Aval Oru Thodar Kathai(1974)
Aval Oru Thodar Kathai is a 1974 Indian Tamil-language drama film written and directed by K. Balachander. The lead role is played by Sujatha in her Tamil film debut, with Kamal Haasan, Vijayakumar, Jai Ganesh, M. G. Soman, and Sripriya in supporting roles. The story follows Kavitha, a working middle-class woman who supports her large family alone, sacrificing her own desires and marriage prospects. The film is the second in Balachander's trilogy about women who sacrifice for their families, following Arangetram (1973) and preceding Manathil Urudhi Vendum (1987). It was a critical and commercial success, running for 25 weeks in theatres. Balachander won the Filmfare Award for Best Director – Tamil for this film. The movie was remade in Telugu, Bengali, Hindi, and Kannada.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- YouTube
- Theatrical Release
- 13 May 1974
- Director
- K. Balachander
- Language
- Tamil
- Runtime
- 2h 25m
- Rating
- 8.4/10
Storyline
Kavitha is the only earning member of her family. Her father left them, her brother is a drunkard, and she has a widowed sister, a blind brother, and others to support. She keeps postponing her marriage to her boyfriend Tilak. When Tilak falls in love with her sister, Kavitha sacrifices her own happiness. She finally gets a chance to marry her boss, but tragedy strikes on the wedding day.
“Her story never ends.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Aval Oru Thodar Kathai
Cast reunions in this film: M. S. Viswanathan & Sujatha (38 films together), M. S. Viswanathan & Vijayakumar (33 films together), Kamal Haasan & M. S. Viswanathan (28 films together), K. Balachander & M. S. Viswanathan (27 films together), Sripriya & M. S. Viswanathan (22 films together), and Kamal Haasan & K. Balachander (21 films together).
Trivia
- The film's title translates to 'She is a Never-ending Story', reflecting the endless struggles of the protagonist.
- This was the first Tamil film to be shot extensively inside a real office, capturing the daily work life of women.
- Director K. Balachander initially considered actress Jayapradha for the lead role before finalizing Sujatha.
- The movie's success led to a Hindi remake titled 'Doosra Aadmi' in 1977, starring Rishi Kapoor.
- Composer M.S. Viswanathan recorded the song 'Senthazham Poovil' in a single take with singer S. Janaki.
- The film is noted for its realistic portrayal of a middle-class family's dependence on a working woman's income.
- It was one of the few films of its time to show the lead female character smoking on screen, highlighting her stress.