Aval Appadithaan

Aval Appadithan surely ranks among the very best that Tamil Cinema has to offer international Cinema. The low and bleak lighting and photography being black and white and with varied angles and depth give the film a documentary style and enforces the realism behind harsh realities of life in Tamil Nadu, particularly to the woman who is always pressurized into submission and slavery under one pretext or another. The torment and torture undergone by a sensitive and caring female psyche and its distortion by male chauvinist Society into bizarre and unpredictable forms and shapes is the theme and though the acting of all including Rajinikanth as a male chauvinist and soft spoken Kamal demand appreciation, it is the acting of Sripriya which is extraordinarily brilliant...It is true that songs are out of place in such a serious, stark and sombre film but this is a small defect when juxtaposed with other merits. It is most unfortunate that neither critics nor intellectuals of Tamil Nadu or India have taken notice of this remarkable and unforgettable movie ... It is indeed a milestone in both Tamil and Indian Cinema and far ahead of its times...

A movie with plenty of craft in it that'd make the European masters, especially the French, sit up and take notice. The lighting, the cinematography, the music and the jump cuts set the movie up for an amazing watch but never believe that the a movie can work without a good story. It is always the story that makes the film and Aval Appadithan has not only a radical story but one which is extremely well written. Great acting makes it an extremely sensitive watch and Rudhraiya's film is a treat for a cinephile. It is unfortunate that a maker of such a masterpiece hasn't gone on to do more films.

It closes out making you want to stand up and give it a rousing applause for being as great as it is. If the movie didn't affect me enough that it made me want to hold myself tight after watching it, I would have had tears of joy at watching such a masterpiece. One of the greatest films made, this is an Indian film far beyond almost everything with the exception of a dozen films to have come from these shores. A masterpiece that can change lives. Hats off to Mr. Rudhraiya and this remarkable team of talented professionals. Ilayaraja's brooding background score adds to the sombre nature of the movie

one of the best Indian moves ever made. Underplay done by one of the greatest Indian actors ie Kamal hassan, a bold rold played by yesteryear's actor sripriya and uncharecteristic role enacted by South India's cine star Rajini kanth are the highlights of the movie. India's best ever music director Ilayaraja's brilliance can also be seen in this movie. Lots of English dialogues which is unlikely in Indian cinemas in 70's is a surprise, but they as sharp as it could be. no clichés no nonsense, this is a very complete movie. Climax was spot on with kamal's voice essaying the journey of sripriya. this is a must see movie.

At the same period of time there was lot of legends do films like Balachander, Balu Mahendra, Bharathiraja, Mahindran and so. But the film is entirely new way of story telling. Its deal with people who are all exist in the society feminist, man who support feminist and male chauvinist. The way Sripriya and Rajini characters portrait are just awesome. Unimaginably 4 decades before they talk about feminism. Even she exploit by the society(Her Mother, Father and sexual intention men) she just move on as a passing clouds for her survival all the are very realistic. Climax of the film is one of the best I ever saw, Its like a poet. Music is just mind blowing and photography is just like a painting. Its a pride of Tamil Cinema.

Widely regarded as the best Tamil film ever made, which I agree with, Aval Appadithan is an outstanding cinematic work that continues to provoke and impress all those years later. With an unlikely cast of stars, including Kamal, Rajini and Sripriya, the film explores the life of a woman prejudiced against men (Sripriya) and how Kamal enters her life, only to be mystified by her personality. Rajini is marvellous as the chauvinistic lecherous boss. The film is complete in every respect, be it direction, performances, screenplay, music (Ilayaraja, of course), editing, cinematography, et al. If there is one film that Tamil cinema can be proud of, it is this. Awesome.