G. Devarajan with lyrics by Vayalar Ramavarma.