Valmiki (1946 film)


Valmiki is a 1946 Tamil-language film starring Honnappa Bhagavathar, U. R. Jeevarathinam, N. C. Vasanthakokilam, T. R. Rajakumari and T. S. Balaiah. It was directed by Sundar Rao Nadkarni.

Pre-production

Valmiki was one of the eleven movies announced by Central Studios with M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar as the lead, following the success of blockbuster hit Haridas and to be directed by Sundar Rao Nadkarni. Shooting commenced in 1944 with M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar, but following his arrest in the Lakshmikanthan Murder Case and with uncertainty over his release, the producers, with filming in mid-way opted for Honnappa Bhagavathar as lead and all the lead actor scenes had to be re-shot.

Plot

The film was based on the story of the Hindu sage Valmiki, who starts as a bandit and eventually undergoes spiritual transformation into a religious mendicant. Valmiki falls in love with a princess, who is kidnapped by the villain.

Cast

Crew

  1. "Sundarananda Mukunda" by N. C. Vasanthakokilam
  2. "Poi Thavazhum Maaya Bhoomi" by N. C. Vasanthakokilam
  3. "Bhagawan Avadharipaar" by N. C. Vasanthakokilam
  4. "Bhuvimeedhu" by N. C. Vasanthakokilam
  5. "Ippozhudhe Varuvaar" U. R. Jeevarathinam

    Post-production

The film was fairly successful and remembered for its music. Honnappa Bhagavathar cemented his place as a star performer in the absence of Thyagaraja Bhagavathar.