Aval Appadithan(1978)
'Aval Appadithan' (1978) is a Tamil-language drama film directed by C. Rudraiah in his directorial debut. The film stars Sripriya, Kamal Haasan, and Rajinikanth in lead roles. The story follows Manju, a woman shaped by a dysfunctional family and a series of failed relationships with men. She develops a cynical and aggressive attitude toward men as a result of these betrayals. The film was noted for its stylish black-and-white cinematography, extensive use of English dialogue, and bold themes of women's liberation and male chauvinism. It received the second prize for Best Film at the 1978 Tamil Nadu State Film Awards. Though a box office failure on release, it later gained a cult following and is considered far ahead of its time.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- YouTube
- Theatrical Release
- 15 November 1978
- Director
- C. Rudhraiya
- Language
- Tamil
- Runtime
- 2h 22m
- Rating
- 8.1/10
Storyline
Manju is a cynical young woman who has been betrayed by every man she trusted. She works at an advertising agency under the chauvinist Thyagu. When sensitive filmmaker Arun arrives to make a documentary on women, Manju is assigned to help him. As they work together, Arun tries to understand her painful past while Thyagu warns him to stay away.
“That is how she is.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Aval Appadithan
Cast reunions in this film: Kamal Haasan & Ilayaraja (60 films together), Rajinikanth & Ilayaraja (58 films together), Sripriya & Kamal Haasan (19 films together), Sripriya & Ilayaraja (19 films together), Saritha & Ilayaraja (15 films together), and Rajinikanth & Kamal Haasan (15 films together).
Trivia
- The film was inspired by a real-life conversation between director C. Rudraiah and actress Sripriya about women's independence.
- It was one of the earliest Tamil films to use a non-linear narrative structure, breaking from traditional storytelling.
- Composer Ilaiyaraaja created the background score in just three days, a remarkably short time for a film of this complexity.
- The character Manju's iconic line 'I am not a flower to be plucked' became a famous feminist slogan in Tamil Nadu.
- Director C. Rudraiah also played a small role in the film as Arun's friend, appearing in a few scenes.
- The film was a commercial failure upon release but later gained a strong cult following for its progressive themes.
- It features one of the earliest instances of a 'meta' ending in Tamil cinema, where characters discuss the film itself.