Bale Pandiya (1962 Film)

''Bale Pandiya'' () is a 1962 Indian Tamil-language comedy film produced and directed by B. R. Panthulu. The film stars Sivaji Ganesan, M. R. Radha and Devika, with K. Balaji, Vasanthi and Sandhya in supporting roles. It revolves around the title character having to evade a lookalike wanting to kill him for insurance money.

The story of ''Bale Pandiya'' was written by Maa. Raa. and Joshi, while the screenplay was written by Dada Mirasi. Cinematography was handled by V. Ramamoorthy, and the editing by R. Devarajan. The music was scored by Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy. The film features Ganesan in three distinct roles, and Radha in two. Production began in early May 1962, ended in the middle of the month, and the film was released on the 26th of the same month.

Plot

Pandiya, a young man, decides to commit suicide, as he has been driven out of his house by his sister-in-law. Kabali, the head of a robber gang, saves him and brings him to his house. Kabali and his accomplice Marudhu plot to kill Pandiya, who resembles Marudhu, and collect an insurance amount of , which is in the name of Marudhu. The innocent Pandiya is not aware that he is being used as the sacrificial lamb. Meanwhile, he falls in love with Geetha, the daughter of a rich businessman Amirthalingam Pillai. When Pandiyan realises that his life is in danger, he escapes. He saves Vasanthi, the daughter of an estate owner, and is adopted by him as his son.

On learning this, Kabali hatches another plan. He decides to kill Pandiya, and send Marudhu in his place as Pandiya, and thus enjoy the wealth. Kabali and Marudhu successfully toss Pandiya into the sea. But Pandiya's older brother, the scientist Shankar, dons Pandiya's role at the behest of his wife, making Kabali and Marudhu shocked to see "Pandiya" alive. Just then, the real Pandiya steps in, revealing that two fishermen saved him from drowning and all hell breaks loose. The two brothers battle the criminals and in the process, Kabali accidentally shoots Marudhu dead. Saddened by the death of his friend, he commits suicide.

Cast

;Male cast
* Sivaji Ganesan as Pandiya, Marudhu and Shankar
* M. R. Radha as Kabali and Amirthalingam Pillai
* K. Balaji as Ravi

;Female cast
* Devika as Geetha
* Vasanthi as Vasanthi
* Sandhya as Shankar's wife

Production

Shortly before his trip to the United States in May 1962, Sivaji Ganesan had signed up for a film titled ''Bale Pandiya'', produced and directed by B. R. Panthulu under Padmini Pictures. He visited the studio on the second day of the month, and left on the twelfth after the film was completed. Ganesan believed himself to hold the "world record of completing a film in eleven days time." He played three distinct roles, while his co-star M. R. Radha played two roles. Ganesan spoke in Madras Bashai to play his characters. The story was written by Maa. Raa. and Joshi, while the screenplay was written by Dada Mirasi. Cinematography was handled by V. Ramamoorthy, and the editing by R. Devarajan. According to Panthulu's son Ravishankar, the entire film was completed in 15 days, with shooting going on simultaneously in three places. The final length of the film was .

Soundtrack

Music was composed by Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy, with lyrics by Kannadasan. "Neeye Unaku" is set in the Carnatic raga known as Suddha Dhanyasi, and attained popularity. The song "Vaazha Ninaithal" was recreated as the theme song for the Sun TV series ''Ilakkiya''.

Release and reception

''Bale Pandiya'' was released on 26 May 1962. Sekar and Sundar of ''Ananda Vikatan'' praised the film for its comedy and Ganesan's triple role performance. Kanthan of ''Kalki'', however, gave a less positive review, praising Ganesan and Radha's multiple role performances, but criticising the direction and cinematography.

References

External links

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{{B. R. Panthulu

1960s Tamil-language films
1962 comedy films
1962 films
Films about brothers
Films directed by B. R. Panthulu
Films scored by Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy
Indian comedy films