Parakkum Pavai

Parakkum Pavai (pronounced [paɾakːɯm paːʋaɪ] transl. The Flying Woman) is a 1966 Indian Tamil-language drama film, directed by T. R. Ramanna, starring M. G. Ramachandran and B. Saroja Devi. The film was released on 11 November 1966 and averagely grossed, having run in theatres for 80 days.

Parakkum Pavai
Theatrical release poster
Directed by	T. R. Ramanna
Written by	Sakthi T. K. Krishnasamy
Produced by	T. R. Ramanna
Starring	M. G. Ramachandran B. Saroja Devi
Cinematography	M. A. Rahman
Edited by	M. S. Mani
Music by	M. S. Viswanathan
Production company	R. R. Pictures
Release date	11 November 1966 (1966-11-11)
Running time	171 minutes
Country	India
Language	Tamil

Plot

Jeeva, the son of a businessman, promises a dying man Vedhachalam, that he will take care of his daughter Kala. To do so, he obtains employment as a trapeze artist in the National Circus.

Cast

• M. G. Ramachandran as Jeeva
• B. Saroja Devi as Kala
• J. P. Chandrababu as Rubber
• R. S. Manohar as Kabali
• K. A. Thangavelu as the director of the National Circus
• S. V. Ramadas as Veeramuthu
• V. Nagayya as Vedhachalam
• O. A. K. Thevar as Balasubramaniyam
• M. N. Nambiar as Rangasamy
• S. A. Ashokan as Vijayan
• N. S. Natarajan as Dhandapani
• Sadan as the leader of the group of the men in "Nilavenna Aadi"
• Rajasulochana as Sarasu
• Kanchana as Shantha
• G. Sakunthala as Kannamma
• S. D. Subbulakshmi as Amaniyamma
• Manorama as Dilruba
• Madhavi as Rita

Production

Parakkum Pavai was produced and directed by T. R. Ramanna under R. R. Pictures, and written by Sakthi T. K. Krishnasamy.^[1] Cinematography was handled by M. A. Rehman.^[2] The film was prominently shot in an actual circus location.^[3]

Soundtrack

The music was composed by M. S. Viswanathan, with lyrics by Kannadasan.^[4]

Song	Singers	Length
"Kalyana Naal Parkka"	T. M. Soundararajan, P. Susheela	04:25
"Mutthamo Mogamo"	T. M. Soundararajan, L. R. Eswari	06:15
"Nilavenna Aadi"	T. M. Soundararajan, P. Susheela	03:18
"Sugam Yethilae"	T. M. Soundararajan, L. R. Eswari, K. J. Yesudas	04:09
"Unnaiththaaney"	T. M. Soundararajan, P. Susheela	03:19
"Yaaraithan Nambuvadho"	P. Susheela	03:08
"Pattu Paavadai Enge"	T. M. Soundararajan	03:16

Release and reception

Parakkum Pavai was released on 11 November 1966.^[2][5] The Indian Express wrote, "Spectacular thrills, spills, breathtaking serial feats and a dazzling display of acrobatics highlight R. R. Pictures Parakkum Pavai [...] a social drama set against an exciting panorama of circus life."^[3] Kalki also lauded the film for the circus scenes.^[6] Despite this, according to historian Randor Guy, the film was not a major success as it ran for only 80 days in theatres.^[7]