Devi is in love with Suresh, a lawyer, but is forced to marry Paranthaman, an alcoholic gambler. Devi escapes from him, and obtains work as a dancer in Hyderabad where she gives birth to a daughter named Krishna. When Vasu tries to kidnap the child, she has Suresh adopt her. Later, when Vasu's blackmail threatens Krishna's marriage and Devi kills him.
Kaviya Thalaivi is a remake of the 1963 Bengali film Uttar Falguni,[3] and was produced by Sowcar Janaki under the banner Selvi Films; she also starred in dual roles.[1][4] The screenplay for the remake was written by K. Balachander, who also directed.[1] Cinematography was handled by N. Balakrishnan,[1] and the editing by N. R. Kittu.[5]
Kaviya Thalaivi was released on 29 October 1970, Diwali day,[9][10] and distributed by Sree Balaji Movies.[11]The Indian Express wrote, "Sowcar Janaki in the dual role gives a sterling performance. Gemini Ganesh, after a long break, comes into his own and is highly satisfactory. K. Balachander's dialogue has flashes of brilliance."[12] It emerged a commercial success,[13] and Ganesan won the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actor.[14][15]
Legacy
Film historian Mohan Raman described Kaviya Thalaivi as one of Janaki's "exceptional performances".[16] Janaki also named the film as among her personal favourites.[17]
^Anandan, Film News (2004). Sadhanaigal Padaitha Thamizh Thiraipada Varalaru [Tamil Film History and Its Achievements] (in Tamil). Sivagami Publications. p. 738.
