Ashok Kumar (film)

Ashok Kumar is a 1941 Tamil-language historical drama film directed by Raja Chandrasekhar. Based on a legend involving the Mauryan emperor Ashoka, his son Kunala and Ashoka's second wife Thishyarakshai, it stars M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar, Chittor V. Nagaiah and P. Kannamba. The film was released on 17 September 1941.
Plot.
The Mauryan emperor Ashokar's son Kunalan is courted by Ashokar's second wife Thishyarakshai. When he rejects her advances, he is falsely accused by the queen of trying to seduce her, and is thrown into prison and blinded. The story, however, comes to a happy end with his eyesight being restored by Gautama Buddha and the king acquits him of all the charges.
Production.
"Ashok Kumar" is based on a legend involving the Mauryan emperor Ashoka, his son Kunalan and Ashoka's younger queen Thishyarakshai. It was the first Tamil film based on the legend, which was previously filmed in Hindi as "Veer Kunal" (1925). Telugu actress P. Kannamba played the role of Thishyarakshai. This was her second Tamil film and since she did not know the language, she was provided with a script in which Tamil words had been transliterated into Telugu. "Ashok Kumar" marked the debut of Ranjan (credited as R. Ramani), who portrayed Gautama Buddha. The song and dance sequence, "Unnai Kandu Mayangaatha" was shot in a single night at Newtone Studio.
Soundtrack.
The songs were composed by Alathur V. Subramanyam and the lyrics were written by Papanasam Sivan. Playback singers are Rama Rao and Mani of the Renuka Orchestra.
Release and reception.
"Ashok Kumar" was released on 17 September 1941. Kay Yess Enn of "The Indian Express" praised the film for Kannamba's performance.
In other media.
Portions of "Bhoomiyil Maanida" were used in "Theepidikka", a song in "Arinthum Ariyamalum" (2005).