Amara Deepam (1956 film)

Amara Deepam (released in 1956), starring Sivaji Ganesan, Padmini and Savithri, was a hit and ran for over 100 days.

The story, a love triangle, is about Aruna (Savithri), from a wealthy family, and how her parents want her to marry her cousin Sukumar (Nambiar). She, however, does not like him because of his dictatorial behaviour. He even breaks her radio, which convinces Aruna that he is certainly not the person for her. She leaves the house one night without informing anyone to escape from the marriage. She ends up being chased by some goons, and gets saved by Ashok (Sivaji Ganesan). Suddenly, somebody hits Ashok on the head, which causes him to lose his memory. Later, he meets a lovely young woman in a gypsy camp called Rupa (Padmini) and falls for her. Aruna, however, can’t forget him and never ceases her search for him. She finally meets him at a show with Rupa. Whether he regains his memory and what eventually happens forms the climax.

Main cast

• Sivaji Ganesan as Ashok
• Padmini as Roopa
• Savithri as Aruna
• Nambiar as Sukumar
• Thangavelu
• E. V. Saroja

Guest artiste

• V. Nagaiah

Supporting cast

• M. R. Santhanam, M. M. Venkatachalam Pillai, Jayasakthivel, Nambirajan, Kottapuli Jayaraman, V. P. Balaraman, K. S. Durai, C. V. Velappa, Baby Saroja, and Baby Kasthuri.

The music was composed by T. Chalapathi Rao.[5] G. Ramanathan composed the music for one song Naadodi koottam naanga thillelo and Carnatic musician G. N. Balasubramaniam composed the music for Enge Maraindhanayo.[6] This song was tuned in the Carnatic raga Shubhapantuvarali.[7] Lyrics by K. P. Kamatchi Sundharam, Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass, M. K. Athmanathan, Udumalai Narayana Kavi, A. Maruthakasi & K. S. Gopalakrishnan.

The Indian Express wrote, "This is a picture of which the Tamil film world could be legitimately be proud – such is the vivid portrayal on the screen of gripping theme." The Hindu wrote, "Interesting melodrama, packed with cleverly-contrived situations." The Mail wrote, "Savithri as Aruna and Padmini as Rupa are striking in their trying roles, and their actions are moving. Sivaji Ganesan, as Ashok, gives a talk on labour rights, which arrests one's attention." Screen wrote, "Amara Deepam produced essentially as an entertainer, has achieved its purpose to a great extent".[8] Kanthan of Kalki appreciated the film for various aspects, including Sridhar's writing, the songs and the cast performances.[9][10]

• Amara Deepam at IMDb