Avargal
Encyclopedia
Avargal is a 1977 Tamil film made by K. Balachander
starring Sujatha
, Kamal Hassan and Rajinikanth. The film had a reputation of being one of most sensitive movies on women’s lib. The same director later remade it into the Telugu film Idi Katha Kaadu
(1979) with Kamal Hassan repeating his role. Kamal is supposed to have learnt the art of ventriloquism for this movie in order to portray his character perfectly. This is Rajinikanth's first Tamil film which had songs sung by S.P. Balasubramaniam (SPB had earlier sung for Anthuleni Katha
, a Telugu
Rajini-starrer) who continued singing for Rajinikanth's later films for over 2 decades.
However, she soon realizes the truth about Ramanathan. He is a sadistic and jealous husband, who tortures her no end and, not unsurprisingly, she opts for a divorce. As a divorced woman, with an infant in her hands, she lands in Chennai (Madras) to take up a new job and start a new life.
Her life takes a turn for the better in Chennai as she has a very supportive friend-group in her office, particularly a widower, Janardhan (Kamal Hassan). Janardhan, or Johnnie as he is popularly called, is a talented ventriloquist who “talks” through his puppet, Junior. He falls in love with Anu, but is unable to muster up the courage to tell her about it.
In an interesting cinematic twist, her ex-husband’s mother discovers her presence in the city and takes up a job as a maid in her house.
Anu also stumbles upon her old lover in Chennai and discovers that her letters to him never reached as they were intercepted by his mentally-challenged sister. Soon, Anu renews her relationship with her old love and life seems to be looking up for her. But the ghosts of the past continue to haunt her. Ramanathan comes to Chennai in the role of her boss – a contrite and repentant Ramanathan, who now wants to re-marry Anu and redress the wrongs he had done.
The situation becomes piquant with 3 men vying for Anu – her ex-love, her ex-husband and a silent lover lurking on the sidelines. Which way will Anu go? K. Balachander takes the movie to its logical, yet completely radical and unexpected, end.
K. Balachander
K. Balachander is an Indian film director, screenwriter and producer. Balachander is known for his distinct film-making style. His films analyse unusual or complicated interpersonal relationships and social themes. He has directed nearly 80 films and has worked in 100 films either as director or...
starring Sujatha
Sujatha (actress)
Sujatha was a popular South Indian actress who has performed in Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, Kannada and Hindi language films, and was best known for restraint and subtlety in portrayal of varied emotions. Sujatha was introduced to the Tamil film industry by veteran director K. Balachander as a...
, Kamal Hassan and Rajinikanth. The film had a reputation of being one of most sensitive movies on women’s lib. The same director later remade it into the Telugu film Idi Katha Kaadu
Idi Katha Kaadu
Idi Katha Kaadu is a 1979 Indian Telugu language Drama film directed by K. Balachander starring Kamal Haasan, Jayasudha, Sarath Babu, Chiranjeevi, Saritha, and Ramaprabha. It is a remake of Balachander's earlier Tamil hit Avargal , which also won a national award. Kamal Hassan stars in both...
(1979) with Kamal Hassan repeating his role. Kamal is supposed to have learnt the art of ventriloquism for this movie in order to portray his character perfectly. This is Rajinikanth's first Tamil film which had songs sung by S.P. Balasubramaniam (SPB had earlier sung for Anthuleni Katha
Anthuleni Katha
Anthuleni Katha is a 1976 Telugu film directed by K. Balachander. The film is a remake of the 1974 Tamil film Aval Oru Thodar Kathai. This is Jayaprada's first starring role and is considered to be one of her best films. This was also Rajnikanth's first major role. Kamal Hassan played an extended...
, a Telugu
Telugu people
The Telugu people or Telugu Prajalu are an ethnic group of India. They are the native speakers of the Telugu language, the most commonly spoken language in India after Hindi and Bengali...
Rajini-starrer) who continued singing for Rajinikanth's later films for over 2 decades.
Plot
The movie revolves around the trials and tribulations of Anu (Sujatha). Anu is a happy-go-lucky girl head-over-heels in love with her boyfriend. Her life changes when her father gets transferred to Mumbai (then Bombay). Her love life falls apart as her boy friend doesn’t respond to any of her letters. In addition, her father becomes seriously ill. Her father’s office colleague, Ramanathan (Rajnikanth), becomes a great source of strength for her in these tough times. Soon, he asks for her hand in marriage. She accepts gratefully, and confesses that she had a boyfriend, who has seemingly forgotten her.However, she soon realizes the truth about Ramanathan. He is a sadistic and jealous husband, who tortures her no end and, not unsurprisingly, she opts for a divorce. As a divorced woman, with an infant in her hands, she lands in Chennai (Madras) to take up a new job and start a new life.
Her life takes a turn for the better in Chennai as she has a very supportive friend-group in her office, particularly a widower, Janardhan (Kamal Hassan). Janardhan, or Johnnie as he is popularly called, is a talented ventriloquist who “talks” through his puppet, Junior. He falls in love with Anu, but is unable to muster up the courage to tell her about it.
In an interesting cinematic twist, her ex-husband’s mother discovers her presence in the city and takes up a job as a maid in her house.
Anu also stumbles upon her old lover in Chennai and discovers that her letters to him never reached as they were intercepted by his mentally-challenged sister. Soon, Anu renews her relationship with her old love and life seems to be looking up for her. But the ghosts of the past continue to haunt her. Ramanathan comes to Chennai in the role of her boss – a contrite and repentant Ramanathan, who now wants to re-marry Anu and redress the wrongs he had done.
The situation becomes piquant with 3 men vying for Anu – her ex-love, her ex-husband and a silent lover lurking on the sidelines. Which way will Anu go? K. Balachander takes the movie to its logical, yet completely radical and unexpected, end.
Cast
- RajnikanthRajnikanthRajinikanth is an Indian film actor, media personality, and cultural icon. He made his debut as an actor in the National Film Award-winning motion picture Apoorva Raagangal , directed by K. Balachander, whom the actor considers his mentor....
as Ramanathan - Sujatha (actress)Sujatha (actress)Sujatha was a popular South Indian actress who has performed in Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, Kannada and Hindi language films, and was best known for restraint and subtlety in portrayal of varied emotions. Sujatha was introduced to the Tamil film industry by veteran director K. Balachander as a...
as Anu - Kamal Hassan as Janardhan
- Ravi Kumar as Bharani
- Leelavathi as Anu's Mother-in-law
Soundtrack
K.Balachander once again shows his ability to use music as a narrative technique and the songs tuned by MS Viswanathan were all big hits, particularly “Kaatrukkenna Veli” (sung by S. Janaki), “Junior” (sung by SP Balasubrahmanyam and Sadhan, a mimicry artist), “Angum Ingum” (sung by SP Balasubrahmanyam)- Angum Ingum - S. P. Balasubramaniam
- Gangaiyile Neer - S. JanakiS. JanakiS. Janaki is an Indian female playback singer. Renowned for her voice modulation abilities, she has sung in many Indian languages, most frequently in Kannada, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi. Throughout a career spanning more than five decades, she has won four National Film Awards and 35...
- Ippadiyor Thalattu - S. JanakiS. JanakiS. Janaki is an Indian female playback singer. Renowned for her voice modulation abilities, she has sung in many Indian languages, most frequently in Kannada, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi. Throughout a career spanning more than five decades, she has won four National Film Awards and 35...
- Junior Junior - S. P. Balasubramaniam, Sadan
- Kaatrukkenna Veli - S. JanakiS. JanakiS. Janaki is an Indian female playback singer. Renowned for her voice modulation abilities, she has sung in many Indian languages, most frequently in Kannada, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi. Throughout a career spanning more than five decades, she has won four National Film Awards and 35...