Odayil Ninnu (1965)

Odayil Ninnu or Odeyil Ninnu is a 1965 Malayalam film directed by K. S. Sethumadhavan based on the novel of the same name written by P. Kesavadev. Dev himself penned the script for the film. The film deals with the life and struggles of a rickshaw puller. It stars Sathyan, Prem Nazir, K. R. Vijaya and Kaviyoor Ponnamma in the lead roles with Master Dasarath playing the younger version of the protagonist.Suresh Gopi, who was only six years old, appeared in a blink-and-you-miss-role as the feudal lord's timid son, who also becomes the root cause for the protagonist running away from home.

The title of the film has been translated as From the Gutter. The film was a commercial success and also received critical acclaim for its raw energy and Sathyan's performance in the lead role. It received a certificate of merit at the National Film Awards. It was remade in Tamil as Babu (1971) with Sivaji Ganesan playing the lead role and in Hindi as Babu (1985) with Rajesh Khanna in leading role.

Synopsis

Pappu is a relentless fighter for justice and equality from early childhood. He organises protest against his teacher who discriminates between the landlord's son and other children. The landlord is provoked to wrath, and Pappu is obliged to leave home. From now on, he has to lead a hard, tough life, fighting at every step to uphold his ideals.

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