Laila Majnu (1962 film)

Laila Majnu
Directed by P. Bhaskaran
Produced by B. N. Konda Reddy
P. Bhaskaran
Written by Jagathy N. K. Achary
Starring Prem Nazir<br/L. Vijayalakshmi
Music by Baburaj
Cinematography D. V. Rajaram
Edited by Kripa Shankar
Production
company
Kerala Pictures
Release dates
  • February 9, 1962
Country India
Language Malayalam

Laila Majnu is a 1962 Malayalam language romance film directed by P. Bhaskaran and starring Prem Nazir, L. Vijayalakshmi, Sathyan, Thikkurissi, T. S. Muthiah, Chandni, Adoor Bhasi and Kodungalloor Ammini Amma. It was the first Malayalam version of the classic Sufi legend filmed extensively in Hindi and other South Indian languages. The film's acclaimed music is composed by Baburaj. Egyptian dancer Laila appeared in one of the songs.[1][2]

Production

The film was produced by cinematographer B. N. Konda Reddy jointly with poet P. Bhaskaran under the banner of Kerala Pictures. P. Bhaskaran directed the film as well as penned the lyrics for songs. It was the first Malayalam version of the Sufi legend filmed extensively in Hindi and other South Indian languages. The film was shot at Vauhini Studios (founded by Konda Reddy) and some of the scenes were shot in the deserts of Rajasthan.

Plot

Prem Nazir and L. Vijayalakshmi in a scene from the film

Qais is son of an ordinary Arab merchant Amir Ameeri. He falls in love with the beautiful Laila, daughter of the immensely rich and powerful landlord Sarvari. Though Laila reciprocates his love in equal measure, her father opposes this match. All the attempts of Sarvari to separate the lovers fail. Sarvari shifts his residence to another city on the ouskirts of the holy town of Mecca secretly. Heartbroken at this separation, Qais loses his mental faculties and wanders aimlessly in the deserts like a lunatic. Laila meets Qais in the loneliness of the desert. Qais is beaten severely by Sarvari's men. Amir Ameeri finds his son in a very pathetic condition and he takes him to Sarvari's palace. Amir Ameeri falls at the feet of Sarvari and begs for his mercy and requests for the marriage of Laila with Qais. Sarvari's heart melts and he agrees for the marriage.

Meanwhile, Baqthum the Prince of Iraq happen to see beautiful Laila. He informs Sarvari his desire to marry Laila. Baqthum had to betray his former lover Zarina to win Laila's love. Sarvari breaks his promise with Amir Ameeri and conducts Laila's marriage with Baqthum. But after the marriage, Laila doesn't allow Baqthum to touch her.

Broken hearted Qais turns a real lunatic. He wanders in the deserts, always uttering the name of Laila. Eventually once Laila happen to meet Qais in the lonely deserts on her return from Iraq. The separated lovers meet in the deserts. Laila and Qais lose their lives in a sandstorm and unite in death.

Cast

Soundtrack

The music was composed by MS Baburaj and lyrics was written by P. Bhaskaran.

No. Song Singers Lyrics Length (m:ss)
1 Annathinum Panjamilla KS George, Mehboob P. Bhaskaran
2 Chundukanneeraal KP Udayabhanu P. Bhaskaran
3 Kandaal nalloru AP Komala, Chorus, Santha P Nair P. Bhaskaran
4 Kanninakathoru KS George, Mehboob P. Bhaskaran
5 Kazhinjuvallo P. Leela P. Bhaskaran
6 Koottililam Kili P. Leela, AP Komala P. Bhaskaran
7 Kuppivala Nalla Chippivala Chorus, Gomathy, Santha P Nair P. Bhaskaran
8 Oru Kulappoovirinjaal Santha P Nair P. Bhaskaran
9 Pavanurukki P. Leela, KP Udayabhanu P. Bhaskaran
10 Premamadhumaasa Vanathile P. Leela, KP Udayabhanu P. Bhaskaran
11 Snehathin Kaananachola P. Leela P. Bhaskaran
12 Thaarame Thaarame P. Leela, KP Udayabhanu P. Bhaskaran
13 Thoovaala KS George, Mehboob, Santha P Nair P. Bhaskaran

References

  1. ↑ "Laila Majnu 1962". Chennai, India: The Hindu. 3 May 2010. Retrieved 15 March 2011.
  2. ↑ "Laila Majnu (1962)". Malayalam Movie Database. Retrieved 11 March 2011.

External links