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Thiruvilayadal is an Indian Tamil-language mythological drama film released in 1965. The film was directed by A. P. Nagarajan and produced by K. Muniratnam. The film features some of the leading actors of the Tamil cinema including Shivaji Ganesan, Savitri, K.B. Sundarambal, R. Muthuraman, Devika and Nagesh. The movie is based on the Hindu mythology and revolves around the story of Lord Shiva and his devotee, the poet-saint Thirugnana Sambandar. The movie takes the audience on a spiritual journey through stories from the Hindu epics like Thiruvilayadal Puranam and Saiva Sithantham.

The story is set in the holy city of Madurai, where Lord Shiva (Shivaji Ganesan) has descended to earth to test the devotion of his devotees. He is disguised as a simple poet and begins to interact with people whom he sees as having strong faith.

One such devout believer is Thirugnana Sambandar (played by S.A. Ashokan), a young poet-saint, who is taken under the divine guidance of Lord Shiva. The movie depicts the experiences of Thirugnana Sambandar as he travels the land spreading the word of Lord Shiva and performing miracles.

The film also features the love story of Sundarar (played by R. Muthuraman) and his wife, Paravai (played by Savitri). The two characters are portrayed as ardent devotees of Lord Shiva, and their story becomes intertwined with the narrative of Lord Shiva's divine interventions.

Another noteworthy character in the movie is Kuzhandaivelu (played by Nagesh), a mischievous and witty thief who unwittingly becomes a part of Lord Shiva's game of testing the faith of his devotees.

One of the highlights of the movie is the portrayal of Lord Shiva in various forms, including as a dancer, a sage, and a simple poet. Shivaji Ganesan's performance as Lord Shiva is noteworthy for his portrayal of the god's various moods, from playful to fierce.

The movie also features some of the popular devotional songs of Tamil Nadu, including "Oru Naal Podhuma" and "Paattum Naane Bhavamum Naane." The songs are composed by K. V. Mahadevan and the lyrics are penned by Kannadasan, a renowned poet of the time.

Thiruvilayadal was a commercial success and is considered a landmark film in Tamil cinema history. The film received critical acclaim for its portrayal of Hindu mythology and has been hailed as one of the best renditions of the Thiruvilaiyadal Puranam. The film's success led to its remakes in various Indian languages, including Telugu and Hindi.

In conclusion, Thiruvilayadal is a timeless classic that remains relevant to this day. The film's depiction of Lord Shiva and his devotees continues to inspire and captivate audiences. The movie's beautiful storytelling and soulful music are a tribute to the rich cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu.