Vedam Puthithu

I watched this movie as an eleven-year old. Needless to say, it did not make much sense then, and, as one reviewer has pointed out, it was all 'about Amala.' She had a magical effect on viewers, both male and female. But then, as I got older and watched this again, it all began to change. In South India, reception to this movie is either a yes or no proposition. There are those who love it to distraction and there are those who hate it like the plague itself. I like it. The film has moments where the poetic beauty is incredible. In one fell sweep, Bharatiraja raised Tamil movie to international standards. Yes, there are other excellent movies like this, ones with strong social message, but this one was long overdue by 1987. The director was bold enough to do it (he is a well known socialist, and so is Ilaiyaraja).

So it should come as no surprise that the other reviewer definitely doesn't like this movie, and I like it. Perhaps it all has to do with the caste mentality of India. (I myself do not claim immunity to this very common Indian malady.) It is a great film and it will continue to be popular.

I was not even born when this movie released. Almost 37 yrs after still it's relevant to this society. I agree we see changes like love marriages are common still lot more to change. People struggle with this customs even after love marriage bcoz love marriage in India is pulling others into your religion or caste and forcing them to covert to live in this society or future of their kids. Mostly the girls should give up evrything, adopt new culture. It's not all about. What they showed in this movie is not yet happened. When that happen this Balu will get life.. hats off evergreen bharathiraja.

Happened to see this in lockdown may 2020! One word- mind-blowing! The film looks relevant even after 33 years of making, it can well be remade today! In fact, the current social fabric is more resistant to receive films of such caliber, content, critic and class - sadly makes me wonder whether freedom of speech and expression has degraded in a democratic polity! The screenplay has no lag wherein u never need to switch to 'old movies' mode - seamless execution of the plot! One of the best Tamil movies ever made! Aww not to miss 'kannukul nooru nilavu' song that is looping in my head :)

Personally am not a big fan of Bharathiraja's movies. But this one is an exception.

To start with, the casting was excellent.

Satyaraj, Amala and Saritha at their best. Charuhasan and Raja exel with their roles which suit them best.

Janagaraj is an under appreciated actor in tamil film industry. And then we have our evergreen nizhalgal ravi too.

Secondly, the dialogues need a special mention.

"Naan karai yeritten. Neenga innum yeralaiye." "Kidaichittaangalaa? Kidaichiduchaa??" Just to mention a few. Very powerful. These dialgoues are the tools which sculpt the characters in the movie.

And finally, the screenplay it never lags. It keeps us intrigued. Its very hard to come by a movie which has a strong message as well as enjoable. Domt miss it. I advise headphones so that you dont miss out the dialogues.

The trouble with making films with "messages" is the myriad cliche traps that you fall into. This film can easily be called the beginning of Bharatiraja's decline (in popularity, not calibre which he had little to begin with). Satyaraj excels in this film, as does Sarita. Amala (ummmmm) is simply celestial. Reason enough to check it out:-))