Ezhai Padum Padu (transl. Plight of the Poor) is a 1950 Indian Tamil language film directed by K. Ramnoth. It was simultaneously shot in Telugu as Beedala Patlu. It was an adaptation of Les Misérables, Victor Hugo's 1862 novel. The film was released on Diwali day. For his memorable portrayal of Javert in this film, N. Seetharaman came to be called as Javert Seetharaman. It was produced by S. M. Sriramulu Naidu of Pakshiraja Studios.
Contents
Plot
Tough and ruthless police inspector Javert recaptures a small-time criminal Kandhan who has escaped from prison.
Kandhan turns a new leaf with the help of a Christian Bishop. When he is released from prison he starts a glass making company.
He changes his identity and becomes successful and even becomes the mayor of his town. Inspector Javert finds out about his new life and threatens to expose him. Kandhan then saves Javert's life. Javert commits suicide - unable to turn Kandhan in to the authorities out of his sense of gratitude.
Cast
The cast of Ezhai Padum Padu, according to the opening credits of the film:
Production
Ezhai Padum Padu was produced by S. M. Sriramulu Naidu at Pakshiraja Studios in Coimbatore. K. Ramnoth was hired as the director and V. Nagayya was cast as Kandan (based on Jean Valjean). Initially, Nagercoil K. Mahadevan was cast as the bishop who reforms the thief. But after a few scenes were shot, Sriramulu Naidu replaced him with Serukalathur Sama. Elangovan (Thanigachalam) wrote the script for Ezhai Padum Paau based on Sudhanandha Bharathi's translation of Les Miserables. Sriramulu Naidu was known for his strict schedule. Once when director Ramnoth was absent from the set, one of the actors – V. Gopalakrishnan – left the set thinking that there would be no filming on that day. An incensed Naidu filmed the scene (a love song sequence) using an actress (Ragini) dressed up as a man instead of Gopalakrishnan.
Soundtrack
The soundtrack had ten songs composed by S. M. Subbaiah Naidu. The lyrics were by V. A. Gopalakrishnan.
Tamil Soundtrack
Telugu Soundtrack
Music is by S. M. Subbaiah Naidu and G. Aswathama. Lyrics were by Aarudhra.
Release and reception
Ezhai Padum Padu was released on Diwali day (9 November), 1950. It was a commercial and critical success.