1979 film by R. Thyagarajan
Annai Oru Aalayam (transl. Mother is a Temple) is a 1979 Indian Tamil-language adventure film directed by R. Thyagarajan. It was simultaneously shot in Telugu with the title Amma Evarikaina Amma (transl. Mother is mother for all). The film stars Rajinikanth as an animal hunter who helps a baby elephant to reach its mother. It was a commercial success and included music composed by Ilaiyaraaja. The film was a remake of the Hindi film "Maa" (1976).
Plot.
An animal hunter seeks to help a baby elephant reach its mother.
Cast.
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Production.
The film prominently features two elephant actors: Ganesh, then a calf, and Rathi, an elder female.
Soundtrack.
The soundtrack was composed by Ilaiyaraaja with lyrics by Vaali. The song "Amma Nee Sumandha" is set in Charukesi raga. For the Telugu version, lyrics were written by Acharya Aatreya. The song "Appane Appane" is played frequently during festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi annually.
Reception.
"Ananda Vikatan" rated the film 52 out of 100, appreciating the cinematography. The critic said the film faltered in the first half but did better in the second half with the arrival of the elephant calf.
References.
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