Aval Sumangalithan(1985)
Aval Sumangalithan is a 1985 Indian Tamil-language drama film directed by Visu. The lead cast includes Karthik, Ilavarasi, and Chandrashekhar. The story follows a poor father who finds a groom for his daughter, unaware that the groom is hiding a terminal illness. The film explores themes of sacrifice, love, and the social status of married women in Tamil culture. It was produced by Rajam Balachander and Pushpa Kandaswamy, with music composed by M. S. Viswanathan. The film was based on Visu's own stage play of the same name. It received positive reviews for its emotional storytelling and strong performances. Aval Sumangalithan was released on 19 July 1985 and is available to stream on Eros Now.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- Amazon Prime Video (Eros Now channel), Eros Now, Airtel Xstream Play
- Theatrical Release
- 1 January 1985
- Director
- Visu
- Language
- Tamil
- Runtime
- 2h 20m
- Rating
- 2.9/10
Storyline
A poor father named Arumugam searches desperately for a groom for his daughter Uma. He finds Ravi, a kind man who asks for no dowry. But Ravi hides a secret: he is dying from a terminal disease. He marries Uma to give her the status of a sumangali before he dies. The story asks how far love and sacrifice can go.
“Love that lasts beyond death”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Aval Sumangalithan
Cast reunions in this film: K. R. Vijaya & M. S. Viswanathan (69 films together), K. R. Vijaya & Sankar Ganesh (18 films together), Visu & M. S. Viswanathan (12 films together), Karthik & Sankar Ganesh (11 films together), Visu & Sankar Ganesh (10 films together), and Sankar Ganesh & Ilavarasi (9 films together).
Trivia
- The film was originally titled 'Aval Sumangalithan' but was later re-released as 'Bhaskaran' in some regions due to the male lead's popularity.
- Director Visu, who also played the father, was known for his stage plays and brought a dialogue-heavy, theatrical style to this film.
- This was one of the few films where actor Karthik played a terminally ill character, a departure from his usual romantic hero roles.
- The movie's plot highlighting dowry and financial struggles in marriage reflected common social issues in 1980s Tamil Nadu.
- Composer Shankar–Ganesh, known for their peppy numbers, provided a more subdued and emotional background score for this drama.
- The film is considered part of director Visu's 'ethnographic' phase, focusing on middle-class family dynamics and social problems.
- Actress Ilavarasi, who played the daughter, was a popular supporting actress but this was one of her rare leading roles in a major film.