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Arangetram official poster

Arangetram(1973)

7.9/10
Tamil152 mins

Arangetram (1973) is a 152-minute Tamil film directed by K. Balachander. Starring Prameela, Kamal Haasan and Sivakumar. With an audience rating of 7.9/10, Arangetram stands as one of the notable Tamil releases of 1973.

Mood:
darkemotionaldisturbing
Where to watch:
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Quick Facts

Theatrical Release
2 February 1973
Director
K. Balachander
Language
Tamil
Runtime
2h 32m
GudVibe Rating
7.9/10

Storyline

A poor young woman becomes the sole provider for her large family. To support her siblings, she is forced into sex work, but her family abandons her when they discover the truth. She eventually marries a former suitor, but the ordeal leads to her mental breakdown.

A family's honor, a sister's sacrifice.

Film Details

7.9Rating
152Minutes
TamilLanguage
UCertificate
Release Date2 February 1973
Release Typetheatrical

Parental Guide

Violence
Low
Language
Low
Sex / Nudity
Mild
Drugs
Mild
Intensity
Low

Vibe & Tags

Mood
darkemotionaldisturbing
Themes
familysurvivalcorruptionidentity
Tonegritty
Pacingslow-burn
Complexitymoderate
Audiencearthouse
Best Withalone
Violence2
Emotion5
Humor1
Rewatchability3

Reviews & Ratings

Your Rating
7.9/10Rating

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Cast & Crew

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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.

Notable Collaborations

Frequently Asked Questions