Mannathi Mannan

Mannathi Mannan is a 1960 Indian Tamil-language historical action film directed and produced by M. Natesan. The film stars M. G. Ramachandran, Anjali Devi and Padmini. It was released on 19 October 1960, during Diwali.

Plot
Dancer Chitra and prince of Uraiyur Manivannan fall in love with each other after meeting in a dance competition. However, Chola King Kanikannan also desires Chitra. Meanwhile, Manivannan's father, the Cheran King sends his minister, seeking the hand of Karpagavalli, daughter of King Karigala, for his son. But the King thwarts this proposal, talking ill of the heredity of Manivannan's mother. Unable to bear his mother being insulted, Manivannan goes to the Chola kingdom and abducts Karpagavalli. In the meantime, a dacoit, played very cleverly by Kanikannan, forces Manivannan to marry Karpagavalli.

Cast
Cast according to the opening credits of the film


 * Male Cast
 * M. G. R. as Manivannan
 * P. S. Veerappa as Kanikannan
 * M. G. Chakrapani as Karikala Chozhan
 * Kula Deivam V. R. Rajagopal as Balaraman
 * N. S. Narayana Pillai
 * Azhwar Kuppusami
 * P. S. Venkatachalam
 * R. M. Sethupathi
 * Thirupathisami
 * T. V. Sivanantham

T. S. Kamala, D. Madhuri, T. K. Rajeswari, Revathi, Sakunthala, C. R. Mohana, G. Bala, G. Sundari, Leela, N. Meera, B. Shantha, K. Rajeswari, Rajamma, Vittoba, J. N. Rajam, G. Kamala, Nagu and P. T. Saroja.
 * Female Cast
 * Anjali as Karpagavalli
 * Padmini as Chithra
 * Ragini
 * G. Sakunthala as Mangayarkarasi
 * Lakshmiprabha
 * Dance
 * Lakshmi Rajyam, Rita, T. S. Jayanthi,

Soundtrack
The music composed by Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy. The song "Aadatha Manamum" is based on Latangi raga.

Release and reception
Mannathi Mannan was released on 19 October 1960, during Diwali. It was previously scheduled for 30 September. The Indian Express wrote "the story could have been very well developed in a different way [..] Anyway the picture is replete with romance, dance and fight" and praised the performances of star cast including Padmini. Kanthan of Kalki called it a very ordinary film, but good by Ramachandran standards. Despite facing competition from Kairasi, Petra Manam, and Paavai Vilakku, released on the same day, the film became a commercial success. It achieved cult status in Tamil cinema, and the song "Achcham Enbadhu Madamaiada" helped Ramachandran become a "cultural icon".