Satyam (transl. The Truth) is a 1976 Indian Tamil-language film, directed by S. A. Kannan and written by Vietnam Veedu Sundaram. The film stars Sivaji Ganesan, Kamal Haasan, Manjula, Devika and Jayachitra. The film has Haasan playing the younger brother of Ganesan. It was adapted from Kannan's play Vidhi. The film was released on 6 May 1976.
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Plot
Dharmalingam, the chieftain of his village, is known for keeping his word and his pacifism. His wife Sivakami, educated brother Kumaran and Kumaran's betrothed, Vani, live together happily. Gowri, Kumaran's college mate who also happens to be the richest woman in the village falls in love with Kumaran.
Sokkanathan is Gowri's guardian and a classist, who wants to keep the poor poor so that they stay under his thumb. Due to his machinations, the poor villagers' houses get burnt. Seeing Dharmalingan's plight and tears, Gowri promises to rebuild their houses and give them the lands she has in excess much to the chagrin of Sokkanathan. She even fires Sokkanathan as her agent upon her eighteenth birthday, leaving him rudderless. Due to her beneficent nature, Dharmalingan gives her a carte blanch word that she can ask anything she wants at any time which he will give her so long it is in his power. She uses this to her advantage and asks for Kumaran. After a huge showdown, Kumaran succumbs to pressure and marries Gowri deciding to punish his own brother and Gowri.
He takes back everything Gowri has given and refuses to even see his brother. Vani meanwhile has taken up ascetism and starts living in temple. Kumaran gets into a major accident which causes everyone to gather together, and, in the end, Vani fasts to death praying to God which helps Kumaran survive at the cost of Vani's life.
Production
Satyam was an adaptation of the play Vidhi. The play was written by S. A. Kannan who directed the film adaptation. Kamal Haasan was paired with Manjula which remained their only collaboration in their career. The film was announced in 1973.
Soundtrack
The soundtrack was composed by K. V. Mahadevan and lyrics were written by Kannadasan. The song "Kalyana Kovilil" attained popularity.
Reception
Kanthan of Kalki wrote the screenplay, which was proceeding smoothly and calmly till the interval, then reaches the fate of a ship battered by a storm; what saves the film from this accident is the unparalleled performance of the actors and actresses. Naagai Dharuman of Navamani praised the acting, dialogues, cinematography and direction.