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Director: Bala
Cast: Vikram, Abita, Sriman, Shiv Kumar, Vadyar Raman, Bharati, Mohan Vaidya, Manobala.
Every once
in a while comes a film that one feels happy seeing, and would
like to recommend to one’s friends. Not that it is a great
film or a masterpiece. But that it’s a good film, very
different from the run-of-the-mill ones, and definitely worth a
watch.
Debutant director Balu displays a firm grip on the medium. His screenplay is well thought out, the flaws are negligible, and the narration gripping. There is novelty in his presentation. He has chosen artistes who fit the bill. Like Abita, who may not be a great looker, but her simple, homely appearance fits the role perfectly. The director has got the right expressions from her. Vikram who plays the title role, as the rebellious college student, the ‘dada’ of the campus, hot-blooded and violent in his ways, he is excellent. His spontaneous and natural reactions are a delight to watch. Vikram could give his contemporaries a run for their money, if only he concentrates more on his career.
There is a strong supporting cast of Shivkumar, Bharati (again from the small screen) and Vadyar Raman. One cannot miss out Sriman who plays with such understanding the role of Das, Sethu’s friend. Mohan Vaidya as Ambi, Abita’s cousin, also catches your eye. Ratnavel’s camera sets the right mood for the happenings. Illayaraja’s tunes both for the songs and the background score blend in perfectly.
The story centres round Sethu, the college rebel. Easily provoked, he and his gang are the dreaded ones in the college, indulging in rowdyism in the campus. The management somehow is never in the picture, so one doesn’t get to know why he is given such a free hand to do exactly what he pleases! His attitude at home is also a puzzle. Cocky and rebellious with his brother who seems quite affectionate and understanding. His sister-in-law too always takes up for him. College fresher Abita becomes a target of his ragging. But her nativity and simplicity soon attracts him, and he tries to mend his ways at least when she is around. At one time, encouraged by his friends, he expresses his feelings to her, finding himself strangely tongue-tied, and shy. The timid girl is naturally taken aback, and when he persists with his proposal of marriage, she rejects him.
And then one day, a frustrated Sethu, forcibly carriers her away to a remote place. His expression of love, now as violent as his expression of displeasure, shocks her further. But slowly she mellows, for his various acts of kindness (a little cliched here) had reached her ears. But then it is a bit too late. Some anti-social elements he had antagonised earlier take out their vendetta on him. His battered body recovers, but he becomes a vegetable, spending time in a mental institution. The psychiatrist suggests that the family takes him to an Ashram known for its therapy – cure for treating the mentally affected. Shades of ‘Moonram Pirai’ can be seen here. Not surprising, as the director has had his apprenticeship with Balu Mahendra. Sethu recovers enough to jump the wall and take a trip home. Only to find that Abita did not have his persistence to fight against the vicissitudes of life. These scenes are definite to touch a chord in one. And when the van comes to take him, Sethu has no reason to stay back.