Mannathi Mannan

Mannathi Mannan (pronounced [mannaːdi mannan] transl. King of Kings) is a 1960 Indian Tamil-language historical action film directed and produced by M. Natesan. The film stars M. G. Ramachandran, Anjali Devi and Padmini. It was released on 19 October 1960, during Diwali.

Mannathi Mannan
Theatrical release poster
Directed by	M. Natesan
Story by	Kannadasan
Produced by	M. Natesan
Starring	M. G. Ramachandran Anjali Devi Padmini
Cinematography	G. K. Ramu C. J. Mohan
Edited by	C. P. Jambulingam S. Krishnamoorthy Rajan
Music by	Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy
Production company	Natesh Art Pictures
Release date	19 October 1960 (1960-10-19)
Running time	178 minutes
Country	India
Language	Tamil

Plot

Dancer Chitra and prince of Uraiyur Manivannan fall in love with each other after meeting in a dance competition. However, Chola King Kanikannan also desires Chitra. Meanwhile, Manivannan's father, the Cheran King sends his minister, seeking the hand of Karpagavalli, daughter of King Karigala, for his son. But the King thwarts this proposal, talking ill of the heredity of Manivannan's mother. Unable to bear his mother being insulted, Manivannan goes to the Chola kingdom and abducts Karpagavalli. In the meantime, a dacoit, played very cleverly by Kanikannan, forces Manivannan to marry Karpagavalli.

Cast

Cast according to the opening credits of the film

Male Cast M. G. R. as Manivannan P. S. Veerappa as Kanikannan M. G. Chakrapani as Karikala Chozhan Kula Deivam V. R. Rajagopal as Balaraman N. S. Narayana Pillai Azhwar Kuppusami P. S. Venkatachalam R. M. Sethupathi Thirupathisami T. V. Sivanantham

Female Cast Anjali as Karpagavalli Padmini as Chithra Ragini G. Sakunthala as Mangayarkarasi Lakshmiprabha Dance Lakshmi Rajyam, Rita, T. S. Jayanthi, T. S. Kamala, D. Madhuri, T. K. Rajeswari, Revathi, Sakunthala, C. R. Mohana, G. Bala, G. Sundari, Leela, N. Meera, B. Shantha, K. Rajeswari, Rajamma, Vittoba, J. N. Rajam, G. Kamala, Nagu and P. T. Saroja.

Soundtrack

The music composed by Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy.^[1][2] The song "Aadatha Manamum" is based on Latangi raga.^[3]

Song	Singers	Lyrics	Length
"Aadadha Manamum Undo"	T. M. Soundararajan & M. L. Vasanthakumari	A. Maruthakasi	03:59
"Aadum Mayile Azhagu Mayile"	K. Jamuna Rani & L. R. Eswari		02:28
"Achcham Enbadhu Madamaiada"	T. M. Soundararajan	Kannadasan	03:09
"Avala Ivala Therndhu Edu"	L. R. Eswari & L. R. Anjali		02:38
"Engalin Rani"	Jikki & K. Jamuna Rani	A. Maruthakasi	04:11
"Kangal Irandum Unnai"	P. Susheela	Kannadasan	04:04
"Kaaduthazhaikka.... Kanniyar Perumai"	S. C. Krishnan & P. Leela		04:53
"Kaaviri Thaaye Kaaviri Thaaye"	K. Jamuna Rani		03:08
"Kadhar Kozhunan"	Sirkazhi Govindarajan
"Kalaiyodu Kalandhadhu Unmai"	M. L. Vasanthakumari		03:39
"Kaniya Kaniya Mazhalai Pesum"	T. M. Soundararajan & P. Susheela		03:57
"Neeyo Nano Yaar Nilave"	P. B. Sreenivas, K. Jamuna Rani & P. Susheela		03:29
"Paadupatta Thannale"	S. C. Krishnan
"Thandai Kondu"	T. M. Soundararajan		07:62

Release and reception

Mannathi Mannan was released on 19 October 1960,^[4] during Diwali.^[5] It was previously scheduled for 30 September.^[6] The Indian Express wrote "the story could have been very well developed in a different way [..] Anyway the picture is replete with romance, dance and fight" and praised the performances of star cast including Padmini.^[7] Kanthan of Kalki called it a very ordinary film, but good by Ramachandran standards.^[8] Despite facing competition from Kairasi, Petra Manam, and Paavai Vilakku, released on the same day,^[9] the film became a commercial success. It achieved cult status in Tamil cinema, and the song "Achcham Enbadhu Madamaiada" helped Ramachandran become a "cultural icon".^[10]