Kuravanji

Kuravanji
Promotional poster
Directed by	A. Kasilingam
Produced by	Mu. Karunanidhi R. M. Veerappan A. Kasilingam
Written by	Mu. Karunanidhi
Starring	Sivaji Ganesan Savitri Mynavathi Pandari Bai O. A. K. Thevar
Music by	T. R. Pappa
Cinematography	G. Durai
Edited by	A. Kasilingam
Production company	Mekala Pictures
Distributed by	Mekala Pictures
Release date	4 March 1960
Running time	18122 feet
Country	India
Language	Tamil

Kuravanji (Tamil: குறவஞ்சி) is a Tamil language directed by A. Kasilingam. The film features Sivaji Ganesan and Savitri in lead roles. The film, produced by Mu. Karunanidhi, R. M. Veerappan and A. Kasilingam under Mekala Pictures, had musical score by T. R. Pappa and was released on 4 March 1960. Despite the fine and poetic dialogue by Mu. Karunanidhi, performances by top-ranking stars and supporting cast, captivating dances and pleasing music, the film did not do well.

The film tells the story of Thenpandiko, the king of Inbapuri. Ellaipuram is a part of the kingdom and the king appoints his brother, Mukhari, to rule it. Mukhari has a minister, Imaya, who has evil designs. Mukhari falls a prey to his evil plans, and besides taking over Ellaipuram, he plans to usurp Inbapuri from his brother.

To help the suffering people, enters a man named Kadhiravan, hailing from the royal family. He moves around the kingdom in the guise of a vagabond. Princess Kumari wishes to marry him, while he falls in love with Ponni, who is from the fisher folk community. Coming to know of this, Kadhiravan’s brother is furious. The princess is equally upset, but Kadhiravan is more interested in saving the people. Soon there is a protest led by him that gains momentum. What happens to it is narrated in the latter half of the film.

Prior to Sivaji Ganesan, actor S. S. Rajendran was offered the lead role in Kuravanji. However, due to some "friction" between him and Karunanidhi, the writer of the film, he was replaced.M. K. Alagiri pointed out that, "During the shooting of the film Kuravanji, Sivaji chose to wear a gunny sack instead of the woollen clothes to connect with reality of the character of a tribesman. Such was his commitment."

The music composed by T. R. Pappa. Lyrics by Rasappa Kavirayar, Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass, Kannadasan, Mu. Karunanidhi & Ra. Krittinamurthi. Playback singers are C. S. Jayaraman, A. L. Raghavan, P. Leela, P. Suseela, Jikki, K. Jamuna Rani, A. P. Komala & A. G. Rathnamala.