# Thigambara Samiar

Thigambara Samiar (transl. Skyclad monk) is 1950 Indian Tamil-language thriller film produced and directed by T. R. Sundaram. An adaptation of Vaduvoor K. Duraswamy Iyengar's novel of the same name, the film stars M. N. Nambiar and M. S. Draupadi. It revolves around the efforts of a man to expose the illicit activities of a corrupt lawyer. The film was released on 22 September 1950, and emerged a commercial success.

## Plot

The film revolves around the efforts of Chokkalingam Pillai (Thigambara Samiar) to expose the illicit activities of S. S. Sattanathan Pillai, a corrupt lawyer.

## Cast
### Male cast

* M. N. Nambiar as Chokkalingam Pillai
* Narasimhabharathi as Kannappa
* D. Balasubramaniam as S. S. Sattanathan Pillai
* M. G. Chakrapani as Pattabhi Raman
* Azhwar Kuppusami as Sundaram Pillai
* V. M. Ezhumalai as Bandyman
* Karunanidhi as Manickam
* T. K. Ramachandran as Masilamani
* V. K. Ramsamy as Velayudha Pillai
* S. S. Sivasoorian as Namasivayam Pillai
* M. A. Ganapathi as Sanda Marutham
* Srinivasa Gopalan as Chandra's grandfather
* Thirupathi, Mani, Subbaiah

## Production

Thigambara Samiar, an adaptation of the novel of the same name by Vaduvoor K. Duraswamy Iyengar, was directed by T. R. Sundaram who also produced it under Modern Theatres. It was a rare heroic role for M. N. Nambiar, who was generally known for negative roles. The scenario was written by Ko. Tha. Shanmuga. Cinematography was handled by G. R. Nathan and T. S. Kotnis, and editing by L. Balu. Choreography of the dances was done by Vazhuvoor B. Ramiah Pillai, Madhavan and R. T. Krishnamoorthi.

## Themes

According to historian Randor Guy, the film re-uses a theory from the novel, "that if a man is made to stay awake without sleep for three or four days, he will be in a mood to confess everything hidden in his mind".

## Soundtrack

The music was composed by G. Ramanathan and S. M. Subbaiah Naidu and the lyrics were written by Ka. Mu. Sheriff, A. Maruthakasi, K. B. Kamakshisundaram, Kannadasan and Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass. "Oosi Pattasey Oosi Pattasey" is based on "O Dilwalo Dil Ka Lagana Acha Hai" from the Hindi film Patanga (1949) and "Paarudappa Paarudappa Paarudapppa" is based on "Lara Lappa Lara Lappa" from Ek Thi Larki, another 1949 Hindi film.
| Songs | Singers | Lyrics | Length |
| "Mappillai Paar Asal" | P. Leela and Jikki | | 04:40 |
| "Naathar Mudi Meliruukkum" | P. Leela | Pambatti Siddhar | 02:48 |
| "Vaazhvil Thaane Yaavum" | K. V. Janaki | | 03:10 |
| "Anna Oru Paithiyamaai" | T.R. Gajalakshmi | | 02:12 |
| "Kaakka Vendum Kadavule" | P. Leela and K. V. Janaki | | 07:13 |
| "Eppothum Intha Keli Pechu" | U. R. Chandra | | 02:00 |
| "Sanmarkam Thiyagam" | Master Subbaiah | | 03:04 |
| "Vaazha Piranthavar Naame" | Master Subbaiah, Chorus | | 02:30 |
| "Oosi Paattasey" | T.R. Gajalakshmi & V. T. Rajagopalan | | 02:16 |
| "Paarudappa Paarudappa" | Master Subbaiah | | 02:59 |
| "Podi Poyendi Sikiram Eduthuvaa" | U. R. Chandra | | 02:00 |
| "Yen Indha Penn Jenmam" | K. V. Janaki | | 02:09 |
| "Yen Idam Vizhai Thalam" | P. Leela | | 03:11 |
| "Yen Adase Azhiga Raja" | P. Leela | | 02:02 |

## Release and reception

Thigambara Samiar was released on 22 September 1950, and emerged a commercial success.