Kappalottiya Thamizhan (transl. The Tamilian who launched a ship) is a 1961 Indian Tamil-language historical drama film produced and directed by B. R. Panthulu. The film stars Sivaji Ganesan, Gemini Ganesan and Savitri. It is based on the 1944 book of the same name by M. P. Sivagnanam, a biography of V. O. Chidambaram Pillai who founded the Swadeshi Stream Navigation Company to break the monopoly of the British over maritime trade out of India.
Kappalottiya Thamizhan was released on 7 November 1961. The film received critical acclaim, and won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil at the 9th National Film Awards. Though it performed poorly at the box office during its initial release, it fared better after receiving tax exemption during its re-release 1967.
Directed by : B. R. Panthulu
Screenplay by : 'Chithra' Krishnaswamy
Based on : Kappalottiya Thamizhan
by M. P. Sivagnanam
Produced by : B. R. Panthulu
Starring : Sivaji Ganesan , Gemini Ganesan , Savitri
Cinematography : W. R. Subba Rao , Karnan
Edited by : R. Devarajan
Music by : G. Ramanathan
Production company : Padmini Pictures
Release date : 7 November 1961
Running time : 197 minutes
Country : India
Language : Tamil
