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Amara Deepam (1956 film)
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Wikipedia article
'Amara Deepam' is a 1956 Indian Tamil-language romantic drama film directed by T. Prakash Rao. The film stars Sivaji Ganesan, Padmini and Savitri. The film, produced by Venus Pictures, had musical score by T. Chalapathi Rao, G. N. Balasubramaniam and G. Ramanathan and was released on 29 June 1956. It is a remake of 1942 American film 'Random Harvest'. The film was remade in Hindi as 'Amardeep' (1958).
Plot
Aruna is a girl from a wealthy family. Her parents want her to marry her cousin Sukumar. 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 a bypasser Ashok. Suddenly, somebody hits Ashok on the head, which causes him to lose his memory. Later, he meets a woman in a gypsy camp called Rupa and falls for her. Aruna, however, cannot 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.
Cast
;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, Jayaraman, V. P. Balaraman, K. S. Durai, C. V. Velappa, Saroja, and Kasthuri.
Soundtrack
The music was composed by T. Chalapathi Rao. G. Ramanathan composed the music for one song "Nadodikkottam Nannga Thiillelelo" and Carnatic musician G. N. Balasubramaniam composed the music for "Enge Maraindhanayo". This song was tuned in the Carnatic raga Shubhapantuvarali. Lyrics by K. P. Kamatchi Sundharam, Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass, M. K. Athmanathan, Udumalai Narayana Kavi, A. Maruthakasi & K. S. Gopalakrishnan. The song "Jalilo Jimkana" became popular among children of the decade.
Release and reception
'Amara Deepam' was released on 29 June 1956. '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". Kanthan of 'Kalki' appreciated the film for various aspects, including Sridhar's writing, the songs and the cast performances. The film was a commercial success, running for over 100 days in theatres.
References
Bibliography
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