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{{Short description|1973 film directed by A. P. Nagarajan}}
{{About|the film|the emperor|Rajaraja I}}
{{long plot|date=June 2021}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2021}}
{{Use Indian English|date=June 2021}}
{{Infobox film
| name = Rajaraja Cholan
| image = Rajaraja Cholan.jpg
| caption = Theatrical release poster
| director = [[A. P. Nagarajan]]
| screenplay = A. P. Nagarajan<br />Aru. Ramanathan
| based_on = {{based on|''Rajaraja Cholan''|Aru. Ramanathan}}
| producer = G. Umapathy
| starring = [[Sivaji Ganesan]]<br />[[C. R. Vijayakumari|Vijayakumari]]
| cinematography = W. R. Subba Rao<ref name="nadigarthilagam" />
| editing = T. Vijayarangam<ref name="nadigarthilagam" />
| music = [[Kunnakudi Vaidyanathan]]
| studio = Anand Movies<ref name="nadigarthilagam" />
| released = {{film date|1973|3|31|df=y}}
| country = India
| language = Tamil
}}

'''''Rajaraja Cholan''''' is a 1973 Indian [[Tamil language|Tamil]]-language [[Historical drama|historical]] [[biographical film]] directed by [[A. P. Nagarajan]] and written by Aru Ramanathan. Based on Ramanathan's play of the same name about the life of the [[Chola dynasty|Chola]] king [[Rajaraja I]], the film stars [[Sivaji Ganesan]] in the title role and was the first Tamil [[CinemaScope]] film. It was released on 31 March 1973, and ran for over 100 days in theatres.

== Plot ==
{{Overly detailed|date=March 2022}}

During the construction of the [[Brihadisvara Temple|Brihadeswara Temple]] in Thanjavur, Emperor [[Rajaraja I|Rajaraja Cholan]] visits and is greeted by everyone except one sculptor who is deeply engrossed in his work. The emperor and empress then meet Karuvur Devar and are introduced to Tamizharasi, a poet and playwright. Rajaraja reveals that his son Rajendra, along with the Chola army, is helping the [[Eastern Chalukyas|Eastern Chalukya]] king of [[Vengi|Vengai]] Sakthivarman and his brother Vimalathithan reclaim their kingdom from [[Satyashraya|Satyasiriyan]].

As the army enters Satyasiriyan's palace, they find Bala Devar tied up, who claims he tried to stop the king from fighting but was ignored. Rajaraja, disguised as a soldier, identifies himself and appoints Bala Devar as his minister despite suspicions from others. He then announces to his noblemen that Bala Devar should be treated with the same respect as himself. Meanwhile, Bala Devar meets Poongodi from his village and shares his desire to overthrow Rajaraja. They plan together, and Bala Devar asks her to stay in the Chola capital. Rajaraja's daughter Kundavai is told by Rajendra that Vimalathithan has brought her a special gift.

Later, Rajaraja, along with his sister and Nambiyandar Nambi, goes to retrieve ancient scriptures from a temple in [[Chidambaram]], which are believed to be the works of saints [[Sambandar]], [[Appar]], and [[Sundarar]]. Despite initial skepticism, they find the scriptures in a hidden chamber with the help of golden statues of the saint-poets. Rajaraja emphasizes the eternal nature of the saint's works and their significance. Bala Devar allows Satyasiriyan into his house in the Chola capital through a secret passage where he is questioned about the Chola emperor and his son's potential marriage to Kundavai. Rajaraja scolds Vimalathithan for failing to pay his respects, defended by Vimalathithan. After a heated argument, Vimalathithan warns the emperor not to manipulate his daughter's love. Kundavai vows not to marry anyone who disrespects her father. Vimalathithan encounters Rajendran and warns him of Bala Devar's schemes. The emperor excludes Vengi and Vimalathithan from Kundavai's temple event, leading to tension and confrontation. Vimalathithan attends the event as a commoner and criticizes Kundavai's dance, angering Rajaraja. Vimalathithan warns the emperor against Bala Devar's influence and Rajaraja plans to attack Vengi. Rajendra refuses, leading to conflict within the royal family. The Chola army attacks Vengi, with Rajendran accepting the fight despite Vimalathithan's reluctance. Rajaraja intervenes as a sage, suggesting a duel between Rajendran and Vimalathithan, resulting in Rajendran's victory. Vimalathithan is imprisoned for speaking out against Bala Devar, inciting public unrest. Eventually, Kundavai convinces Rajaraja to release Vimalathithan, but only if Vengi makes unacceptable concessions. The story unfolds with betrayal, power struggles, and personal sacrifices within the Chola empire.

Satyasiriyan sends his guard Ottran to meet Bala Devar on Pournami day. However, Ottran is captured by Rajaraja, who assumes Ottran's identity. Bala Devar informs Rajaraja of a plan to poison him during a feast, with Poongodi aiding them. The plan is foiled when Rajaraja only drinks milk and fruits. Poongodi mixes poison in the milk, but Rajaraja reveals he knew of their plan and informs Bala Devar. Bala Devar pretends to be angry at Poongodi, who is later released along with other prisoners the next day. Rajaraja is praised by all the kings, and Vimalathithan is released. He asks for the emperor's daughter in marriage, leading to suspicion from Bala Devar. Rajaraja reveals Poongodi is a spy working for him, aware of Bala Devar's schemes. Tamizharasi finishes her notes and the two couples marry, with Rajaraja's cleverness and foresight ensuring the safety of the empire and his family.

== Cast ==
{{cast listing|
* [[Sivaji Ganesan]] as [[Rajaraja I|Rajaraja Cholan]]
* [[C. R. Vijayakumari|Vijayakumari]] as Cholama Devi
* [[R. Muthuraman]] as Prince Vimalathithan of (later king) Vengai Nattu Thalaivan
* [[Sivakumar]] as [[Rajendra Chola I]] Crown Prince
* [[Lakshmi (actress)|Lakshmi]] as Kundhvai Rajaraja's daughter
* [[Kumari Padmini]] as Vanama Devi
* [[M. N. Nambiar]] as Bala Devar
* [[R. S. Manohar]] as [[Satyashraya|Sathyasiriyan]]
* [[Pushpalatha]] as Sathyasiriyan wife
* [[T. R. Mahalingam (actor)|T. R. Mahalingam]] as Karuvur Devar
* [[Sirkazhi Govindarajan]] as [[Nambiyandar Nambi]]
* [[S. Varalakshmi]] as [[Kundavai Pirāttiyār]]
* [[Suruli Rajan]] as Palace Servant
* [[Manorama (Tamil actress)|Manorama]] as Poonkodi
* [[C. I. D. Sakunthala]] as Dancer
* [[K. D. Santhanam]] as Sirpy
* MLA Thangaraj
* [[Oru Viral Krishna Rao]]
* [[Gandhimathi]]
* [[S. N. Parvathy]]
* [[Master Sekhar]] as Ponna
*[[Rangammal]] - uncredited role
}}

== Production ==
''Rajaraja Cholan'', based on the life of the [[Chola dynasty|Chola]] king [[Rajaraja I]] was a play written by Aru. Ramanthan, and staged by the TKS Brothers in 1955. In 1973, it was adapted into a film by the same name,<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Bhatt |first=Karthik |date=16–30 April 2020 |title=Rajaraja Cholan, Prior to Sivaji Ganesan |url=http://www.madrasmusings.com/vol-30-no-1/rajaraja-cholan-prior-to-sivaji-ganesan/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200813170551/http://www.madrasmusings.com/vol-30-no-1/rajaraja-cholan-prior-to-sivaji-ganesan/ |archive-date=13 August 2020 |access-date=3 April 2021 |magazine=[[Madras Musings]]}}</ref> directed by [[A. P. Nagarajan]] and produced by G. Umapathy;{{sfn |Ganesan |Narayana Swamy |2007 |p=178}} [[Sivaji Ganesan]], a self-described Chola, was cast in the title role.{{sfn |Ganesan |Narayana Swamy |2007 |p=178}} Umapathy wanted to film in [[Brihadisvara Temple]], but as he was denied permission, an identical set was constructed in Vasu Studios.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2 May 2020 |title=மறக்க முடியுமா? – ராஜ ராஜ சோழன் |trans-title=Forgettable? – Raja Raja Chozhan |url=https://cinema.dinamalar.com/marakka-mudiyuma/87781/old-movies/Marakka-Mudiyuma---Raja-Raja-Chozhan-film.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200514205417/https://cinema.dinamalar.com/marakka-mudiyuma/87781/old-movies/Marakka-Mudiyuma---Raja-Raja-Chozhan-film.htm |archive-date=14 May 2020 |access-date=3 April 2021 |website=[[Dinamalar]] |language=ta}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |date=29 July 1979 |title=சிவகுமார் 101 {{!}} 31–40 |url=https://archive.org/details/kalki1979-07-29/page/44/mode/2up |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230318040054/https://archive.org/details/kalki1979-07-29/page/44/mode/2up |archive-date=18 March 2023 |access-date=17 March 2023 |magazine=[[Kalki (magazine)|Kalki]] |pages=44–45 |language=Ta |via=[[Internet Archive]]}}</ref> ''Rajaraja Cholan'' was the first [[CinemaScope]] film to be released in Tamil.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ramanan |first=V.V. |date=26 September 2008 |title=Cine Quiz |url=http://www.hindu.com/cp/2008/09/26/stories/2008092650150400.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120909192659/http://www.hindu.com/cp/2008/09/26/stories/2008092650150400.htm |archive-date=9 September 2012 |access-date=9 July 2011 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref>{{Sfn |Baskaran |1996 |p=223}}

== Soundtrack ==
The soundtrack album was composed by [[Kunnakudi Vaidyanathan]]. The lyrics were written by [[Tirunavukkarasar]], [[Kannadasan]], [[K. D. Santhanam]], Poovai Senguttuvan and 'Ulunthurpettai' Shanmugham.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Raja Raja Cholan (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) |url=https://music.apple.com/in/album/raja-raja-cholan-original-motion-picture-soundtrack/1437398877 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220617065419/https://music.apple.com/in/album/raja-raja-cholan-original-motion-picture-soundtrack/1437398877 |archive-date=17 June 2022 |access-date=17 June 2022 |website=[[Apple Music]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Raja raja Chozhan Tamil Film EP Vinyl record by Kunnakudi Vaidhyanathan |url=https://macsendisk.com/product/raja-raja-chozhan-tamil-film-ep-vinyl-record-by-kunnakudi-vaidhyanathan/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220617065503/https://macsendisk.com/product/raja-raja-chozhan-tamil-film-ep-vinyl-record-by-kunnakudi-vaidhyanathan/ |archive-date=17 June 2022 |access-date=17 June 2022 |website=Macsendisk}}</ref>

{{track listing
| all_writing =
| extra_column = Singer(s)
| total_length =
| title1 = Thendraloodu
| note1 =
| writer1 =
| lyrics1 = [[Kannadasan]]
| extra1 = [[T. R. Mahalingam (actor)|T. R. Mahalingam]] with [[Sivaji Ganesan]]
| length1 =
| title2 = Thanjai Periya
| note2 =
| writer2 =
| lyrics2 = Kannadasan
| extra2 = T. R. Mahalingam, [[Sirkazhi Govindarajan]], [[S. Varalakshmi]]
| length2 =
| title3 = Mayakkum Mannan
| note3 =
| writer3 =
| lyrics3 = [[K. D. Santhanam]]
| extra3 = [[L. R. Eswari]]
| length3 =
| title4 = Nadanai Kandeanadi
| note4 =
| writer4 =
| lyrics4 = [[Thirunavukarasar]]
| extra4 = [[P. Susheela]], B. Radha
| length4 =
| title5 = Mathennai Padaithaan
| note5 =
| writer5 =
| lyrics5 = Thirunavukarasar
| extra5 = [[T. M. Soundararajan]], [[S. P. Balasubrahmanyam]], M. R. Vijaya, L. R. Eswari
| length5 =
| title6 = Yedu Thanthaanadi
| note6 =
| writer6 =
| lyrics6 = Kannadasan
| extra6 = Sirkazhi Govindarajan, S. Varalakshmi
| length6 =
| title7 = Kaththu Thirakadal
| note7 =
| writer7 =
| lyrics7 = Poovai Senguttuvan
| extra7 = [[R. Muthuraman]]
| length7 =
| title8 = Unkaiyil En Pillai
| note8 =
| writer8 =
| lyrics8 = Ulundurpettai Shanmugam
| extra8 = Sirkazhi Govindarajan
}}

== Release ==
''Rajaraja Cholan'' was released on 31 March 1973.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-04-01 |title=தென்னிந்தியாவில் தயாரான முதல் சினிமாஸ்கோப் திரைப்படம் ராஜராஜ சோழன் |url=https://tamil.news18.com/photogallery/entertainment/cinema-50-years-of-sivaji-ganesan-rajaraja-chozhan-first-cinemascope-film-in-south-india-jbr-scs-724741.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20221011112643/https://tamil.news18.com/photogallery/entertainment/cinema-50-years-of-sivaji-ganesan-rajaraja-chozhan-first-cinemascope-film-in-south-india-jbr-scs-724741.html |archive-date=2022-10-11 |access-date=2022-10-11 |website=[[News18]] |language=ta}}</ref> The film's prints were taken to theatres atop an elephant. In [[Tiruchirappalli]], fans hired a helicopter and showered flower petals on the print''.''<ref>{{Cite news |last=Raman |first=Mohan |author-link=Mohan Raman |date=12 August 2014 |title=Bidding adieu to celluloid |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/bidding-adieu-to-celluloid/article6308471.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111235548/https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/bidding-adieu-to-celluloid/article6308471.ece |archive-date=11 November 2020 |access-date=4 October 2017 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> According to Ganesan, the film did not succeed commercially because "it was not filmed well enough to bring out the ambience or the magnificence of the emperor's personality", and was filmed on the lines of a "family drama".{{sfn |Ganesan |Narayana Swamy |2007 |p=179}} Nonetheless, the film ran for over 100 days in theatres.{{sfn |Ganesan |Narayana Swamy |2007 |p=242}}

== Critical reception ==


''[[The Hindu]]'' said, "A great deal of thought and effort has gone into Anand Movies' ''Raja Raja Chozhan'' in CinemaScope produced by G. Umapathy and directed by A. P. Nagarajan. The grandeur, majesty and the culture and prosperity of the golden era of Raja Raja Chozhan have been captured faithfully including the building of the Thanjavur temple". ''[[The Indian Express]]'' said, "The film is lavishly mounted. Muthuraman and Lakshmi impress and Kumari Padmini has given a good account of herself". ''[[The Mail (Madras)|The Mail]]'' said, "As befitting the distinction, it is lavishly mounted, carefully produced and studded with stars. Producer G. Umapathy merits a pat on the back for steering so huge a project safely home".<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=13 May 1973 |title=மக்களிடம் செல்வாக்கு பெற்ற பத்திரிக்கைகளின் பாராட்டு |url=https://ibb.co/NmJR27W |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230322050008/https://ibb.co/NmJR27W |archive-date=22 March 2023 |access-date=22 March 2023 |magazine=[[Kalki (magazine)|Kalki]] |pages=56–57 |language=ta}}</ref>

Kanthan of ''[[Kalki (magazine)|Kalki]]'' called it a respite for audiences tired of watching repeated, identical films.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=காந்தன் |date=15 April 1973 |title=ராஜராஜ சோழன் |url=https://ibb.co/48Yktjr |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221008110843/https://ibb.co/48Yktjr |archive-date=8 October 2022 |access-date=11 October 2022 |magazine=[[Kalki (magazine)|Kalki]] |language=ta}}</ref> ''Navamani'' praised acting, dialogues and direction but criticised the humour and for portraying horse army of Cholan in poor light and concluded saying the film was not as expected and the same time it was neither disappointing.<ref>{{cite news |date=21 April 1973 |title=ராஜராஜ சோழன் |url=https://images.eap.bl.uk/EAP372/EAP372_6_22_1_31/4.jp2/full/1000,1457/0/default.jpg |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251014122751/https://images.eap.bl.uk/EAP372/EAP372_6_22_1_31/4.jp2/full/1000,1457/0/default.jpg |archive-date=14 October 2025 |access-date=14 October 2025 |work=Navamani |pages=4 |language=ta |via=[[Endangered Archives Programme]]}}</ref>

== References ==
<references>

<ref name="nadigarthilagam">{{Cite web |title=161–170 |url=http://www.nadigarthilagam.com/filmographyp17.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190728054126/http://nadigarthilagam.com/filmographyp17.htm |archive-date=28 July 2019 |access-date=3 April 2021 |website=Nadigarthilagam.com}}</ref>

</references>

== Bibliography ==
* {{Cite book |last=Baskaran |first=S. Theodore |author-link=S. Theodore Baskaran |title=The Eye of the Serpent: An Introduction to Tamil Cinema |publisher=East West Books |year=1996 |location=Chennai |oclc=243920437}}
* {{Cite book |last1=Ganesan |first1=Sivaji |author-link=Sivaji Ganesan |title=Autobiography of an Actor: Sivaji Ganesan, October 1928 – July 2001 |title-link=Autobiography of an Actor |last2=Narayana Swamy |first2=T. S. |publisher=Sivaji Prabhu Charities Trust |year=2007 |location=Chennai |oclc=297212002 |orig-date=2002}}

== External links ==
* {{IMDb title}}
* {{Rotten Tomatoes}}

{{A. P. Nagarajan}}

[[Category:1970s biographical films]]
[[Category:1970s historical films]]
[[Category:1973 Indian films]]
[[Category:1973 Tamil-language films]]
[[Category:1973 films]]
[[Category:Films about families]]
[[Category:Films about royalty]]
[[Category:Films directed by A. P. Nagarajan]]
[[Category:Films scored by Kunnakudi Vaidyanathan]]
[[Category:Films set in the Chola Empire]]
[[Category:Films with screenplays by A. P. Nagarajan]]
[[Category:Indian biographical films]]
[[Category:Indian CinemaScope films]]
[[Category:Indian epic films]]
[[Category:Indian films based on plays]]
[[Category:Indian historical films]]
[[Category:Tamil-language biographical films]]
[[Category:Tamil-language historical films]]
[[Category:Tamil-language Indian films]]

Rajaraja Cholan - Revision history

Ieagle1: added - done