I have, on numerous occasions, sung the praises of veteran director Shridhar. I have always believed that Shridhar was much too advanced for his time and this film, OOTY VARAI URAVU has only served to strengthen that view. Having cast Nadigar Thilagam Sivaji Ganesan and Punnagai Arasi K.R.Vijaya in the lead roles, one would expect Shridhar to weave a powerful emotion-packed drama and the initial scenes of the film lead one to expect just that. Then Shridhar displays his unquestionable artistic talent in gradually changing the focus from drama to comedy, while not ignoring the seriousness of the plot.
Co-starring with Sivaji Ganesan and K.R.Vijaya in OOTYVARAI URAVU are T.S.Baalaiah, R.Muthuraman, C.K.Naagesh, V.K.Ramasamy, L.Vijayalakshmi, Sachu, Sundhariebhai and Senthaamarai.
Ravi – played by Sivaji Ganesan – is a hardworking youngster whose business skills and dedication to duty has seen him take over the family business started by his father, Vedhaachallam – played by T.S.Balaiah. On a trip out of town, Ravi comes across a young girl who was a victim of a hit-and-run accident. After admitting her to hospital, Ravi resumes his journey. On the train, he glances through a newspaper and comes across a Missing Persons notice. Thinking nothing of this, he settles down to enjoy the journey when he, for the first time, notices that the other passenger in the compartment was the same person the person reported missing.
On questioning her, the girl – played by K.R.Vijaya – refuses to say anything about her reasons for running away but begs Ravi not to reveal to anyone that he had seen her. Later in that journey, the girl’s luggage falls from the luggage compartment and when Ravi leans over to pick it up, he is stunned to see a photograph of his father, with another woman. Letters accompanying the photograph reveal that Vijaya is the result of an extra-marital affair by Ravi’s father. When Ravi gets over the initial shock, he decides to handle the matter in a rather surprising manner but – as would soon be revealed – the events are much more complicated than they initially appear to be. To find out what happens next, watch Shridhar’s magnificent family entertainer, OOTY VARAI URAVU.
This is one of the most entertaining of Shridhar’s films I have seen thus far. The plot is filled with twists, some dramatic – others comic and, carrying the events through, are very realistic, believable characters. Sivaji Ganesan is once again in riveting form in yet another complex character.
Providing superb support and a healthy dose of glamour is a very youthful K.R.Vijaya. T.S.Balaiyah is in a delightful role but I could not help but think how the role would have been had it been portrayed by Nadigavel M.R.Radha. R.Muthuraman is in an unusual role while V.K.Ramasamy does full justic to his role. Naagesh and Sachu provide some great fun. L.Vijayalakshmi is also impressive. The best of the others are Senthaamarai and Sundhariebhai.
Music in OOTIVARAI URAVU has been scored by Mellisai Mannan M.S.Visvanathan and this is an unforgettable performance from him. Every one of the film’s six songs is a memorable hit from the beaty Thedinen Vandhadhu to the jolly Pudhu naadagathil oruy naayagi to the soulful Poo maalaiyil ohr malligai to the melodious Happy indru mudhal Happy – Every song was a melodious hit and has now graduated to evergreen status. The songs were all penned by Kaviyarasu kannadassan. Dance choreography by Pasumarthi Krishnamoorthy shows lots of experimentation but the end result is not quite pleasing. M.S.Visvanathan’s background score is very good.
Art director Ganga does well but has not broken out of the stylised mode. Cinematographer N.Balakrishnan has made maximum use of the colour format, especially in the film’s many beautiful outdoor locations. Balakrsihnan’s efforts are most commendable in the film’s six songs. His indoor scenes are less impressive.
Produced by Kovai Sezhiyan for K.C.Films, OOTIVARAI URAVU is entertainment at its very best and a film you will want to see over and over. This is a film that no video collection should be without and a film which showcases the immense talent of Director Shridhar.
OOTIVARAI URAVU scores 9 points out of 10.