# Sumaithaangi

Sumaithaangi (transl. Bearer of Burdens) is a 1962 Indian Tamil-language drama film, written and directed by C. V. Sridhar. The film stars Gemini Ganesan, Radha and R. Muthuraman. Based on Ra. Ki. Rangarajan's novel of the same name that was serialised in Kumudam, it revolves around a man who could not lead his life the way he wanted, and gets forced to undergo many sacrifices. The film, produced by Kovai Chezhiyan, was released on 7 December 1962. Ganesan won the Film Fans Association Award for Best Actor

## Plot

The movie “Sumaithangi” revolves around a middle-class family led by Muthuraman, who supports his retired father Sarangapani, younger brother Babu (Gemini Ganesan), and younger sister L. Vijayalakshmi. The story unfolds with Babu, a college student, being challenged by his friends to woo Radha, the daughter of their former schoolteacher Rathnavel. Babu succeeds, but the family’s financial troubles force him to take up a job, sacrificing his education and love life.
Muthuraman loses his job, and the family struggles financially. Babu finds a job and takes on the family’s responsibilities. Meanwhile, L. Vijayalakshmi falls in love and gets married. Babu’s noble act of returning a lost purse to a retired judge leads to a marriage proposal for Babu with the judge’s daughter, Indira Devi, who suffers from fits. Sarangapani conceals this fact from Babu for the family’s benefit.
Rathnavel proposes Radha’s marriage to Babu, but Sarangapani rejects it. Babu, pressured by his family, agrees to marry Indira Devi, but the marriage is called off when she has a fit on the wedding day. Babu continues to make sacrifices for his family, giving his bonus money to his sister’s husband for a job deposit.
Balaji, a friend of Nagesh and Rathnavel’s relative, offers Babu a job, but Muthuraman insists on taking it to resume his role as the family’s breadwinner. Babu, feeling dejected, resigns from his job and isolates himself. Despite his family’s pleas, he refuses to return home.
As Radha’s wedding to Balaji approaches, Vijayalakshmi convinces Radha to reconsider her love for Babu. Balaji agrees to cancel the wedding, but Babu, unaware of these developments, decides to leave his family. He writes a letter explaining his decision and moves to Kodaikanal.
Muthuraman, Rathnavel, and Radha rush to find Babu, only to discover that he has converted to Christianity and become a cleric. The movie ends with Babu walking past his stunned family, chanting sacred quotes from the Bible.

## Cast

* Gemini Ganesan as Babu
* Devika as Radha
* R. Muthuraman
* L. Vijayalakshmi
* Nagesh
* Raja
* Leelavathi
* K. Sarangapani
* V. S. Raghavan as Rathnavel
* K. Balaji
* S. A. Natarajan
* K. R. Indira Devi
* G. Sakunthala

## Production

Sumaithaangi is based on Ra. Ki. Rangarajan's novel of the same name that was serialised in Kumudam. Mid-way through production it was retitled Aayiram Vaasal Idhayam (transl. A heart with a thousand entrances), but this was reversed. The song "Manithan Enbavan" was shot at Marina Beach.

## Soundtrack

The music was composed by Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy, with lyrics by Kannadasan. The song "Endhan Paruvathin Kelvikku" was replaced as "Endha Paarvaiyin Kelvikku" in the film.
| Song | Singers | Length |
| "En Annai Seitha" | S. Janaki | 03:37 |
| "Endhan Paarvaiyin" | P. B. Sreenivas, S. Janaki | 03:24 |
| "Mambazhathu Vandu" | P. B. Sreenivas, S. Janaki | 03:30 |
| "Manithan Enbavan" | P. B. Sreenivas | 03:25 |
| "Mayakkamma" | P. B. Sreenivas | 02:39 |
| "Puriyadhu" | P. B. Sreenivas | 04:41 |
| "Radhaiketra Kannano" | S. Janaki | 03:26 |
| "Malaiyai Padaithavan" | S. Janaki | 06:14 |

## Release and reception

Sumaithaangi was released on 7 December 1962. Kanthan of Kalki positively reviewed the film for the cast performances, particularly Radha. Ganesan won the Film Fans Association Award for Best Actor. Director Vasanth said, "Sumaithangi made a huge impact on me. I cried watching it and emerged from the cinema hall as a different person. I think a film should teach you something and bring about a change".