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Rajaraja Cholan

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This article is about the film. For the emperor, see Rajaraja I.

Rajaraja Cholan
Theatrical release poster
Directed byA. P. Nagarajan
Screenplay byA. P. Nagarajan
Aru. Ramanathan
Based onRajaraja Cholan
by Aru. Ramanathan
Produced byG. Umapathy
StarringSivaji Ganesan
Vijayakumari
CinematographyW. R. Subba Rao[1]
Edited byT. Vijayarangam[1]
Music byKunnakudi Vaidyanathan
Production
company
Anand Movies[1]
Release date
  • 31 March 1973 (1973-03-31)
CountryIndia
LanguageTamil

Rajaraja Cholan is a 1973 Indian Tamil-language historical biographical film directed by A. P. Nagarajan and written by Aru Ramanathan. Based on Ramanathan's play of the same name about the life of the Chola king Rajaraja I, the film stars Sivaji Ganesan in the title role and was the first Tamil CinemaScope film. It was released on 31 March 1973, and ran for over 100 days in theatres.

Plot

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During the construction of the Brihadeswara Temple in Thanjavur, Emperor Rajaraja Cholan visits and is greeted by everyone except one sculptor who is deeply engrossed in his work. The emperor and empress then meet Karuvur Devar and are introduced to Tamizharasi, a poet and playwright. Rajaraja reveals that his son Rajendra, along with the Chola army, is helping the Eastern Chalukya king of Vengai Sakthivarman and his brother Vimalathithan reclaim their kingdom from Satyasiriyan.

As the army enters Satyasiriyan's palace, they find Bala Devar tied up, who claims he tried to stop the king from fighting but was ignored. Rajaraja, disguised as a soldier, identifies himself and appoints Bala Devar as his minister despite suspicions from others. He then announces to his noblemen that Bala Devar should be treated with the same respect as himself. Meanwhile, Bala Devar meets Poongodi from his village and shares his desire to overthrow Rajaraja. They plan together, and Bala Devar asks her to stay in the Chola capital. Rajaraja's daughter Kundavai is told by Rajendra that Vimalathithan has brought her a special gift.

Later, Rajaraja, along with his sister and Nambiyandar Nambi, goes to retrieve ancient scriptures from a temple in Chidambaram, which are believed to be the works of saints Sambandar, Appar, and Sundarar. Despite initial skepticism, they find the scriptures in a hidden chamber with the help of golden statues of the saint-poets. Rajaraja emphasizes the eternal nature of the saint's works and their significance. Bala Devar allows Satyasiriyan into his house in the Chola capital through a secret passage where he is questioned about the Chola emperor and his son's potential marriage to Kundavai. Rajaraja scolds Vimalathithan for failing to pay his respects, defended by Vimalathithan. After a heated argument, Vimalathithan warns the emperor not to manipulate his daughter's love. Kundavai vows not to marry anyone who disrespects her father. Vimalathithan encounters Rajendran and warns him of Bala Devar's schemes. The emperor excludes Vengi and Vimalathithan from Kundavai's temple event, leading to tension and confrontation. Vimalathithan attends the event as a commoner and criticizes Kundavai's dance, angering Rajaraja. Vimalathithan warns the emperor against Bala Devar's influence and Rajaraja plans to attack Vengi. Rajendra refuses, leading to conflict within the royal family. The Chola army attacks Vengi, with Rajendran accepting the fight despite Vimalathithan's reluctance. Rajaraja intervenes as a sage, suggesting a duel between Rajendran and Vimalathithan, resulting in Rajendran's victory. Vimalathithan is imprisoned for speaking out against Bala Devar, inciting public unrest. Eventually, Kundavai convinces Rajaraja to release Vimalathithan, but only if Vengi makes unacceptable concessions. The story unfolds with betrayal, power struggles, and personal sacrifices within the Chola empire.

Satyasiriyan sends his guard Ottran to meet Bala Devar on Pournami day. However, Ottran is captured by Rajaraja, who assumes Ottran's identity. Bala Devar informs Rajaraja of a plan to poison him during a feast, with Poongodi aiding them. The plan is foiled when Rajaraja only drinks milk and fruits. Poongodi mixes poison in the milk, but Rajaraja reveals he knew of their plan and informs Bala Devar. Bala Devar pretends to be angry at Poongodi, who is later released along with other prisoners the next day. Rajaraja is praised by all the kings, and Vimalathithan is released. He asks for the emperor's daughter in marriage, leading to suspicion from Bala Devar. Rajaraja reveals Poongodi is a spy working for him, aware of Bala Devar's schemes. Tamizharasi finishes her notes and the two couples marry, with Rajaraja's cleverness and foresight ensuring the safety of the empire and his family.

Cast

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Production

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Rajaraja Cholan, based on the life of the Chola king Rajaraja I was a play written by Aru. Ramanthan, and staged by the TKS Brothers in 1955. In 1973, it was adapted into a film by the same name,[2] directed by A. P. Nagarajan and produced by G. Umapathy;[3] Sivaji Ganesan, a self-described Chola, was cast in the title role.[3] Umapathy wanted to film in Brihadisvara Temple, but as he was denied permission, an identical set was constructed in Vasu Studios.[4][5] Rajaraja Cholan was the first CinemaScope film to be released in Tamil.[6][7]

Soundtrack

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The soundtrack album was composed by Kunnakudi Vaidyanathan. The lyrics were written by Tirunavukkarasar, Kannadasan, K. D. Santhanam, Poovai Senguttuvan and 'Ulunthurpettai' Shanmugham.[8][9]

No.TitleLyricsSinger(s)Length
1."Thendraloodu"KannadasanT. R. Mahalingam with Sivaji Ganesan 
2."Thanjai Periya"KannadasanT. R. Mahalingam, Sirkazhi Govindarajan, S. Varalakshmi 
3."Mayakkum Mannan"K. D. SanthanamL. R. Eswari 
4."Nadanai Kandeanadi"ThirunavukarasarP. Susheela, B. Radha 
5."Mathennai Padaithaan"ThirunavukarasarT. M. Soundararajan, S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, M. R. Vijaya, L. R. Eswari 
6."Yedu Thanthaanadi"KannadasanSirkazhi Govindarajan, S. Varalakshmi 
7."Kaththu Thirakadal"Poovai SenguttuvanR. Muthuraman 
8."Unkaiyil En Pillai"Ulundurpettai ShanmugamSirkazhi Govindarajan 

Release

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Rajaraja Cholan was released on 31 March 1973.[10] The film's prints were taken to theatres atop an elephant. In Tiruchirappalli, fans hired a helicopter and showered flower petals on the print.[11] According to Ganesan, the film did not succeed commercially because "it was not filmed well enough to bring out the ambience or the magnificence of the emperor's personality", and was filmed on the lines of a "family drama".[12] Nonetheless, the film ran for over 100 days in theatres.[13]

Reception

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The Hindu said, "A great deal of thought and effort has gone into Anand Movies' Raja Raja Chozhan in CinemaScope produced by G. Umapathy and directed by A. P. Nagarajan. The grandeur, majesty and the culture and prosperity of the golden era of Raja Raja Chozhan have been captured faithfully including the building of the Thanjavur temple". The Indian Express said, "The film is lavishly mounted. Muthuraman and Lakshmi impress and Kumari Padmini has given a good account of herself". The Mail said, "As befitting the distinction, it is lavishly mounted, carefully produced and studded with stars. Producer G. Umapathy merits a pat on the back for steering so huge a project safely home".[14] Kanthan of Kalki called it a respite for audiences tired of watching repeated, identical films.[15]

References

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  1. ^ a b c "161–170". Nadigarthilagam.com. Archived from the original on 28 July 2019. Retrieved 3 April 2021.
  2. ^ Bhatt, Karthik (16–30 April 2020). "Rajaraja Cholan, Prior to Sivaji Ganesan". Madras Musings. Archived from the original on 13 August 2020. Retrieved 3 April 2021.
  3. ^ a b Ganesan & Narayana Swamy 2007, p. 178.
  4. ^ "மறக்க முடியுமா? – ராஜ ராஜ சோழன்" [Forgettable? – Raja Raja Chozhan]. Dinamalar (in Tamil). 2 May 2020. Archived from the original on 14 May 2020. Retrieved 3 April 2021.
  5. ^ "சிவகுமார் 101 | 31–40". Kalki (in Tamil). 29 July 1979. pp. 44–45. Archived from the original on 18 March 2023. Retrieved 17 March 2023 – via Internet Archive.
  6. ^ Ramanan, V.V. (26 September 2008). "Cine Quiz". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 9 September 2012. Retrieved 9 July 2011.
  7. ^ Baskaran 1996, p. 223.
  8. ^ "Raja Raja Cholan (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)". Apple Music. Archived from the original on 17 June 2022. Retrieved 17 June 2022.
  9. ^ "Raja raja Chozhan Tamil Film EP Vinyl record by Kunnakudi Vaidhyanathan". Macsendisk. Archived from the original on 17 June 2022. Retrieved 17 June 2022.
  10. ^ "தென்னிந்தியாவில் தயாரான முதல் சினிமாஸ்கோப் திரைப்படம் ராஜராஜ சோழன்". News18 (in Tamil). 1 April 2022. Archived from the original on 11 October 2022. Retrieved 11 October 2022.
  11. ^ Raman, Mohan (12 August 2014). "Bidding adieu to celluloid". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 11 November 2020. Retrieved 4 October 2017.
  12. ^ Ganesan & Narayana Swamy 2007, p. 179.
  13. ^ Ganesan & Narayana Swamy 2007, p. 242.
  14. ^ "மக்களிடம் செல்வாக்கு பெற்ற பத்திரிக்கைகளின் பாராட்டு". Kalki (in Tamil). 13 May 1973. pp. 56–57. Archived from the original on 22 March 2023. Retrieved 22 March 2023.
  15. ^ காந்தன் (15 April 1973). "ராஜராஜ சோழன்". Kalki (in Tamil). Archived from the original on 8 October 2022. Retrieved 11 October 2022.

Bibliography

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