title: Thiruneelakantar
text: # Thiruneelakantar
  
  Thiruneelakantar is a 1939 Indian Tamil-language film directed by Raja Sandow and starring M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar. The film, based on the life of Tirunilakanta Nayanar, was a big hit and was known for Thyagaraja Bhagavathar's acting apart from his songs. The noted nadaswaram player T. N. Rajarathinam Pillai makes a guest appearance.
  
  ## Cast
  
  * M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar as Thiruneelakantar
  * Sirukalathur Sama as Siva Yogi
  * Thirunelveli Papa as Neelaya Thatchi
  * N. S. Krishnan as Chokan
  * T. A. Mathuram as Bommi
  * T. S. Durairaj
  * R. Balasaraswathi as Saraswathi
  * S. S. Rajamani as Kalavathi
  
  ## Soundtrack
  
  Soundtrack was composed by Papanasam Sivan. The song "Dheena Karunakaraney" was well received and became a cult classic. The song Pavazhamaal is a Thiruvisaippa composed by Thiruvaliyamudhanar. T. N. Rajarathnam Pillai set the tune for this in the raga Nattai.
  
  ## Release
  
  Randor Guy of The Hindu wrote "Remembered for MKT’s scintillating songs and the comedy by NSK-TAM."
  
  