# Thayumanavar (1938 film)

Thayumanavar is a 1938 Indian Tamil-language film produced and directed by T. R. Sundaram. The film brought to screen the life story of Hindu Saint and Philosopher Thayumanavar who lived in the 18th century. Carnatic Singer and actor M. M. Dandapani Desikar featured in the title role.

## Plot

Muthukrishnan Naiker was the ruler of Thiruchirapalli. He visited the temple at Vedaranyam. The Dharmakartha (trustee) of the temple gave a grand welcome to the ruler. Impressed by the reception, the ruler made the dharmakartha a minister of his court. A son is born to the minister who names him as Thayumanavan. Meanwhile, Muthukrishnan Naiker died and his son came to the throne. He appointed Thayumanavan as his minister. Thayumanavan was brilliant. He helped the king to develop the country. However, Thayumanavan was more inclined towards philosophy and divinity. Soon, the ruler becomes aware of the divine power of Thayumanavan and became a disciple. Thayumanavan performed many miracles, eventually his mortal remains and became a saint.

## Cast

The list is adapted from the film's songbook

## Production

During the 1930s many films were made with life stories of religious saints. M. M. Dandapani Desikar who was well trained in Carnatic music and with fluency in religious lore and was the obvious choice of producers. Earlier he featured in similar role in Pattinathar and later in Nandanar.

## Soundtrack

Music was composed by G. Pichala Narasimha Rao and lyrics were penned by Papanasam Sivan. The songs were recorded by Sardar Eswara Singh. Most of the songs were compositions of the Saint himself who sang nearly 1500 songs. There were 31 songs in the film most of which were sung by M. M. Dandapani Desikar. Singers are Vidwan C. S. Selvarathnam Pillai, P. G. Venkatesan, Master Vedhamoorthi, Master Krishnamoorthi, N. S. Rathnambal, M. M. Dandapani Desikar, P. S. Gnanam, M. S. Devasena, and the chorus.

### Orchestra

* Rajukaru – Dilruba, Sitar, Organ
* T. S. Krishna Pillai – Fiddle
* G. H. Anjaneyalu – Tabla
* K. Rengaiya Naidu – Clarinet
* T. M. Ibrahim – Piano
| No | Songs | Singers |
| 1 | Om Shankara Purahara Sadhasiva Nin | Chorus |
| 2 | Ninnavar Prarandri Niyeyanay Prayer | Vidwan C. S. Selvarathnam Pillai |
| 3 | Malarthal Vanangum Adiyar | P. G. Venkatesan |
| 4 | Thejonmaya Chandra Shobhitha Bala | Lullaby Music |
| 5 | Kailasa Pathiye Saranam | Master Vedhamoorthi |
| 6 | Adiyum Nadumutiyum Ilan | Master Krishnamoorthi |
| 7 | Evaraiyum Imsai Seyya Lagadugan | Master Vedhamoorthi |
| 8 | Nandrudaiyanai Theeyathillanai Narai Velleru | M. M. Dandapani Desikar |
| 9 | Undendru Uruthikolvom | M. M. Dandapani Desikar |
| 10 | Kana Virumbum Manam Dhanuvin Karunaiye | M. M. Dandapani Desikar |
| 11 | Aasaikkor Alavilai | M. M. Dandapani Desikar |
| 12 | Penne – Nee Ennaibharati Ullasamaka | N. Ramasami Pillai, V. M. Ezhumalai & Aparanji |
| 13 | Ennakoram Iraivanuraiyum | M. M. Dandapani Desikar, Chorus |
| 14 | Kanthuka Mathakkariyai Vasama | M. M. Dandapani Desikar |
| 15 | Envasamillai En Seiven | M. S. Devasena |
| 16 | Pazhan Kadhal Kadhi | P. G. Venkatesan |
| 17 | Vaira Manthaiyum Ulluruka | M. S. Devasena & M. M. Dandapani Desikar |
| 18 | Enai Unakkintha Pedhai | M. M. Dandapani Desikar |
| 19 | Parayo Ennai Mugam | M. M. Dandapani Desikar |
| 20 | Udhavikku Oruvarille | P. S. Gnanam |
| 21 | Kannadi Nee Kizhicha Kottaiyini | P. G. Venkatesan, P. S. Gnanam |
| 22 | Patukindra Bhanuva Lorgal | M. M. Dandapani Desikar |
| 23 | Padhini Polave Itharai | M. M. Dandapani Desikar |
| 24 | Kalla Lerinthun, Kaivilla Ladithum, Kanimadhura | M. M. Dandapani Desikar |
| 25 | Azhuvathin Payanethu | M. M. Dandapani Desikar, N. S. Rathnambal |
| 26 | Kali Magamayi Enga Atha Nitha | Chorus |
| 27 | Kaka Muravu Kalandhunna | M. M. Dandapani Desikar |
| 28 | Ennannu Ennikkitte | P. S. Gnanam, P. G. Venkatesan |
| 29 | Saiva Samayame Samayameni Lachamaya | M. M. Dandapani Desikar |
| 30 | Veene Azhiyathe Nanba Perinba (Dialogue) | M. M. Dandapani Desikar |
| 31 | Chinthaiyeer Thandhaiyay Thayumanavan | P. G. Venkatesan |

## Lost film

No print of the film is known to exist today.

## Reception

Film historian Randor Guy wrote in 2012 that the film is "Remembered for the rich singing of Dandapani Desikar and the scenes featuring holy places."