The versatile Subbu

If you hail from Tamil Nadu and were particularly young during the 1950s and 60s it's impossible for you to forget the name Kothamangalam Subbu of the Tamil film industry. If you don't, let's find out who this Padma Shri recipient was?

Kothamangalam Subbu; Image source: Wikipedia

Kothamangalam Subbu was a man of multiple talents which included being a scriptwriter a composer, lyricist, folklore at sport and a fine connoisseur of arts and literature. He was born on 10th November 1910 near Pattukkottai, Tamil Nadu. His education remains limited to standards 7 and 8, proof that education has little to do with creativity. He worked as an accountant. However, he found an invisible force pulling him towards the film industry.

His friend, Kothamangalam Cheenu who was an actor recommended him to studios. By the 1930s, the blossoming Tamil Industry found he was a natural at everything and he started receiving roles. Subbu's production house was later renamed 'Gemini Studio'. More or less Subbu had a great role in putting Gemini Studio on the map of World theatre.

Even with no higher education, he decided to learn English on his own. He started reading books and mastered it by the time he became a well-known figure. He wasn't one of those people who you would call- 'Jack of all trades and master of none.' Subbu mastered each and every aspect of his versatile roles.

As a folklore artist, under the pen name of Kalaimani, he presented many villuppattu, harikatha and therukkoothu programmes on a variety of subjects such as Gandhi Mahan Kathai which narrated the entire life of Mahatma Gandhi in folklore form and Dasavatharam.

As a lyricist, he has written many songs for Germini studios' movies. His songs were somewhat controversial however popular since he loved writing about satires. His songs from 'Amma Pasikkuthe’ to ‘Mylapore Vikkalaththu ' shows his amazing range. Even his poem has received tributes from veterans like Ki.Va.Ja., TK Chidamabaranatha Mudaliar and Editor Va. Ra of Manikkodi.

As a director, Subbu directed the epic film of Avvaiyar, whose lead actor was K.B Sundarambal, a great artist of that time. He also cast his wife, Sundari Bai, in a minor role who acted the role of an incorrigible lady who refuses to serve Avvaiyar food.

In Miss Malini, a very very famous movie, Subbu acted as the main actor. You might remember a movie called Mr Sampath based on R.K. Narayan's novel. Actually, it was the Tamil version that was aired first which won the hearts of the audience and later a Hindi remake was made. Subbu with his wife played the lead roles in the movie 'Dasi Aparanji'.

Subbu definitely made it into the film industry as a successful artist in various forms but his most well-known work always remain 'Thillana Mohanambal'. Subbu was the author of this novel, which was a weekly serial, the Anantha Vikatan. He later turned it into a script for the movie which was has a cult following in India. he received a Padma Shri for this particular work of his. The movie is critically acclaimed for its subtle portrayal of the socio-cultural environment and the Thanjavur culture of dance and music prevailing at that time. The movie was a commercial success too running in theatres for 175 days. It won two National Awards- a silver medal in Best feature Film in Tamil and Best Cinematography. It became an inspiration for upcoming movies which were based on musical themes like this one.

He was a man with an encyclopedic knowledge of music, dance and film. Not only based on bookish knowledge, he always knew how to pull out fresh ideas which would dazzle the audience. His works were loaded with information, just examples, an element of humour, good songs many of which he wrote, amusing wordplays and most importantly his commitment to the world of art and literature could be felt even when he didn't appear on the screen.

Unfortunately, his name seems to be disappearing in the industry after his death in 1974 as his audience lacks youngsters. However, a classic simply isn't forgotten. Ananda Vikatan magazine continues to print the work of Subbu to carry forward his legacy in Tamil literature.

Theatrical poster of Thillana Mohanambal; Image source: Wikipedia