Kiratha Arjuna Released in Dual Versions to Enthrall Audiences
May 25, 2025 Published by indiaglitzcom
During the early years of Tamil cinema, mythological and devotional stories dominated the screen. As these films were well-received by audiences, more movies in this genre were produced. One such film was Kiratha Arjuna, also titled Urvashi Saagasam. Some films from that time, like this one, were released with dual titles.
The film is based on a sub-story from the Mahabharata. Lord Shiva, wishing to test and reveal Arjuna’s deep devotion to Parvati, disguises himself as a hunter named Kiratha. While Arjuna is hunting, a wild boar charges at him. Both Arjuna and the hunter shoot arrows at it. The boar, revealed to be the demon Mookasura in disguise, dies. A dispute arises over who killed it, leading to a battle where Kiratha (Shiva) triumphs.
Arjuna makes a lingam out of mud and offers flowers in worship. Interestingly, the flowers end up on Kiratha’s head, making Arjuna realize he was fighting Lord Shiva himself. Shiva, moved by Arjuna’s piety, blesses him with the powerful Pasupatastra weapon.
The film was directed by G. Ramaseshan and Murgadasa. M.R. Krishnamurthy, brother of renowned Carnatic musician Maharajapuram Vishwanatha Iyer, played Arjuna. He was both an actor and singer, known for his stage performances before entering cinema. He previously acted as Krishna in the 1934 film Bhama Vijayam.
Carnatic musician Bhavani K. Sambamoorthy composed the film’s music and played Narada. T.M. Ramasami Pillai portrayed Lord Shiva, and Thirukaraivasal Subbulakshmi acted as Urvashi, sent by Indra to distract Arjuna from his penance. The project was produced by Venus Pictures (not to be confused with Sridhar’s studio) with lyrics by Papanasam Sivan. Cinematography was by G. Singh and Devji. Although censored in 1939, it was officially released in 1940 and was a commercial success. Sadly, no known prints of the film exist today.
Kiratha Arjuna, Tamil cinema, Mythological films, Arjuna and Shiva, Pasupatastra
