| Alibabavum 40 Thirudargalum | |
|---|---|
DVD Cover |
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| Directed by | T. R. Sundaram |
| Produced by | T. R. Sundaram |
| Starring | M. G. Ramachandran P. Bhanumathi P. S. Veerappa K. A. Thangavelu K. Sarangapani M. N. Rajam M. G. Chakrapani |
| Music by | Susarla Dakshinamurthy |
| Distributed by | Modern Theatres |
| Release date(s) | 14 January 1956 |
| Country | India |
| Language | Tamil |
Alibabavum 40 Thirudargalum is a 1956 Tamil language film starring M. G. Ramachandran and P. Bhanumathi in the lead role. The film was released in Pongal Day, 14 January 1956.[1] It is the first colour film made in the Tamil language.[2] This film is dubbed into Telugu as Alibaba 40 Dongalu.
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The story of Alibaba is one of the tales that Queen Scheherazade related to the brutal king Shahryar every night in order to save her own life. Translated in English by Sir Richard Burton, the Arabian Nights became popular all over the world. Alibaba and the 40 Thieves and Alladin and the Magic Lamp are the most famous ones. Both have been translated into most languages of the world, and have found stage and screen adaptations in many languages. T. R. Sundaram of Modern Theatres remade the 1954 Hindi movie to the Tamil adaptation.
The movie opens with Marziana (Bhanumati) dancing and singing in the public square of Bhagdad, her faithful aide Dhowlat (K. Sarangapani) playing the dholak. Marziana is an orphan and sings and dances on the streets to earn a living. As the song ends, the tyrant Sher Khan, commander of the unpopular ruler Amir Kasim Khan (M. G. Chakrapani) tries to force Marziana to come with him to be inducted into the king’s harem, but she resists him with all her might. She is rescued by Alibaba (MGR), who fights with Sher Khan and vanquishes him. Marziana and Dowlat find refuge in Alibaba’s house. Alibaba is a poor woodcutter and lives with his sister Aysha (Suseela) and servant Bulbul (M. N. Rajam). Marziana learns that they are the siblings of the king, who had driven them out at the instigation of his cruel wife Salima (Vidyavati). Marziana and Alibaba find themselves falling in love.
Seeing the fabulous wealth that Alibaba has brought home from the hideout of the robbers, Marziana is seized by sudden insecurity and doubt. She suspects that this sudden affluence would change Alibaba and he would not remain loyal to her anymore.
Amir Kasim wallows in jealousy when he hears of the sudden fortune of Alibaba, and is determined to ferret out the source of Alibaba’s riches. Under Salima’s guidance, he invites Alibaba and his household for a feast. Cunningly obtaining the secret of the robbers’ cave from Alibaba, he then orders Alibaba’s arrest, accusing him falsely of attempted murder. The ever-resourceful Marziana pretends to hail Kasim’s order. She declares that Alibaba had been unfaithful to her and he deserved this retribution. And taking a knife, she sings this song, acting as though she means to kill Alibaba. But as she nears Alibaba at the end of the song, in a swift movement of the knife she cuts the ropes that bind his hands! Alibaba is free and after a thrilling sword fight in which he is naturally the victor, they make good their escape.
Alibaba is declared the king of Baghdad when his brother dies. The entire city rejoices, as Alibaba is known for his noble qualities. Marziana greets him with a song in praise.
From the cobbler Gulam’s (Thangavelu) assertion that the woodcutter Alibaba had become wealthy overnight, the leader of the thieves Abu Hussain (P.S. Veerappa) guesses that it is Alibaba who has discovered the secret of his cave. Having his men hidden inside barrels, he comes to Alibaba’s house disguised as an oil merchant seeking shelter for the night. By happenstance Marziana notices Abu Hussain whispering to his man hidden in the barrels and realizes his true identity. Dancing at a banquet that Alibaba hosts in honour of the guest, Marziana sings this song even as per prior arrangement each time she sounds the gong while dancing, Dowlat and Bulbul roll the barrels one by one into the swirling waters.
List of songs: