Palum Pazhamum


Paalum Pazhamum is a 1961 Indian Tamil-language film directed by A. Bhimsingh, featuring Sivaji Ganesan, M. R. Radha, B. Saroja Devi and Sowcar Janaki. The film, produced by G. N. Velumani under Saravana Films, had musical score by Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy and was released on 9 September 1961. The film was a super hit at the box office. It was remade in Kannada as Beratha Jeeva, and in Hindi as Saathi.

Plot/Synopsis

Sivaji is a doctor searching for a cancer cure. Saroja Devi is Sivaji's nurse who assists him in his research. Sivaji offers to marry her after her father's death. After putting in enormous efforts, Sivaji emerges successful in formulating a new drug but Saroja Devi is diagnosed with tuberculosis. Sivaji begins to neglect his duties as a doctor, focusing on Saroja Devi's health. Saroja Devi flees on a train as she does not wish to divert him from his research.
The train crashes and Saroja Devi is believed to be dead. Sivaji is heartbroken but vows to complete his research. Sivaji's family forces him to marry Janaki, but they do not have a happy home life, as he is more oriented towards his research than his family. Janaki and Sivaji fight, and in one of these fights Sivaji loses his eyesight. Meanwhile, Saroja Devi escapes the train crash and goes to Switzerland to cure her tuberculosis. Saroja Devi returns from Switzerland to find that her husband has lost his eyesight. She offers to nurse Sivaji; Sivaji finds her voice familiar but does not recognize her, and confides in her that he is still fond of his ex-wife. Janaki overhears this, and complains to her parents. Saroja Devi faces criticism from the womenfolk of the house for her intimacy with Sivaji.
Sivaji's brother grows fond of Saroja Devi and tells Sivaji so. Sivaji suggests they marry. Saroja Devi is upset and reveals her identity to Sivaji's family. Sivaji's sight is restored by an operation. He recognizes Saroja and rushes to the marriage hall to find that Saroja Devi's sister is married to his brother. Sivaji reunites with Saroja while Janaki joins the Red Cross and flies to Switzerland. The movie ends with Sivaji and Saroja Devi working together to benefit mankind.

Cast

The music composed by Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy with lyrics by Kannadasan. The song "Ennai Yaarendru" is based on Sindhu Bhairavi raga, "Indha Nadagam" is based on Shubhapantuvarali, "Kadhal Siragai" is based on Kapi, and "Paalum Pazhamum" is based on Natabhairavi. The song "Naan Pesa Ninaippathellam" was written by Kannadasan to showcase his friendship with Viswanathan.
No.SongSingersLyricsLength
1"Aalaya Mainiyin"P. SusheelaKannadasan03:19
2"Ennai Yaar Endru"T. M. Soundararajan, P. SusheelaKannadasan03:50
3"Intha Nadagam"P. SusheelaKannadasan03:27
4"Kadhal Siragai"P. SusheelaKannadasan04:04
5"Naan Pesa Ninaippathellam"T. M. Soundararajan, P. SusheelaKannadasan03:06
6"Naan Pesa Ninaippathellam" T. M. Soundararajan, P. SusheelaKannadasan04:24
7"Paalum Pazhamamum"T. M. SoundararajanKannadasan03:23
8"Ponaal Pogattum Poda"T. M. SoundararajanKannadasan06:10
9"Thendral Varum"P. SusheelaKannadasan03:11

In popular culture

Paalum Pazhamum has been referenced in various films. In a comedy scene from Karagattakaran, Goundamani brings milk and sings "Paalum Pazhamum" to console Ramarajan who is sad. In Uthama Raasa, Vellaiyan and Ondipuli will be singing "Paalum Pazhamum" since Prabhu and Kushboo are celebrating their honeymoon. In Duet, Both Senthil and Charlie in order to pursue a blind girl calls a beggar to sing "Ennai Yaar Endru" to which lip sync and pretend as if they sing well. In Settai, Nadupakka Nagaraj is shocked to see Arya's flat being untidy. The song "Ponaal Pogattum" is used as background song for the scene. The film's title also became the name for a collection of silk saris.