Varumayin Niram Sigappu(1980)
Varumayin Niram Sigappu is a 1980 Indian Tamil-language satirical drama film written and directed by K. Balachander. The film stars Kamal Haasan, Sridevi, and Prathap Pothen in lead roles. It follows Sundaram Rangan, an educated but unemployed young man who struggles to find work while maintaining his principles. The story explores the emotional and financial toll of unemployment on individuals and their relationships. The film was praised for its realistic portrayal of social issues and won four Filmfare Awards South, including Best Film and Best Actor. It was simultaneously shot in Telugu as Aakali Rajyam and later remade in Hindi as Zara Si Zindagi. The music was composed by M.S. Viswanathan with lyrics by Kannadasan.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- Amazon Prime Video, Aha, YouTube, Plex
- Theatrical Release
- 1 July 1980
- Director
- K. Balachander
- Language
- Tamil
- Runtime
- 2h 18m
- Rating
- 8.1/10
Storyline
Sundaram Rangan is a young, educated man who cannot find a job. He refuses to lie or cheat to get work. His father kicks him out, and he moves in with two unemployed friends. Together they face hunger, humiliation, and broken dreams. Rangan must decide if his principles are worth the pain.
“The colour of poverty is red.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Varumayin Niram Sigappu
Cast reunions in this film: Kamal Haasan & M. S. Viswanathan (28 films together), K. Balachander & M. S. Viswanathan (27 films together), Kamal Haasan & K. Balachander (21 films together), Kamal Haasan & Sridevi (13 films together), M. S. Viswanathan & Sridevi (12 films together), and M. S. Viswanathan & S. Ve. Shekher (6 films together).
Trivia
- The film was shot in just 21 days, a very fast schedule for its time.
- Actor Sathyaraj's role was originally written for Rajinikanth, who was unavailable.
- It was the first Tamil film to be shot extensively at the Chennai Central railway station.
- The title translates to 'The Colour of Poverty is Red', a bold social statement.
- Director K. Balachander also wrote the story, basing it on real-life unemployment struggles.
- The film's success led to a Hindi remake titled 'Zara Si Zindagi' in 1983.
- Composer M.S. Viswanathan used street sounds and train noises in the background score.