Harishchandra (1955)
Harishchandra
Release date : 19 March 1955
Merryland’s first mythological block-buster production, Harishchandra was also the first to make use of extensive outdoor locations since Vigathakumaran, Malayalam’s first film production. A scene-by-scene recreation of the 1943 Kannada hit starring Subbaiah Naidu, it was as realistic a mythological recreation for the times, as never before. Miss Kumari dived into the role of queen Chandramati, her first onscreen pairing against Thikkurissy Sukumaran Nair. Miss Kumari excelled in her onscreen ‘reality”, bringing the right amount of pathos, grace and gravity to the part. Remembered even today for its melodious songs/soundtrack, Harischandra gave Neela Banner the confidence to pursue & bring stories from the Indian mythology onscreen, which became huge commercial successes.
Movie Handbill
Publicity Still from Harishchandra (1955)
More about the Movie
| Miss Kumari | Thikkurissy Sukumaran Nair |
| Harikeshan Thampi | Jose Prakash |
| Sreekantan Nair | TS Muthaiah |
| Adoor Pankajam | Bahadoor |
| N Govindankutty | SP Pillai |
| Veeran | Malayajam |
| GK Pillai | KP Kottarakkara |
| Kanakajam | Saraswathy |
| KB Pandarathil |
| Director | Antony Mitradas |
| Banner | Neela Productions |
| Screenplay | KP Kottarakkara |
| Dialogues | KP Kottarakkara |
| Lyrics | Thirunayinaarkurichi Madhavan Nair |
| Music | Br Lakshman |
| Playback Singers | P Leela, PB Sreenivas, Kamukara, Cherthala Gopalan Nair, Chorus, CS Radhadevi, Kaviyoor CK Revamma, Lalitha Thampi (R Lalitha), Santha P Nair, V Lakshmi |
| Cinematography | NS Mani |
| Editing | KD George |
| Art Direction | MV Kochaappu |
| Distribution | Kumaraswamy & Co |
| Background Music | V Issac |
Copyrights & Courtesy : The Hindu (B Vijayakumar’s MetroPlus Kochi Column)
Based on a popular Mahabharatha legend, the film is about King Harishchandra’s devotion to truth. The wager between the two sages, Viswamithra and Vasishta brings hardships to Harishchandra. Sent to exile by Viswamithra for profaning his ‘yaga’ Harishchandra is separated from his wife Chandramathi and son Lohithaksha.
Chandramathi and Lohithaksha become slaves to the landlord Kalakanta. Harishchandra is reduced to becoming an attendant in a cremation ground and given the charge to execute Chandramathi. Moved by the king’s sacrifice, honesty and devotion to truth, the Gods descend and brings the morality play to a happy conclusion.
Songs from the Movie
I was mired in self-doubt on playing the role of Chandramati, Harishchandra’s wife. Would it turn out well ? Would I be able to do justice to the role ?
Watch Harishchandra (1955) Online
In the Media
Harishchandra (1955) Movie Still
