Chidambaram

This is a Malayalam language film by the underrated genius G Aravindan on the theme of adultery.

First of all, this is multi starrer with excellent actors from the Malayalam film industry and also Smita Patil's first Malayalam film - so definitely worth a watch there itself.

The film is about a government diary farm officer (Bharath Gopy) who is also an unmarried loner leading a routine, contended life. Things take a turn when a worker (Sriniva) in the place gets married to an attractive woman (Smita Patil). Themes of adultery are explored, but from the man's perspective.. About how he progressively finds himself falling in love with the woman. Smita is pure sensuality expressed beautifully in the way she pours love on garden flowers. Trust Aravindan to create a film on adultery with sexual scenes in it; these are only implied.

One feels sorry for Srinivasan's character who in turn also reacts so strongly, it shakes you up.

The movie also explores redemption but while the ending has hope, a clearer happier one would have been bolder on the part of the director. It was a typical then and now for art films to leave open endings. They fail to get the point that films are made for audience and not the critics!

However, the beautiful cinematography as in other films by G Aravindan like Kummatty makes for a visual treat and won him the National Award too.

G Aravindan master has always tried to separate and define spirituality from religiousness. I think he finally carved out his definition with this movie. The characters are subtle and sharp. There are no confusions about ambitions or about morality. 'Immoral' dosent always mean 'unspiritual' like the way our society has made it today. Presence of Late Smitha Patel makes the movie unique. Great effort and great accomplishment.

Chidambaram (1985) : Brief Review -

Captures the picturesque beauty of Kerala for visual pleasure, while the story offers banal conflicts. I don't understand why many have praised this film like it's a masterpiece. For me, it was a very ordinary film. The storyline and screenplay hardly have anything I would call extraordinary. Let me explain briefly. Muniyaandi works at a cattle farm for Shankaran. Muni marries the beautiful Sivakaami, who is spellbound by the farms and flowers, but Muni tells her to stay within limits. After meeting Shankaran for a letter, she gives up her typical reservation. They begin an affair and are caught red-handed by Muniyaandi one night. As a result, Muni kills Sivakaami and then hangs himself to avoid humiliation in the village. This leaves Shankaran consumed by guilt, turning to alcohol and blaming himself for destroying the life of a couple-rightfully. In the final frame, he finds Siva Chidambaram Temple and attains salvation. That's all. Is there anything special about the story? No, I don't think so. However, the composed storytelling and framework do have artistic layers. It makes the film slow, but since it isn't long, that doesn't bother much. Still, the film feels dead and rough. It's colourful, and the contrasts are beautiful for an '80s film. The cinematography captures Kerala and the village beautifully. Sreenivasan is fantastic and tops the cast. Smita Patil looks stunning in every single frame, though the character isn't remarkable. Bharath Gopi delivers well, and Dr Mohandas is convincing. G. Aravindan's direction flows smoothly, but with nothing in the story, I blame the writing and screenplay. Overall, a one-time watch, and that too for a select few.

RATING - 5/10*

By - #samthebestest.

A stunning movie starring Smita Patil and Gopi. Haunting story about guilt and lust and dignity amongst poverty, set in the Nilgiris. One of the masterpieces of Malayalam and indeed Indian cinema by one of the greatest Indian directors and starring two people (Smita Patil and Gopi) who rank amongst the most sensitive and talented actors that India has produced. Smita Patil delivers one of the best performances of her career. A must see for anyone interested in Indian cinema.