| Alibabavum 40 Thirudargalum | |
|---|---|
&sq=Qlik&lang=&file=File:Alibabavum_40_Thirudargalum_1956_poster.jpg) Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | T. R. Sundaram |
| Written by | Modern Theatres Story Department |
| Based on | Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves |
| Produced by | T. R. Sundaram |
| Starring | M. G. Ramachandran P. Bhanumathi |
| Cinematography | W. R. Subba Rao |
| Edited by | L. Balu |
| Music by | Susarla Dakshinamurthi |
Production company | |
Release date |
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Running time | 149–160 minutes[a] |
| Country | India |
| Language | Tamil |
Alibabavum 40 Thirudargalum (transl. Alibaba and the Forty Thieves) is a 1956 Indian Tamil-language fantasy swashbuckler film directed and produced by T. R. Sundaram of Modern Theatres. The film stars M. G. Ramachandran and P. Bhanumathi, with K. Sarangapani, P. S. Veerappa, K. A. Thangavelu, M. N. Rajam, Sushila, Vidhyavathi, and M. G. Chakrapani in supporting roles. It revolves around Alibaba, a woodcutter who becomes wealthy after finding a secret treasure cave, but must keep his source of wealth a secret to lead a peaceful life.
Alibabavum 40 Thirudargalum was shot in Gevacolor and is notable for being the first Tamil and South Indian full-length colour film. It is a remake of the 1954 Hindi film Alibaba Aur 40 Chor, itself based on the story Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves from One Thousand and One Nights. It is also the second Tamil film adaptation of that story, after the 1941 film of the same name. Filming took place mainly at Mysore and Yercaud. The soundtrack was composed by Susarla Dakshinamurthi, and re-used many songs from Alibaba Aur 40 Chor.
Alibabavum 40 Thirudargalum was released on 14 January 1956, during the festive occasion of Pongal. It was a milestone in Ramachandran's career and became a success at the box office which was largely attributed to it being the first full-length colour film in South India. The songs also attained popularity. The film won the Film Fans' Association Award for Best Tamil Film.
- ^ Dumont 2017, p. 94.
- ^ Rajadhyaksha & Willemen 1998, p. 339.
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