Classic Film Review of Kamalhaasan’s debut film, “Kallathur Kannamma”

Everyone probably knows Kallathur Kannamma as the film that introduced Kamalhaasan to the screen, but the film has enough merit in other avenues to warrant a place in the list of cinematic greats of yesteryear.

Real life couple Gemini Ganesan and Savitri Ganesan play the lead roles in this intense family and social drama that boasts an impressive team behind and in front of the camera. The supporting cast includes T.S. Balaiyah, the film’s story and scriptwriter “Javar” Seetharaman, Devika, V.R. Rajagopal, Manorama, S.V. Subbaiah  and L. Vijayalakshmi. S.A. Ashokan also makes a special guest appearance. Kamalhaasan gets a grand entrance as a child star.

The film also introduced S.P. Muthuraman as assistant editor and assistant director. The film was launched with T. Prakash Rao as director but he dropped the project after a significant portion had been filmed, as he was unhappy with what he called interference by the film’s producer, A.V. Meiyappan. Director A. Bheemsingh then replaced him as director.

Javar Seetharaman’s complex story is enriched by realistic characterisation of the main characters, increasing the impact of the film.

Raja (Gemini Ganesan), the son of Zamindar Ramalingam (T.S. Balaiah) meets Kannamma (Savitri Ganesan) on a passenger train and there is an immediate attraction between the two of them. As liberal as the Zamindar is, he has no intention of marrying his only son off to a commoner, and this sets the stage for a complex series of events that go well beyond the lives of the lovers. In a story that spans more than five years, the audience is drawn into the world of the characters through realistic scripting and solid acting performances.

Gemini Ganesan’s lack of stage experience was a major advantage to him as his portrayal is characterised by subtlety. It forms a contrast with the somewhat stagey performance by Savitri Ganesan.

T.S. Balaiah was always a versatile actor and he underscores this with a powerful and believable portrayal of the Zamindar. The character is credibly complex with subtle shades of grey in crucial scenes.

V.R. Rajagopal is in a truly delightful role that combines organic humour and a powerful character role.

S.V. Subbaiah is in a very powerful role as is “Javar” Seetharaman. Devika plays an unusual but well assayed role, while a young Manorama is also impressive.

The star of the film is undoubtedly Kamalhaasan, who takes over in the second half with an outstanding performance that deserved his special whole screen credit in his debut performance that won the President’s Gold Medal. He clearly oozed natural acting talent even then and is a sheer delight to watch.

Javar Seetharaman’s screenplay is solidly supported by great cinematography by T. Muthuraj.

What is most impressive about the screenplay is the strong visual imagery that dominates many of the film’s crucial scenes – from apples to swings the steam train, the symbolism is rich without being corny.

R D. Sudharsanam’s music is very good and most impressive in the songs that include immortalised hits like Kanngalin Vaarthaigal, Arugil Vanthaal, Aaadaatha Manamum and the film’s most memorable song – Ammavum Neeye Appavum Neeye which marks the introduction of Kamalhaasan in the film.

Kalathur Kannamma released on 12 August 1960, but has a story that was at least three decades ahead of its time and provides intriguing entertainment through solid acting performances.

Kalathur Kannamma scores 8 points of 10.