Genova (1953 lm)

Genova is a 1953 Indian Malayalam lm, directed by F. S. Viswanathan, actor M. G. Chakrapani, lyricist and di-
Nagoor and produced by E. P. Eppan.[1] The lm stars alogue writer Swami Brahmavrathan, lyricist Peetham-
M. G. Ramachandran, B. S. Saroja in lead roles. The baram, and director F. Nagoor also made their Malay-
lm had musical score by M. S. Viswanathan, Gnana- alam cinema debut in this lm. The veteran actor of early
mani, Kalyanam. The lm was remade in Tamil which Malayalam cinema and one of the pioneers of musical
was released two months after the Malayalam release. operas, Sebastian Kunju Bhagavathar dubbed for M.G.R.
Probably, this was the rst instance in Malayalam cinema
All the main roles in both the languages were performed
by same artistes, except for the villain role enacted by where the voice of an actor was dubbed.
Alleppey Vincent, which was done by P. S. Veerappa in
the Tamil version. It is the one and only Malayalam lm
in which M.G.R. acted. It also is the debut of Malayalam
lm of actor M. G. Chakrapani, music director M. S.
Viswanathan, lyricist and dialogues writer Swami Brah-
mavrathan, lyricist Pethambaram, and director F. Na-
goor, M. G. Ramachandran, B. S. Saroja, M. G. Chakra-
pani, Alleppey Vincent, T. S. Durairaj.
1 Plot
Released in 1953, this lm was scheduled as an Easter
release. However, it nally hit the theatres 13 days after Cipresso (M.G.R.), the brave king of Ardreena, weds
Easter. Despite the late release Genova' was a huge hit. princess Genova (B. S. Saroja). Soon after the wedding
Genova' was an adaptation of a musical opera (Sangeeta the king starts an expedition to the borders to suppress the
Natakam) that was staged in Kerala by prominent drama enemies from the neighbouring kingdoms. Genova could
troupes under the titles Genova' and Genova Parvam'. not convey to the king the happy news that she is pregnant
Authored by one of the doyens of the Malayalam mu- at the time when the king left for the war. Minister Golos
sical operas, T. C. Achutha Menon, this musical drama (Alleppey Vincent) wicked eyes are on Genova and mak-
became very popular. The success of this drama and a ing use of the situation he tries to molest her. The queens
Tamil lm with a similar theme Gnana Soundari (1948) faithful servant Garthoos intervenes and saves her. The
might have prompted the producer-director F. Nagoor to minister manipulates the situation and the blame is put on
make this lm. The story is a mix of myth and history. the servant. Genova and Garthoos are imprisoned by the
It had scenes about the glory of Mother Mary, the kind minister. Genova gives birth to a baby boy in the prison.
mother who descends to Earth in order to save her devo- When Cipresso returns to the palace after a victorious
tees etc. The lm was remade in Tamil, which was re- war, Golo turns him against the queen framing the false
leased two months after the Malayalam release. charges against her. Cipresso believes Golo. Garthoos is
All the main roles in both the languages were performed sentenced to death and Genova is banished from the king-
by same artistes, except for the villain role enacted by dom. In the forest, Mother Mary appears before Genova
Alleppey Vincent, which was done by P. S. Veerappa in and blesses her. Genova leads the life of a saint. Golo
the Tamil version. The presence of M. G. Ramachan- plots to dethrone the king. He spreads the rumour that
dran, B. S. Saroja, M. G. Chakrapani, T. S. Durairaj and the king is insane and that the kingdom is in trouble. Ci-
others added star value. The dialogues of the Malayalam presso is imprisoned and Golo takes over the reins of the
version were authored by the noted writer of musical op- kingdom. The army chief, Annas (M. G. Chakrapani)
eras, Swami Brahmavrathan. He also wrote the lyrics also lays hatches a plot to grab power. A few faithful ser-
along with Peethambaram. The story, dialogues and even vants of Cipresso free their king from the prison. Ci-
the comedy scenes of the lm were exact copies of the presso and his men attack Golo and in the ensuing ght
successful musical opera Genova.' Produced jointly by Annas is killed and Golo escapes. Cipresso also comes
Eapen and F. Nagoor under the banner of Chandra Pic- to know that the queen is innocent. Cipresso goes on a
tures the lm was shot at Newton Studios, Madras. The search for Genova. In the forest, Golo and his men at-
lm introduced M.G.R. the super star of Tamil cin- tack Cipresso. In the ensuing sword ght Golo is killed
ema to Malayalam. Although Genova' remains the only and the wounded Cipresso falls down. The young prince,
Malayalam lm in which he acted. Music director M. Genovas son, nds Cipresso and takes him to Genovas
abode. In the end all the misunderstandings are cleared.[2]

1
2 5 EXTERNAL LINKS

2 Character map of Genova and its

remake

3 Soundtrack
Music Composed by M. S. Viswanathan, M. S. Gnana-
mani and Kalyanam and Lyrics were Written by Suratha,
Ramani and Rajamani.

3.1 Tamil Track list

The Playback Singers consists of A. M. Rajah, P. Leela,
A. P. Komala.

4 References
[1] http://www.malayalachalachithram.com/movie.php?i=
35

[2] http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/
tp-metroplus/article784902.ece

5 External links
Genova on Internet Movie Database
 3

6 Text and image sources, contributors, and licenses

6.1 Text
Genova (1953 lm) Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genova_(1953_film)?oldid=778528191 Contributors: Cattus, Dl2000, Roland
zh, Aspects, Niceguyedc, Uksharma3, Fortdj33, I dream of horses, Skrishnankec, Scorpions13256, Jj98, Vivvt, Sugram, Luigi Boy, Niajm,
MagicatthemovieS, Abhishek0831996, Sangavitamilmani and Olive North

6.2 Images

6.3 Content license

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