Dhakam
Dhakam (/ðɑːɡʌm/ transl. Thirst) is an Indian Tamil-language romantic drama film[1] directed by Babu Nanthankode in his debut. He co-wrote the story with T. Vaiyadurai, who handled the cinematography. The film stars R. Muthuraman and Nanditha Bose. Filmed in 1972, it did not see a theatrical release, but has been screened at many film festivals.
| Dhakam | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Babu Nanthankode |
| Screenplay by | K. K. Raman |
| Story by | Babu Nanthankode T. Vaiyadurai |
| Produced by | Janakiraman |
| Starring | R. Muthuraman Nanditha Bose |
| Cinematography | T. Vaiyadurai |
| Music by | M. B. Sreenivasan |
Production company | Kavya Chitra |
Running time | 144 minutes |
| Country | India |
| Language | Tamil |
Plot
Sharada, an orphan, lives with other orphans in an ashram, where she bonds with a Sekhar, a blind man. They eventually marry, and she tries to make a living as a saleswoman in Madras, but city life is too much for them and they return to the ashram. Sharada dies, having donated her eyes to a blind person.[1][2]
Cast
- R. Muthuraman as Sekhar[2]
- Nanditha Bose as Sharada[2]
Other supporting roles are played by Major Sundarrajan,[2] Pandari Bai, Rajakokila, Renuka Parvathi and Jayaseelam.[1]
Production
Dhakam, the directorial debut of Babu Nanthankode,[3] was conceived by him and T. Vaiyadurai while they were working at the staff of the Madras Film Institute.[2] It was produced by Janakiraman under the banner Kavya Chitra.[2][4] The screenplay was written by K. K. Raman, based on the story of Nanthankode and Vaiyadurai; the latter also handled the cinematography.[2] Shooting took place in 1972,[3] primarily at Gandhigram, Tamil Nadu. The final cut of the film measured 144 minutes.[2]
Soundtrack
The soundtrack was composed by M. B. Sreenivasan, while Bharati and Poovai Senguttuvan were the lyricists.[5] The songs "Vanam Namadhu Thanthai" and "Bharata Samudayam" attained popularity.[2][6]
| No. | Title | Lyrics | Singer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Urugidum Velaiyilum Nalla" | Poovai Senguttuvan | S. Janaki | |
| 2. | "Vaanam Namadhu Thanthai" | Poovai Senguttuvan | S. Janaki | |
| 3. | "Vaanamengum Parithiyin" | Subramania Bharati | K. J. Yesudas |
Release and reception
Dhakam did not have a theatrical release, but has been screened at many film festivals.[3][7] Kanthan of Kalki appreciated the film for eschewing stylish costumes, makeup for the lead actors, and elaborate sets.[8]
Legacy
Dhakam was influential in establishing the art film scenario in Tamil cinema. Ashish Rajadhyaksha and Paul Willemen, in their book Encyclopedia of Indian Cinema, say the film served as an inspiration for Aval Appadithan (1978).[2]
References
- "DHAKAM (1972)". BFI. Archived from the original on 5 June 2019. Retrieved 5 June 2019.
- Rajadhyaksha & Willemen 1998, p. 413.
- Jeyamohan (28 September 2017). "பாபு நந்தன்கோடு" [Babu Nanthankode]. Jeyamohan.in (in Tamil). Archived from the original on 5 June 2019. Retrieved 4 June 2019.
- Shanmugasundaram 1997, p. 26.
- "Dhaagam". Songs4all. Archived from the original on 10 July 2020. Retrieved 5 April 2021.
- Baskaran 1996, p. 141–142.
- Sujatha 2006, p. 145.
- காந்தன் (17 February 1974). "தாகம்". Kalki (in Tamil). p. 51. Archived from the original on 6 August 2022. Retrieved 6 August 2022.
Bibliography
- Baskaran, S. Theodore (1996). The Eye of the Serpent: An Introduction to Tamil Cinema. Chennai: East West Books. OCLC 243920437.
- Rajadhyaksha, Ashish; Willemen, Paul (1998) [1994]. Encyclopaedia of Indian Cinema. British Film Institute and Oxford University Press. ISBN 0-19-563579-5.
- Shanmugasundaram, S. (1997). பாரதிராஜா :மண்ணும் மக்களும். Kaavya. OCLC 38305218.
- Sujatha (2006). கணையாழி கடைசிப் பக்கங்கள்: 1965–1998. உயிர்மை பதிப்பகம். ISBN 9788189912109.