Sathyaraj, a prominent figure in the Tamil film industry, celebrated a significant milestone on October 10, when his film Saavi completed 38 years of its release. A Tamil-language production, Saavi was written and directed by Karthik Raghunath.
The film boasted an impressive cast, featuring the Baahubali fame actor Sathyaraj, alongside accomplished actors like Jaishankar, Saritha and Nizhalgal Ravi, who all played pivotal roles in Saavi. It was a remake of the 1985 Hindi film Aitbaar, originally directed by Mukul Anand. Both these films were based on the 1954 American classic Dial M for Murder, a work of cinematic brilliance helmed by the iconic Hollywood director, Alfred Hitchcock.
In the Tamil remake of Dial M for Murder, Sathyaraj played the role of a tennis player, while actress Saritha portrayed the character of the affluent housewife. Nizhalgal Ravi played the role of Saritha’s lover, weaving a complex web of relationships that mirrored Hitchcock’s original plot. The film meticulously borrowed characters and scenic elements from Hitchcock’s masterpiece, creating a captivating narrative. The musical score for Saavi was composed by Gangai Amaran and the film was produced under the banner of Maruthi Movie Arts.
Saavi went on to become a commercial success at the box office, further solidifying Sathyaraj’s position in the industry.
Dial M for Murder, which inspired Saavi, stands as a pivotal work in Alfred Hitchcock’s illustrious career. Originally released on May 18, 1954, in Philadelphia, the film was initially shot in 3D format. This format was met with a lukewarm reception from the audience, leading to a request for its release in 2D.
Subsequently, the film was re-released on the 29th of the same month, proving to be a blockbuster hit. It grossed over Rs 49 crore worldwide and earned an estimated $2.7 million in the North American box office in 1954.
Dial M for Murder was crafted around the story written by English playwright Frederick Knott. It initially premiered as a television play on BBC in 1952. The crime thriller revolves around a married couple, with the husband plotting to murder his wealthy wife in a bid to inherit her substantial fortune. The film, known for its suspenseful narrative and numerous plot twists, kept audiences on the edge of their seats, leaving an indelible mark on the history of cinematic storytelling.
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