Avalude Ravukal
| Avalude Ravukal | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Directed by | I. V. Sasi |
| Produced by | Ramachandran |
| Written by | Alleppey Sheriff |
| Based on | Avalude Ravukal Pakalukal by Alleppey Sheriff |
| Starring |
Seema Ravikumar Soman Sukumaran |
| Music by |
A. T. Ummer Lyrics: Bichu Thirumala |
| Cinematography | Vipin Das |
| Edited by | K. Narayanan |
Production company |
Murali Movies |
| Distributed by | Sithara Pictures |
Release dates |
|
Running time | 144 minutes |
| Country | India |
| Language | Malayalam |
Avalude Ravukal (Malayalam: അവളുടെ രാവുകള്) is a Malayalam film directed by I. V. Sasi, released in 1978. The film explores the life of a teenage prostitute and those of the people around her. The film was dubbed in Tamil as Avalin Iravugal.[1][2]
Avalude Ravukal is considered as one of the boldest Malayalam movies of all time. I. V. Sasi, the experimental and the most popular director at that time, tried to highlight a theme which most mainstream directors are scared to get into.[3] Actor Kamal Haasan and director I. V. Sasi made guest appearance in the film.[4]
The film was remade in Kannada as Kamala (1979).[5]
Plot
The story pivots around Raji (Seema), a young prostitute, and three young men in her life: Two college-going youngsters, Babu (Ravikumar), Jayan (Sukumaran) and a school teacher Chandran (Soman).
Raji loses her parents early in her life leaving the responsibility of bringing up her younger brother Sudhakaran (Master Raghu) on her shoulders. Circumstances and her unskilled status force her into a life of a prostitute. She begins living in a slum with (Meenakumari) and a cycle-rickshaw driver Damu (Kuthiravattom Pappu) working as her ‘agent’ or pimp.
Babu who stays in a nearby hostel takes a fancy to Raji. Babu becomes a regular customer of hers; she visits him at his place. Babu’s friend Jayan also attempts to approach Raji but possessive Babu doesn't allow this. News spreads about Babu’s relationship with Raji. Raji's brother Sudhakaran has a teacher-student relationship with Chandran. One day a beggar steals Chandran’s wrist watch through an open window. Sudhakaran is arrested by the police, because he is a regular at Chandran's room. He is beaten up by the cops in police custody and Sudhakaran dies from the physical trauma after his release. The real thief is later arrested and Chandran is uneasy about it and whether his judgement resulted in loss of life. From remorse Chandran offers support to Raji, but she refuses to accept it and to forgive him in any manner.
Babus's father Karunakaran (Bahadoor) decides to marry his son to his wife Lakshmi's (Kaviyoor Ponnamma) brother's daughter, Damodaran's (Sankaradi) daughter Radha (Usharani). Karunakaran, Damodaran, and Radha reach Babu’s hostel and are shocked to see Raji in his room. They come to know about Babu’s premarital relations with Raji. Damodaran, ashamed and angered, marries Radha to another successful man.
Jayan, who had a severe drinking problem, dies of liver-related complications. On his death bed he asks Babu to not abandon Raji and emphasizes it with the justification that her love for him is pure, even if its ‘impure’ in the eyes of the society. Raji gets gang-raped and Chandran’s timely intervention saves her.
Knowing her son's waywardness Lakshmi comes to the town to meet Babu and eventually Raji. She takes pity on Raji when she comes to know about her past and her son's blind love to her. Lakshmi accepts her as her daughter-in-law and takes her home.[6]
Cast
"Many of the leading ladies of the day were not bold enough to play the role of a prostitute. Then I thought of Seema, who had caught my attention as a dancer while shooting Itha Ivide Vare."[3]
- I. V. Sasi about the casting of Seema. Avalude Ravukal was Seema's first lead role and she went on to associate with Sasi in 30 more films. They got married later.
Soundtrack
The music was composed by A. T. Ummer and lyrics were written by Bichu Thirumala. The song Raagendu Kiranangal was a super hit and is today considered an all-time classic.
| No. | Song | Singers | Lyrics |
| 1 | Antharindriya Daahangal | K. J. Yesudas | Bichu Thirumala |
| 2 | Raagendu Kiranangal | S. Janaki | Bichu Thirumala |
| 3 | Unni Aarariro | S. Janaki | Bichu Thirumala |
References
- ↑ {{cite web|url=http://www.malayalachalachithram.com/movie.php?i=859|title=Avalude Raavukal|accessdate=2014-10-08|publisher=www.malayalachalachithram.com}}
- ↑ "Avalude Raavukal". malayalasangeetham.info. Archived from the original on 13 October 2014. Retrieved 2014-10-08.
- 1 2 P. K. Ajithkumar (25 April 2013). "Architect of blockbusters". The Hindu. Thiruvananthapuram, India. Retrieved 12 May 2013.
- ↑ "Avalude Raavukal - Kamalhasan & Director I.V Sasi in a Special Appearance". Youtube. Retrieved 27 November 2016.
- ↑ http://kannadamoviesinfo.wordpress.com/2013/04/10/kamala-1979/
- ↑ http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/avalude-ravukal-1978/article5996208.ece