Mani Magudam

Mani Magudam is a 1966 Indian Tamil-language historical action film, directed by S. S. Rajendran and written by M. Karunanidhi. The film stars Rajendran, C. R. Vijayakumari, Jayalalithaa,and M. N. Nambiar. Based on Karunanidhi's play of the same name, it was released on 9 December 1966.

Plot
A group of revolutionaries from Manimagudapuram raise a revolt against their king and try to establish democracy in their kingdom. However, they do not know that their king is a kindhearted man.

Cast

 * S. S. Rajendran as King Mani Maaran/Puthumai Pithan
 * C. R. Vijayakumari as Alli
 * Jayalalitha as Poongodi/Kalarani
 * M. N. Nambiar as Raja Guru/Veera Mahendran
 * S. A. Natarajan as Diwan Gunaselar
 * Manorama as Vanchi
 * A. Karunanidhi as Ulagappan, Vanchi's brother
 * O. A. K. Thevar as Ponnazhagan,
 * "En Thangai" Natarajan
 * R. V. Udayappa as Marutheeran
 * N. S. K. Kolappan as Azhangappan
 * S. V. Sahasranamam in Guest appearance
 * Nagesh as Anandhan in Guest appearance

Production
Mani Magudam is based on Karunanidhi's play of the same name. While Rajendran, the lead actor of the play, reprised his role in the film adaptation, Manorama was replaced by Vijayakumari as the lead actress.

Soundtrack
The music was composed by R. Sudarsanam.

Reception
Kalki noted that, among the three roles portrayed by Rajendran, only the insane one was worth applauding.