Priya (1978 film): Difference between revisions

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{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2022}}
{{Use Indian English|date=December 2015}}
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2022}}
{{Infobox film
{{Infobox film
| name          = Priya
| image          = Priya 1978.jpg
| image          = Priya 1978.jpg
| caption        =  
| caption        = Theatrical release poster in Tamil
| director      = [[S. P. Muthuraman]]
| screenplay    = [[Panchu Arunachalam]]
| screenplay    = [[Panchu Arunachalam]]
| story          = [[Sujatha Rangarajan|Sujatha]]
| story          = [[Sujatha (writer)|Sujatha]]
| starring      = [[Rajinikanth]]<br/>[[Sridevi]]<br/>[[Ambareesh]]<br/>[[Major Sundarrajan]]<br/>[[Thengai Srinivasan]]<br/>[[Aznah Hamid]]
| producer      = S. P. Tamilarasi
| producer      = S. P. Tamilarasi
| director       = S. P. Muthuraman
| starring       = [[Rajinikanth]]<br />[[Sridevi]]<br />[[Ambareesh]]<br /> Aznah Hamid
| music          = [[Ilaiyaraaja]]
| cinematography = Babu
| cinematography = Babu
| editing        = R. Vittal
| editing        = R. Vittal
| music          = [[Ilaiyaraaja]]
| studio        = S. P. T Films
| studio        = S. P. T Films
| released      = {{Film date|1978|12|22|df=y}} (Tamil)<br /> {{Film date|1979|01|12|df=y}} (Kannada)
| released      = {{Film date|1978|12|22|Tamil|1979|01|12|Kannada|df=y}}
| runtime        = 148 mins (Tamil)
| runtime        = 148 minutes (Tamil)
| country        = India
| country        = India
| language      = Tamil<br />Kannada
| language      = Tamil<br />Kannada
| gross          = {{INR}}17 lakh
}}
}}
{{Contains special characters|Indic}}
'''''Priya''''' is a 1978 Indian [[multilingual film]] directed by [[S. P. Muthuraman]], starring [[Sridevi]] in the titular role along with [[Rajinikanth]], Aznah Hamid, and [[Ambareesh]] in supporting roles.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Priya (1978) {{!}} Priya Movie {{!}} Priya Tamil Movie Cast & Crew, Release Date, Review, Photos, Videos|url=https://www.filmibeat.com/tamil/movies/priya.html|access-date=2021-08-05|website=FilmiBeat|language=en}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Citation|title=Priya (1978) - IMDb|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0187422/|language=en-US|access-date=2021-08-05}}</ref> It was made in [[Tamil language|Tamil]] and [[Kannada]]. The story is an adaptation of writer [[Sujatha Rangarajan|Sujatha]]'s novels. The film was successful at the box office. It was dubbed and released in Hindi as ''Love in Singapore'' in 1983.


==Plot==
'''''Priya''''' is an Indian [[thriller film]] directed by [[S. P. Muthuraman]], starring [[Rajinikanth filmography|Rajinikanth]], [[Sridevi]] (as the title character), [[Ambareesh]], and Aznah Hamid. It was [[Multiple-language version|simultaneously made]] in [[Tamil language|Tamil]] and [[Kannada]] languages.{{Sfn |Nayak |2019 |p=34}} The film shares its title with a novel by [[Sujatha (writer)|Sujatha]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=S |first=Bala |date=21 August 2023 |title=எழுத்தாளர் சுஜாதாவின் இத்தனை நாவல்கள் திரைப்படமாகி இருக்கிறதா? ரஜினி, கமல் நடித்த அனுபவங்கள்..! |trans-title=Have so many novels by writer Sujatha been made into films? Rajini and Kamal's acting experiences..! |url=https://tamilminutes.com/sujatha-novel-turn-as-tamil-cinema/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231004142625/https://tamilminutes.com/sujatha-novel-turn-as-tamil-cinema/ |archive-date=4 October 2023 |access-date=9 April 2024 |website=Tamil Minutes |language=ta}}</ref> but actually adapts from multiple works by the writer including the aforementioned novel.{{sfn |Ramachandran |2014 |p=87}} The Tamil version was released on 22 December 1978, and the Kannada version on 12 January 1979.<ref>{{Cite web |title=சூப்பர் ஸ்டார் ரஜினிகாந்த் – ஒரு சரித்திரம் {{!}} சூப்பர் ஸ்டாரின் திரைக்காவியங்களின் பட்டியல்கள் |url=http://www.lakshmansruthi.com/globalmusic/rajini02.asp |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220622114535/http://www.lakshmansruthi.com/globalmusic/rajini02.asp |archive-date=22 June 2022 |access-date=5 July 2022 |website=[[Lakshman Sruthi]] |language=ta}}</ref> It was dubbed and released in Telugu as ''Ajeyudu'' which released on 10 March 1979 and was also dubbed in [[Hindi]] as ''Love in Singapore'' in 1983.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ajeyudu |url=https://indiancine.ma/BJQT/info |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230206021638/https://indiancine.ma/BJQT/info |archive-date=6 February 2023 |access-date=14 September 2021 |website=Indiancine.ma}}</ref> The soundtrack of this film is recorded using [[stereophonic sound]] technology for the first time in [[Tamil cinema]]. It was Sridevi's only Kannada film as a lead actress as well as Rajinikanth's penultimate Kannada film as a lead actor.{{Sfn |Nayak |2019 |p=39}}{{Sfn |Nayak |2019 |p=259}}
Priya ([[Sridevi]]) is a movie star who is exploited by her producer Janardhan / K. Ashwath ([[Major Sundarrajan]] / [[K. S. Ashwath]]). Janardhan has such a tight control over Priya's financial and personal affairs that he refuses to let her marry her boyfriend Bharat ([[Ambareesh]]). Before she flies off to Singapore for a film shoot, Priya seeks the help of Lawyer Ganesh ([[Rajinikanth]]) to get rid of Janardhan. How Ganesh helps Priya overcome her problems accounts for the rest of this movie, which includes a side story of Ganesh falling in love with a Malay-Indian girl named Subathra (Aznah Hamid). The original story written by Sujatha was based in [[London]] setting with the [[Scotland Yard]] playing a central role, but the film adaptation chose [[Singapore]] and [[Malaysia]] as the backdrop and the police force is left out.
 
== Plot ==
[[Ganesh–Vasanth|Ganesh]] is a lawyer who specialises in saving kidnapped people without paying any ransom. He is also a parttime stage actor. Priya is a [[movie star]] who is exploited by her producer Janardhan and her uncle Kaalimuthu. Janardhan has such control over Priya's financial and personal affairs that he refuses to let her marry her boyfriend Bharath. Before she flies off to Singapore for a film shoot, Priya seeks the help of lawyer Ganesh to escape from Janardhan.  


==Cast <ref name=":0" />==
Ganesh goes to Singapore as Priya's guardian. Circumstances force him to act in Priya's film. He also falls in love with a [[Tamil Malaysians|Malay-Tamil]] girl named Subadhra. Ganesh faces several challenges from Kaalimuthu's and Jaanardhan's henchmen but manages to keep Priya safe.
*[[Rajinikanth]] as Ganesh
 
*[[Sridevi]] as Priya
Priya eventually gets kidnapped and police find her dead body the next day. Ganesh questions Janardhan who accepts kidnapping Priya,but says she escaped from his clutches. Kaalimuthu says a similar story. A random person approaches Ganesh and says he has some information about Priya. He then takes the blindfolded Ganesh and Bharath to a house, and they are shocked to see Priya alive there. Kidnappers demand $1 million and release just Ganesh.
*[[Ambareesh]] as Bharath
 
*[[Major Sundarrajan]] / [[K. S. Ashwath]] as Janardhan
Ganesh returns to the house using audio clues he heard on his previous trip. He sings a cryptic song on the streets that Priya recognizes and reveals her location. Ganesh fights all the bad guys, reunites Priya and Bharath, and returns to India with Subadhra.
*[[Thengai Srinivasan]] as Film director
 
*[[:ms:Aznah Hamid|Aznah Hamid]] as Subathra
== Cast ==
*[[K. Natraj]] as Kaali muthu
{{Cast listing|
*[[Rajinikanth]] as [[Ganesh–Vasanth|Ganesh]]{{sfn |Ramachandran |2014 |p=87}}
*[[Sridevi]] as Priya{{sfn |Ramachandran |2014 |p=88}}
*Singapore Aznah as Subadhra{{sfn |Ramachandran |2014 |p=88}}
*[[Ambareesh]] as Bharath{{sfn |Ramachandran |2014 |p=88}}
*[[Major Sundarrajan]] / [[K. S. Ashwath]] as Janardhan{{sfn |Ramachandran |2014 |p=88}}
*[[Thengai Srinivasan]] as a film director
*[[Shivaram]]
*[[K. Natraj]]
*[[Thideer Kannaiah]] as Vasanth
}}


==Soundtrack==
== Production ==
''Priya'' was adapted from the novel of the same name by Sujatha. The film's screenplay and dialogues were written by Panchu Arunachalam.<ref name="anna">{{Cite news |date=16 July 1978 |title=வெளிநாட்டு நடிகர்கள் நடிக்கும் பிரியா |trans-title=''Priya'', starring foreign actors |url=https://images.eap.bl.uk/EAP372/EAP372_6_23_2_16/3.jp2/full/1000%2C1389/0/default.jpg |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250503025932/https://images.eap.bl.uk/EAP372/EAP372_6_23_2_16/3.jp2/full/1000,1389/0/default.jpg |archive-date=2025-05-03 |access-date=2025-05-24 |work=Anna |pages=3 |language=ta |via=[[Endangered Archives Programme]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref> The film was produced by his brother Subbu.<ref name="kalki" /> Rajinikanth portrayed the detective Ganesh created by Sujatha for his novels for which he received {{INRConvert|110000|year=1978}} for acting in the film while Ambareesh played the role based on Ganesh's partner Vasanth.<ref>{{Cite web |date=3 July 2023 |title=When Rajinikanth undervalued himself and charged Rs 30,000 salary per film |url=https://www.ottplay.com/news/when-rajinikanth-undervalued-himself-and-charged-rs-30000-salary-per-film/f6f59ed374435 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230705040534/https://www.ottplay.com/news/when-rajinikanth-undervalued-himself-and-charged-rs-30000-salary-per-film/f6f59ed374435 |archive-date=5 July 2023 |access-date=9 July 2023 |website=[[OTTPlay]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=முத்துராமன் |first=எஸ். பி |author-link=S. P. Muthuraman |date=10 February 2008 |title=ரஜினியோடு நடிக்க கமல் தயக்கம்! |trans-title=Kamal's reluctance to act with Rajini! |url=https://archive.org/download/kalki2008-02-10/kalki2008-02-10.pdf |access-date=21 July 2024 |magazine=[[Kalki (magazine)|Kalki]] |pages=55–57 |language=ta |via=[[Internet Archive]]}}</ref>


The soundtrack features five songs composed by [[Ilaiyaraaja]] in his 50th film, and lyrics written by Panju Arunachalam.
The film was made as a bilingual both in Tamil and Kannada. Since the novel was set in Singapore, S. P. Muthuraman planned to shoot the film in there, Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong and was careful of shooting it within the budget and after finalising the script, Muthuraman along with Subbu and cinematographer Babu went on a recce to these places and finalise the locations and fixed all the necessary places to shoot.<ref name="kalki">{{Cite magazine |last=முத்துராமன் |first=எஸ். பி. |author-link=S. P. Muthuraman |date=27 January 2008 |title=நான்... ரஜினி... பிரியா... |trans-title=Me... Rajini... Priya... |url=https://archive.org/download/kalki2008-01-27/kalki2008-01-27.pdf |access-date=21 July 2024 |magazine=[[Kalki (magazine)|Kalki]] |pages=51–53 |language=ta |via=[[Internet Archive]]}}</ref> The filming [[Wrap (filmmaking)|wrapped]] within a month.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Darshan |first=Navein |date=27 August 2023 |title=SP Muthuraman: Rajini is a perfectionist, Kamal Haasan is a Sakalakala Vallavan |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/interviews/2023/Aug/27/sp-muthuraman-rajini-is-a-perfectionist-kamal-haasan-is-a-sakalakala-vallavan-47019.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240409135706/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/interviews/2023/Aug/27/sp-muthuraman-rajini-is-a-perfectionist-kamal-haasan-is-a-sakalakala-vallavan-47019.html |archive-date=9 April 2024 |access-date=9 April 2024 |website=[[Cinema Express]] |language=en}}</ref>


The soundtrack of this film is recorded using stereophonic technology for the first time in Tamil cinema.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cinema.maalaimalar.com/2013/03/30233025/Priya-in-the-film-Music-Music.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304064543/http://cinema.maalaimalar.com/2013/03/30233025/Priya-in-the-film-Music-Music.html|title='பிரியா' படத்தில் இளையராஜா இசை: இந்தி இசை அமைப்பாளர் சலீல் சவுத்ரி பாராட்டு -- Priya in the film Music Music|archive-date=4 March 2016|access-date=3 February 2017}}</ref> "Akarai Cheemai" song's Pallavi is based on the song "Kites" by [[Simon Dupree and the Big Sound]]. The song "Hey Paadal Ondru" is set in Kapi raga.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Mani|first=Charulatha|date=2012-12-07|title=Notes that intrigue|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/music/Notes-that-intrigue/article15616721.ece|access-date=2020-08-30|issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Boney M. - Sunny (1976)|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yD8DcgpLp_w|website=YouTube}}</ref>
== Soundtrack ==
The soundtrack was composed by [[Ilaiyaraaja]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ilaiyaraaja&nbsp;– Priya (45-RPM) |url=https://musiccircle.co.in/product/ilaiyaraaja-priya-45-rpm/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220705050314/https://musiccircle.co.in/product/ilaiyaraaja-priya-45-rpm/ |archive-date=5 July 2022 |access-date=5 July 2022 |website=MusicCircle}}</ref> It was recorded using [[stereophonic sound]] technology for the first time in [[Tamil cinema]] using eight tracks.<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 March 2013 |title='பிரியா' படத்தில் இளையராஜா இசை: இந்தி இசை அமைப்பாளர் சலீல் சவுத்ரி பாராட்டு |trans-title=Ilaiyaraaja's music in the film ''Priya'': Hindi music composer Salil Chowdhury's praise |url=http://cinema.maalaimalar.com/2013/03/30233025/Priya-in-the-film-Music-Music.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304064543/http://cinema.maalaimalar.com/2013/03/30233025/Priya-in-the-film-Music-Music.html |archive-date=4 March 2016 |access-date=3 February 2017 |website=[[Maalai Malar]] |language=ta}}</ref><ref name="ka">{{Cite magazine |last=சலன் |date=4 February 1979 |title=முதல் சாதனைகள் |trans-title=First achievements |url=https://archive.org/download/kalki1979-02-04/kalki1979-02-04.pdf |access-date=10 April 2024 |magazine=[[Kalki (magazine)|Kalki]] |pages=56–59 |language=Ta |via=[[Internet Archive]]}}</ref> Ilaiyaraaja revealed he wanted to use this technology in ''[[Annakili]]'' (1976); however since he was a debutant, sound engineers did not encourage him that time. When Ilaiyaraaja came to know that [[K. J. Yesudas]] had equipments for stereophonic technology, he acquired them.<ref name="ka" /> The ''[[pallavi]]'' of the song "Akarai Cheemai Azhaginile" is based on the song "[[Kites (song)|Kites]]" by [[Simon Dupree and the Big Sound]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shekar |first=Anjana |date=5 March 2021 |title=Tamil film music and plagiarism: What fans feel about recurring issue |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/tamil-film-music-and-plagiarism-what-fans-feel-about-recurring-issue-144703 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220705054330/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/tamil-film-music-and-plagiarism-what-fans-feel-about-recurring-issue-144703 |archive-date=5 July 2022 |access-date=5 July 2022 |website=[[The News Minute]] |language=en}}</ref> The song "Hey Paadal Ondru" is set in the [[Carnatic raga]] known as [[Kapi (raga)|Kapi]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Mani |first=Charulatha |author-link=Charulatha Mani |date=7 December 2012 |title=Notes that intrigue |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/music/Notes-that-intrigue/article15616721.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210118235754/https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/music/Notes-that-intrigue/article15616721.ece |archive-date=18 January 2021 |access-date=30 August 2020 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref>


;Tamil version<ref>{{Cite web|title=Tamil movie songs|url=http://www.5starmusiq.com/tamil_movie_songs_listen_download.asp?MovieId=1520|website=5starmusiq}}</ref>
{{Track listing
{{Track listing
| headline = Tamil track list<ref>{{Cite web |title=Priya&nbsp;— EP |url=https://music.apple.com/ph/album/priya-ep/1531093388 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220705050314/https://music.apple.com/ph/album/priya-ep/1531093388 |archive-date=5 July 2022 |access-date=5 July 2022 |website=[[Apple Music]]}}</ref>
| all_lyrics = [[Panchu Arunachalam]]
| extra_column = Singer(s)
| extra_column = Singer(s)
| title1 = Ye Paadal Ondru
| title1 = Ye Paadal Ondru
| length1 = 4:32
| length1 = 4:32
| lyrics1 = [[Panchu Arunachalam]]
| extra1 = [[K. J. Yesudas]], [[S. Janaki]]
| extra1 = [[K. J. Yesudas]], [[S. Janaki]]
| title2 = Akarai Cheemai
| title2 = Akarai Cheemai Azhaginile
| length2 = 4:21
| length2 = 4:21
| lyrics2 = Panchu Arunachalam
| extra2 = K. J. Yesudas
| extra2 = K. J. Yesudas
| title3 = Darling Darling
| title3 = Darling Darling
| length3 = 4:39
| length3 = 4:39
| lyrics3 = Panchu Arunachalam
| extra3 = [[P. Susheela]]
| extra3 = [[P. Susheela]]
| title4 = En Uyir Nee Thaane
| title4 = En Uyir Nee Thaane
| length4 = 4:51
| length4 = 4:51
| lyrics4 = Panchu Arunachalam
| extra4 = K. J. Yesudas, [[Jency Anthony]]
| extra4 = K. J. Yesudas, [[Jency Anthony]]
| title5 = Sri Ramanin
| title5 = Sri Ramanin Sri Deviye
| length5 = 4:02
| length5 = 4:02
| lyrics5 = Panchu Arunachalam
| extra5 = K. J. Yesudas
| extra5 = K. J. Yesudas
| total_length =  
| total_length = 22:25
}}
}}


;Kannada version<ref>{{Citation|title=Priya (1978) - Ilaiyaraaja|url=https://mio.to//album/Priya+%281979%29|work=mio.to|language=en}}</ref>
{{Track listing
{{Track listing
| extra_column = Singer(s)
| headline      = Kannada track list<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 1978 |title=Priya (Kannada) |url=https://www.jiosaavn.com/album/priya-kannada/LbA6nPxN7Wk_ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220705050316/https://www.jiosaavn.com/album/priya-kannada/LbA6nPxN7Wk_ |archive-date=5 July 2022 |access-date=5 July 2022 |website=[[JioSaavn]]}}</ref>
| title1 = Kavithe Neenu
| extra_column = Singer(s)
| length1 = 4:32
| title1       = Kavithe Neenu
| extra1 = [[K. J. Yesudas]], [[S. Janaki]]
| length1       = 4:32
| title2 = Sagaradacheya
| extra1       = [[K. J. Yesudas]], [[S. Janaki]]
| length2 = 4:21
| title2       = Sagaradacheya
| extra2 = K. J. Yesudas
| length2       = 4:21
| title3 = Darling Darling
| extra2       = K. J. Yesudas
| length3 = 4:39
| title3       = Darling Darling
| extra3 = S. Janaki
| length3       = 4:39
| title4 = Nannali Neenagi
| extra3       = S. Janaki
| length4 = 4:51
| title4       = Nannali Neenagi
| extra4 = K. J. Yesudas, S. Janaki
| length4       = 4:51
| title5 = Thangaaliye
| extra4       = K. J. Yesudas, S. Janaki
| length5 = 4:02
| title5       = Thangaaliye
| extra5 = K. J. Yesudas
| length5       = 4:02
| title6 =
| extra5       = K. J. Yesudas
| length6 =
| total_length = 22:25
| total_length =  
}}
}}


;Telugu version (Ajeyudu)<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.kuteeram.com/telugu_songs/telugu-Movie-Songs.php?st=8907 | website = www.kuteeram.com | title = ajEyuDu Film Songs | access-date = 3 January 2021}}</ref>
{{Track listing
{{Track listing
| extra_column = Singer(s)
| headline      = Telugu track list
| title1 = Darling Darling  
| all_lyrics    = [[Rajasri (writer)|Rajasri]]
| lyrics1 = [[Rajashri]]
| extra_column = Singer(s)
| length1 = 4:35
| title1       = Darling Darling
| extra1  = [[P. Susheela]]
| extra1        = [[P. Susheela]]
| length1       = 4:35
| title2        = Sree Raamuni Sreedevive
| extra2        = [[S. P. Balasubrahmanyam]]
| length2      = 4:02
| title3        = Nee Pedavula Lona
| extra3        = S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, [[S. Janaki]]
| length3      = 4:23
| title4        = Chakkani Prakruthi Andaalu
| extra4        = S. P. Balasubrahmanyam & Chorus
| length4      = 4:21
| total_length  = 17:21
}}


| title2  = Nee Pedavula Lona..
== Reception ==
| extra2  = [[S. P. Balasubrahmanyam]], [[S. Janaki]]
Kousikan of ''[[Kalki (magazine)|Kalki]]'' found ''Priya'' to be entirely different from Sujatha's novel but praised the locations and cinematography.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=கெளசிகன் |date=7 January 1979 |title=ப்ரியா |url=https://kalkionline.com/kalkionline_archive/imagegallery/archiveimages/kalki/1979/jan/07-01-1979/p11.jpg |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220825074944/https://kalkionline.com/kalkionline_archive/imagegallery/archiveimages/kalki/1979/jan/07-01-1979/p11.jpg |archive-date=25 August 2022 |access-date=4 January 2022 |magazine=[[Kalki (magazine)|Kalki]] |page=11 |language=ta}}</ref> Naagai Dharuman of ''Anna'' praised the acting of the cast except for Rajinikanth, while also praising cinematography, music and direction.<ref>{{Cite news |last=தருமன் |first=நாகை |date=31 December 1978 |title=ப்ரியா |url=https://images.eap.bl.uk/EAP372/EAP372_6_23_3_76/3.jp2/full/1000,1425/0/default.jpg |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250518104833/https://images.eap.bl.uk/EAP372/EAP372_6_23_3_76/3.jp2/full/1000,1425/0/default.jpg |archive-date=18 May 2025 |access-date=18 May 2025 |work=Anna |pages=3 |language=ta |via=[[Endangered Archives Programme]]}}</ref> Another Tamil weekly wrote, "if this is what Panju wanted to do to Sujatha's novel he needn't have opted it for it at all". Responding to the criticism, Arunachalam said the original novel had dialogues between two characters over 40 pages and audience would not have patience if it was faithfully presented onscreen, so he made changes keeping the "very ordinary filmgoer in mind".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Krishnaswamy |first=N. |date=15 August 1987 |title=Panju Arunachalam turns director; 'Criminal waste of time and film by these new directors irks me' |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=P9oYG7HA76QC&dat=19870815&printsec=frontpage&hl=en |access-date=4 January 2023 |work=[[The Indian Express]] |pages=35 |via=[[Google News Archive]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Nevertheless, as ''[[Rediff.com]]'' noted in 2009, "the main characters were completely unrecognisable", prompting Sujatha to "complain vociferously about his characters being mauled".<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 March 2009 |title=Cinematic masterpieces from a master-storyteller |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/2009/mar/20slide2-writer-sujatha-and-films.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240409141529/https://www.rediff.com/movies/2009/mar/20slide2-writer-sujatha-and-films.htm |archive-date=9 April 2024 |access-date=10 April 2024 |website=[[Rediff.com]] |at=slide 2}}</ref>
| length2 = 4:23
}}


==Allegations==
== Allegations ==
The footage of the famous car chase sequence from the [[Steve McQueen]] film [[Bullitt]] was edited and spliced into the climax scene of this film; however, the allegations that ensued was that it was done so without permission.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2016-05-07|title=High Five|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/readers-write-in-with-their-top-five-of-their-favorite-films/article8570163.ece|access-date=2020-08-30|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>
The footage of the famous car chase sequence from the [[Steve McQueen]] film ''[[Bullitt]]'' was edited and spliced into the climax scene of this film; however, the allegations that ensued was that it was done so without permission.<ref>{{Cite news |date=7 May 2016 |title=High Five |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/readers-write-in-with-their-top-five-of-their-favorite-films/article8570163.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210302181457/https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/readers-write-in-with-their-top-five-of-their-favorite-films/article8570163.ece |archive-date=2 March 2021 |access-date=30 August 2020 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref>


==References==
== References ==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}


==External links==
== Bibliography ==
* {{IMDb title|0187422|title=Priya}}
* {{Cite book |last=Nayak |first=Satyarth |author-link=Satyarth Nayak |title=Sridevi: The Eternal Screen Goddess |title-link=Sridevi: The Eternal Screen Goddess |publisher=[[Penguin Random House]] |year=2019 |isbn=9789353056780 |location=India}}
* {{Cite book |last=Ramachandran |first=Naman |author-link=Naman Ramachandran |title=Rajinikanth: The Definitive Biography |title-link=Rajinikanth: The Definitive Biography |publisher=[[Penguin Books]] |year=2014 |isbn=978-0-14-342111-5 |location=New Delhi |orig-date=2012}}
 
== External links ==
* {{IMDb title}}
* {{Rotten Tomatoes}}


{{S. P. Muthuraman}}
{{S. P. Muthuraman}}
{{Sujatha}}


[[Category:1978 films]]
[[Category:1978 films]]
[[Category:1978 Indian films]]
[[Category:1978 multilingual films]]
[[Category:1978 Tamil-language films]]
[[Category:1978 thriller films]]
[[Category:1979 Kannada-language films]]
[[Category:Films about actors]]
[[Category:Films about lawyers]]
[[Category:Films based on multiple works]]
[[Category:Films based on Tamil novels]]
[[Category:Films directed by S. P. Muthuraman]]
[[Category:Films directed by S. P. Muthuraman]]
[[Category:1970s Kannada-language films]]
[[Category:Films scored by Ilaiyaraaja]]
[[Category:Films based on Indian novels]]
[[Category:Indian thriller films]]
[[Category:Films set in Singapore]]
[[Category:Films set in Singapore]]
[[Category:Films shot in Hong Kong]]
[[Category:Films shot in Malaysia]]
[[Category:Films shot in Singapore]]
[[Category:Films shot in Singapore]]
[[Category:Films scored by Ilaiyaraaja]]
[[Category:Films with screenplays by Panchu Arunachalam]]
[[Category:Indian multilingual films]]
[[Category:Indian multilingual films]]
[[Category:1970s Tamil-language films]]
[[Category:Indian thriller films]]
[[Category:Films with screenplays by Panchu Arunachalam]]
[[Category:Tamil-language Indian films]]
[[Category:Indian films]]
[[Category:Tamil-language thriller films]]
[[Category:1970s multilingual films]]
[[Category:1970s thriller films]]

Latest revision as of 14:38, 4 March 2026

Priya
Theatrical release poster in Tamil
Directed byS. P. Muthuraman
Produced byS. P. Tamilarasi
Screenplay byPanchu Arunachalam
Story bySujatha
StarringRajinikanth
Sridevi
Ambareesh
Aznah Hamid
Music byIlaiyaraaja
CinematographyBabu
Edited byR. Vittal
Production
company
S. P. T Films
Release date
  • 22 December 1978 (1978-12-22) (Tamil)
  • 12 January 1979 (1979-01-12) (Kannada)
Running time
148 minutes (Tamil)
CountryIndia
LanguageTamil
Kannada

Priya is an Indian thriller film directed by S. P. Muthuraman, starring Rajinikanth, Sridevi (as the title character), Ambareesh, and Aznah Hamid. It was simultaneously made in Tamil and Kannada languages.[1] The film shares its title with a novel by Sujatha,[2] but actually adapts from multiple works by the writer including the aforementioned novel.[3] The Tamil version was released on 22 December 1978, and the Kannada version on 12 January 1979.[4] It was dubbed and released in Telugu as Ajeyudu which released on 10 March 1979 and was also dubbed in Hindi as Love in Singapore in 1983.[5] The soundtrack of this film is recorded using stereophonic sound technology for the first time in Tamil cinema. It was Sridevi's only Kannada film as a lead actress as well as Rajinikanth's penultimate Kannada film as a lead actor.[6][7]

Plot[edit | edit source]

Ganesh is a lawyer who specialises in saving kidnapped people without paying any ransom. He is also a parttime stage actor. Priya is a movie star who is exploited by her producer Janardhan and her uncle Kaalimuthu. Janardhan has such control over Priya's financial and personal affairs that he refuses to let her marry her boyfriend Bharath. Before she flies off to Singapore for a film shoot, Priya seeks the help of lawyer Ganesh to escape from Janardhan.

Ganesh goes to Singapore as Priya's guardian. Circumstances force him to act in Priya's film. He also falls in love with a Malay-Tamil girl named Subadhra. Ganesh faces several challenges from Kaalimuthu's and Jaanardhan's henchmen but manages to keep Priya safe.

Priya eventually gets kidnapped and police find her dead body the next day. Ganesh questions Janardhan who accepts kidnapping Priya,but says she escaped from his clutches. Kaalimuthu says a similar story. A random person approaches Ganesh and says he has some information about Priya. He then takes the blindfolded Ganesh and Bharath to a house, and they are shocked to see Priya alive there. Kidnappers demand $1 million and release just Ganesh.

Ganesh returns to the house using audio clues he heard on his previous trip. He sings a cryptic song on the streets that Priya recognizes and reveals her location. Ganesh fights all the bad guys, reunites Priya and Bharath, and returns to India with Subadhra.

Cast[edit | edit source]

Production[edit | edit source]

Priya was adapted from the novel of the same name by Sujatha. The film's screenplay and dialogues were written by Panchu Arunachalam.[9] The film was produced by his brother Subbu.[10] Rajinikanth portrayed the detective Ganesh created by Sujatha for his novels for which he received ₹110,000 (equivalent to ₹2.4 million or US$34,000 in 2019) for acting in the film while Ambareesh played the role based on Ganesh's partner Vasanth.[11][12]

The film was made as a bilingual both in Tamil and Kannada. Since the novel was set in Singapore, S. P. Muthuraman planned to shoot the film in there, Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong and was careful of shooting it within the budget and after finalising the script, Muthuraman along with Subbu and cinematographer Babu went on a recce to these places and finalise the locations and fixed all the necessary places to shoot.[10] The filming wrapped within a month.[13]

Soundtrack[edit | edit source]

The soundtrack was composed by Ilaiyaraaja.[14] It was recorded using stereophonic sound technology for the first time in Tamil cinema using eight tracks.[15][16] Ilaiyaraaja revealed he wanted to use this technology in Annakili (1976); however since he was a debutant, sound engineers did not encourage him that time. When Ilaiyaraaja came to know that K. J. Yesudas had equipments for stereophonic technology, he acquired them.[16] The pallavi of the song "Akarai Cheemai Azhaginile" is based on the song "Kites" by Simon Dupree and the Big Sound.[17] The song "Hey Paadal Ondru" is set in the Carnatic raga known as Kapi.[18]

All lyrics are written by Panchu Arunachalam.

Tamil track list[19]
No.TitleSinger(s)Length
1."Ye Paadal Ondru"K. J. Yesudas, S. Janaki4:32
2."Akarai Cheemai Azhaginile"K. J. Yesudas4:21
3."Darling Darling"P. Susheela4:39
4."En Uyir Nee Thaane"K. J. Yesudas, Jency Anthony4:51
5."Sri Ramanin Sri Deviye"K. J. Yesudas4:02
Total length:22:25
Kannada track list[20]
No.TitleSinger(s)Length
1."Kavithe Neenu"K. J. Yesudas, S. Janaki4:32
2."Sagaradacheya"K. J. Yesudas4:21
3."Darling Darling"S. Janaki4:39
4."Nannali Neenagi"K. J. Yesudas, S. Janaki4:51
5."Thangaaliye"K. J. Yesudas4:02
Total length:22:25

All lyrics are written by Rajasri.

Telugu track list
No.TitleSinger(s)Length
1."Darling Darling"P. Susheela4:35
2."Sree Raamuni Sreedevive"S. P. Balasubrahmanyam4:02
3."Nee Pedavula Lona"S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, S. Janaki4:23
4."Chakkani Prakruthi Andaalu"S. P. Balasubrahmanyam & Chorus4:21
Total length:17:21

Reception[edit | edit source]

Kousikan of Kalki found Priya to be entirely different from Sujatha's novel but praised the locations and cinematography.[21] Naagai Dharuman of Anna praised the acting of the cast except for Rajinikanth, while also praising cinematography, music and direction.[22] Another Tamil weekly wrote, "if this is what Panju wanted to do to Sujatha's novel he needn't have opted it for it at all". Responding to the criticism, Arunachalam said the original novel had dialogues between two characters over 40 pages and audience would not have patience if it was faithfully presented onscreen, so he made changes keeping the "very ordinary filmgoer in mind".[23] Nevertheless, as Rediff.com noted in 2009, "the main characters were completely unrecognisable", prompting Sujatha to "complain vociferously about his characters being mauled".[24]

Allegations[edit | edit source]

The footage of the famous car chase sequence from the Steve McQueen film Bullitt was edited and spliced into the climax scene of this film; however, the allegations that ensued was that it was done so without permission.[25]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Nayak 2019, p. 34.
  2. ↑ S, Bala (21 August 2023). "எழுத்தாளர் சுஜாதாவின் இத்தனை நாவல்கள் திரைப்படமாகி இருக்கிறதா? ரஜினி, கமல் நடித்த அனுபவங்கள்..!" [Have so many novels by writer Sujatha been made into films? Rajini and Kamal's acting experiences..!]. Tamil Minutes (in தமிழ்). Archived from the original on 4 October 2023. Retrieved 9 April 2024.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Ramachandran 2014, p. 87.
  4. ↑ "சூப்பர் ஸ்டார் ரஜினிகாந்த் – ஒரு சரித்திரம் | சூப்பர் ஸ்டாரின் திரைக்காவியங்களின் பட்டியல்கள்". Lakshman Sruthi (in தமிழ்). Archived from the original on 22 June 2022. Retrieved 5 July 2022.
  5. ↑ "Ajeyudu". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 14 September 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  6. ↑ Nayak 2019, p. 39.
  7. ↑ Nayak 2019, p. 259.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 Ramachandran 2014, p. 88.
  9. ↑ "வெளிநாட்டு நடிகர்கள் நடிக்கும் பிரியா" [Priya, starring foreign actors]. Anna (in தமிழ்). 16 July 1978. p. 3. Archived from the original on 3 May 2025. Retrieved 24 May 2025 – via Endangered Archives Programme.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 முத்துராமன், எஸ். பி. (27 January 2008). "நான்... ரஜினி... பிரியா..." [Me... Rajini... Priya...] (PDF). Kalki (in தமிழ்). pp. 51–53. Retrieved 21 July 2024 – via Internet Archive.
  11. ↑ "When Rajinikanth undervalued himself and charged Rs 30,000 salary per film". OTTPlay. 3 July 2023. Archived from the original on 5 July 2023. Retrieved 9 July 2023.
  12. ↑ முத்துராமன், எஸ். பி (10 February 2008). "ரஜினியோடு நடிக்க கமல் தயக்கம்!" [Kamal's reluctance to act with Rajini!] (PDF). Kalki (in தமிழ்). pp. 55–57. Retrieved 21 July 2024 – via Internet Archive.
  13. ↑ Darshan, Navein (27 August 2023). "SP Muthuraman: Rajini is a perfectionist, Kamal Haasan is a Sakalakala Vallavan". Cinema Express. Archived from the original on 9 April 2024. Retrieved 9 April 2024.
  14. ↑ "Ilaiyaraaja – Priya (45-RPM)". MusicCircle. Archived from the original on 5 July 2022. Retrieved 5 July 2022.
  15. ↑ "'பிரியா' படத்தில் இளையராஜா இசை: இந்தி இசை அமைப்பாளர் சலீல் சவுத்ரி பாராட்டு" [Ilaiyaraaja's music in the film Priya: Hindi music composer Salil Chowdhury's praise]. Maalai Malar (in தமிழ்). 30 March 2013. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 3 February 2017.
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 சலன் (4 February 1979). "முதல் சாதனைகள்" [First achievements] (PDF). Kalki (in தமிழ்). pp. 56–59. Retrieved 10 April 2024 – via Internet Archive.
  17. ↑ Shekar, Anjana (5 March 2021). "Tamil film music and plagiarism: What fans feel about recurring issue". The News Minute. Archived from the original on 5 July 2022. Retrieved 5 July 2022.
  18. ↑ Mani, Charulatha (7 December 2012). "Notes that intrigue". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 18 January 2021. Retrieved 30 August 2020.
  19. ↑ "Priya — EP". Apple Music. Archived from the original on 5 July 2022. Retrieved 5 July 2022.
  20. ↑ "Priya (Kannada)". JioSaavn. January 1978. Archived from the original on 5 July 2022. Retrieved 5 July 2022.
  21. ↑ கெளசிகன் (7 January 1979). "ப்ரியா". Kalki (in தமிழ்). p. 11. Retrieved 4 January 2022.{{cite magazine}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  22. ↑ தருமன், நாகை (31 December 1978). "ப்ரியா". Anna (in தமிழ்). p. 3. Archived from the original on 18 May 2025. Retrieved 18 May 2025 – via Endangered Archives Programme.
  23. ↑ Krishnaswamy, N. (15 August 1987). "Panju Arunachalam turns director; 'Criminal waste of time and film by these new directors irks me'". The Indian Express. p. 35. Retrieved 4 January 2023 – via Google News Archive.
  24. ↑ "Cinematic masterpieces from a master-storyteller". Rediff.com. 20 March 2009. slide 2. Archived from the original on 9 April 2024. Retrieved 10 April 2024.
  25. ↑ "High Five". The Hindu. 7 May 2016. Archived from the original on 2 March 2021. Retrieved 30 August 2020.

Bibliography[edit | edit source]

External links[edit | edit source]

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