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{{short description|1964 film by T. Prakash Rao}}
{{Use Indian English|date=April 2024}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2024}}
{{Infobox film
| image = Padagotti.jpg
| caption = Theatrical release poster
| director = [[T. Prakash Rao]]
| screenplay = [[Sakthi T. K. Krishnasamy]]
| story = Nannu
| producer = G. N. Velumani
| starring = [[M. G. Ramachandran]]<br />[[B. Saroja Devi]]
| cinematography = P. L. Roy
| editing = C. P. Jambulingam
| music = [[Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy]]
| studio = Saravana Films
| released = {{film date|1964|11|3|df=y}}
| country = India
| language = Tamil
}}

'''''Padagotti''''' ({{translation|[[Coxswain]]}}) is a 1964 Indian [[Tamil language|Tamil]]-language [[social problem film]] directed by [[T. Prakash Rao]] and produced by G. N. Velumani. The film stars [[M. G. Ramachandran]] and [[B. Saroja Devi]], with [[M. N. Nambiar]], [[S. V. Ramadas]], [[Nagesh]], [[Manorama (Tamil actress)|Manorama]] and [[Jayanthi (actress)|Jayanthi]] in supporting roles. It deals with the enmity between two fishing communities in a village, which is fuelled by the village's ''[[zamindar]]'', who stands to gain the most from it all.

''Padagotti''{{'}}s screenplay was written by [[Sakthi T. K. Krishnasamy]], based on a story by Nannu, and cinematography was handled by P. L. Roy, while editing was handled by C. P. Jambulingam. The film was shot predominantly on locations near the seashore, including [[Alappuzha]], [[Kerala]]. It was released on 3 November 1964, coinciding with the festival of [[Diwali]]. Despite facing competition from other films released on the same day, ''Padagotti'' became a commercial success, with a theatrical run of over 100 days.

== Plot ==
Manickam is the leader of a fishing community named ''Thirukaai Meenavargal'' (Turbot fisherman). In the same area lives Alaiyappan, the leader of the opposing fishing community ''Sura Meenavargal'' (Shark fishermen). While Manickam is honest, compassionate and principled, Alaiyappan is the opposite, driven mainly by greed. Manickam's father wishes to see the enmity between the two groups end, and he persuades them to be friends. The ''Sura Meenavargal'' refuse, and beat him to death. Manickam promises to fulfill his father's wish, and works hard to end the enmity. The person responsible for fuelling this enmity is the village ''[[zamindar]]'' Neelamagam, who stands to gain the most from it all. Alaiyappan's blind allegiance is to Neelamagam.

Manickam falls in love with Alaiyappan's daughter Muthazhagi, and she reciprocates. However, their romance is disapproved of by their communities. When Manickam goes to ''Sura Meenavargal'' to seek peace, he is beaten to his apparent death. Because of this, his men nearly kill Alaiyappan, who is then saved by a mysterious old man. Thankful to the old man, Alaiyappan allows him to stay for the night at his home. Muthazhagi later realises the old man is actually Manickam in disguise, but conceals it from everyone. Even when there is a boat race between the two communities, the disguised Manickam chooses to go with ''Sura Meenavargal'', and they win. However, his cover is blown soon after, and an enraged Alaiyappan forces him to leave Muthazhagi.

Neelamagam wants to marry Muthazhagi, and Alaiyappan reluctantly agrees due to lack of funds, but Muthazhagi is unwilling. She is kept at Neelamagam's mansion and is unable to escape, as even Manickam (in a new disguise) fails to save her. Neelamagam's wife Meenvizhi secretly helps Muthazhagi out of the mansion. For doing so, she is killed by Neelamagam. He begins to chase Muthazhagi, but is cornered by Manickam and a fight ensues between the duo. Shortly after, the local police arrive and arrest Neelamagam for murdering his wife. With both the communities reconciling, Alaiyappan agrees for Muthazhagi and Manickam to be married.

== Cast ==
* [[M. G. Ramachandran]] as Manickam
* [[B. Saroja Devi]] as Muthazhagi
* [[M. N. Nambiar]] as Neelamagam<ref name="BFTP" />

* [[S. V. Ramadas]] as Alaiyappan<ref name="BFTP" />
* [[Nagesh]] as Ponvandu
* [[Manorama (Tamil actress)|Manorama]] as Pavalam<ref name="BFTP" />
* [[Jayanthi (actress)|Jayanthi]] as Meenvizhi<ref name="BFTP" />

== Production ==
''Padagotti'' was directed by [[T. Prakash Rao]], and produced by G. N. Velumani under the banner of Saravana Films.<ref name="lakshmansruthi" /> It was the company's first colour film,<ref>{{Cite news |last=சுவாமிநாதன் |first=ஸ்ரீதர் |date=8 March 2016 |title=எம்ஜிஆர் 100: 16 – அர்ப்பணிப்புடன் கூடிய உழைப்புக்கு சொந்தக்காரர்! |url=https://www.hindutamil.in/news/blogs/74484-100-16.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191017084610/https://www.hindutamil.in/news/blogs/74484-100-16.html |archive-date=17 October 2019 |access-date=17 October 2019 |work=[[Hindu Tamil Thisai]] |language=ta}}</ref> being colourised through [[Eastmancolor]].<ref name="BFTP" /> The screenplay was written by [[Sakthi T. K. Krishnasamy]], based on an original story by Nannu, and cinematography was handled by P. L. Roy,<ref>{{Cite news |date=3 November 1964 |title=Padagotti |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=P9oYG7HA76QC&dat=19641103&printsec=frontpage&hl=en |access-date=31 July 2017 |work=[[The Indian Express]] |pages=12 |via=[[Google News Archive]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref> while C. P. Jambulingam was chosen as editor.<ref>{{Cite AV media |title=Padagotti |type=motion picture |language=ta |publisher=Saravana Films |year=1964 |time=0:00 to 3:09 |time-caption=Opening credits, from}}</ref> While [[M. G. Ramachandran]] and [[B. Saroja Devi]] were cast as the lead pair, [[Nagesh]] was cast as Ponvandu, a comical character who beats people whenever a gramophone plays a certain music. This subplot was adapted from an episode of [[The Three Stooges]]. Most of the film was shot on actual locations near the seashore,<ref name="BFTP" /> including [[Alappuzha]], [[Kerala]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Warrier |first=Sreejith K. |date=15 December 2017 |title=Alappuzha cherishes its date with MGR |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/travel/kerala/2017/12/15/alappuzha-mgr-padagotti-beach.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230119041518/https://www.onmanorama.com/travel/kerala/2017/12/15/alappuzha-mgr-padagotti-beach.html |archive-date=19 January 2023 |access-date=19 January 2023 |website=[[Onmanorama]]}}</ref> It was poet [[Vaali (poet)|Vaali]] who chose the title ''Padagotti'' for this film.{{sfn|Kannan|2017|p=91}}

== Themes ==
''Padagotti'' is a [[social problem film]] that deals with groupism among fishermen,<ref name="BFTP" /> the problems of fishermen in general,{{sfn|Jagathrakshakan|1984|p=45}} and moneylenders bleeding the poor.{{sfn|Rajadhyaksha|Willemen|1998|p=188}} [[Tamil Canadians|Tamil Canadian]] journalist D. B. S. Jeyaraj wrote that Ramachandran portrayed different roles in his films "so that different segments of the population could relate to and identify with him", citing his role of a [[coxswain]] in ''Padagotti'', an agriculturist in ''[[Vivasayi]]'' (1967), and a [[rickshaw]] puller in ''[[Rickshawkaran]]'' (1971) as examples.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Jeyaraj |first=D. B. S. |date=20 February 2016 |title=Kandy-born actor-politico "MGR" reigned supreme in Tamil Nadu cinema and politics |url=http://www.ft.lk/columns/kandy-born-actor-politico-mgr-reigned-supreme-in-tamil-nadu-cinema-and-politics/4-526498 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20180830065439/http://www.ft.lk/columns/kandy-born-actor-politico-mgr-reigned-supreme-in-tamil-nadu-cinema-and-politics/4-526498 |archive-date=30 August 2018 |access-date=7 September 2018 |work=[[Daily FT]]}}</ref> S. Rajanayagam, author of the book ''Popular Cinema and Politics in South India: The Films of MGR and Rajinikanth'', felt the title ''Padagotti'', like the titles of many other Ramachandran films, was "sober, occupation-oriented and positive".{{sfn|Rajanayagam|2015|p=129}}

== Soundtrack ==
The soundtrack was composed by the duo of [[Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy]], while the lyrics were written by Vaali.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1 December 1964 |title=Padagotti (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/padagotti-original-motion-picture-soundtrack/1328409178 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211210055808/https://music.apple.com/us/album/padagotti-original-motion-picture-soundtrack/1328409178 |archive-date=10 December 2021 |access-date=15 November 2021 |website=[[Apple Music]]}}</ref> The song "Thottal Poo Malarum" is set in the [[Carnatic raga]] known as [[Suddhadhanyasi]], and according to singer [[Charulatha Mani]], this song "changed the outlook of this raga in films".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Mani |first=Charulatha |author-link=Charulatha Mani |date=9 December 2011 |title=A Raga's Journey – Soulful Suddhadhanyasi |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/music/a-ragas-journey-soulful-suddhadhanyasi/article2701250.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170731075453/http://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/music/a-ragas-journey-soulful-suddhadhanyasi/article2701250.ece |archive-date=31 July 2017 |access-date=31 July 2017 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> It was later re-tuned by [[A. R. Rahman]] for the 2004 film ''[[New (film)|New]]''.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rangarajan |first=Malathi |date=15 July 2004 |title=New |url=https://www.thehindu.com/fr/2004/07/16/stories/2004071602120300.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170731075807/http://www.thehindu.com/fr/2004/07/16/stories/2004071602120300.htm |archive-date=31 July 2017 |access-date=31 July 2017 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> The song "Tharaimel Pirakka" was composed in [[Bilaskhani Todi]], a [[Hindustani raga]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Guy |first=Randor |author-link=Randor Guy |date=30 July 2015 |title=More on MSV's favourite raag |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/msvs-tamil-songs-in-hindustani-raag/article7481178.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181117043145/https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/msvs-tamil-songs-in-hindustani-raag/article7481178.ece |archive-date=17 November 2018 |access-date=7 September 2018 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> The song "Koduthadellam Koduthan" was originally written by Vaali for ''[[Paadhai Theriyudhu Paar]]'' (1960) which was rejected by the director of that film and later it was used in this film.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2 April 2017 |title=சினிமாவுக்கு வாலியின் முதல் பாட்டு: சுசீலா பாடினார் |trans-title=Vaali's first song in film: Susheela sang |url=https://www.maalaimalar.com/Cinema/CineHistory/2017/04/02220430/1077641/cinima-history-susila.vpf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170731124006/http://www.maalaimalar.com/Cinema/CineHistory/2017/04/02220430/1077641/cinima-history-susila.vpf |archive-date=31 July 2017 |access-date=31 July 2017 |work=[[Maalai Malar]] |language=ta}}</ref> Velumani felt the song "nicely captured MGR's characteristics" through the lyrics "Koduthadellam koduthan, Avan yaarukaaga koduthaan, Orutharukka koduthaan illai oorukaaga koduthaan" which translate to "He gave all that he gave, to whom did he give? Did he give for just one? No, he gave for everyone".{{sfn|Kannan|2017|p=98}} The song "Naanoru Kuzhandhai" is based on [[Desh (raga)|Desh]] raga.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ஏழிசை எம்எஸ்வி {{!}} பயோகிராபி |url=https://cinema.dinamalar.com/msv/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200626130400/https://cinema.dinamalar.com/msv/ |archive-date=26 June 2020 |access-date=7 July 2024 |website=[[Dinamalar]] |language=Ta}}</ref>

"Thottal Poo Malarum" was included by ''[[The Hindu]]'' in their list ''Best of Vaali: From 1964–2013''.<ref>{{Cite news |date=19 July 2013 |title=Interactive graphic: Best of Vaali: From 1964–2013 |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/article4931802.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731125213/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/article4931802.ece |archive-date=31 July 2017 |access-date=31 July 2017 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref>

{{Track listing
| headline = Track listing
| extra_column = Singer(s)
| title1 = Azhagu Oru Ragam
| extra1 = [[P. Susheela]]
| length1 =
| title2 = Ennai Eduthu
| extra2 = P. Susheela
| length2 =
| title3 = Kalyana Ponnu
| extra3 = [[T. M. Soundararajan]]
| length3 =
| title4 = Koduthellam Koduthaan
| extra4 = T. M. Soundararajan
| length4 =
| title5 = Naan Oru Kuzhandhai
| extra5 = T. M. Soundararajan
| length5 =
| title6 = Paattukku Patteduthu
| extra6 = T. M. Soundararajan, P. Susheela
| length6 =
| title7 = Tharaimel Pirakka
| extra7 = T. M. Soundararajan
| length7 =
| title8 = Thottal Poo Malarum
| extra8 = T. M. Soundararajan, P. Susheela
| length8 =
}}

== Release and reception ==
''Padagotti'' was released on 3 November 1964,<ref name="lakshmansruthi" /> during that year's [[Diwali]]. Despite facing competition from other Diwali releases such as ''[[Navarathri (1964 film)|Navarathri]]'' and ''[[Muradan Muthu]]'',<ref>{{Cite news |date=25 October 1964 |title=Deepavali releases |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=P9oYG7HA76QC&dat=19641025&printsec=frontpage&hl=en |access-date=20 December 2021 |work=[[The Indian Express]] |pages=3 |via=[[Google News Archive]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref> it became commercially successful, running for over 100 days in theatres.<ref name="BFTP" /> ''[[The Indian Express]]'' wrote on 14 November 1964, "A bright piece of acting by Ramadas and P. L. Rai's excellent outdoor photography which bares the bountiful beauty of the backwaters of Kerala are the only two redeeming features of the film. But they are as much a consolation as having enjoyed the cool breeze during a day-long futile angling."<ref>{{Cite news |date=14 November 1964 |title=Padahotti |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=P9oYG7HA76QC&dat=19641114&printsec=frontpage&hl=en |access-date=31 July 2017 |work=[[The Indian Express]] |pages=3 |via=[[Google News Archive]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Writing for ''[[Kalki (magazine)|Kalki]]'', N. Ramakrishna gave the film a mixed review, calling the photography one of its few redeeming features.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=ராமகிருஷ்ணா |first=என். |date=29 November 1964 |title=படகோட்டி |url=https://kalkionline.com/kalkionline_archive/imagegallery/archiveimages/kalki/1964/nov/29-11-1964/p30.jpg |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220724054859/https://kalkionline.com/kalkionline_archive/imagegallery/archiveimages/kalki/1964/nov/29-11-1964/p30.jpg |archive-date=24 July 2022 |access-date=15 November 2021 |magazine=[[Kalki (magazine)|Kalki]] |page=30 |language=ta}}</ref>

== References ==
<references>

<ref name="BFTP">{{Cite news |last=Guy |first=Randor |author-link=Randor Guy |date=28 February 2016 |title=Padagotti (1964) |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-cinemaplus/padagotti-1964/article8290305.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160301062219/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-cinemaplus/padagotti-1964/article8290305.ece |archive-date=1 March 2016 |access-date=1 March 2016 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref>
<ref name="lakshmansruthi">{{Cite web |title=1964 – படகோட்டி – சரவணா பிலிம்ஸ் (கலர்) |trans-title=1964 – Padagotti – Saravana Films (colour) |url=http://www.lakshmansruthi.com/cineprofiles/1964-cinedetails21.asp |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170731110253/http://www.lakshmansruthi.com/cineprofiles/1964-cinedetails21.asp |archive-date=31 July 2017 |access-date=31 July 2017 |website=[[Lakshman Sruthi]] |language=Tamil}}</ref>

</references>

== Bibliography ==
* {{Cite book |last=Jagathrakshakan |first=S. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KnVuAAAAMAAJ&q=Padagotti |title=Dr. M.G.R., a Phenomenon |publisher=Apollo Veliyeetagam |year=1984 |oclc=568936093}}
* {{Cite book |last=Kannan |first=R. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2mclDwAAQBAJ |title=MGR: A Life |publisher=[[Penguin Random House]] |year=2017 |isbn=978-0-14-342934-0 |location=India}}
* {{Cite book |last1=Rajadhyaksha |first1=Ashish |author-link=Ashish Rajadhyaksha |title=Encyclopaedia of Indian Cinema |last2=Willemen |first2=Paul |author-link2=Paul Willemen |publisher=[[British Film Institute]] and [[Oxford University Press]] |year=1998 |isbn=0-19-563579-5 |orig-date=1994}}
* {{Cite book |last=Rajanayagam |first=S. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5FHeCQAAQBAJ |title=Popular Cinema and Politics in South India: The Films of MGR and Rajinikanth |publisher=[[Routledge]] |year=2015 |isbn=978-1-138-82203-0}}

== External links ==
* {{IMDb title|0254648}}

[[Category:1964 Indian films]]
[[Category:1964 Tamil-language films]]
[[Category:1964 films]]
[[Category:Films about fishermen]]
[[Category:Films about landlords]]
[[Category:Films about social issues in India]]
[[Category:Films about uxoricide]]
[[Category:Films directed by T. Prakash Rao]]
[[Category:Films scored by Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy]]
[[Category:Tamil-language Indian films]]

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Padagotti - Revision history

AlizaHyder840: Starting A Pg - done