Kappalottiya Thamizhan

Kappalottiya Thamizhan English The Tamilian who launched a Ship is a 1961 Indian Tamil drama film directed by B. R. Panthulu. The film features Sivaji Ganesan and Gemini Ganesan in the lead roles, while S. V. Subbaiah, T. K. Shanmugham, S. V. Ranga Rao, Savitri and S. A. Ashokan appear in supporting roles. The film is based on the biography of V.O.Chidambaram Pillai written by Ma. Po. Si.M.P.Sivagnanam. V. O. Chidambaram Pillai, founded the Swadeshi Stream Navigation Company to break the monopoly of the British over maritime trade out of India. Upon release, the film received critical acclaim and was adjudged the Best Tamil Film at the 9th National Film Awards, however it failed at the box office. This film had some sequences in colour. It was written as Partly Coloured in the film cencors certificate.

Chidambaram, along with Subramaniya Sivam, is invited to Tirunelveli by the District Collector, Mr. Winch. The collector directs them not to engage in political activity and also orders them out of the District. They defy the orders and are arrested. In the trial which ensues, Chidambaram is sentenced toyears life imprisonment and Sivam toyears. Chidambarams sentence is reduced to six years on appeal. The imprisonment of these two leaders sparks off mass unrest which is put down ruthlessly. Some time later, the new District Collector Ash is shot dead by a young patriotic Vanchinathan, who commits suicide before the police can reach him.The news of the unrelented struggle outside gives much consolation to Chidambaram and Sivam who are treated barbarously in the prison. Chidambaram emerges from the prison a broken man only to witness a series of disappoinments Sivam is a victim of leprosy contracted during his term in prison, Chidambarams brother has turned insane, the National Shipping Company is bought by its British rival and cherished leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Bharathiar pass away one after another. Chidambaram devotes the last years of his life to the study of literature and dies still dreaming of the day when India would be free. ........

Source: Wikipedia