Nichaya Thamboolam (transl. The Betrothal) is a 1962 Indian Tamil-language romantic drama film, directed and produced by B. S. Ranga. The film stars Sivaji Ganesan and Jamuna. It was released on 9 February 1962. The film was released in Telugu as Pelli Thambulam.^[2]

This article needs an improved plot summary. (August 2022)

A senior police officer, Ranganathan, has a spoilt son, Raghuraman. Ranganathan's wife (Raghu's mother) Kamakshi is a kind-hearted lady. Raghu falls in love with Seetha, is the daughter of a poor teacher, Ramanna. Ranganathan's family and Ramanna's family are related to each other. When Seetha born, both parents agreed that she should be married to Raghu and exchanged the Nichaya Thamboolam. However, due to their status, the families had been estranged from each other. Raghu marries Seetha and begets a child. But Raghu suspects Seetha's fidelity and walks out. To complicate matters further, Raghu is charged with the murder of his friend Pattusamy. Seetha takes the blame on herself in order to save Raghu. After more twists and turns it is revealed that Pattusamy is alive. The families come together and all live happily.

For the song "Padaithane Padaithane", Ranga initially built an elaborate set; however he had it torn down and "instead painted the floor wet black and used lamp posts".^[3]

The music composed by Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy and the lyrics were penned by Kannadasan.^[4] "Padaithane Padaithane" is set in Bilaskhani Todi, a Hindustani raga.^[5]

The film was a box-office success, though it did not hit the 100-day mark.^[6]