SALANGAI OLI review

K.Vishwanath’s Purnodhayaa Movie Creations is the production house behind the landmark film, Salangai Oli. Kamalhassan, Jayapradha and Sarathbabu share the lead roles, along with S.P.Sailaja – the younger sister of S.P.Balasubramanyam – making her acting debut. Others in the cast are Arunkumar, Saakshi Rungarao, V.Sathyanaraayanan, Krishnan Chaitanyaa, Premesvara Rao, Misro and Y.S.R.Moorthy. The film also sees special guest appearances by Geetha, Mohan and Manju Paarkavi.

As the title suggests, the film has a strong focus on India’s ancient art form, Bharatha Natyam. It must, however, be pointed out that the film is much more than a docu-drama about Bharatha Natyam. It is a powerful, intense tale of love and art; beautifully told, convincingly acted and expertly crafted by master director K.Vishwanath.

Kamalhassan plays the Bharatha Natyam expert, Balakrishnan. He falls under the spotlight when he writes a scathing critique on a dance performance given by Kumarie Sailaja – played by S.P.Sailaja. Balakrishnan is openly chastised for what is seen as an insensitive barrage of comments. He receives little support from his best friend, Raghu – played by Sarathbabu. When Sailaja’s mother hears of the incident, she is startled first by the name and then to hear of how Balakrishnan has degenerated into an alcoholic. How does Sailaja’s mother know Balakrishnan? What has turned this talented and cultured man into an alcoholic? The film then lapses into a flashback to answer these questions – but with the answers to these questions, come more searching questions. To find out more, watch this entertaining, unforgettable movie, Salangai Oli – a masterpiece from K.Vishwanath.

From the very first frame, it is very clear that this is a film with class. Director K.Vishwanath has painstakingly addressed all aspects of production, with special attention to the technical aspects. From the audiography to the artistic cinematography to the breath-taking choreography, Salangai Oli has excellence written all over the film. Vishwanath’s story has depth and intensity and his characters are all three dimensional. Panju Arinachallam’s scripting finds the perfect ground, without ever resorting to melodrama – and this is a film in which any scriptwriter might be tempted to use corny exchanges or melodrama. Fortunately, Panju Arunaachallam has not fallen into this trap.

As can be expected, Salangai Oli has some impeccable acting performances. Kamalhassan is magnificent in his portrayal of Balakrishnan. The intensity of the portrayal, the depth of the character and his dazzling dancing skills all combine in an unforgettable acting performance, Jayapradha is in a mature, intense and well-developed role – which is one of the film’s most memorable characters. Sarath Babu is in a brilliant character role as Balu’s friend, Raghu. S.P.Sailaja is in an impressive acting debut. A further point must be made here that this is a film in which even the smallest speaking part is portrayed with the same intensity and credibility as the rest of the film.

Music in Salangai Oli has been scored by Isai Nyaani Illaiyaraja and not enough can be said about his performance in this film. The songs are brilliantly tuned and the success of its soundtrack in the popularity charts at the time of its release bears ample testimony to this. Illaiyaraja’s background score is just as brilliant – and this is a film in which the background score is difficult to ignore. The film’s songs have been penned by Vairamuthu. Needless to say, dance choreography by Raghu and Seshu and Gopikrishna expose the beauty and intricacy of Bharatha Naatyam.

Art director Thotaa Tharani is not at his best while cinematography by Nivaas is in keeping with the high standards set by the rest of the film. From the artistic light diffusion, to low-light photography to the picturesque locations, Nivaas is simply superb.

Produced by A.D.T.Naagesvararao, Salangai Oli has story, screenplay and direction by K.Vishwanath and scripting by Panju Arunachallam. This is a film which will appeal to all, and because of its important message, should be viewed by all.