Madhuraiyai Meetta Sundharapandiyan (transl. The king who redeemed Madurai) is a 1978 Indian Tamil-language historical action film, directed by M. G. Ramachandran, starring himself, M. N. Nambiar, P. S. Veerappa, Latha and Padmapriya. Based on the novel Kayalvizhi by Akilan, it was Ramachandran's final full-fledged film. The film was released on 14 January 1978 and became a box-office bomb, but Latha won the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actress.
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Plot
The story narrates the tale of a brave Pandiya prince named Sundharapandhiyan who redeems the kingdom of Madurai from the hands of a Chola king. Under the identity of an itinerant poet, Paintamizh Kumaran, he is going to fire the consciousness of the people with his words and reunite them in his cause, which is the defence of freedom and rights. He unites the people and then engages in war with the emperor sending him reeling back and liberating Madurai reestablishing Pandiya empire.
Production
Madhuraiyai Meetta Sundharapandiyan is based on the novel Kayalvizhi by Akilan, serialised in the magazine Kalki. The film began production in April 1974 at Sathya Studios, with B. R. Panthulu as director and producer; however, following his death, lead actor M. G. Ramachandran took over directing while Sokkaiah and Subramani Iyer of Soleswar Combines took over production. The film was shot in Jaipur, Delhi and Mysore. It was Ramachandran's final full-fledged film, as he had to retire from films to serve as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. Although work was yet to be completed when he became Chief Minister, he received 10 days permission from the then Governor of Tamil Nadu to complete the film.
Soundtrack
The soundtrack was composed by M. S. Viswanathan. The song "Amutha Thamizhil" is set in Dwijavanthi, a Carnatic raga, and "Thendralil Aadidum" is set in the Shuddha Saveri raga.
Release and reception
Madhuraiyai Meetta Sundharapandiyan was released on 14 January 1978. Ananda Vikatan rated the film 50+1⁄2 out of 100. The film became a box-office bomb, with many people attributing it to the poor timing of release. Latha won the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actress, creating a major upset as people expected either Sridevi (for 16 Vayathinile) or Lakshmi (for Sila Nerangalil Sila Manithargal) to win.