Kalamegam (film)

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Kalamegam is a 1940 Tamil-language film directed by Ellis R. Dungan. It stars T. N. Rajarathnam Pillai, a famous nadaswaram musician, in the lead as Kalamegam. The screenplay was written by Puduvai Bharathidasan, marking his second film script, and this was the only film in which Pillai acted. The story portrays the life of 15th-century Tamil poet Kalamegam (Kalamega Pulavar).

The supporting cast includes S. P. L. Dhanalakshmi as Mohangi, with comedy by N. S. Krishnan, T. A. Madhuram, and Kali N. Rathnam. Dharmapuri S. Murugesan played Raja Thirumalia Naiker in the court scenes, which also feature C. V. V. Panthulu and another minister. To please fans, scenes of Kalamegam playing the nadaswaram were added.

A notable sandstorm sequence was filmed partly on location and partly with large miniatures built on Elliot's Beach in Madras. The music was composed by R. N. Chinnaiah, with lyrics by Bharathidasan. Kalamegam was released on 17 May 1940 but did not do well at the box office, though the sandstorm scenes were well received. The film is now considered lost, with only stills and 78 rpm discs surviving.