NEEDHI review

Needhi is a colour production from Sujatha Cine Arts, the production company of (The Late) actor K.Balaji. The film stars Sivaji Ganesan, Jayalalitha, Sowcar Janaki, Manorama, R.S.Manohar, M.R.R.Vasu, Major Sunderrajan, J.P. Chandhrababu and K.Balaji.

Raja (Sivaji Ganesan) is a loner on the wrong side of morality. He is a truck driver and, because of his love for liquor, thinks nothing of driving his truck when seriously under the influence of liquor.

On one such trip he runs over a peasant, killing him in the process. In the trial that follows it is revealed that the man killed was the sole bread-winner of his family. To add some melodramatic effect, he also has a crippled father and a blind mother, as well as a wife and three children – all of whom face starvation following his death.

Raja’s sentence for the crime is to serve one year as the servant of the bereaved family. Naturally, they all loathe and detest him and Raja is faced with the biggest challenge of his life and also learns something about himself in the process.

Not exactly and unpredictable story, but undoubtedly a beautiful cinematic experience. The situation might well have been overdone, but it remains a moving story.

A.L.Naaraayanan’s scripting is commendable and plays a major role in the film having achieved evergreen status. I am not ashamed to admit that there were scenes during which I teared.

M.S.Visvanathan’s music is another plus point for the film and includes the immortal hit Naallai mudhal kudika maaten.

Made in 1972, this early film of director C.V.Rajendran shows a keen understanding of cinematic tastes of the time and what makes a good commercial film. Despite some clichés and some corny routines, Needhi is still as relevant today as it was when it was first released.