Macha Rekai is a 1950 Indian Tamil-language film directed by P. Pullayya and produced by T. R. Mahalingam. It is based on Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass' play of the same name. The film stars Mahalingam, S. Varalakshmi, Santha Kumari, B. R. Panthulu, Kumari Kamala and C. T. Rajakantham. It is also the feature film debut of Vijaya Nirmala, who portrays the younger version of Mahalingam's character. The film was released on 11 August 1950 and became a moderate success.
Contents
Cast
T. R. Mahalingam as Macharaju
Vijaya Nirmala as young Macharaju
S. Varalakshmi
Santha Kumari
B. R. Panthulu
Kumari Kamala
C. T. Rajakantham
Production
Macha Rekai was a play written by Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass. Upon seeing the play, actor T. R. Mahalingam decided to produce and star in its film adaptation. The adaptation, also titled Macha Rekai, was directed by P. Pullayya and produced by Mahalingam under the banner Sukumar Productions. Mahalingam portrayed the male lead Macharaju, and Nirmala (who later became known as Vijaya Nirmala) made her acting debut portraying the character's younger self. The original female lead was Anjali Devi, who left after filming a few scenes, and was replaced by S. Varalakshmi. The film's story and dialogues were written by Ramaiah Dass. Cinematography was handled by Jithan Banerjee and G. Vittal Rao and editing by T. M. Lal.
Soundtrack
The soundtrack was composed by C. R. Subburaman, while Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass was lyricist.
Release
Macha Rekai was released on 11 August 1950. The film was distributed by Kumaravel Pictures in North Arcot, South Arcot, Chengelpet and Chittoor, and by Dhanalakshmi Films in Salem. It was a moderate success.