K Subramaniam-directorial Vichitra Vanitha, Based On Impersonation, Completes 76 Years Of Release

K Subramaniam alias Krishnaswami Subrahmanyam’s humble beginnings in direction started with Pavalakkodi. The Tamil filmmaker made around 20 films, primarily on socio-political themes. One of his famous films is Vichitra Vanitha which was released on the big screens on October 10, 1947, and was a hit at the box office. It completed 76 years of its release on Tuesday. The film was based on the idea of impersonation, adapted from the play She Stoops to Conquer by writer Oliver Goldsmith. Malayalam music composer Br Lakshmanan adapted this play and penned the storyline for Vichitra Vanitha.

The film revolves around a Zamindar’s daughter, who falls in love with a wealthy young man. When this man visits the Zamindar’s house, he faces some bizarre incidents. These incidents prompt him to think that the house is his hotel. He faces another illusion and thinks of the daughter, who brings him food, as a servant. What happens therefore is misunderstanding, confusion and the comedy that makes Vichitra Vanitha a must-watch.

BS Saroja played the female lead in this film. She is known for her performances in Malayalam and Tamil films. PA Periyanayaki, the Tamil film industry’s first playback singer, played a cameo role in this movie. He acted in several other films and also provided vocals to various songs during his cinematic career. Actor Pulimootai Ramaswami Iyer played the role of the Zamindar. Actor S Krishnasamy played the lead role in Vichitra Vanitha. He later shifted his career preferences to run a magazine called Chitra. The name of the magazine, Chitra, became synonymous with him. Br Lakshmanan composed the music for the film.

A portion of Vichitra Vanitha was shot at Chitrakala Movietone Studios in Thiruparankundram outside Madurai. The rest of the scenes were shot at the Neptune Studios in Madras, which is now known as Chennai. At the time of the release of Vichitra Vanitha, its story idea seemed innovative and appealed to the fans. Viewers especially admired the acting prowess of BS Saroja and Pulimootai Ramaswami in the film.