Nandanar (தமிழ்: நந்தனார்) is a 1942 Indian devotional film, based on Nandan, a low-caste farmhand, and his deep devotion to Lord Nataraja of Chithambaram. Nandanar was a major success, in part because of an innovative prize scheme.
The film was directed by Muruga Dasa and produced by S. S. Vasan under his production company Gemini Studios. The film script was written by Ki. Ra. (Ki. Ramachandran), with music by M. T. Parthasarathy and Rajeswara Rao. Starring M. M. Dandapani Desikar (his played titled role) and Serukalathur Sama played the lead role and M. R. Swamynathan, Sundari Bai, and others played portraying supporting roles. Actor Ranjan appeared as Lord Shiva in one scene in the film.
The story of Nandanar was told as a musical title by Gopalakrishna Bharathiyar's Nandan Charithram in the early 19th century. Bharathiyar's work was an immensely popular example of Harikatha.
This was the fifth series of films on Nandhanar made in Tamil. The earlier versions were made in 1923 (silent), 1930 (talkie), 1935 (talkie), and 1942. The most successful among these versions were made by Gemini Studios in 1942 with M. M. Dandapani Desikar, a well-known Carnatic musician with a melodious voice and one of the early singing stars who played the role of Nandhan. Its concept was similar to Nandanar (1935 film) (also known as Bhakta Nandanar), which starred K. B. Sundarambal as Nandhanar. Though earlier films on Nandhanar failed, this 1942 version was a huge commercial success. The film made an impact among the audience, especially among Harijans (pariah), who were considered untouchable at that time.
Source: WIKIPEDIA