Late Shivaji Ganesan and Padmini were the stalwarts of Tamil cinema. They left an indelible mark on the audience’s hearts with their commendable performances. They collaborated on many hit films like Vietnam Veedu, Thangapathumai and others. In Thangapathumai, both Shivaji and Padmini were paid a remuneration of Rs 60,000.
Thangapathumai was released in the cinemas on January 10, 1959, and completed 65 years of release on Wednesday. ASA Sami has written and directed this film and it received accolades from the critics and the fans. Kalki magazine appreciated the film for Shivaji and Padmini’s acting prowess. NS Krishnan, Saroja EV, MN Nambiar and others also acted in this movie.
The film revolves around a married physician who works for the royal family. The physician’s life changes when he is commanded to the palace to treat the king. Here, the princess (M N Rajam) falls in love with him and virtually enslaves him. She wants to dissuade him from returning to his wife. How the wife gets back to her physician husband forms the core theme of the film.
Besides her brilliant acting prowess, Padmini is also remembered for her commitment to work. In an old interview with a portal, Sami recalled how during the lunch break, Padmini would walk up and down the shooting floor with the script in her hand. He shared how Padmini would study the dialogues constantly and tried to deliver them with different shades of meaning.
TR Rajakumari, who essayed the role of Maya Mohini in this film received Rs 25,000 for her role. Before Rajakumari, makers had tried persuading many actresses to take up the role. Makers had requested Anjali Devi, Bhanumathi Ramakrishna and Lalitha as well but they rejected the offer. Finally, it was Rajakumari who took it upon herself, to play the challenging role of Maya Mohini in this movie. She essayed the role with thorough perfection and won appreciation.
ASA Sami and Aru Ramanathan were inspired by the film The Egyptian and then penned the script of Thangapathumai.
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