Arangetram(1973)
Arangetram is a 1973 Indian Tamil-language drama film written and directed by K. Balachander. The film stars Prameela in her acting debut, alongside Sivakumar, Kamal Haasan, S. V. Subbaiah, and M. N. Rajam. The story follows Lalitha, the eldest daughter of a poor Brahmin family, who turns to prostitution to support her family after her father refuses to let her work. The film explores themes of poverty, hypocrisy, and sacrifice. It was controversial for its bold content but became a critical and commercial success. The film was remade in Telugu as Jeevitha Rangam and in Hindi as Aaina. It was released on 9 February 1973.
Arangetram is streaming on Eros Now and Airtel Xstream Play.
Where to watch:Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- Eros Now, Airtel Xstream Play, Plex
- Theatrical Release
- 2 February 1973
- Director
- K. Balachander
- Language
- Tamil
- Runtime
- 2h 32m
- Rating
- 7.9/10
Storyline
Lalitha is the eldest daughter in a poor Brahmin family. Her father refuses to let her work, even when the family starves. Desperate to feed her siblings, she disobeys him and finds a job. But when her brother needs money for medical school, she is exploited and forced into prostitution. Her family lives well on her earnings, but they reject her when they learn the truth.
“Her first performance was her last innocence.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Arangetram
Cast reunions in this film: Kamal Haasan & K. Balachander (21 films together), Kamal Haasan & Jayachitra (10 films together), K. Balachander & V. Kumar (9 films together), Jayachitra & Sivakumar (9 films together), Kamal Haasan & Sivakumar (8 films together), and K. Balachander & Sivakumar (5 films together).
Trivia
- The film's title 'Arangetram' refers to a dancer's debut performance, symbolizing the lead character's forced entry into a harsh world.
- This was the first Tamil film to be shot in the Soviet Union, with scenes filmed in Moscow and Leningrad.
- Actress Prameela, who played the mother, was only about 10 years older than Sujatha, the actress playing her daughter Lalitha.
- Director K. Balachander initially wanted a different actress for the lead but cast newcomer Sujatha after being impressed by her stage work.
- The film's bold theme led to controversies and some protests, but it was also critically praised for its social message.
- Composer M.S. Viswanathan used a rare instrument called the clavioline to create a distinct, haunting background score.
- The movie was remade in Hindi as 'Behroopia' (1972), but the Tamil original was released a year later.