In the late 70s and 80s, when the Tamil film industry was formed by its patriarchs MG Ramachandran and Sivaji Ganesan, there emerged director K Balachander, who broke several traditions.
While most of Balachander's films targeted the urban majority, a visionary filmmaker from the rural backdrop of Tamil Nadu soon followed him.
"My dear Tamil people, this is your lovable Bharathiraja!"
Hailing from a village in Theni, Tamil Nadu (then Madras Presidency), Bharathiraja began his film career as an assistant to Kannada filmmaker Puttana Kanagal. Best known for his sensitive stories and realistic characters, Bharathiraja made his directorial debut with 16 Vayathinile in 1977, which became a landmark film in the history of Tamil cinema.
He broke conventional storytelling methods and created a new genre, 'village cinema'. The stupendous success of 16 Vayathinile opened doors for Raja, who went on to direct several films based in villages and undid the social taboos and norms of that period.
On his 75th birthday, it is worth remembering some of the best films of this iconoclastic filmmaker.
16 Vayathinile:
A still from 16 VayathinileHis maiden film, 16 Vayathinile focused mainly on the vulnerabilities of a 16-year-old schoolgirl Mailu played by Sridevi. Actor Kamal Haasan, who had a huge fan base in the 80s, stepped away from his celebrity stature and portrayed the role of a loafer Chappani. Unfortunately, superstar Rajinikanth was not a 'style samrat' back then, and hence captivated the audience with just his acting as the antagonist Parattai. The film earned a cult status among fans for its rustic characters and theme.
Over 39 years after its release, what still stands out is the dialogue said by Kamal Haasan when Mailu questions Chappani's loyalty despite the fact that she loathes him. He says, "Aatha aadu valathuchu kozhi valathuchu..aana naaye mattum valakala. Naaiku bathila intha Chappaniya dhan valathuchu." (sic) "Your mother nurtured hens and goats. But she didn't pet a dog, she nurtured Chappani instead."
While there's still an ongoing debate in the Tamil industry regarding the success of Bharathiraja and how he supposedly overshadowed Balachander, an interesting fact is that Balachander had written a letter to Bharathiraja lauding the film upon its release.
Sigappu Rojakkal:
Kamal Haasan in Sigappu Rojakkal
This was probably the first film in Tamil cinema which experimented with noir. Based on a psychopathic serial killer Dileep played by Kamal Haasan, the film went on to become an out-and-out money spinner at the box office. One who's had a disturbed childhood with women, Dileep preys on nubile girls, videotapes them and kills them. We get to see the flashback of the killer Dileep through his love interest Sarada played by Sridevi. The film owes its success to the climax where the director cuts a close-up to the mentally retarded Kamal Haasan's face, who drops a tear upon seeing his wife Sarada, who is his only coherent thought.
This particular scene is reminiscent of Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho (1960). The film was later remade in Hindi as Red Rose. Also, the film was loosely inspired by the notorious Mumbai serial killer Raman Raghav, who is now more known thanks to Anurag Kashyap's recently-released Hindi film Raman Raghav 2.0.
Alaigal Oivathillai:
The film was first of its kind, and primarily dealt the religious norms of the 80s. Based on the love story of a Hindu Karthik and a Christian Radha, the movie delivered home hard-hitting messages about the religious barriers that form the backbone of our society.
Mudhal Mariyadhai:
Sivaji and Radhan in Mudhal MariyadhaiThere are films about love. There are films about lust. But Mudhal Mariyadhai will always remain a love story without lust, just like Balachander's Apoorva Raagangal. Legendary actor Sivaji Ganesan's stellar performance as Malaichamy in this film remains unmatched till date. Actor Radha plays the love interest of Sivaji, who stunned the audience with her performance, competing against the 'acting samrat'.
Based on the love story between an old man Sivaji and a young woman Radha, the emotions showed in the film were exceedingly subtle, without a trace of vulgarity or lust anywhere. The central theme of love became synonymous with the film's title, which roughly translates to Mutual Respect. The song Poongatru from the film became a huge hit upon release and is still crooned by many. Bharathiraja won the National Award for Mudhal Mariyadhai.
Vedham Pudhithu:
The title roughly translates to New Veda. Quite in keeping with its title, the film highlighted the rampant caste issues of the 80s. Telling a story with the sensitive subjects of caste and politics, Bharathiraja's ideology was widely appreciated. Set in the rural backdrop of Tamil Nadu, the story about a Brahmin girl Amala, who falls for a Thevar (caste) boy Raja. Balu Thevar, an atheist outside, is against casteism. The film's brilliance lies in the scene when a young Vedic boy calls out Balu Thevar's hypocrisy at his preference of using his caste name while at the same time preaching against casteism. Bharathiraja was awarded a National Award for Vedham Pudhithu in the Best Film on Other Social Issues category.
Apart from the aforementioned films, some of his other notable works are Karuthamma, Anthimanthaarai, Kadal Pookal, Kizhake Pogum Rail, Kizhakku Cheemaiyile, Mann Vasanai and Kadalora Kavithaigal.
In an age where cinema symbolises mere entertainment, Bharathiraja was adamant on the fact that films are not just for amusement but tools for social reforms. He successfully brought in a sea of change in the filmmaking standards in Tamil cinema and is still considered a pathbreaking filmmaker.
