Thulabharam

For the donation practice, see Tulabhara.

Thulabharam (transl. Weighing scale) is a 1968 Indian Malayalam-language film, directed by A. Vincent. It is based on the Kerala People's Arts Club play of the same name, written by Thoppil Bhasi.^[1] Thoppil Bhasi also adapted the play for the screen. The film had an ensemble cast including Prem Nazir, Sharada, Madhu, Sheela, Thikkurisi Sukumaran Nair and Adoor Bhasi.^[2] The film won two National Awards.^[3] The film was a major blockbuster and following the Malayalam version, the film was made in Tamil (Thulabharam), Telugu (Manushulu Marali) and Hindi (Samaj Ko Badal Dalo), with Sharada playing lead roles in all versions.

Thulabharam
Poster
Directed by	A. Vincent
Written by	Thoppil Bhasi
Produced by	Hari Pothen – Supriya
Starring	Prem Nazir Sharada Madhu Sheela Thikkurisi Sukumaran Nair Adoor Bhasi
Cinematography	P. Bhaskara Rao
Edited by	G. Venkittraman
Music by	G. Devarajan
Production company	Supriya
Release date	30 August 1968 (1968-08-30)
Country	India
Language	Malayalam

Plot

Two close friends, Vijaya and Vatsala had to part ways after Vatsala's father, a lawyer loses a case of Vijaya's father and it results in the latter's death. Vijaya marries Ramu, a trade union leader against her will. Ramu leads a union strike and is killed when the agitation turns violent. Vijaya's life becomes miserable and she kills her starving children, but she is arrested before being able to commit suicide. In the end, she is given the death penalty by the prosecution, led by her former dear friend Vatsala, who had become a famous lawyer in the meantime.

Cast

• Prem Nazir as Ramu
• Sharada as Vijaya
• Madhu as Babu
• Sheela as Valsala
• Adoor Bhasi as Achuthan Nair
• Thikkurissy Sukumaran Nair as R. K. Menon
• Adoor Bhavani
• Baby Ranjani
• Kaduvakulam Antony
• N. Govindankutty
• Nellikode Bhaskaran
• Thoppil Krishna Pillai
• KPAC Khan

Production

Thulabharam is an adaptation of the Kerala People's Arts Club play of the same name, written by Thoppil Bhasi.^[4]

Soundtrack

The music was composed by G. Devarajan and the lyrics were written by Vayalar Ramavarma.

No.	Song	Singers	Lyrics	Length (m:ss)
1	"Bhoomidevi Pushpiniyaayi"	P. Susheela, B. Vasantha	Vayalar Ramavarma
2	"Katadichu"	K. J. Yesudas	Vayalar Ramavarma	3:45
3	"Nashtappeduvaan"	P. Jayachandran, Chorus	Vayalar Ramavarma
4	"Omanathinkalinnonam"	K. J. Yesudas, P. Susheela	Vayalar Ramavarma
5	"Omanathinkalinnonam" (Pathos)	P. Susheela	Vayalar Ramavarma
6	"Prabhaatha Gopura"	K. J. Yesudas, S. Janaki	Vayalar Ramavarma
7	"Thottu Thottilla"	K. J. Yesudas	Vayalar Ramavarma

Remakes

The film's success prompted for three remakes with Sharada playing the same role in all versions.^[5] The Tamil film with the same name was made by Vincent himself with A. V. M. Rajan replacing Nazir. V. Madhusudhana Rao directed the Telugu and Hindi versions.^[4]

Awards

The film won two awards at the 16th National Film Awards.^[4]

• National Film Award for Second Best Feature Film
• National Film Award for Best Actress – Sharada

Filmfare Awards South

• Filmfare Award for Best Film - Malayalam won by Supriya Pictures (1968)^[6][7]