Thanikachalam and Gowri are a married couple, and they have a daughter named Kalyani. Sengamalam is a dancer to whom Thanikachalam is attracted, but they do not marry since he already has a wife. Devaki, a widow, is also attracted to him, but later starts to treat him as a brother. Uma, a friend of Gowri, stays with the couple and raises their child as her own. She too falls in love with Thanikachalam, but is not able to marry him. An accident at Thanikachalam's house results in the death of Kalyani; Uma is not informed of her death. She later gets into a similar accident and upon learning about the child's death, she dies in the arms of Gowri and Thanikachalam.
Paavai Vilakku was a novel written by Akilan and serialised in the Tamil magazine Kalki.[1] The film version of this novel was directed by K. Somu, written by A. P. Nagarajan, and produced by editor T. Vijayarangam and cinematographer V. K. Gopanna under the Sri Vijayagopal Pictures.[2][3]Sivaji Ganesan initially wanted B. R. Panthulu to produce this film.[4] Ganesan's home, Annai Illam, also features in the film.[5]
Soundtrack
The soundtrack was composed by K. V. Mahadevan, and the lyrics were written by A. Maruthakasi.[2][6] The song "Aayiram Kan Podhadhu" is set in the raga known as Mand,[7] and "Mangiyathor Nilavinile" is based on Subramania Bharati's poem of the same name.[8]
Paavai Vilakku was released on 19 October 1960,[9] during Diwali.[10] The film was distributed by Sivaji Films in Madras.[3]The Indian Express wrote, "Despite the picture being crowded with a battalion of familiar faces, the total effect is pleasing and K. Somu's direction compels attention".[11] Kanthan of Kalki said K. Sarangapani, Ramasamy and A. Karunanidhi gave light to the film.[12] Facing competition from Kairasi, Petra Manam, and Mannathi Mannan, released on the same day,[13] the film did not perform well at box-office.[1][14]
^காந்தன் (13 November 1960). "பாவை விளக்கு". Kalki (in Tamil). Archived from the original on 1 July 2022. Retrieved 1 July 2022.
^"தீபாவளிக்கு வெளியான தமிழ் படங்கள் - 3" [Films released during Diwali - 3]. Screen 4 Screen (in Tamil). 2 August 2020. Archived from the original on 13 February 2024. Retrieved 13 February 2024.
