Carnatic singer MS Subbulakshmi is quite popular in India and abroad for her classical singing, but many may not know that she acted in a few Tamil films in her youth. She acted in one of the Tamil films Meera, which has now completed 78 years of its release.
Meera, was released on November 3, 1945.
This classic film, produced by T Sadasivam, aimed to introduce the audience to the world of classical music, resulting in a cinematic gem that transcended regional boundaries.
Meera is a biographical film based on the life of Mirabai, a 16th-century poet and mystic known for her unwavering devotion to Lord Krishna. Producer T Sadasivam envisioned the movie as a musical masterpiece with a message that would resonate far beyond Tamil Nadu. Collaborating closely with the renowned writer Kalki Krishnamurthy, they crafted a film that not only celebrated classical music but also conveyed an uplifting message to the audience. Sadasivam’s wife and legendary singer MS Subbulakshmi, play the lead role of Meera, bringing the character to life with her exceptional talent.
The film’s storyline revolves around Meera, a poetess who wholeheartedly embraces Lord Krishna as her divine husband after hearing the tales of Andal and Krishna. However, her unwavering devotion is met with disapproval from her husband, Rana Sanga, the king of Mewar, and his family. Tragically, she was poisoned by her brother-in-law, who believed that her devotion tarnished the reputation of the royal family.
Meera was directed by Ellis R Dungan. The cast included MS Subbulakshmi, Chittoor Nagayya, Radha, Serukalathur Sama, and K Sarangapani. The film’s soul-stirring music, consisting of 21 songs, was composed by SV Venkataraman, and remarkably, all these songs were sung by MS Subbulakshmi herself.
The film’s grand release occurred on the auspicious occasion of Diwali, on November 3, 1945, and it swiftly became a super hit. Two years later, a Hindi-dubbed version of the film was released on November 21. Meera marked a significant transition in MS Subbulakshmi’s career, as it turned out to be her last acting role. She subsequently channelled her energy and focus into her prolific music career.
Director Ellis Dungan, in his autobiography titled A Guide to Adventure, candidly shared his thoughts on Meera. He revealed that among all his Tamil film projects in India, this particular work was considered by both friends and critics to be his magnum opus, a sentiment with which he wholeheartedly agreed.
Comments
0 comment