MOHAM MUPPATHU VARUSHAM review

The Indian weekly magazine Ananda Vikatan is one of Tamil Nadu’s most popular weekly magazines. A popular feature in the magazine is the serialised version of various locally-written stories. The Rajinikanth- Sri Devi starrer, Priya, was an example of one such story being made into a movie. For the film Moham Puppathu Varusham, the debut production of Sornambigaa Productions, yet another story from the Ananda Vikatan comes to life on the silver screen – a story which proved to be very popular when it was first published. This is the film Moham Muppathu Varusham.

Kamalhassan, Sumithra and Sri Priya head the cast in Moham Muppathu Varusham -s supported by Jayalatchmee, Vijayakumar and Major Sunderrajan. Others in the cast are Veeraraaghavan, Sukumarie, Manorama, S.N.Latchmi. S.Ramarao, kaathaadi Ramamoorthy and S.L.Naarayanan.

The story is a refreshing break away from cinematic stereotypes in its exploration of new ground. What constitutes a happy marriage? How does one deal with apparent incompatibility? How does one go about turning a troubled marriage to a blissful one! This film does not purport to know all the answers to these questions, but it does provide some interesting food for thought.

Kamalhaasan plays the dashing youngster Ramesh, who has just returned to India after spending a few years studying overseas. Determined to stay in touch with his roots, he arranges to meet a girl, then her family and then decides to marry the girl. She is Kasthurie – a very orthodox Brahman girl. Kasthurie’s parents – played by Major Sunderrajan and Sukumarie – are ultra-liberal and fun-loving. Kasthurie barely knows her parents, having spent her entire childhood and teenage years with her widowed aunt – played by S.N.Latchmee. Consequently, Kasthurie is totally ignorant of the ways of the world, including how to be a good wife.

Meanwhile, Ramesh’s secretary is also in a troubled marriage. She is the modern girl Menaka – played by Jayalatchmee. Menaka is starved of attention from her husband Ravisanker – played by Vijayakumar. Ravisanker is not deliberately hurting her but he spends so much of time on his art that he quite forgets that his wife needs love and attention. What will become of these two troubled marriages? Do they follow a more conservative or orthodox approach to solving their problems or are more drastic measures called for? Watch the surprising turn of events in Moham Muppathu Varusham.

Maniyan’s story has all the complexity of plot and richness of characterisation that any winning formula will have. The plot is credible and surprisingly honest in its approach. This, clearly, was a film more than two decades ahead of its time. Screenplay and scripting is by master director Mahendran who directed films like Johnny and Viswaroopam. Mahendran’s powerful dramatic exchanges throughout the film make for enthralling viewing.

Kamalhaasan, as the dashing modern youngster plays his role brilliantly. As would be evident from the plot summary, the role is quite a challenging one and Kamalhaasan handles this task expertly. Sumithra is in a soulful performance although it is difficult for one to empathise with such a character. Vijayakumar plays his role beautifully and this too is a challenging character with credible depth. Jayalatchmee is in quite a daring role as Ravisanker’s frustrated wife. Sri Priya brings into the film a fresh breath of air in a lively, vibrant and lovable role. Major Sunderrajan, S.N. Latchmee and Veeraraaghavan are the best of the others.

Music in Moham Muppathu Varusham has been scored by Vijayabhaskar. None of the songs are quite memorable but Vijayabhaskar’s background score is very good. Lively dance choreography by Madhurai Ramu liven up the songs while Art Director Radha makes a solid contribution in the songs.

Babu’s cinematography explores new ground through some unusual angles and use of light. Babu’s indoor cinematography deserves special mention.

Produced by M.Shanthi Naaraayan for Sornaambiga Productions, Moham Muppathu Varusham is a modern, palatable tale which will appeal to all – young and old. It will be of special interest to married people or those intending to marry soon.