Twins Lalitha and Padmini get separated at birth because of their parent's separation. Later, the sisters decide to reunite their parents and work together for it.
M. Kumaran of AVM Productions saw the American film The Parent Trap (1961), based on Erich Kästner's German novel Lisa and Lottie, and saw potential for a Tamil version of it; he persuaded his brother Saravanan to watch the film. Saravanan complied, but was sceptical over the story's commercial viability if filmed in Tamil and also felt audience would not be receptive towards the concept of divorce, although Kumaran remained adamant. They later asked Javar Seetharaman to watch The Parent Trap and if he could Indianise it in his screenplay; AVM was impressed with his screenplay. Saravanan said Seesumpatti Rajagopal wrote the climax portions.[4]Krishnan–Panju were selected to direct the film, titled Kuzhandaiyum Deivamum.[5] Cinematography was handled by S. Maruti Rao and G. Vittal Rao, art direction by A. K. Sekar,[6] and Panju edited the film under the pseudonym "Panjabi".[7]
Casting and filming
Jaishankar was selected to play the male lead and was paid ₹10,000 (equivalent to ₹670,000 or US$8,000 in 2023).[8]Kutty Padmini portrayed twin sisters; in the scenes where both characters appear, split screen and body double techniques were used.[9] The climax was shot at Palani.[10][4]
Soundtrack
The music was composed by M. S. Viswanathan.[11][12] The song "Pazhamuthir Solaiyile" is set in the Abheri raga,[13][14] and "Enna Vegam Nillu Bhama" is set in Shivaranjani.[15][16] The song "Anbulla Maanvizhiye" was remixed by Rafi in the film Jaggubhai (2010),[17] and "Enna Vegam" was remixed by Mursak in Kadhal Meipada (2011).[18]Randor Guy of The Hindu wrote, "One of the major factors contributing to the success of the movie was its melodious music composed by M. S. Viswanathan. Many of the songs became hits and are still remembered today".[7]
Kuzhandaiyum Deivamum was released on 19 November 1965.[6] The Tamil magazine Ananda Vikatan, in a review dated 19 December 1965, applauded Padmini's performance and stated that she was the sole reason to watch the film, which the reviewer called childish.[19] Writing for Sport and Pastime, T. M. Ramachandran criticised the film's lack of originality, but called it a "clever adaptation" of The Parent Trap, and described Padmini's dual role performance as the film's "pièce de résistance".[20]Kalki appreciated the cast performances, but criticised the film for lacking AVM's signature touch.[21] The film was a commercial success, running for over 100 days in theatres.[7] At the 13th National Film Awards, it won in the Best Tamil Film category.[22]
