Kaavalkaaran

For the 2011 film of a similar name, see Kaavalan.

Kaavalkaaran (transl. Protector) is a 1967 Indian Tamil-language spy action film, directed by P. Neelakantan and produced and co-written by R. M. Veerappan. The film stars M. G. Ramachandran and Jayalalithaa, with M. N. Nambiar, S. A. Ashokan, Sivakumar and Nagesh in supporting roles. It was released on 7 September 1967 and became a major success. The film was remade in Hindi as Rakhwala (1971).^[1]

Kaavalkaaran
Theatrical release poster
Directed by	P. Neelakantan
Written by	Ve. Lakshmanan R. M. Veerappan
Produced by	R. M. Veerappan
Starring	M. G. Ramachandran J. Jayalalithaa
Cinematography	V. Ramamoorthy
Edited by	C. P. Jambulingam
Music by	M. S. Viswanathan
Production company	Sathya Movies
Release date	7 September 1967 (1967-09-07)
Running time	150 minutes
Country	India
Language	Tamil

Plot

Mani, stemming from a modest background, enters in the service of the billionaire Maruthachalam, as the driver. The charming daughter of this fantastically wealthy notable, Susila desperately falls in love with Mani and it is mutual. However, Mani seems to be very worried. He does not confine himself only to his driver's job. Indeed, upset by the terrible secret (that her mother reveals to him at the bedside of her agony) on his young brother Chandra and intrigued by the strange behaviour and the actions of his boss, Maruthachalam, Manikkam looks actively for the answers! In spite of the categorical opposition of his father and contrary to all expectations, Susheela marries the man of her life, Manikkam. But does she believe and do they think all to know or to seize Manikkam, really? But who is thus, in reality, this Mani? What does he plot?

Cast

• M. G. Ramachandran as Mani alias Manickam
• Jayalalithaa as Susila
• Sivakumar as Chandra (alias Chandran)
• Nagesh as Gobi (alias Gobinath)
• V. K. Ramasamy as Vaithilingham
• Pandari Bai as Karpagam
• M. N. Nambiar as Maruthachalam
• S. A. Ashokan as Nagu
• Usilai Mani as Patient
• Karikol Raju as Patient
• Kallapetti Singaram as Patient
• Ennathe Kannaiah as Doctor
• Vijayarani as Gobi's lover
• Pusphamala as Pushpa
• Rangammal (uncredited role)

Production

Before Kaavalkaaran began production, Ramachandran's voice had been damaged due to a gunshot to his throat caused by M. R. Radha. Despite this, Ramachandran refused others' suggestion to use a dubbing artiste, and dubbed in his own voice.^[2] The song "Ninaithen Vanthai" has him and Jayalalithaa dressed as Mark Antony and Cleopatra respectively, re-enacting the William Shakespeare play Antony and Cleopatra, and later Layla and Majnun.^[3][4]

Soundtrack

The music was composed by M. S. Viswanathan.^[5][6]

Track listing

No.	Title	Lyrics	Singer(s)	Length
1.	"Ninaithen Vanthai"	Vaali	T. M. Soundararajan, P. Susheela	5:22
2.	"Mellappo Mellappo"	Vaali	T. M. Soundararajan, P. Susheela	4:02
3.	"Adangoppuraane"	Alangudi Somu	T. M. Soundararajan	3:00
4.	"Kaathu Koduthukettaen"	Vaali	T. M. Soundararajan	4:23
5.	"Kattazhagu Thangamagal"	Alangudi Somu	P. Susheela	3:05
Total length:				19:52

Release and reception

Kaavalkaran was released on 7 September 1967.^[7] The Indian Express wrote that Veerappan and Neelakantan "made the story gripping with well-punctuated romantic, dramatic and fighting scenes."^[8] Kalki called the film a flawless, entertaining film.^[9] The film became a major success, and Ramachandran considered it his ninth turning point.^[10] It won the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Film.^[11]