Watch Apoorva Raagangal

In the year 1975, the legendary Indian director K. Balachander directed a movie called ‘Apoorva Raagangal.’ It is an intensely emotional and thought-provoking drama that explores the intricate relationships between four characters against the backdrop of the Indian society's conservative outlook. The movie starts with Prasanna (played by Kamal Haasan), a young man who falls in love with Bhairavi (played brilliantly by Srividya), an older woman who is estranged from her husband. Prasanna is still reeling from his father's recent marriage to his girlfriend, Janani (played by equally talented Jayaprada), who is almost the same age as he is. It is a difficult situation for Prasanna to navigate, as he tries to come to terms with his father's choices while dealing with his own feelings for a woman who is older than him.

The movie highlights the age difference between the two lovers, which was considered taboo at the time. This idea of falling in love with someone older was uncharted territory, and the movie boldly attempts to address it. Bhairavi, who is older and married, is dealing with her own demons, namely the lack of understanding and love from her husband, who is trying to suppress her artistic ambitions. Prasanna's youth and energy rekindle Bhairavi's passion for music, and she begins to teach him about Indian classical music.

The other major character in the movie is Bhairavi's husband, Chandru (played by Major Sundarrajan), a man who is set in his traditional beliefs and doesn't understand Bhairavi's need for a career. Despite that, he desperately tries to cling onto his marriage, which is strained due to his controlling nature.

The film explores a range of emotions, including love, jealousy, infidelity, loneliness, and desperation. It is an accurate portrayal of Indian society in the mid-1970s, particularly in terms of social norms and conventions that dictate the way people live and interact.

At its core, Apoorva Raagangal is a movie about relationships - between lovers, fathers and sons, and husbands and wives. It attempts to break the genre boundaries and challenge the audiences at a time when mainstream Indian cinema was fixated with song and dance routines. The film marked the debut of Kamal Haasan, who would go on to become one of India's most significant actors and filmmakers.

The film's music, composed by the legendary music director M.S. Viswanathan, is exceptional and is an integral part of the story. The songs provide insight into the characters' emotions and highlight the beauty of Indian classical music. The lyrics, written by Kannadasan, are poignant and perfectly complement the music.

Overall, Apoorva Raagangal is a movie ahead of its time, a classic drama that explores societal norms, relationships, and love. It is a film that continues to challenge and inspire audiences, even today, over four decades after its release. It remains a landmark film in Indian cinema history and has influenced many filmmakers since its release. Its nuanced and layered portrayal of human relationships is timeless and continues to resonate with audiences across generations.