Jayalalithaa’s Role as Goddess in Shakti Leelai Revisited

Tamil cinema has always embraced films based on mythological and devotional stories. Movies like “Thiruvilayadal,” “Saraswathi Sabatham,” “Kandan Karunai,” “Thiruvarutchelvar,” and “Thirumal Perumai” are prime examples. Most of these were directed by A.P. Nagarajan. In this line came another devotional movie, “Sakthi Leelai,” directed by T.R. Ramanna.

Devotional movies usually feature ensemble casts, and “Sakthi Leelai” was no exception. The film starred leading actors such as Jayalalithaa, Saroja Devi, K.R. Vijaya, K.B. Sundarambal, Usha Rani, Ushanandini, Gemini Ganesan, Sivakumar, A.V.M. Rajan, Manjula, Ashokan, Manorama, and V.K. Ramasamy. Such a star-studded lineup was unique to this film. Gemini Ganesan played Lord Shiva, while Jayalalithaa portrayed Periya Palayathu Amman. Sivakumar played the role of Narada.

The music was composed by T.K. Ramamoorthy, with lyrics by the legendary Kannadasan. Songs like “Sakthi Vandhaladi,” “Kaalaip Pozhudhe,” “Ambigai Nadagam Akilam Muzhudhum,” “Thannai Vendravan Evanum,” and “Uranga Koodadhu Kanne Mayanga Koodadhu” were well received. As the title suggests, the movie highlighted the power of female deities. Gemini’s dance performance as Shiva and Jayalalithaa’s portrayal of the divine feminine received high praise. Released on this day in 1972, the film was critically acclaimed and loved by audiences.