Madhuraiyai Meetta Sundharapandiyan

Madhuraiyai Meetta Sundharapandiyan is a 1978 Indian Tamil-language historical action film, directed by M. G. Ramachandran, starring himself, M. N. Nambiar, P. S. Veerappa, Latha and Padmapriya. It was Ramachandran's final film as an actor. The film is based on the novel Kayalvizhi by Akilan. It was released on 14 January 1978 and became a box-office bomb, but Latha won the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actress.

Plot
The story narrates the tale of a brave Pandiya prince named Sundharapandhiyan who redeems the kingdom from the hands of a Chola king. Under the identity of an itinerant poet, Paintamizh Kumaran, he is going to fire the consciousness of the people with his words and reunite them in his cause, which is the defence of freedom and rights. He unites the people and then engages in war with the emperor sending him reeling back and liberating Madurai reestablishing Pandiya empire.

Production
Madhuraiyai Meetta Sundharapandiyan is based on the novel Kayalvizhi by Akilan, serialised in the magazine Kalki. The film began production in 1974, with B. R. Panthulu as director and producer; however, following his death, M. G. Ramachandran took over directing while Sokkaiah and Subramani Iyer of Soleswar Combines took over production. The film was shot in Jaipur, Delhi and Mysore. It was Ramachandran's final film as an actor, after which he became a full-time politician. (When this film was released, Ramachandran was already Tamil Nadu's chief minister for months).

Soundtrack
The soundtrack was composed by M. S. Viswanathan. The song "Amutha Thamizhil" is set in Dwijavanthi raga. The song "Thendralil Aadidum" is set in Suddha Saveri raga.

Release and reception
Madhuraiyai Meetta Sundharapandiyan was released on 14 January 1978. Ananda Vikatan rated the film $50 1⁄2$ out of 100. The film became a box-office bomb, with many people attributing it to the poor timing of release. Latha won the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actress, creating a major upset as people expected either Sridevi (for 16 Vayathinile) or Lakshmi (for Sila Nerangalil Sila Manithargal) to win.