| Baghdad Thirudan | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | T. P. Sundaram |
| Written by | A. S. Muthu (dialogues) |
| Produced by | T. P. Sundaram Harilal Patoviya |
| Starring | M. G. Ramachandran Vyjayanthimala |
| Cinematography | M. Krishnaswamy |
| Edited by | G. D. Joshi |
| Music by | G. Govindarajulu Naidu |
Production company | Southern Movies |
Release date |
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Running time | 169 minutes |
| Country | India |
| Language | Tamil |
Baghdad Thirudan (transl. 'The Thief of Baghdad') is a 1960 IndianTamil-languageswashbuckler film produced and directed by T. P. Sundaram. The film starsM. G. Ramachandran andVyjayanthimala, withM. N. Nambiar,T. S. Balaiah,T. R. Ramachandran,S. A. Ashokan,M. N. Rajam, A. Sandhya andS. N. Lakshmi in supporting roles. It is a remake of the 1924 American filmThe Thief of Bagdad and was inspired by 1951 filmThe Prince Who Was a Thief.[1] The film was released on 6 May 1960.
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Following the betrayal of the Prime Minister, the Maharaja and the Maharani of the kingdom are murdered and their son, Abu, is hidden in a herd of cows. Abu is found by robbers, who were hidden in the forest and eventually grows up to become their leader. The two impostors who sit on the throne have a daughter and a child servant who poses as the son who survived the death of the former royal couple. Abu robs the rich to give to the poor and strives to reconquer his kingdom.
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Baghdad Thirudan was financed by Krishnaswamy Naidu, the former owner of Golden Studios. A single set in the film cost₹30,000 (equivalent to₹2.7 million or US$32,000 in 2023), yetM. G. Ramachandran always wanted new sets. By this type of over-expenditure, it was believed that the film would ultimately cost₹500,000 (equivalent to₹45 million or US$530,000 in 2023). Ramachandran demanded that an additional₹200,000 (equivalent to₹18 million or US$210,000 in 2023) be spent to complete the film, much to Naidu's horror.[2]Baghdad Thirudan was also the only film that featured Ramachandran oppositeVyjayanthimala.[3] Ramachandran briefly served as the film's editor. He said, "I was at the editing table, and it was so easy to join the cuts, because the movements just flowed into each other".[4]S. N. Lakshmi had to fight a leopard in one scene without the use of astunt double.[5] She later remarked that she feared cats.[6][7]
The music composed byG. Govindarajulu Naidu. All lyrics were penned byA. Maruthakasi.[8]
| Song | Singers | Length |
|---|---|---|
| "Azhagu Laila" | A. P. Komala | 02:28 |
| "Enthan Kathai Idhana" | P. Suseela | 02:51 |
| "Vetri Kollum Vaalendhi" | 05:24 | |
| "Kanneerin Vellam" | 03:16 | |
| "Pothukulunguthey...Sokkudhe Manam" | 03:30 | |
| "Bul Bul Paarvaiyile" | K. Jamuna Rani | 02:12 |
| "Siricha Pothum" | Jikki & group | 02:44 |
| "Unmai Anbin" | T. M. Soundararajan & P. Suseela | 02:18 |
| "Yaarukku Dimikki" | T. M. Soundararajan | 02:34 |
Baghdad Thirudan was released on 6 May 1960,[9] and had an average run.[10] Kanthan ofKalki said there was nothing special about the film, but it could be watched for Ramachandran.[11] Later it was dubbed in Hindi and released asBaghdad in 1962.[12]
