| Suryagandhi | |
|---|---|
 DVD cover | |
| Directed by | Muktha Srinivasan |
| Written by | A. S. Prakasam |
| Screenplay by | A. S. Prakasam |
| Story by | Basumani |
| Produced by | M. Venu Gopal |
| Starring | R. Muthuraman Jayalalithaa |
| Cinematography | V. Selvaraj |
| Edited by | L. Balu |
| Music by | M. S. Viswanathan |
Production company | Vidhya Movies |
Release date |
|
Running time | 152 minutes |
| Country | India |
| Language | Tamil |
Suryagandhi (transl. Sunflower) is a 1973 IndianTamil-language film, directed byMuktha Srinivasan. It starsJayalalithaa andMuthuraman, withSavithri, Cho Ramaswamy, Moulee, CID Shakuntala andManorama in supporting roles. The film was released on 27 July 1973. The film was remade in Malayalam asPriyamvada, in Telugu asMoguda Pellama and in Kannada asHennu Samsarada Kannu.[1]Kamal Haasan worked under Thangappan as his dance assistant in this film.[2]
Mohan is the eldest son in a middle-class family, having a superiority complex that he should be the first in everything. He and Radha fall in love and they get married. Mohan works in a low wage job despite being a graduate, which is insufficient for the family. So, Radha decides to join as a sales officer and starts working in a company. Her hard work earns her a good name and a promotion. So, her respect in the family rises as it improves the economic status of the family and she is able to fulfill the needs and wants of the family. Mohan is intolerant of Radha's respect growing, and he starts hating her.
Mohan's ego wants him to earn more than Radha and in the process he quits his job with the hope of finding a better one. Meantime, he also does modelling for liquor ads much against his family's wishes. Radha, with the help of her boss, recommends a high paying job for Mohan. But she does not inform this to Mohan as he might not take up the job if he knows that Radha was responsible for it. Mohan quits modelling after he gets the new job and mocks Radha, as he is paid more than her now. Mohan wants Radha to quit her job, but Radha does not agree to that.
Mohan's sister Suseela falls in love with a guy and becomes pregnant. Radha finds this out and arranges for the wedding to be as soon as possible, so that her pre-marital pregnancy is not known to others. Mohan misunderstands that Radha is overpowering him in family decisions and sends Radha out from his home and plans for a divorce. On the day of Suseela's marriage, the groom's father (M. R. R. Vasu) informs the truth to Mohan, which makes him realise his mistakes. Mohan understands that Radha preferred going to the job so that she can pay the dowry demanded by Suseela's in-laws. Mohan also finds out that his job was recommended with the help of Radha. Mohan transforms into a good man and decides to lead a happy life with Radha.
A scene was shot at Newtone Studios.[3] The film marked the acting debuts of Moulee and Srilekha.[4]
The music was composed byM. S. Viswanathan.[5][6]
| Song | Singers | Lyrics | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Naan Endral Adhu Avalum" | S. P. Balasubrahmanyam,Jayalalithaa | Vaali | 04:34 |
| "Paramasivan Kazhuthil" | T. M. Soundararajan | Kannadasan | 04:23 |
| "O Meri Dilruba" | T. M. Soundararajan, Jayalalithaa | Vaali | 04:39 |
| "Theriyaatho Nokku" | Manorama | 04:22 |
Kanthan ofKalki praised the story for being innovative, avoiding the path often taken by Tamil films.[7]Navamani praised acting, dialogues, music and direction.[8]
A digitally restored version of the film was released on 16 September 2016.[11][12][13]Baradwaj Rangan ofThe Hindu compared it to "aYouTube video stretched over the big screen".[14]
