Chandralekha (1948 film).
Chandralekha is a 1948 Indian historical adventure film produced and directed by S. S. Vasan of Gemini Studios. Starring T. R. Rajakumari, M. K. Radha and Ranjan, the film follows two brothers who fight over ruling their father's kingdom and marrying the village dancer, Chandralekha. Veppathur Kittoo developed a story based on a chapter of Robert Macaire; or, The French Bandit in England, a novel by George W. M. Reynolds. The film spent five years in production, undergoing a number of scripting, filming and cast changes, and was the most expensive film made in India at the time. Vasan mortgaged all his property and sold his jewellery to complete the film. The Tamil version (poster pictured), released on 9 April 1948, did not recoup production costs. Vasan directed a Hindi version with some changes, which was a box-office success. South Indian cinema became prominent throughout India with the film's release, inspiring South Indian producers to market their Hindi films in North India.
