Annai

Annai is a Tamil-language drama film released in 1962 that revolves around a young woman named Annai (played by Devika) and her struggles to protect her family and her village from the clutches of a ruthless landowner named Rathnam (played by J.P. Chandrababu). The movie is directed by Krishnan-Panju and features songs composed by K.V. Mahadevan.

The movie begins with a brief introduction of Annai, a fearless and strong-willed young woman who lives in a small village with her father (played by Sivaji Ganesan) and her brother (played by R. Muthuraman). Annai's family is among the poorest in the village, and they depend on their small plot of land for their livelihood. However, their peace is disrupted when Rathnam, a wealthy and powerful landowner, decides to take over their land and the lands of other poor farmers in the village.

Rathnam is a cruel and heartless man who employs violent means to achieve his goals. He is aided by his henchmen, who are equally brutal and merciless. Despite facing threats and blackmail, Annai and her family refuse to give up their land, and they lead a resistance against Rathnam and his men.

The movie portrays the struggles of Annai and her family, who face various challenges in their fight against Rathnam. They have to deal with loss of crops and livestock, physical assault, and even imprisonment. However, throughout their ordeal, Annai remains resolute and determined to protect her family and her village.

The movie also features a love story between Annai and a young man named Sathyamoorthy (played by A.V.M. Rajan), who is a member of a rival family in the village. Their love story adds a romantic touch to the movie and depicts the depth of their commitment to each other.

The songs in the movie are melodious and emotional, adding to the overall mood of the film. The lyrics are written by Kannadasan, a well-known Tamil poet and lyricist, and are beautifully rendered by the movie's singers.

The performances in the movie are noteworthy, particularly Devika's portrayal of Annai. She brings depth and authenticity to her character, making the audience feel the pain and suffering of a woman who is fighting for her survival. J.P. Chandrababu's portrayal of the villain Rathnam is also noteworthy, as he effectively portrays the cruel and ruthless nature of his character.

In addition to its entertainment value, Annai also carries a strong social message. It highlights the issue of poverty and the struggles of the poor in rural India. The movie also explores the theme of gender equality, depicting a woman who takes on the powerful male establishment and emerges victorious.

Overall, Annai is a well-crafted movie with a strong storyline and noteworthy performances. It is an entertaining watch, and also carries a powerful social message.