Sengottai Singam () is a 1958 Indian Tamil-language film directed by V. N. Reddy and produced by Sandow M. M. A. Chinnappa Thevar. The film stars Udaykumar and B. Saroja Devi, with Pandari Bai, S. V. Sahasranamam and E. R. Sahadevan in supporting roles. It was released on 11 July 1958.
Plot
The wealthy owner of the Sengottai estate orders the death of Lakshmi, a factory worker, and her infant son, foraccidentally coming in the way of his car. Unknown to him, Lakshmi is the lover of his son, Dharmalingam, and the mother of his child. His henchman secretly allows Lakshmi and her son to escape. Due to unforeseen circumstances, the two are separated, and the boy is raised by Malayandi, a tribal leader.
Dharmalingam is grief-stricken over the loss of his lover and child, and refuses to marry the woman chosen by his father. Meanwhile, Lakshmi's son, now named Singam, grows up to become a fierce warrior, excelling in battles against both animals and human competitors. As Singam matures, he falls in love with a young woman. The remainder of the film centers around the family's eventual reunion.
Cast Udaykumar as Singam B. Saroja Devi as Singam's lover Pandari Bai as Lakshmi S. V. Sahasranamam as Dharmalingam E. R. Sahadevan as Malayandi Mynavathi Pushpalatha
Production Sengottai Singam was the third production of Sandow M. M. A. Chinnappa Thevar's company Devar Films. Its story was written by Rajagopal, and the screenplay by Puratchidasan. V. N. Reddy, a filmmaker based in Bombay, directed the film and also worked as cinematographer, while being assisted by N. S. Varma, an already established South Indian cinematographer. M. G. Balu Rao and M. A. Mariappan jointly edited the film. Shooting took place at Vijaya Vauhini Studios.
Soundtrack The soundtrack was composed by K. V. Mahadevan. The song "Nadada Raja", written by Maruthakasi and picturised on Udaykumar's character riding an elephant, gained popularity.
Song Singer/s Lyricist Length "Illai Enum Solley" JikkiA. Maruthakasi 02:55 "Idhuvum Iraivan Leelaiyaa" P. Susheela 03:06 "Iru Vizhi Parugum Virundhu" Jikki 03:39 "Singakutti Andha Thangakatti" 03:19 "Nadadaa Raajaa Nadadaa" T. M. Soundararajan 04:11 "" T. M. Soundararajan & Jikki 02:51 "Thogai Mayil Odaiyiley...Thenaruvi Paathaiyiley" Velsamy Kavi 03:11 "Seerum Sirappodum Selvam" T. M. Soundarajan 02:48 "Soorapathman Kodumai Thanai...Vel Vel Velavane" T. M. Soundararajan & Nirmala Puratchidasan 04:25
Release and reception Sengottai Singam was released on 11 July 1958. Kanthan of Kalki said the film would disappoint those who had already seen Tarzan films. According to historian Randor Guy, the film was not a major commercial success, but it gained much attention due to its music and onscreen animals, especially two horses named Iqbal and Dilip.
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