Synopsis
Manimekalai is a 1959 Indian Tamil-language epic film directed by V. S. Raghavan and written by Elangovan.
The film stars T. R. Mahalingam and P. Bhanumathi in the titular role of Manimekalai, who is both the daughter of Madhavi (a renowned courtesan) and Kovalan, and also a sea goddess.
Manimekalai grows up in an atmosphere influenced by renunciation and spirituality after her mother's transformation following Kovalan's death. She becomes a beautiful woman and learns music and dance from her grandmother Chitrapathi and mother Madhavi.
The narrative involves Prince Udhaya Kumaran being captivated by Manimekalai's beauty, but ultimately seeing his affections thwarted when the sea goddess intervenes. Manimekalai is then carried away to the southern island of Manipallavam in Naga Nadu.
