Bale Pandiya (1962 film): Difference between revisions

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{{For|the 2010 film|Bale Pandiya (2010 film)}}
{{short description|1962 film by B. R. Panthulu}}
{{short description|1962 film by B. R. Panthulu}}
{{EngvarB|date=October 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=December 2022}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2022}}
{{Infobox film
{{Infobox film
| name          = Bale Pandiya
| image          = Bale Pandiya 1962 poster.jpg
| image          = Bale Pandiya Sivaji.jpg
| caption        = Theatrical release poster
| caption        = Poster
| director      = [[B. R. Panthulu]]
| director      = [[B. R. Panthulu]]
| producer      = [[B. R. Panthulu]]
| screenplay    = Dada Mirasi
| screenplay    = Dada Mirasi
| story          = Maa. Raa.<br />Joshi
| story          = Maa. Raa.<br />Joshi
| producer      = B. R. Panthulu
| starring      = [[Sivaji Ganesan]]<br />[[M. R. Radha]]<br />[[Devika]]
| starring      = [[Sivaji Ganesan]]<br />[[M. R. Radha]]<br />[[Devika]]
| music          = [[Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy]]
| cinematography = V. Ramamoorthy
| cinematography = V. Ramamoorthy
| editing        = R. Devarajan
| editing        = R. Devarajan
| music          = [[Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy]]
| studio        = Padmini Pictures
| studio        = Padmini Pictures
| released      = {{film date|26 May 1962}}
| released      = {{film date|1962|05|26}}
| runtime        = 156 minutes
| runtime        = 156 minutes
| country        = India
| country        = India
| language      = Tamil
| language      = Tamil
}}
}}
'''''Bale Pandiya''''' ({{translation|Bravo Pandiya}}) is a 1962 Indian [[Tamil language|Tamil]]-language [[comedy film]] produced and directed by [[B. R. Panthulu]]. Starring [[Sivaji Ganesan]], [[M. R. Radha]] and [[Devika]] in the lead roles, the music was scored by [[Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy]]. It features Ganesan in three distinct roles, and Radha in two. The film began production in early May 1962, ended in the middle of the month, and was released on the 26th of the same month.
'''''Bale Pandiya''''' ({{translation|Bravo Pandiya}}) is a 1962 Indian [[Tamil language|Tamil]]-language [[comedy film]] produced and directed by [[B. R. Panthulu]]. The film stars [[Sivaji Ganesan]], [[M. R. Radha]] and [[Devika]], with [[K. Balaji]], [[Vasanthi (actress)|Vasanthi]] and Sandhya in supporting roles. It revolves around the title character having to evade a lookalike wanting to kill him for insurance money.
 
The story of ''Bale Pandiya'' was written by Maa. Raa. and Joshi, while the screenplay was written by Dada Mirasi. Cinematography was handled by V. Ramamoorthy, and the editing by R. Devarajan. The music was scored by [[Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy]]. The features stars Ganesan in three distinct roles, and Radha in two. Production began in early May 1962, ended in the middle of the month, and the film was released on the 26th of the same month.


== Plot ==
== Plot ==
{{more plot|date=April 2021}}
Pandiyan is a young innocent man who leads a meaningless life. He tries to commit suicide, but Kabali, a con artist, convinces Pandiyan to postpone his suicide attempts for a month. Kabali has a sidekick Marudhu who is a lookalike of Pandiyan. Kabali plans to get an insurance policy on Pandiyan's name and get all the insurance money when Pandiyan commits suicide after a month. But, Pandiyan falls for Geetha, and drops his suicide attempt. Geetha's father Amirdhalingam is a lookalike of Kabali. Upset that his insurance plan will not work, Kabali tries to kill Pandiyan multiple times, but Pandiyan keeps escaping. Pandiyan cures a young woman Vasanthi from her insanity and her rich father as a token of gratitude adopts Pandiyan as his son. Kabali finally captures Pandiyan and tosses him into the sea. 
Pandiya, a young man, decides to commit suicide, as he has been driven out of his house by his sister-in-law. Kabali, the head of a robber gang, saves him and brings him to his house. Kabali and his accomplice Marudhu plot to kill Pandiya, who resembles Marudhu, and collect an insurance amount of {{INRConvert|1|l|year=1962}}, which is in the name of Marudhu. The innocent Pandiya is not aware that he is being used as the [[sacrificial lamb]]. Meanwhile, he falls in love with Geetha, the daughter of a rich businessman Amirthalingam Pillai. When Pandiyan realises that his life is in danger, he escapes. He saves Vasanthi, the daughter of an estate owner, and is adopted by him as his son.


On learning this, Kabali hatches another plan. He decides to kill Pandiya, and send Marudhu in his place as Pandiya, and thus enjoy the wealth. Kabali and Marudhu successfully toss Pandiya into the sea. But Pandiya's older brother, the scientist Shankar, dons Pandiya's role at the behest of his wife, making Kabali and Marudhu shocked to see "Pandiya" alive. Just then, the real Pandiya steps in, revealing that two fishermen saved him from drowning and all hell breaks loose. The two brothers battle the criminals and in the process, Kabali accidentally shoots Marudhu dead. Saddened by the death of his friend, he commits suicide.
Pandiyan's elder brother Shankar lives with his greedy wife. Hearing the news of Pandiyan's death, she hatches a plan to fake Shankar's death. Shankar would then pose as Pandiyan who escaped from the sea and get access to all his newly acquired wealth. Both Shankar and Marudhu start posing as the escaped Pandiyan, confusing everyone. The real Pandiyan, having been rescued by fishermen, also joins the other two and pandemonium ensues. Kabali shoots Marudhu, mistaking him for Pandiyan, and shoots himself dead out of guilt. The families are reunited.  


== Cast ==
== Cast ==
;Male cast
;Male cast
* [[Sivaji Ganesan]] as Pandiya, Marudhu and Shankar<ref name="TNM" />
* [[Sivaji Ganesan]] as Pandiya, Marudhu, and Shankar (triple role)<ref name="TNM" />
* [[M. R. Radha]] as Kabali and Amirthalingam Pillai<ref name="TNM" />
* [[M. R. Radha]] as Kabali and Amirthalingam Pillai (dual role)<ref name="TNM" />
* [[K. Balaji]] as Ravi<ref name="TNM" />
* [[K. Balaji]] as Ravi<ref name="TNM" />


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* [[Devika]] as Geetha<ref name="TNM" />
* [[Devika]] as Geetha<ref name="TNM" />
* [[Vasanthi (actress)|Vasanthi]] as Vasanthi<ref name="TNM" />
* [[Vasanthi (actress)|Vasanthi]] as Vasanthi<ref name="TNM" />
*Sandhya as Shankar's wife<ref name="movie" />
* Santhiya as Kanagam<ref name="movie" />


== Production ==
== Production ==
Shortly before his trip to the United States in May 1962,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://sangam.org/mgr-remembered-part-27/ |title=MGR Remembered&nbsp;– Part 27 |last=Kantha |first=Sachi Sri |authorlink=Sachi Sri Kantha |date=7 May 2015 |website=[[Ilankai Tamil Sangam]] |archive-url=https://archive.today/20181112062744/https://sangam.org/mgr-remembered-part-27/ |archive-date=12 November 2018 |url-status=live |access-date=12 November 2018}}</ref> [[Sivaji Ganesan]] had signed up for a film titled ''Bale Pandiya'', produced and directed by [[B. R. Panthulu]] under Padmini Pictures.<ref name="Autobiography" /><ref name="movie" /> He visited the studio on the second day of the month, and left on the twelfth after the film was completed. Ganesan believed himself to hold the "world record of completing a film in eleven days time." He played three distinct roles, while his co-star [[M. R. Radha]] played two roles.<ref name="Autobiography" /> Ganesan spoke in [[Madras Bashai]] to play his characters.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/The-vathyaar-dialect/article14594724.ece |title=The vathyaar dialect |last=Ramanujam |first=Srinivasa |date=28 August 2016 |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=19 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171031075700/http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/The-vathyaar-dialect/article14594724.ece |archive-date=31 October 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> The story was written by Maa. Raa. and Joshi, while the screenplay was written by Dada Mirasi. Cinematography was handled by V. Ramamoorthy, and the editing by R. Devarajan.<ref name="movie" /> According to Panthulu's son Ravishankar, the entire film was completed in 15 days, with shooting going on simultaneously in three places.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/a-100-goes-unsung/article2853657.ece |title=A 100 goes unsung |last=Rangarajan |first=Malathi |date=2 February 2012 |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=19 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150220143805/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/a-100-goes-unsung/article2853657.ece |archive-date=20 February 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>
Shortly before his trip to the United States in May 1962,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sri Kantha |first=Sachi |author-link=Sachi Sri Kantha |date=7 May 2015 |title=MGR Remembered&nbsp;– Part 27 {{!}} 1962 Elections and Aftermath |url=https://sangam.org/mgr-remembered-part-27/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20181112062744/https://sangam.org/mgr-remembered-part-27/ |archive-date=12 November 2018 |access-date=12 November 2018 |website=[[Ilankai Tamil Sangam]]}}</ref> [[Sivaji Ganesan]] had signed up for a film titled ''Bale Pandiya'', produced and directed by [[B. R. Panthulu]] under Padmini Pictures.<ref name="Autobiography" /><ref name="movie" /> He visited the studio on the second day of the month, and left on the twelfth after the film was completed. Ganesan believed himself to hold the "world record of completing a film in eleven days time." He played three distinct roles, while his co-star [[M. R. Radha]] played two roles.<ref name="Autobiography" /> Ganesan spoke in [[Madras Bashai]] to play his characters.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ramanujam |first=Srinivasa |date=28 August 2016 |title=The vathyaar dialect |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/The-vathyaar-dialect/article14594724.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171031075700/http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/The-vathyaar-dialect/article14594724.ece |archive-date=31 October 2017 |access-date=19 October 2018 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> The story was written by Maa. Raa. and Joshi, while the screenplay was written by Dada Mirasi. Cinematography was handled by V. Ramamoorthy, and the editing by R. Devarajan.<ref name="movie" /> According to Panthulu's son Ravishankar, the entire film was completed in 15 days, with shooting going on simultaneously in three places.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rangarajan |first=Malathi |date=2 February 2012 |title=A 100 goes unsung |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/a-100-goes-unsung/article2853657.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150220143805/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/a-100-goes-unsung/article2853657.ece |archive-date=20 February 2015 |access-date=19 October 2018 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> The final length of the film was {{convert|4449|metres|feet}}.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1962&nbsp;– பலேபாண்டியா&nbsp;– பத்மினி பிலிம்ஸ் |trans-title=1962&nbsp;– Bale Pandiya&nbsp;– Padmini Films |url=http://lakshmansruthi.com/cineprofiles/1962-cinedetails18.asp |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://archive.today/20181019161518/http://lakshmansruthi.com/cineprofiles/1962-cinedetails18.asp |archive-date=19 October 2018 |access-date=19 October 2018 |website=[[Lakshman Sruthi]] |language=Tamil}}</ref>


== Soundtrack ==
== Soundtrack ==
Music was composed by [[Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy]], with lyrics by [[Kannadasan]].<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/sok.BaleyPandiya_B.R.Panthulu_1962 |title=பலே பாண்டியா |publisher=Padmini Pictures |year=1962 |type=songbook}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.raaga.com/channels/tamil/moviedetail.asp?mid=T0000730 |title=Balepandiya (1962) |website=[[Raaga.com]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120327025413/http://www.raaga.com/channels/tamil/moviedetail.asp?mid=T0000730 |archive-date=27 March 2012 |url-status=dead |access-date=5 March 2012}}</ref> "Neeye Unaku" is set in the [[carnatic raga]] known as [[Udayaravichandrika|Suddha Dhanyasi]],<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://scroll.in/article/737022/how-tamil-films-took-carnatic-music-to-mass-audiences-and-threw-in-a-few-social-messages-too |title=How Tamil films took Carnatic music to mass audiences&nbsp;– and threw in a few social messages too |last=Srinivasan |first=Anil |authorlink=Anil Srinivasan |date=26 June 2015 |website=[[Scroll.in]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507023955/http://scroll.in/article/737022/how-tamil-films-took-carnatic-music-to-mass-audiences-and-threw-in-a-few-social-messages-too |archive-date=7 May 2016 |url-status=live |access-date=19 October 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://dbsjeyaraj.com/dbsj/archives/27965 |title="Supersinger Winner Diwakar, "Balaey Pandia" Film and the TMS-Raju Song"Neeyay Unakku Endrum Nigaraanavan" |last=Jeyaraj |first=D. B. S. |authorlink=D. B. S. Jeyaraj |date=19 August 2014 |website=dbsjeyaraj.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161012132856/http://dbsjeyaraj.com/dbsj/archives/27965 |archive-date=12 October 2016 |url-status=live |access-date=12 October 2016}}</ref> and attained popularity.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://dbsjeyaraj.com/dbsj/archives/47253 |title="Neeyay Unakku Endrum Nigaraanavan" ~ Sparkling Song by TM Soundararajan ~ MS Raju ♫ |last=Jeyaraj |first=D. B. S. |authorlink=D. B. S. Jeyaraj |date=9 August 2018 |website=dbsjeyaraj.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180809015316/http://dbsjeyaraj.com/dbsj/archives/47253 |archive-date=9 August 2018 |url-status=live |access-date=19 October 2018}}</ref>
Music was composed by [[Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy]], with lyrics by [[Kannadasan]].<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://archive.org/download/sok.BaleyPandiya_B.R.Panthulu_1962/67.%20BaleyPandiya_B.R.Panthulu_1962.pdf |title=பலே பாண்டியா |publisher=Padmini Pictures |year=1962 |language=ta |type=[[song book]] |access-date=5 July 2022 |via=[[Internet Archive]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Balepandiya (1962) |url=http://www.raaga.com/channels/tamil/moviedetail.asp?mid=T0000730 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120327025413/http://www.raaga.com/channels/tamil/moviedetail.asp?mid=T0000730 |archive-date=27 March 2012 |access-date=5 March 2012 |website=[[Raaga.com]]}}</ref> "Neeye Unakku Endrum" is set in the [[Carnatic raga]] known as [[Suddha Dhanyasi]] ([[Dhani (raga)|Dhani]] in [[Hindustani classical music]]),<ref>{{Cite web |last=Srinivasan |first=Anil |author-link=Anil Srinivasan |date=26 June 2015 |title=How Tamil films took Carnatic music to mass audiences&nbsp;– and threw in a few social messages too |url=https://scroll.in/article/737022/how-tamil-films-took-carnatic-music-to-mass-audiences-and-threw-in-a-few-social-messages-too |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507023955/http://scroll.in/article/737022/how-tamil-films-took-carnatic-music-to-mass-audiences-and-threw-in-a-few-social-messages-too |archive-date=7 May 2016 |access-date=19 October 2018 |website=[[Scroll.in]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Jeyaraj |first=D. B. S. |date=19 August 2014 |title="Supersinger Winner Diwakar, "Balaey Pandia" Film and the TMS-Raju Song"Neeyay Unakku Endrum Nigaraanavan" |url=http://dbsjeyaraj.com/dbsj/archives/27965 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161012132856/http://dbsjeyaraj.com/dbsj/archives/27965 |archive-date=12 October 2016 |access-date=12 October 2016 |website=dbsjeyaraj.com}}</ref> and attained popularity.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jeyaraj |first=D. B. S. |date=9 August 2018 |title="Neeyay Unakku Endrum Nigaraanavan" ~ Sparkling Song by TM Soundararajan ~ MS Raju ♫ |url=http://dbsjeyaraj.com/dbsj/archives/47253 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180809015316/http://dbsjeyaraj.com/dbsj/archives/47253 |archive-date=9 August 2018 |access-date=19 October 2018 |website=dbsjeyaraj.com}}</ref> The song "Vaazha Ninaithal" was recreated as the theme song for the [[Sun TV (India)|Sun TV]] series ''[[Ilakkiya]]''.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dB7EHaKo9pc |title=Ilakkiya&nbsp;— Title lyrical video |date=5 October 2022 |last=Saregama TV Shows Tamil |author-link=Saregama |access-date=13 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221215083912/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dB7EHaKo9pc |archive-date=15 December 2022 |url-status=live |via=[[YouTube]]}}</ref>


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-  style="background:#cccccf; text-align:center;"
! Song !! Singers !! Duration
! No. !! Song !! Singers !! Lyrics !! Duration
|-
|-
| 1 || "Aadhi Manidhan" || [[P. B. Sreenivas]], [[Jamuna Rani]] || rowspan=6|[[Kannadasan]] || 03:56
| "Aadhi Manidhan" || [[P. B. Sreenivas]], [[K. Jamuna Rani]] || 03:56
|-
|-
| 2 || "Athi Kai Kai" || [[T. M. Soundararajan]], P. B. Sreenivas, [[P. Susheela]], [[Jamuna Rani]] || 05:23
| "Athi Kai Kai" || [[T. M. Soundararajan]], P. B. Sreenivas, [[P. Susheela]], [[K. Jamuna Rani]] || 05:23
|-
|-
| 3 || "Naan Enna Solliviten" || [[T. M. Soundararajan]] || 03:58
| "Naan Enna Solliviten" || [[T. M. Soundararajan]] || 03:58
|-
|-
| 4 || "Neeye Unaku Endrum" (Mama Maple) || T. M. Soundararajan, M. Raju  || 06:32
| "Neeye Unakku Endrum" || T. M. Soundararajan, M. Raju  || 06:32
|-
|-
| 5 || "Vaazha Ninaithaal" || T. M. Soundararajan, P. Susheela || 04:45
| "Vaazha Ninaithaal" || T. M. Soundararajan, P. Susheela || 04:45
|-
| 6 || "Yaarai Enge Vaipadhendru" || T. M. Soundararajan || 03:35
|-
|-
| "Yaarai Enge Vaipadhendru" || T. M. Soundararajan || 03:35
|}
|}


== Release and reception ==
== Release and reception ==
''Bale Pandiya'' was released on 26 May 1962.<ref>{{Cite book |url=http://lakshmansruthi.com/cineprofiles/1962-cinedetails18.asp |title=Sadhanaigal Padaitha Thamizh Thiraipada Varalaru |last=Film News Anandan |publisher=Sivagami Publishers |year=2004 |location=Chennai |language=Tamil |trans-title=Tamil film history and its achievements |author-link=Film News Anandan |access-date=19 October 2018 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20181019161518/http://lakshmansruthi.com/cineprofiles/1962-cinedetails18.asp |archive-date=19 October 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Ananda Vikatan]]'', in a review dated 11 June 1962, praised the film for its comedy and Ganesan's triple role performance.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Sekar |last2=Sundar |date=15 September 2010 |orig-year=11 June 1962 |title=பலே பாண்டியா |url=http://s1087.photobucket.com/user/vasudevan31355/media/sivaji%20part%20-2/23850c2e-f6be-4261-8bc5-18570541eb8e.jpg.html |magazine=[[Ananda Vikatan]] |language=ta}}</ref>
''Bale Pandiya'' was released on 26 May 1962.<ref>{{Cite news |date=26 May 1962 |title=பலே பாண்டியா |url=http://www.hubtamil.com/talk/showthread.php?10239-Nadigar-Thilagam-Sivaji-Ganesan-Filmography-News-and-Events/page129 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210716033617/http://www.hubtamil.com/talk/showthread.php?10239-Nadigar-Thilagam-Sivaji-Ganesan-Filmography-News-and-Events/page129 |archive-date=16 July 2021 |access-date=16 July 2021 |work=[[Swadesamitran]] |language=ta}}</ref> Sekar and Sundar of ''[[Ananda Vikatan]]'' praised the film for its comedy and Ganesan's triple role performance.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=சேகர் |last2=சுந்தர் |date=11 June 1962 |title=பலே பாண்டியா |url=http://www.hubtamil.com/talk/showthread.php?10239-Nadigar-Thilagam-Sivaji-Ganesan-Filmography-News-and-Events/page129 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210716033617/http://www.hubtamil.com/talk/showthread.php?10239-Nadigar-Thilagam-Sivaji-Ganesan-Filmography-News-and-Events/page129 |archive-date=16 July 2021 |access-date=16 July 2021 |magazine=[[Ananda Vikatan]] |language=ta}}</ref> Kanthan of ''[[Kalki (magazine)|Kalki]]'', however, gave a less positive review, praising Ganesan and Radha's multiple role performances, but criticising the direction and cinematography.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=காந்தன் |date=10 June 1962 |title=பலே பாண்டியா |url=https://archive.org/details/kalki1962-06-10/page/n54/mode/2up |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230211055335/https://archive.org/details/kalki1962-06-10/page/n54/mode/2up |archive-date=11 February 2023 |access-date=11 February 2023 |magazine=[[Kalki (magazine)|Kalki]] |page=53 |language=ta |via=[[Internet Archive]]}}</ref>


== References ==
== References ==
{{reflist|refs=
<references>
<ref name="TNM">{{Cite news |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/bale-pandiya-3-sivaji-ganesans-classic-set-trend-tamil-comedy-72540 |title='Bale Pandiya': With 3 Sivaji Ganesans, this classic set the trend for Tamil comedy |last=Sundaram |first=Nandhu |date=2 December 2017 |work=[[The News Minute]] |access-date=2 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171202143457/http://www.thenewsminute.com/article/bale-pandiya-3-sivaji-ganesans-classic-set-trend-tamil-comedy-72540 |archive-date=2 December 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref>
 
<ref name="movie">{{Cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RU9Z565SGHM&t=161s|title=Bale Pandiya|type=motion picture|language=ta|publisher=Padmini Pictures|orig-year=1962|time=0:00 to 1:41|time-caption=Opening credits, from}}</ref>
<ref name="TNM">{{Cite news |last=Sundaram |first=Nandhu |date=2 December 2017 |title='Bale Pandiya': With 3 Sivaji Ganesans, this classic set the trend for Tamil comedy |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/bale-pandiya-3-sivaji-ganesans-classic-set-trend-tamil-comedy-72540 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171202143457/http://www.thenewsminute.com/article/bale-pandiya-3-sivaji-ganesans-classic-set-trend-tamil-comedy-72540 |archive-date=2 December 2017 |access-date=2 April 2018 |work=[[The News Minute]]}}</ref>
<ref name="Autobiography">{{Cite book |title=Autobiography of an Actor |title-link=Autobiography of an Actor |last=Ganesan |first=Sivaji |last2=Narayana Swamy |first2=T. S. |publisher=Sivaji Prabhu Charities Trust |year=2007 |location=Chennai |pages=132 |author-link=Sivaji Ganesan |orig-year=2002}}</ref>
<ref name="movie">{{Cite AV media |title=Bale Pandiya |type=motion picture |language=ta |publisher=Padmini Pictures |orig-date=1962 |time=0:00 to 1:41 |time-caption=Opening credits, from}}</ref>
}}
<ref name="Autobiography">{{Cite book |last=Ganesan |first=Sivaji |author-link=Sivaji Ganesan |title=Autobiography of an Actor |title-link=Autobiography of an Actor |last2=Narayana Swamy |first2=T. S. |publisher=Sivaji Prabhu Charities Trust |year=2007 |location=Chennai |pages=132 |oclc=297212002 |orig-date=2002}}</ref>
 
</references>


== External links ==
== External links ==
* {{IMDb title|0250240}}
* {{IMDb title}}
* {{Rotten Tomatoes}}


{{B. R. Panthulu}}
{{B. R. Panthulu}}
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[[Category:1962 comedy films]]
[[Category:1962 comedy films]]
[[Category:1962 films]]
[[Category:1962 films]]
[[Category:1962 Indian films]]
[[Category:1962 Tamil-language films]]
[[Category:Films about brothers]]
[[Category:Films about brothers]]
[[Category:Films about lookalikes]]
[[Category:Films directed by B. R. Panthulu]]
[[Category:Films directed by B. R. Panthulu]]
[[Category:Films scored by Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy]]
[[Category:Indian comedy films]]
[[Category:Indian comedy films]]
[[Category:Indian films]]
[[Category:Tamil-language comedy films]]
[[Category:Films scored by Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy]]
[[Category:Tamil-language Indian films]]

Latest revision as of 15:40, 4 March 2026


Bale Pandiya
Theatrical release poster
Directed byB. R. Panthulu
Produced byB. R. Panthulu
Screenplay byDada Mirasi
Story byMaa. Raa.
Joshi
StarringSivaji Ganesan
M. R. Radha
Devika
Music byViswanathan–Ramamoorthy
CinematographyV. Ramamoorthy
Edited byR. Devarajan
Production
company
Padmini Pictures
Release date
  • May 26, 1962 (1962-05-26)
Running time
156 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageTamil

Bale Pandiya (transl. Bravo Pandiya) is a 1962 Indian Tamil-language comedy film produced and directed by B. R. Panthulu. The film stars Sivaji Ganesan, M. R. Radha and Devika, with K. Balaji, Vasanthi and Sandhya in supporting roles. It revolves around the title character having to evade a lookalike wanting to kill him for insurance money.

The story of Bale Pandiya was written by Maa. Raa. and Joshi, while the screenplay was written by Dada Mirasi. Cinematography was handled by V. Ramamoorthy, and the editing by R. Devarajan. The music was scored by Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy. The features stars Ganesan in three distinct roles, and Radha in two. Production began in early May 1962, ended in the middle of the month, and the film was released on the 26th of the same month.

Plot[edit | edit source]

Pandiyan is a young innocent man who leads a meaningless life. He tries to commit suicide, but Kabali, a con artist, convinces Pandiyan to postpone his suicide attempts for a month. Kabali has a sidekick Marudhu who is a lookalike of Pandiyan. Kabali plans to get an insurance policy on Pandiyan's name and get all the insurance money when Pandiyan commits suicide after a month. But, Pandiyan falls for Geetha, and drops his suicide attempt. Geetha's father Amirdhalingam is a lookalike of Kabali. Upset that his insurance plan will not work, Kabali tries to kill Pandiyan multiple times, but Pandiyan keeps escaping. Pandiyan cures a young woman Vasanthi from her insanity and her rich father as a token of gratitude adopts Pandiyan as his son. Kabali finally captures Pandiyan and tosses him into the sea.

Pandiyan's elder brother Shankar lives with his greedy wife. Hearing the news of Pandiyan's death, she hatches a plan to fake Shankar's death. Shankar would then pose as Pandiyan who escaped from the sea and get access to all his newly acquired wealth. Both Shankar and Marudhu start posing as the escaped Pandiyan, confusing everyone. The real Pandiyan, having been rescued by fishermen, also joins the other two and pandemonium ensues. Kabali shoots Marudhu, mistaking him for Pandiyan, and shoots himself dead out of guilt. The families are reunited.

Cast[edit | edit source]

Male cast
Female cast

Production[edit | edit source]

Shortly before his trip to the United States in May 1962,[3] Sivaji Ganesan had signed up for a film titled Bale Pandiya, produced and directed by B. R. Panthulu under Padmini Pictures.[4][2] He visited the studio on the second day of the month, and left on the twelfth after the film was completed. Ganesan believed himself to hold the "world record of completing a film in eleven days time." He played three distinct roles, while his co-star M. R. Radha played two roles.[4] Ganesan spoke in Madras Bashai to play his characters.[5] The story was written by Maa. Raa. and Joshi, while the screenplay was written by Dada Mirasi. Cinematography was handled by V. Ramamoorthy, and the editing by R. Devarajan.[2] According to Panthulu's son Ravishankar, the entire film was completed in 15 days, with shooting going on simultaneously in three places.[6] The final length of the film was 4,449 metres (14,596 ft).[7]

Soundtrack[edit | edit source]

Music was composed by Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy, with lyrics by Kannadasan.[8][9] "Neeye Unakku Endrum" is set in the Carnatic raga known as Suddha Dhanyasi (Dhani in Hindustani classical music),[10][11] and attained popularity.[12] The song "Vaazha Ninaithal" was recreated as the theme song for the Sun TV series Ilakkiya.[13]

Song Singers Duration
"Aadhi Manidhan" P. B. Sreenivas, K. Jamuna Rani 03:56
"Athi Kai Kai" T. M. Soundararajan, P. B. Sreenivas, P. Susheela, K. Jamuna Rani 05:23
"Naan Enna Solliviten" T. M. Soundararajan 03:58
"Neeye Unakku Endrum" T. M. Soundararajan, M. Raju 06:32
"Vaazha Ninaithaal" T. M. Soundararajan, P. Susheela 04:45
"Yaarai Enge Vaipadhendru" T. M. Soundararajan 03:35

Release and reception[edit | edit source]

Bale Pandiya was released on 26 May 1962.[14] Sekar and Sundar of Ananda Vikatan praised the film for its comedy and Ganesan's triple role performance.[15] Kanthan of Kalki, however, gave a less positive review, praising Ganesan and Radha's multiple role performances, but criticising the direction and cinematography.[16]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Sundaram, Nandhu (2 December 2017). "'Bale Pandiya': With 3 Sivaji Ganesans, this classic set the trend for Tamil comedy". The News Minute. Archived from the original on 2 December 2017. Retrieved 2 April 2018.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Bale Pandiya (motion picture) (in தமிழ்). Padmini Pictures. Opening credits, from 0:00 to 1:41.
  3. ↑ Sri Kantha, Sachi (7 May 2015). "MGR Remembered – Part 27 | 1962 Elections and Aftermath". Ilankai Tamil Sangam. Retrieved 12 November 2018.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Ganesan, Sivaji; Narayana Swamy, T. S. (2007) [2002]. Autobiography of an Actor. Chennai: Sivaji Prabhu Charities Trust. p. 132. OCLC 297212002.
  5. ↑ Ramanujam, Srinivasa (28 August 2016). "The vathyaar dialect". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 31 October 2017. Retrieved 19 October 2018.
  6. ↑ Rangarajan, Malathi (2 February 2012). "A 100 goes unsung". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 20 February 2015. Retrieved 19 October 2018.
  7. ↑ "1962 – பலேபாண்டியா – பத்மினி பிலிம்ஸ்" [1962 – Bale Pandiya – Padmini Films]. Lakshman Sruthi (in Tamil). Retrieved 19 October 2018.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link) CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link)
  8. ↑ பலே பாண்டியா (PDF) (song book) (in தமிழ்). Padmini Pictures. 1962. Retrieved 5 July 2022 – via Internet Archive.
  9. ↑ "Balepandiya (1962)". Raaga.com. Archived from the original on 27 March 2012. Retrieved 5 March 2012.
  10. ↑ Srinivasan, Anil (26 June 2015). "How Tamil films took Carnatic music to mass audiences – and threw in a few social messages too". Scroll.in. Archived from the original on 7 May 2016. Retrieved 19 October 2018.
  11. ↑ Jeyaraj, D. B. S. (19 August 2014). ""Supersinger Winner Diwakar, "Balaey Pandia" Film and the TMS-Raju Song"Neeyay Unakku Endrum Nigaraanavan"". dbsjeyaraj.com. Archived from the original on 12 October 2016. Retrieved 12 October 2016.
  12. ↑ Jeyaraj, D. B. S. (9 August 2018). ""Neeyay Unakku Endrum Nigaraanavan" ~ Sparkling Song by TM Soundararajan ~ MS Raju ♫". dbsjeyaraj.com. Archived from the original on 9 August 2018. Retrieved 19 October 2018.
  13. ↑ Saregama TV Shows Tamil (5 October 2022). Ilakkiya — Title lyrical video. Archived from the original on 15 December 2022. Retrieved 13 December 2022 – via YouTube.
  14. ↑ "பலே பாண்டியா". Swadesamitran (in தமிழ்). 26 May 1962. Retrieved 16 July 2021.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  15. ↑ சேகர்; சுந்தர் (11 June 1962). "பலே பாண்டியா". Ananda Vikatan (in தமிழ்). Retrieved 16 July 2021.{{cite magazine}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  16. ↑ காந்தன் (10 June 1962). "பலே பாண்டியா". Kalki (in தமிழ்). p. 53. Retrieved 11 February 2023 – via Internet Archive.{{cite magazine}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)

External links[edit | edit source]

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