Watch Selvi

In the 1985 Tamil drama film Selvi, directed by Pavithran, we are transported to rural South India, where we are introduced to the eponymous protagonist, played by Revathi. Selvi is an independent and headstrong young woman who has had to work hard to support her family after her father's untimely death. She earns her living by running a small tea shop on the outskirts of her village, and is known for her feisty nature and quick wit.

Despite the challenges that life has thrown her way, Selvi is determined to make the most of her circumstances and dreams of a better life. She is resolute in her desire to ensure that her sister gets a good education, and hopes that one day she can provide her family with a comfortable life. However, Selvi's plans for the future are thrown into disarray when she falls in love with Velayutham (Radha Ravi), a wealthy and educated man from the city.

At first, Selvi and Velayutham's relationship seems like a fairy tale come true. They are deeply in love, and Velayutham promises to help Selvi achieve her dreams. However, as time goes on, the cracks in their relationship begin to show. Velayutham's family is opposed to his relationship with Selvi, and they do everything in their power to sabotage it. Meanwhile, Selvi's family is suspicious of Velayutham's motives, and worries that he might not have her best interests at heart.

As the tensions between the two families escalate, Selvi finds herself caught in the middle of a bitter feud. Despite her best efforts to keep the peace, she is unable to reconcile the differences between the two sides. Ultimately, Selvi is forced to make a difficult choice - should she follow her heart and stay with Velayutham, or should she prioritize her family's well-being and leave him?

Revathi delivers a standout performance as Selvi, capturing the character's determination and resilience with grace and sincerity. She imbues Selvi with a quiet strength that allows her to navigate the challenges that come her way with courage and fortitude. Radha Ravi is equally impressive as Velayutham, infusing the character with a complex mixture of vulnerability and arrogance that makes him both intriguing and frustrating to watch.

In addition to its gripping storyline and impressive performances, Selvi is notable for its strong social commentary. The film explores themes of casteism, gender inequality, and the challenges faced by those living in rural areas. It sheds light on the struggles of those who are marginalized and discriminated against, and encourages its audience to empathize with their experiences.

While Selvi is certainly a heavy film that deals with weighty topics, it is not without its moments of levity and humor. The interactions between Selvi and her sister, played by Ilavarasi, are particularly entertaining, providing a welcome respite from the film's more serious themes. Similarly, the comedic stylings of Senthil, who plays Velayutham's friend, inject the film with a sense of fun and lightheartedness.

Overall, Selvi is a powerful and thought-provoking film that offers a nuanced portrayal of life in rural South India. It is a testament to the strength and resilience of those who face oppression and discrimination, and serves as a reminder that, in the face of adversity, love and hope can still flourish.

Selvi is a 2016 action movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 25 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.0.