Kandam Becha Kottu is a 1961 Indian Malayalam film, directed by T. R. Sundaram, starring Thikkurissy Sukumaran Nair and Aranmula Ponnamma. It is the first colour film in Malayalam. It is not only the first colour film, but also first Eastmancolor film in Malayalam. Based on a popular novel, which was also staged as a play under the same title, the film was a big box office success.Its dialogues were written by renowned writer K. T. Muhammed and it is based on the "Kozhikkodan slang" of Malayalam. The film received a certificate of merit at the National Film Awards.
Plot
The story of the film revolves around a kind-hearted cobbler Mohammed Kakka. He keeps his life savings in the pockets of his old coat to realise his dream of going on a pilgrimage to Mecca. Alikoya Haji loves his son Ummer and brings him up showering all love and affection. Hajis's sister Kadeeja and her family lives in the neighbourhood. Amina and her children, Kunju Bibi and Hassan live in the same house. Amina's husband is a businessman in Singapore. Kadeeja's husband Avaran is very considerate to his brother's wife Amina and her family. But Kadeeja keeps ill-treating Amina. Ummer falls in love with Kunju Bibi, his childhood mate. Kadeeja is jealous of this affair. She tries all sorts of tricks to create trouble, but fails. Alikoya Haji decides to accept Kunju Bibi as his daughter-in-law, but demands a dowry of Rs. 2,000. Amina's husband starts from Singapore with the money. Arrangements for the wedding is made, but to the dismay of everyone, a telegram arrives informing the death of Amina's husband during the voyage back home. Amina and her children are pushed out of the house, the marriage is postponed as Haji gives an ultimatum to organise the dowry. Mohammed Kakka gives shelter to Amina and her family. Kadeeja continues to harass them, while Ummer tries hard to help them organise the money. He even goes to the extent of stealing from his father's safe. Ummer is caught red handed and is placed under house arrest. Mohammed Kakka makes arrangements for the marriage. He offers the money he had saved and kept in the pockets of the coat. He also appeals to others in the neighbourhood to contribute for the marriage. Ummer finally marries Kunju Bibi, providing a happy ending to the film. Mohmmed Kakka's noble deed glorifies him.
Kandam Becha Kottu was an adaptation of the stage play of the same name. The film was to be directed by K. S. Sethumadhavan in his directorial debut. But when the film's producer T. E. Vasudevan decided to shoot the film in colour, which would be much more expensive than planned, an experienced director was required. The search ended in film producer T. R. Sundaram, who was a friend of Vasudevan and had previously directed a few hit films. Sethumadhavan eventually made his debut with Vasudevan's next feature Jnanasundari and went on to become one of the most successful filmmakers in South India.
Reception
The film was a big box office success and ran for weeks in packed theatres.
