Kadalpalam is a 1969 Malayalam language film directed by K. S. Sethumadhavan. Sathyan, Prem Nazir, Jayabharathi, Sheela, Bahadoor and Adoor Bhasi star in the lead. The film is an adaptation of the very popular professional stage play of the same name authored by the renowned dramatist K. T. Mohammed which is an adaptation of 1940 Hindi film Prem Nagar. The film was critically well received and was a box office hit. It is probably best remembered for the performance by Sathyan, who received the first ever State Award for his performance.
Synopsis
The story revolves round the family of Narayana Kaimal (Sathyan), a leading advocate who loses his eyesight. Kaimal is a strict disciplinarian and always tries to impose his thoughts and principles on his children and fellow beings. This creates a conflict with others. Kaimal's elder son Raghu (Again Sathyan) dislikes the obstinate nature of his father leading to constant conflicts between the two. Kaimal's younger son Prabhakaran (K. P. Ummer) who is an advocate and daughter Geetha (Jayabharathi) try to obey their father, but at times they only pretend to obey him. Kaimal now sees the world through the eyes of his faithful servant Appu (Bahadur).
Savithri (Sheela) is the only daughter of Govindan (T.S.Muthiah) who is employed in the tea estates owned by Madhavan Thampi (Satyan). One day Madhavan Thampi spots Savithri singing near the stream and is attracted towards her. Raghavan (Govindankutty) is the local leader of the labourers. Rajan (K.P.Ummer), another leader of the estate workers is involved in a criminal case framed against him by the estate owners and the police is in search of him. Rajan gets refuge in Savithri's house through Raghavan. Love blooms between Savithri and Rajan. One day Madhavan Thampi happens to see Rajan in his hideout. Savithri fears that Thampi may report it to the police. Her friend Thankamma (Jayabharathi) advises her to approach Thampi and plead with him to not report to the police. Accordingly Savithri reaches Thampi's bungalow and is raped by him. Thampi then informs the police and Rajan is arrested.