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{{for|ashram of [[Satya Sai Baba]]|Prasanthi Nilayam}}
{{for-multi|the ashram of [[Sathya Sai Baba]]|Prasanthi Nilayam|the TV series|Shanthi Nilayam (TV series)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2015}}
{{Use Indian English|date=April 2024}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2024}}
{{Infobox film
{{Infobox film
| name          = Shanti Nilayam
| image          = Shanti Nilayam.jpg
| image          = Shanti Nilayam.jpg
| image_size    =
| caption        = Theatrical release poster
| caption        = Theatrical Poster
| director      = G. S. Mani
| director      = G. S. Mani
| producer      = G. S. Mani<br />[[S. S. Vasan]]
| writer        = [[Chithralaya Gopu]]
| writer        = [[Chitralaya Gopu]]<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kumar |first=S. R. Ashok |date=18 February 2010 |title=In relaxed mood – 'Chitralaya' Gopu |work=[[The Hindu]] |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/In-relaxed-mood-Chitralaya-Gopu/article16815321.ece |access-date=15 March 2021}}</ref>
| producer      = [[S. S. Vasan]]
| based_on      = {{based on|''[[Jane Eyre]]''|[[Charlotte Brontë]]}}
| starring      = [[Gemini Ganesan]]<br />[[Kanchana (actress)|Kanchana]]
| starring      = [[Gemini Ganesan]]<br />[[Kanchana (actress)|Kanchana]]
| music          = [[M. S. Viswanathan]]
| cinematography = [[Marcus Bartley]]
| cinematography = [[Marcus Bartley]]
| editing        = Umanath
| editing        = Umanath
| music          = [[M. S. Viswanathan]]
| studio        = [[Gemini Studios]]
| studio        = [[Gemini Studios]]
| released      = {{Film date|1969|05|23|ref1=<ref>{{Cite news |date=23 May 1969 |title=Shanti Nilayam |page=12 |work=[[The Indian Express]] |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=P9oYG7HA76QC&dat=19690523&printsec=frontpage&hl=en}}</ref>|df=y}}
| released      = {{Film date|1969|05|23|df=y}}
| runtime        = 149 minutes
| runtime        = 149 minutes{{sfn|Dhananjayan|2014|p=208}}
| country        = India
| country        = India
| language      = Tamil
| language      = Tamil
| budget        =
| gross          =
}}
}}


'''''Shanti Nilayam''''' ({{trans|Peaceful House}}) is a 1969 Indian [[Tamil language|Tamil]]-language film, produced and directed by G. S. Mani. It stars [[Gemini Ganesan]] and [[Kanchana (actress)|Kanchana]], with [[Nagesh]], [[Vijaya Lalitha]], [[Pandari Bai]], [[K. Balaji]] and [[V. S. Raghavan]] in supporting roles. The film won the [[National Film Award for Best Cinematography]] for [[Marcus Bartley]].{{Sfn|Dhananjayan|2014|page=208}} The film was successful at the box office. It is a remake of 1968 [[Kannada]] film ''[[Bedi Bandavalu]]'' which was inspired by the 1847 novel ''[[Jane Eyre]]'' by [[Charlotte Brontë]].
'''''Shanti Nilayam''''' ({{IPAc-en|ʃ|ɑː|n|θ|i}} {{translation|Peaceful House}}) is a 1969 Indian [[Tamil language|Tamil]]-language [[Musical film|musical]] [[Drama (film and television)|drama film]], directed by G. S. Mani in his debut. The film stars [[Gemini Ganesan]] and [[Kanchana (actress)|Kanchana]], with [[Nagesh]], [[Vijaya Lalitha]], [[Pandari Bai]], [[K. Balaji]] and [[V. S. Raghavan]] in supporting roles. It is based on the English novel ''[[Jane Eyre]]'' (1847) by [[Charlotte Brontë]] and the  American film [[The Sound of Music (film)|''The Sound of Music'']] (1965).  


==Plot==
''Shanti Nilayam'' was released on 23 May 1969, and ran for over 100 days in theatres. [[Marcus Bartley]] won the [[National Film Award for Best Cinematography]], and [[S. P. Balasubrahmanyam]] won the [[Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer]]. The film was remade in Telugu under the same title in 1972.{{Sfn|Dhananjayan|2014|page=209}}
Malathi, after losing her parents, lives with her aunt who tortures and treats her like a servant. One day she is dumped in a waste materials facility and she falls sick. Doctor Vijayan (K. V. Srinivasan), who comes to treat her, sympathises and admits her in a private school-cum-hostel for orphans. Malathi grows up into a young lady ([[Kanchana (actress)|Kanchana]]) and becomes a teacher in the same school.


Baskar ([[Gemini Ganesan]]), a rich estate owner, lives in Shanthi Nilayam with his older brother Sekar's children (four daughters and a son) and is finding it difficult to bring them up as they are very naughty and the hired governess runs away every time. His cousin Ramu ([[Nagesh]]) and his mother ([[Pandari Bai]]) live in the estate too. Baskar conveys his need to Dr. Vijayan who convinces Malathi to accept the governess job. Initially, the children do not accept Malathi, but her understanding and matured nature soon wins them over. Baskar appreciates her work.
== Plot ==
Malathi, after losing her parents, lives with her aunt who tortures and treats her like a servant. One day she is dumped in a waste materials facility and she falls sick. Doctor Vijayan, who comes to treat her, sympathises and admits her in a private school-cum-hostel for orphans. Malathi grows up into a young lady and becomes a teacher in the same school.


Strange things happen in the house: Pappamma, the servant maid laughs and walks at midnight with a candle, Balu ([[K. Balaji]]) visits Baskar regularly for money. Malathi suspects something wrong in the house. She comes to know that one of the children, Geetha ([[Rama Prabha]]), an innocent loves Ramu. One night Baskar's coat catches fire and Malathi douses it. She demands to know why Baskar looks like he has lost something, but he does not reply. Balu comes again and Baskar gives him money and tells him that he will not give him any more.
Baskar, a rich estate owner, lives in Shanthi Nilayam with his older brother Sekar's children (four daughters and a son) and is finding it difficult to bring them up as they are very naughty and the hired governess runs away every time. His cousin Ramu and his mother live in the estate too. Baskar conveys his need to Dr. Vijayan who convinces Malathi to accept the governess job. Initially, the children do not accept Malathi, but her understanding and matured nature soon wins them over. Baskar appreciates her work.


Baskar's family friend, Parvatham ([[M. S. Sundari Bai]]) arrives with her husband and daughter Sheela ([[Vijayalalitha]]). Parvatham suggests the marriage of Baskar and Sheela and Malathi is upset hearing this. Malathi's aunt, with her daughters Saradha and Sumathi, arrives there after having fallen in their lives. Ramu's mother accepts them and they stay with Malathi. Sheela and her mother treat Malathi and her relatives badly. They spread rumours about Malathi, and Baskar shouts at Malathi to behave properly like an educated person. Malathi feels that even Baskar is treating her like a servant and decides to leave the house. However, Ramu stops her and states the children's needs and she stays back. Baskar understands Malathi's commitment to the family and expresses his love for her. Sheela overhears this and shouts at Malathi for snatching away Baskar. Baskar asks Sheela and her family to leave. The children are happy about Malathi and Baskar uniting. Baskar schedules their wedding for the following Friday. One day, Malathi sees Balu with bloodstains and demands an explanation from Baskar who promises to reveal everything soon.
Strange things happen in the house: Pappamma, the servant maid laughs and walks at midnight with a candle, Balu visits Baskar regularly for money. Malathi suspects something wrong in the house. She learns that one of the children, Geetha, an innocent loves Ramu. One night Baskar's coat catches fire and Malathi douses it. She demands to know why Baskar looks like he has lost something, but he does not reply. Balu comes again and Baskar gives him money and tells him that he will not give him any more.


During the marriage proceeding, Balu arrives and states that Baskar has already married his sister. Baskar accepts and reveals that he indeed married Janaki, a mad woman and explains the circumstances of the marriage. Baskar's father ([[V. S. Raghavan]]) in an altercation, hit Singaram (Senthamarai), Balu's father, leading to his death. Balu blackmails Baskar's father to marry his sister to Bhaskar and give a part of the wealth to her. Baskar's father refuses, but Baskar, to save the family's prestige, agrees and marries Janaki, but finds her totally mad. He gives her the best medical treatment, but there is no improvement in Janaki. Pappamma takes care of her. Baskar's brother Sekar was killed in a fire lit by Janaki. Ramu's mother confirms the facts and  Malathi is shocked and leaves home. The children cry for her to stay and Kavitha, one of them, follows her. Kavitha falls down unconscious and Malathi stops and returns home along with Dr. Vijayan, who arrives there.
Baskar's family friend, Parvatham arrives with her husband and daughter Sheela. Parvatham suggests the marriage of Baskar and Sheela and Malathi is upset hearing this. Malathi's aunt, with her daughters Saradha and Sumathi, arrives there after having fallen in their lives. Ramu's mother accepts them and they stay with Malathi. Sheela and her mother treat Malathi and her relatives badly. They spread rumours about Malathi, and Baskar shouts at Malathi to behave properly like an educated person. Malathi feels that even Baskar is treating her like a servant and decides to leave the house. However, Ramu stops her and states the children's needs and she stays back. Baskar understands Malathi's commitment to the family and expresses his love for her. Sheela overhears this and shouts at Malathi for snatching away Baskar. Baskar asks Sheela and her family to leave. The children are happy about Malathi and Baskar uniting. Baskar schedules their wedding for the following Friday. One day, Malathi sees Balu with bloodstains and demands an explanation from Baskar who promises to reveal everything soon.
 
During the marriage proceeding, Balu arrives and states that Baskar has already married his sister. Baskar accepts and reveals that he indeed married Janaki, a mad woman and explains the circumstances of the marriage. Baskar's father in an altercation, hit Singaram, Balu's father, leading to his death. Balu blackmails Baskar's father to marry his sister to Bhaskar and give a part of the wealth to her. Baskar's father refuses, but Baskar, to save the family's prestige, agrees and marries Janaki, but finds her totally mad. He gives her the best medical treatment, but there is no improvement in Janaki. Pappamma cares for her. Baskar's brother Sekar was killed in a fire lit by Janaki. Ramu's mother confirms the facts and  Malathi is shocked and leaves home. The children cry for her to stay and Kavitha, one of them, follows her. Kavitha falls down unconscious and Malathi stops and returns home along with Dr. Vijayan, who arrives there.


Meanwhile, Balu demands Baskar to transfer the wealth belonging to Janaki to him and threatens to kill him otherwise. Baskar takes him on and beats him. At the same time, Janaki comes out of her room and puts the house on fire. Balu, Janaki and Pappamma die in the fire. Malathi, Ramu and Dr. Vijayan arrive and save everybody. Baskar and Malathi marry.{{sfn|Dhananjayan|2014|page=209}}
Meanwhile, Balu demands Baskar to transfer the wealth belonging to Janaki to him and threatens to kill him otherwise. Baskar takes him on and beats him. At the same time, Janaki comes out of her room and puts the house on fire. Balu, Janaki and Pappamma die in the fire. Malathi, Ramu and Dr. Vijayan arrive and save everybody. Baskar and Malathi marry.{{sfn|Dhananjayan|2014|page=209}}


== Cast ==
== Cast ==
*[[Gemini Ganesan]] as Bhaskar
{{Cast listing|
*[[Gemini Ganesan]] as [[Edward Rochester|Bhaskar]]
*[[Kanchana (actress)|Kanchana]] as [[Jane Eyre (character)|Malathi]]
*[[Kanchana (actress)|Kanchana]] as [[Jane Eyre (character)|Malathi]]
*[[Vijaya Lalitha]] as [[Bertha Mason|Sheela]]
*[[Vijaya Lalitha]] as Sheela
*[[Nagesh]] as Ramu
*[[Nagesh]] as Ramu
*[[K. Balaji]] as Balu
*[[K. Balaji]] as Balu
*[[Pandari Bai]] as Ramu's mother
*[[Pandari Bai]] as Ramu's mother
*[[V. S. Raghavan]] as Bhaskar's father
*[[V. S. Raghavan]] as Bhaskar's father
*[[Vijaya Chandrika]] as Janaki
*Vijaya Chandrika as [[Bertha Mason|Janaki]]
*Leela as Paapamma
*Leela as Paapamma
*[[Rama Prabha]] as Geetha
*[[Rama Prabha]] as Geetha
*[[Manjula Vijayakumar]] as Bhaskar's niece
*[[Manjula Vijayakumar|Manjula]] as Bhaskar's niece
*[[Senthamarai (actor)|Senthamarai]] as Singaram
}}


== Production ==
== Production ==
''Shanthi Nilayam'' was a remake of the Kannada film ''[[Bedi Bandavalu]]'' (1968), starring [[Kalyan Kumar]] and [[Chandrakala]].{{Sfn|Dhananjayan|2014|page=209}} [[S. S. Vasan]] saw the Kannada film and bought the remake rights for it. He assigned Chitralaya Gopu to write the screenplay and dialogues for the Tamil version. Although Vasan liked the screenplay, he felt that the film would not cater to the rural audience. Gopu, in turn, felt that Vasan's doubts would be overcome with Nagesh's comic potential. Vasan's words however proved to be true as the film ran well only in cities and not so much in smaller towns.{{Sfn|Dhananjayan|2014|page=209}}
Producer [[S. S. Vasan]]'s son-in-law G. S. Mani sought to remake the American film ''[[The Sound of Music (film)|The Sound of Music]]'' (1965) in Tamil and asked [[Chithralaya Gopu]] to write the screenplay for the Tamil version, then present it to Vasan as a surprise. Although Vasan liked the screenplay, he felt that the film would not cater to rural audiences, so it was rewritten to be closer to the [[Charlotte Brontë]] novel ''[[Jane Eyre]]'' (1847). The film was Mani's directorial debut.<ref name="shanti">{{Cite web |last=நரசிம்மன் |first=டி.ஏ. |date=12 October 2018 |title=சி(ரி)த்ராலயா 38: கோபுவிடம் கதை கேட்ட வாசன் ! |url=https://www.hindutamil.in/news/supplements/hindu-talkies/143969-38.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230202024624/https://www.hindutamil.in/news/supplements/hindu-talkies/143969-38.html |archive-date=2 February 2023 |access-date=1 February 2023 |website=[[Hindu Tamil Thisai]] |language=Ta}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=26 July 2020 |title=சித்ராலயா கோபுவின், மலரும் நினைவுகள்! (12) |url=https://www.dinamalar.com/malarkal/vara-malar-weekly-magazine/chitralaya-gobus-blooming-memories-12/53461 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240404045328/https://www.dinamalar.com/malarkal/vara-malar-weekly-magazine/chitralaya-gobus-blooming-memories-12/53461 |archive-date=4 April 2024 |access-date=4 April 2024 |website=[[Dinamalar]] |language=ta}}</ref> Cinematography was handled by [[Marcus Bartley]], and editing by Umanath.<ref name="BFTP" /> Gopu's recommendation of [[Kanchana (actress)|Kanchana]] for the lead role was agreed upon by Mani. The film was entirely shot at [[Ooty]] and Mohana Kumari was in charge of the art direction. Camera techniques were used in the song "Bhoomiyil Iruppadhu" to show that a helium balloon was flying, while in reality it was not.{{Sfn|Dhananjayan|2014|page=209}}


Gopu's recommendation of Kanchana for the lead role was agreed to by the film's director Mani.{{Sfn|Dhananjayan|2014|page=209}} The film was entirely shot at Ooty and art director Mohana Kumari was in charge of erecting the special sets required to shoot the film's scenes.{{Sfn|Dhananjayan|2014|page=209}} The flying helium balloon in the song "Bhoomiyil Iruppadhu" was one of the highlights. Camera techniques were used in the song to show that the balloon was flying, while in reality it was not.{{Sfn|Dhananjayan|2014|page=209}}
== Soundtrack ==
The soundtrack was composed by [[M. S. Viswanathan]], with lyrics by [[Kannadasan]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Shanti Nilayam (1969) |url=http://www.raaga.com/channels/Tamil/moviedetail.asp?mid=T0000602 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141213114710/http://play.raaga.com/tamil/album/Shanthi-Nilayam-T0000602 |archive-date=13 December 2014 |access-date=21 February 2012 |website=[[Raaga.com]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Shanthi Nilayam Tamil Film EP Vinyl Record by M S Viswanathan |url=https://mossymart.com/product/shanthi-nilayam-tamil-film-ep-vinyl-record-by-m-s-viswanathan/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230209131217/https://mossymart.com/product/shanthi-nilayam-tamil-film-ep-vinyl-record-by-m-s-viswanathan/ |archive-date=9 February 2023 |access-date=9 February 2023 |website=Mossymart}}</ref> [[S. P. Balasubrahmanyam]] made his debut in Tamil cinema with this film by singing the song "Iyarkai Ennum",<ref>{{Cite web |last=நவ்ஷத் |date=6 January 2017 |title=எஸ்பிபி 50 ஆண்டுகள்: எனக்கு இசைதான் தாய்மொழி' |url=https://www.hindutamil.in/news/supplements/hindu-talkies/216264-50.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200227072930/https://www.hindutamil.in/news/supplements/hindu-talkies/216264-50-3.html |archive-date=27 February 2020 |access-date=14 March 2021 |website=[[Hindu Tamil Thisai]] |language=ta}}</ref> even though ''[[Adimai Penn]]'' (which he signed after ''Shanti Nilayam'') was released first. Balasubrahmanyam's remuneration for the song was {{INRConvert|150|year=1969}}.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gopu |first=Chitralaya |author-link=Chithralaya Gopu |date=25 September 2020 |title=Remembering SPB's maiden song |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/remembering-spbs-maiden-song/article32695074.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125023835/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/remembering-spbs-maiden-song/article32695074.ece |archive-date=25 November 2020 |access-date=14 March 2021 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref>


== Influences ==
{{Track listing
According to film critic [[Randor Guy]], ''Shanti Nilayam'', though widely believed to have been adapted from ''[[The Sound of Music]]'', was actually based on [[Charlotte Brontë]]'s novel ''[[Jane Eyre]]''.<ref name="BFTP">{{cite web | url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/shanthi-nilayam-1969/article7043353.ece | title=Shanthi Nilayam 1969 | work=The Hindu | date=28 March 2015 | access-date=29 March 2015 | last=Guy | first=Randor | authorlink=Randor Guy | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160801143511/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/shanthi-nilayam-1969/article7043353.ece | archive-date=1 August 2016}}</ref>
| headline = Track listing
 
== Songs ==
The soundtrack was composed by [[M. S. Viswanathan]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Shanti Nilayam (1969) |url=http://www.raaga.com/channels/Tamil/moviedetail.asp?mid=T0000602 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141213114710/http://play.raaga.com/tamil/album/Shanthi-Nilayam-T0000602 |archive-date=13 December 2014 |access-date=21 February 2012 |website=[[Raaga.com]]}}</ref> [[S. P. Balasubrahmanyam]] made his debut in Tamil cinema with this film by singing the song "Iyarkai Ennum",<ref>{{Cite web|last=நவ்ஷத்|date=6 Jan 2017|title=எஸ்பிபி 50 ஆண்டுகள்: எனக்கு இசைதான் தாய்மொழி'|url=https://www.hindutamil.in/news/supplements/hindu-talkies/216264-50.html|url-status=live|access-date=14 March 2021|website=[[Hindu Tamil Thisai]]|language=ta}}</ref> even though ''[[Adimai Penn]]'' (which he signed after ''Shanti Nilayam'') was released first. Balasubrahmanyam's remuneration for the song was {{INRConvert|150|year=1969}}.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Gopu|first=Chitralaya|author-link=Chitralaya Gopu|date=2020-09-25|title=Remembering SPB's maiden song|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/remembering-spbs-maiden-song/article32695074.ece|url-status=live|access-date=2021-03-14}}</ref>
 
{{tracklist
| headline     = Track list
| extra_column = Singer(s)
| extra_column = Singer(s)
| total_length = 16.96
| total_length = 16.96
| title1       = Iyarkai Ennum
| title1 = Iyarkai Ennum
| extra1       = [[S. P. Balasubrahmanyam]], [[P. Susheela]]
| extra1 = [[S. P. Balasubrahmanyam]], [[P. Susheela]]
| lyrics1      = [[Kannadasan]]
| length1 = 3.29
| length1     = 3.29
| title2 = Kadavul Orunaal
| title2       = Kadavul Orunaal
| extra2 = P. Susheela
| extra2       = P. Susheela
| length2 = 4.33
| lyrics2      = Kannadasan
| title3 = Boomiyil Irupathum Vanathil
| length2     = 4.33
| extra3 = [[T. M. Soundararajan]]
| title3       = Boomiyil Irupathum Vanathil
| length3 = 3.02
| extra3       = [[T. M. Soundararajan]]
| title4 = Selvangale
| lyrics3      = Kannadasan
| extra4 = P. Susheela
| length3     = 3.02
| length4 = 3.08
| title4       = Selvangale
| title5 = Pennai Parthum
| extra4       = P. Susheela
| extra5 = [[L. R. Eswari]]
| lyrics4      = Kannadasan
| length5 = 3.24
| length4     = 3.08
| title6 = Iraivan Varuvaan
| title5       = Pennai Parthum
| extra6 = P. Susheela
| extra5       = [[L. R. Eswari]]
| length6 = 3.52
| lyrics5      = Kannadasan
| length5     = 3.24
| title6       = Iraivan Varuvaan
| extra6       = P. Susheela
| lyrics6      = Kannadasan
| length6     = 3.52
}}
}}


== Reception ==
== Release and reception ==
Randor Guy wrote in his review that the film would be "Remembered for: the interesting story line, excellent performances, brilliant cinematography and pleasing music."<ref name=BFTP/>
''Shanti Nilayam'' was released on 23 May 1969.<ref>{{Cite news |date=23 May 1969 |title=Shanti Nilayam |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=P9oYG7HA76QC&dat=19690523&printsec=frontpage&hl=en |access-date=30 August 2018 |work=[[The Indian Express]] |pages=12 |via=[[Google News Archive]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref> ''[[The Indian Express]]'' said the film "succeeds extraordinarily in so far as it adapts (or copies) ''The Sound of Music''. But it fails miserably in other parts". The critic lauded [[Marcus Bartley]]'s cinematography, particularly the outdoor shots, but felt the indoor shots "do not go with the story", and though the sets were well designed, "nothing more than a few sofa sets are used". They also praised the music and said Ganesan was "very stiff" in romantic scenes and Kanchana was "ravishing" despite her role not being well written.<ref>{{Cite news |date=25 May 1969 |title=Julie Andrews—Jane Eyre combination |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=P9oYG7HA76QC&dat=19690525&printsec=frontpage&hl=en |access-date=3 April 2024 |work=[[The Indian Express]] |pages=5 |via=[[Google News Archive]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref> The film ran for over 100 days in theatres,<ref name="BFTP">{{Cite news |last=Guy |first=Randor |author-link=Randor Guy |date=28 March 2015 |title=Shanthi Nilayam 1969 |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/shanthi-nilayam-1969/article7043353.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160801143511/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/shanthi-nilayam-1969/article7043353.ece |archive-date=1 August 2016 |access-date=29 March 2015 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> and Bartley won the [[National Film Award for Best Cinematography]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 November 1970 |title=Eleventh National Film Awards |url=http://dff.nic.in/2011/17th_NFF_1971.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120226002621/http://dff.nic.in/2011/17th_NFF_1971.pdf |archive-date=26 February 2012 |access-date=4 April 2024 |website=[[Directorate of Film Festivals]]}}</ref> while Balasubrahmanyam won the [[Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer]].{{Sfn|Dhananjayan|2014|page=209}}


== References ==
== References ==
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== Bibliography ==
== Bibliography ==
* {{cite book|last=Dhananjayan |first=G.|authorlink=G. Dhananjayan|title=Pride of Tamil Cinema: 1931 to 2013|date=2014|publisher=Blue Ocean Publishers|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=e07vBwAAQBAJ|isbn=978-93-84301-05-7}}
* {{Cite book |last=Dhananjayan |first=G. |author-link=G. Dhananjayan |title=Pride of Tamil Cinema: 1931–2013 |title-link=Pride of Tamil Cinema |publisher=Blue Ocean Publishers |year=2014 |oclc=898765509}}


== External links ==
== External links ==
*{{IMDb title|id=0390476|title=Shanti Nilayam}}
*{{IMDb title|id=0390476}}
{{Jane Eyre}}
{{Jane Eyre}}
[[Category:1969 Indian films]]
[[Category:1960s musical drama films]]
[[Category:1969 Tamil-language films]]
[[Category:1969 directorial debut films]]
[[Category:1969 films]]
[[Category:1969 films]]
[[Category:Indian films]]
[[Category:Films about families]]
[[Category:Tamil-language films]]
[[Category:Films whose cinematographer won the Best Cinematography National Film Award]]
[[Category:1960s Tamil-language films]]
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[[Category:Films based on Jane Eyre]]
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[[Category:Films scored by M. S. Viswanathan]]
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[[Category:Films with screenplays by Chitralaya Gopu]]
[[Category:Films shot in Ooty]]
[[Category:Films based on works by Charlotte Brontë]]
[[Category:Films whose cinematographer won the Best Cinematography National Film Award]]
[[Category:Films with screenplays by Chithralaya Gopu]]
[[Category:Indian musical drama films]]
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[[Category:Tamil-language Indian films]]
[[Category:1969 musical films]]

Latest revision as of 10:39, 4 March 2026

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Shanti Nilayam
Theatrical release poster
Directed byG. S. Mani
Produced byS. S. Vasan
Written byChithralaya Gopu
StarringGemini Ganesan
Kanchana
Music byM. S. Viswanathan
CinematographyMarcus Bartley
Edited byUmanath
Production
company
Release date
  • 23 May 1969 (1969-05-23)
Running time
149 minutes[1]
CountryIndia
LanguageTamil

Shanti Nilayam (/ʃɑːnθi/ transl. Peaceful House) is a 1969 Indian Tamil-language musical drama film, directed by G. S. Mani in his debut. The film stars Gemini Ganesan and Kanchana, with Nagesh, Vijaya Lalitha, Pandari Bai, K. Balaji and V. S. Raghavan in supporting roles. It is based on the English novel Jane Eyre (1847) by Charlotte Brontë and the American film The Sound of Music (1965).

Shanti Nilayam was released on 23 May 1969, and ran for over 100 days in theatres. Marcus Bartley won the National Film Award for Best Cinematography, and S. P. Balasubrahmanyam won the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer. The film was remade in Telugu under the same title in 1972.[2]

Plot[edit | edit source]

Malathi, after losing her parents, lives with her aunt who tortures and treats her like a servant. One day she is dumped in a waste materials facility and she falls sick. Doctor Vijayan, who comes to treat her, sympathises and admits her in a private school-cum-hostel for orphans. Malathi grows up into a young lady and becomes a teacher in the same school.

Baskar, a rich estate owner, lives in Shanthi Nilayam with his older brother Sekar's children (four daughters and a son) and is finding it difficult to bring them up as they are very naughty and the hired governess runs away every time. His cousin Ramu and his mother live in the estate too. Baskar conveys his need to Dr. Vijayan who convinces Malathi to accept the governess job. Initially, the children do not accept Malathi, but her understanding and matured nature soon wins them over. Baskar appreciates her work.

Strange things happen in the house: Pappamma, the servant maid laughs and walks at midnight with a candle, Balu visits Baskar regularly for money. Malathi suspects something wrong in the house. She learns that one of the children, Geetha, an innocent loves Ramu. One night Baskar's coat catches fire and Malathi douses it. She demands to know why Baskar looks like he has lost something, but he does not reply. Balu comes again and Baskar gives him money and tells him that he will not give him any more.

Baskar's family friend, Parvatham arrives with her husband and daughter Sheela. Parvatham suggests the marriage of Baskar and Sheela and Malathi is upset hearing this. Malathi's aunt, with her daughters Saradha and Sumathi, arrives there after having fallen in their lives. Ramu's mother accepts them and they stay with Malathi. Sheela and her mother treat Malathi and her relatives badly. They spread rumours about Malathi, and Baskar shouts at Malathi to behave properly like an educated person. Malathi feels that even Baskar is treating her like a servant and decides to leave the house. However, Ramu stops her and states the children's needs and she stays back. Baskar understands Malathi's commitment to the family and expresses his love for her. Sheela overhears this and shouts at Malathi for snatching away Baskar. Baskar asks Sheela and her family to leave. The children are happy about Malathi and Baskar uniting. Baskar schedules their wedding for the following Friday. One day, Malathi sees Balu with bloodstains and demands an explanation from Baskar who promises to reveal everything soon.

During the marriage proceeding, Balu arrives and states that Baskar has already married his sister. Baskar accepts and reveals that he indeed married Janaki, a mad woman and explains the circumstances of the marriage. Baskar's father in an altercation, hit Singaram, Balu's father, leading to his death. Balu blackmails Baskar's father to marry his sister to Bhaskar and give a part of the wealth to her. Baskar's father refuses, but Baskar, to save the family's prestige, agrees and marries Janaki, but finds her totally mad. He gives her the best medical treatment, but there is no improvement in Janaki. Pappamma cares for her. Baskar's brother Sekar was killed in a fire lit by Janaki. Ramu's mother confirms the facts and Malathi is shocked and leaves home. The children cry for her to stay and Kavitha, one of them, follows her. Kavitha falls down unconscious and Malathi stops and returns home along with Dr. Vijayan, who arrives there.

Meanwhile, Balu demands Baskar to transfer the wealth belonging to Janaki to him and threatens to kill him otherwise. Baskar takes him on and beats him. At the same time, Janaki comes out of her room and puts the house on fire. Balu, Janaki and Pappamma die in the fire. Malathi, Ramu and Dr. Vijayan arrive and save everybody. Baskar and Malathi marry.[2]

Cast[edit | edit source]

Production[edit | edit source]

Producer S. S. Vasan's son-in-law G. S. Mani sought to remake the American film The Sound of Music (1965) in Tamil and asked Chithralaya Gopu to write the screenplay for the Tamil version, then present it to Vasan as a surprise. Although Vasan liked the screenplay, he felt that the film would not cater to rural audiences, so it was rewritten to be closer to the Charlotte Brontë novel Jane Eyre (1847). The film was Mani's directorial debut.[3][4] Cinematography was handled by Marcus Bartley, and editing by Umanath.[5] Gopu's recommendation of Kanchana for the lead role was agreed upon by Mani. The film was entirely shot at Ooty and Mohana Kumari was in charge of the art direction. Camera techniques were used in the song "Bhoomiyil Iruppadhu" to show that a helium balloon was flying, while in reality it was not.[2]

Soundtrack[edit | edit source]

The soundtrack was composed by M. S. Viswanathan, with lyrics by Kannadasan.[6][7] S. P. Balasubrahmanyam made his debut in Tamil cinema with this film by singing the song "Iyarkai Ennum",[8] even though Adimai Penn (which he signed after Shanti Nilayam) was released first. Balasubrahmanyam's remuneration for the song was ₹150 (equivalent to ₹6,300 or US$88 in 2019).[9]

Track listing
No.TitleSinger(s)Length
1."Iyarkai Ennum"S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, P. Susheela3.29
2."Kadavul Orunaal"P. Susheela4.33
3."Boomiyil Irupathum Vanathil"T. M. Soundararajan3.02
4."Selvangale"P. Susheela3.08
5."Pennai Parthum"L. R. Eswari3.24
6."Iraivan Varuvaan"P. Susheela3.52
Total length:16.96

Release and reception[edit | edit source]

Shanti Nilayam was released on 23 May 1969.[10] The Indian Express said the film "succeeds extraordinarily in so far as it adapts (or copies) The Sound of Music. But it fails miserably in other parts". The critic lauded Marcus Bartley's cinematography, particularly the outdoor shots, but felt the indoor shots "do not go with the story", and though the sets were well designed, "nothing more than a few sofa sets are used". They also praised the music and said Ganesan was "very stiff" in romantic scenes and Kanchana was "ravishing" despite her role not being well written.[11] The film ran for over 100 days in theatres,[5] and Bartley won the National Film Award for Best Cinematography,[12] while Balasubrahmanyam won the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer.[2]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Dhananjayan 2014, p. 208.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Dhananjayan 2014, p. 209.
  3. ↑ நரசிம்மன், டி.ஏ. (12 October 2018). "சி(ரி)த்ராலயா 38: கோபுவிடம் கதை கேட்ட வாசன் !". Hindu Tamil Thisai (in தமிழ்). Archived from the original on 2 February 2023. Retrieved 1 February 2023.
  4. ↑ "சித்ராலயா கோபுவின், மலரும் நினைவுகள்! (12)". Dinamalar (in தமிழ்). 26 July 2020. Archived from the original on 4 April 2024. Retrieved 4 April 2024.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Guy, Randor (28 March 2015). "Shanthi Nilayam 1969". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 1 August 2016. Retrieved 29 March 2015.
  6. ↑ "Shanti Nilayam (1969)". Raaga.com. Archived from the original on 13 December 2014. Retrieved 21 February 2012.
  7. ↑ "Shanthi Nilayam Tamil Film EP Vinyl Record by M S Viswanathan". Mossymart. Archived from the original on 9 February 2023. Retrieved 9 February 2023.
  8. ↑ நவ்ஷத் (6 January 2017). "எஸ்பிபி 50 ஆண்டுகள்: எனக்கு இசைதான் தாய்மொழி'". Hindu Tamil Thisai (in தமிழ்). Retrieved 14 March 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  9. ↑ Gopu, Chitralaya (25 September 2020). "Remembering SPB's maiden song". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 25 November 2020. Retrieved 14 March 2021.
  10. ↑ "Shanti Nilayam". The Indian Express. 23 May 1969. p. 12. Retrieved 30 August 2018 – via Google News Archive.
  11. ↑ "Julie Andrews—Jane Eyre combination". The Indian Express. 25 May 1969. p. 5. Retrieved 3 April 2024 – via Google News Archive.
  12. ↑ "Eleventh National Film Awards" (PDF). Directorate of Film Festivals. 21 November 1970. Archived from the original (PDF) on 26 February 2012. Retrieved 4 April 2024.

Bibliography[edit | edit source]

External links[edit | edit source]

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