Murappennu (1965)

Murappennu is a 1965 Malayalam film written by M. T. Vasudevan Nair, directed by A. Vincent and produced by Shobhana Parameswaran Nair in the banner of Roopavani. It marked the entry of M. T. Vasudevan Nair, the noted Malayalam novelist to Malayalam cinema. The film's story is based on Snehathinte Mukhangal, a short story by M. T. himself. The film features an ensemble cast including Prem Nazir, K. P. Ummer, Madhu, P. J. Antony, Jyothilakshmi, Sharada and Adoor Bhasi playing the pivotal roles.

The film received critical praise and good reviews. M. T. Vasudevan Nair's script, which made use of Valluvanadan dialect, was well appreciated and is accepted to be one of the finest ever. Later, M. T. and A. Vincent went on to create some of the memorable films in Malayalam film history. The film is also known for the powerful performance of Prem Nazir as Balan, the lead character of the film. It was a box office superhit. It received a certificate of merit at the National Film Awards.

Major indoor parts of the film were shot in Satya Studios in Madras and outdoor parts from the premises of Bharathapuzha.

Synopsis

The film revolves around a joint family headed by Kunjikrishna Menon (P. J. Antony). His sister Madhavi Amma (Shanta Devi) and her children, Balan (Prem Nazir), Aniyan (K. P. Ummer) and Kochammini (Jyothilakshmi) stay with him. Balan is in love with Bhagi (Sharada), Menon’s daughter, and his ‘murappennu.’ Menon’s son Kesavankutty (Madhu) is in love with Kochammini, his ‘murappennu.’ The story revolves around these two love affairs.

Actors