Muthalali is a 1965 Malayalam language film directed by M. A. V. Rajendran. It stars Prem Nazir, Sheela, T. S. Muthaiah and Thikkurissy Sukumaran Nair. Muthalali is inspired by the Tamil language film of the same name. The Tamil film Muthalali (1957), produced by M. A. Venu and directed by "Muktha" Sreenivasan made on a small budget, was a huge hit. The film won the National Award for the best Feature Film in the regional language category. It was the screen version of a popular play by the same name, written by A. K. Venkataramanujam. The unprecedented success of the film was attributed to its good script combined with strong mass elements like songs and performances. The producers remade the film in Malayalam with the same title. It was released on 30 April 1965. Directed by M. A. V. Rajendran, the film was shot at Rathna Studios, Salem. Dance sequences choreographed by "Chinni" Sampath were an attraction of the film. Music director K. V. Mahadevan, who composed the music for the original recommended his assistant T. K. Pukazhenthi's name to compose for the remake. Playback singer B. Vasantha made her debut in Malayalam films through this film. Plot Venu who owns a glass factory in Ernakulam goes to America for higher studies. During Venu's absence his mother, Saraswathi Amma, manages the factory with the help of the manager Vikraman Nair. Gradually Vikraman brings everything under his control and swindles the company, taking advantage of Saraswathi Amma's trust in him. After a few years Venu returns after his studies. He lands in Bombay en route to Ernakulam where he meets Kesavan, a hotel employee. Through Kesavan he comprehends the hardships faced by labourers and the need to understand the life of a worker before becoming the owner of a factory. Venu sends telegram to his mother informing her that he has to go on a business tour and will reach home a month later. Venu reaches Ernakulam, in disguise as Velu, and gets himself a job in his own factory with the help of Devaki, a worker in the factory. Venu befriends her father, Raman Nair, and stays in their home. Venu gets a clear picture of what Vikraman Nair is up to and how he manipulates the factory's assets. Vikraman, in the meanwhile, is in love with Malathi who Venu was supposed to marry. Venu falls in love with Devaki.