Sivagangai Seemai
Sivagangai Seemai () is a 1959 Tamil-language historical drama film directed by K. Shankar. This was Kannadasan’s second home production and he wrote the script and lyrics for the movie. It is based on the life of Maruthu Brothers. The movie's cast is S. S. Rajendran, S. Varalakshmi, Kamala Lakshmanan and M. N. Rajam in lead roles. Plot. After the execution of Kattabomman on 16 October 1799 at Kayattar, Chinna Marudhu gave asylum to Kattabomman's brother Oomadurai. The British used this reason to invade and attack Sivaganga in 1801 with a powerful army. The Maruthu  Pandiyars and their allies were quite successful and captured three districts from the British. The British considered it as a serious threat to their future in India that they rushed additional troops from Britain to put down the Maruthu Pandiyars' rebellion. Production. The film started production under the title "Oomaiyan Kottai" with M.G.Ramachandran but it got shelved as Ramachandran was busy with politics. The same project was revived as "Sivagangai Seemai". Soundtrack. The soundtrack features 16 songs composed by Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy. Lyrics were by Kannadasan. The song "Kanavu Kanden" is set in Mukhari raga. Reception. Because the majority of male  characters in the film had thick moustaches, the Tamil magazine "Kumudam" called it ""Sivagangai Meesai"", with ""Meesai"" meaning "moustache". The film was not a success, but because of its theme and historic content, it acquired cult status in later years.