Padatha Painkili (transl. The Mute Nightingale) is a 1957 Indian Malayalamlanguage drama film based on the novel of the same name by Muttathu Varkey and directed by P. Subramaniam from a screenplay by Varkey.[1][2] The film revolves around marriage and dowry problems. It depicts the machinations of a wicked, though wealthy man, against a povertystricken, Godfearing school master, with the final defeat of evil in the end. It stars Prem Nazir, Miss Kumari and Shanthi.

The film released in theatres on 22 March and went on to become a major critical and commercial success.[1] It won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Malayalam.