Vaazhkai Padagu (transl. The Boat of Life) is a 1965 Indian Tamil-language drama film, directed by C. Srinivasan and produced by S. S. Vasan under Gemini Studios.[1] The film stars Gemini Ganesan, Devika and R. Muthuraman, with S. V. Ranga Rao, K. Balaji R. S. Manohar and M. V. Rajamma in supporting roles. A remake of the studio's own Hindi film Zindagi (1964), it was released on 26 March 1965.

Vaazhkai Padagu
Theatrical release poster
Directed byC. Srinivasan
Screenplay byVeppathur Kittu
Based onZindagi
Produced byS. S. Vasan
StarringGemini Ganesan
Devika
R. Muthuraman
CinematographyP. Ellappa
Edited byJ. Balakrishnan
Music byViswanathan–Ramamoorthy
Production
company
Release date
  • 26 March 1965 (1965-03-26)
Running time
166 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageTamil

Plot

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A young, unemployed woman Seetha takes up stage acting as a career. A wealthy man Kannabiran is after her, and uses his henchman to kidnap her. During the attempt, Rajan and his dog rescue her and the two fall in love. Rajan is the son of a zamindar, who has a poor opinion of Seetha. However, after many hurdles, the two marry. The director of Seetha's stage troupe Gopal too is in love with her. But, she never responds. When Kannabiran is murdered. Gopal is arrested. He has an alibi – on the night of the murder, a young woman stayed with him in his house, but then he does not disclose her identity. The woman turns out to be Seetha and she gives them the evidence. One of the members of the jury is her father-in-law and complications follow with the husband leaving her and wishing to marry again. However, the truth comes out and the family is united in the end.

Cast

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Production

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Vaazhkai Padagu is the Tamil remake of Gemini Studios's own Hindi film Zindagi (1964). It was Devika's first film with the studio.[1]

Soundtrack

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Music was by Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy and were lyrics written by Kannadasan.[2]

Songs Singer Length
"Aayiram Penmai Malaratume" P. Susheela 05:24
"Netru Varai Nee Yaaro" P. B. Srinivas 03:56
"Unnai Thaane Naan Ariven" P. Susheela 03:43
"Chinna Chinna Kannanukku" P. B. Srinivas 03:34
"Pazhani Santhana Vaadai" Sirkazhi Govindarajan L. R. Eswari 03:08
"Thanga Magal" P. Susheela 03:17
"Kangale Kangale" P. B. Srinivas 03:22

Release and reception

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Vaazhkai Padagu was released on 26 March 1965,[3] and emerged a box office success.[1] It was the first film to be released at the theatre Nataraj, which opened on the same day.[4][5] The magazines Kumudam and Ananda Vikatan wrote positive reviews, primarily praising Devika's performance.[6] Kalki magazine also praised the performances of actors.[7]

References

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  1. ^ a b c Guy, Randor (15 December 2012). "Blast from the Past Vaazhkai Padagu 1965". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 8 August 2021. Retrieved 8 August 2021.
  2. ^ "Vazhkai Padagu". JioSaavn. 31 December 1965. Archived from the original on 27 August 2021. Retrieved 8 August 2021.
  3. ^ "Vazhkai Padagu". The Indian Express. 26 March 1965. p. 3. Retrieved 21 July 2017 – via Google News Archive.
  4. ^ "A New Theatre in the city of Madras | Nataraj". The Indian Express. 19 March 1965. p. 3. Retrieved 7 July 2022 – via Google News Archive.
  5. ^ "Cinema theatre opened". The Indian Express. 26 March 1965. p. 3. Retrieved 7 July 2022 – via Google News Archive.
  6. ^ "தேவிகா 4. மறக்க முடியுமா...?". Dinamani (in Tamil). 10 September 2016. Archived from the original on 10 September 2016. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
  7. ^ "வாழ்க்கை படகு". Kalki (in Tamil). 18 April 1965. p. 34. Archived from the original on 28 March 2023. Retrieved 29 March 2023 – via Internet Archive.
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