Synopsis
Sevasadanam is a 1938 Tamil-language drama film directed by K. Subrahmanyam.
The movie tells the story of Sumathi, played by M. S. Subbulakshmi, an abused wife driven out of her home by her husband and subsequently forced into prostitution. After reforming, she dedicates her life to establishing a care institution for the children of prostitutes.
Produced in 1938 following the success of Balayogini (1937), it was Subramanyam's first film based on Premchand's novel Bazaar-e-Husn. The screenplay was written by the director himself, and S. Varalakshmi made her Tamil acting debut in this socially oriented picture.
Sevasadanam is one of the early Tamil films to be set in a contemporary social setting and to advocate reformist social policies. This was the first film for M. S. Subbulakshmi and the Tamil debut of Telugu actress S. Varalakshmi.
