| Director: | A. S. A. Sami C. Srinivasa Rao |
| Producer: | S. M. Sriramulu Naidu |
| Screenplay: | A. S. A. Sami Elangovan Balasubramaniam |
| Story: | A. S. A. Sami |
| Starring: | Lalitha Padmini Sriram |
| Music: | Subbiah Naidu |
| Cinematography: | Sailen Bose N. Prakash |
| Editing: | Surya |
| Studio: | Pakshiraja Studios |
| Country: | India |
| Language: | Tamil |
Ponni is a 1953 Indian Tamil-language film directed by A. S. A. Sami and C. S. Rao, starring Sriram, Lalitha and Padmini. The Telugu version Oka Talli Pillalu was released in the same year.[1] [2]
The story is about a less privileged woman (P. Santha Kumari) left with two daughters. She loses one girl ("Baby" Chandrakumari, later Padmini), who is found by a wealthy man (D. Balasubramaniam). He changes her name to Kanmani and brings her up in luxury. She becomes proud. The struggling mother sends the other girl Ponni ("Baby" Asha, later Lalitha) to work in Kanmani's house. Kanmani ill treats her and once pushes her down the staircase, which injures Ponni badly, and she lands in hospital. The rich man has an adopted son Sundaram (Kaushik). His brother, a ne'er-do-well (Sriram), misbehaves with both Ponni and Kanmani. In the process, Ponni tries to save her sister, and lands in prison, accused of murder. However, the truth comes out and they all live happily thereafter.[3]
Cast adapted from the film titles (see external links)
A. S. A. Sami was directing the film, but for reasons unknown he left half-way. C. S. Rao took over and completed it. A dance drama with the popular story of Lord Krishna which was titled Bhama Vijayam was performed by Ragini and her cousins Ambika and Sukumari. The film was shot at Pakshiraja Studios in Coimbatore. An additional attraction in the film was the real-life wrestling sequence between King Kong (Hungarian World Champion) and Dara Singh along with referee Alireza Bey (Champion of Turkey). They were performed in Park Town near Central Station.
The music was composed by Subbiah Naidu. Lyrics were by Narayanakavi, Ramaiah Dass, Balasubramaniam & Makkalanban.
| Song | Singers | Lyrics | Length (m:ss) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| "Azhagum Gunamaum Amaindha Pennukku" | Jayalakshmi | 01:47 | ||
| "Mazhayai Nambi Uyir Vaazhum" | C. S. Jayaraman | 03:21 | ||
| "Aangalai Pola Penngal" | Perianayaki | 02:35 | ||
| "Aaduvadhum Paaduvadhum Edhukku" | Mariappa & Group | 03:12 | ||
| "Paambodu Pazhagalaam Pennmani" | Jayalakshmi | 03:24 | ||
| "Madhimuga Radhi Ena" | Perianayaki | 02:02 | ||
| "Ulagam Pora Pokkile" | Loganathan & Mariappa | 01:42 | ||
| "Aadi Paadu Paappaa" | Jayalakshmi | 01:48 | ||
| "Aaduvome Oonjal Aaduvome" (Baama Vijayam dance drama) | P. A. Periyanayaki, Jayalakshmi, Radha and Komala | 09:02 |
According to historian Randor Guy, the film was an average success.