Thiruvarutchelvar

Thiruvarutchelvar is a 1967 Indian Tamil-language Hindu mythological film, directed and produced by A. P. Nagarajan.^[2] The film stars Sivaji Ganesan, Gemini Ganesan, Savitri and Padmini. It was released on 28 July 1967,^[3][4] and ran for 100 days successfully in theatres.

Thiruvarutchelvar
Theatrical release poster
Directed by	A. P. Nagarajan
Screenplay by	A. P. Nagarajan
Based on	Periya Puranam by Sekkizhar
Produced by	A. P. Nagarajan
Starring	Sivaji Ganesan Gemini Ganesan Savitri R. Muthuraman Padmini
Cinematography	K. S. Prasad
Edited by	Rajan T. R. Natarajan
Music by	K. V. Mahadevan
Production company	Sri Vijayalakshmi Pictures
Distributed by	Sivaji Films[1]
Release date	28 July 1967 (1967-07-28)
Country	India
Language	Tamil

Plot

This movie chronicles the various "adventures" of Lord Shiva where he played with his devotees, especially, the key Nayanmars of Appar, Sundarar, Thirugnanasambandhar, Tiru Kurippu Thondar and Sekkizhar woven into a intricate narration. Taken largely from Periya Puranam, the movie is episodic and includes tales of how Sekkizhar works to compose it as he narrates the tale of how the Lord tested Tiru Kurippu Thondar, stopped the marriage of Sundarar while showing the world the power of verses of Appar and Sambandar by making them open the gates of temples, that had been locked for centuries, through their songs while also guide Appar to revive a dead child through his songs.

Cast

• Sivaji Ganesan as king, Sekkizhar, Tiru Kurippu Thonda Nayanar, Sundaramoorthy Nayanar, and Thirunavukarasar (Appar) (five role)
• Gemini Ganesan as Shiva
• Savitri as Arulmozhi
• R. Muthuraman as Apputhi Adigal
• Padmini as the dancer who corrects and diverts the King into Spiritual world
• K. R. Vijaya as Suguna Paravai Nachiyar
• Srividya as Sivashakthi Nadanam (credited as Vidhya Moorthy)
• Nagesh as Ponnan
• Manorama as Ponnan's wife
• V. Nagayya
• E. R. Sahadevan as Chola king
• G. Sakunthala as
• Kutty Padmini
• K. Sarangapani
• P. D. Sambandam
• V. Gopalakrishnan as Kulothunga Chola II (Sekkizhar Head of King)
• Senthamarai

Production

Srividya, who went on to become a popular actress made her debut in this film. Her name was shown as Vidhya Moorthy in the introductory credits.^[5] Sivaji Ganesan's performance as Appar was inspired by Kanchi Paramacharya of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham.^[6][7]

Soundtrack

The soundtracks were composed by K. V. Mahadevan and lyrics were by Kannadasan.^[8] The song "Nadarmudi" is set in Punnagavarali raga,^[9] and "Mannavan Vanthanadi" is set in Kalyani.^[10][11] P. Susheela who sang the song recalled that she was initially nervous to sing this song because of Ganesan's presence at the studio. Noticing it, Ganesan walked out of the studio and Susheela recorded the song.^[12]

Track listing

No.	Title	Singer(s)	Length
1.	"Mannavan Vanthaanadi"	P. Susheela
2.	"Aadhi Sivan"	P. Susheela, T. M. Soundararajan
3.	"Irukkum Idatthai Vittu"	Sirkazhi Govindarajan
4.	"Sadhuram Marainthaal"	Master Maharajan
5.	"Sitthamellaam Enakku Sivamayame (Pittha Piraisoodi)"	T. M. Soundararajan
6.	"Om Namasivaya"	T. M. Soundararajan, Chorus
7.	"Ulagellam"	T. M. Soundararajan
8.	"Panniner Mozhiyaal"	T. M. Soundararajan, Master Maharajan
9.	"Aathu Vellam"	A. L. Raghavan, L. R. Eswari
10.	"Kadhalaagi"	T. M. Soundararajan, Master Maharajan
11.	"Naadhar Mudi Melirukkum"	T. M. Soundararajan

Reception

^[13]