Aval Appadithan

Aval Appadithan (She Was Made Thus) is a Tamil language film from 1978, directed by C. Rudhraiya in his directorial debut and written by Somasundareshwar. This exceptional movie features notable performances from its lead cast, including Sripriya, Kamal Haasan, and Rajinikanth. The film is considered a landmark in Indian cinema due to its phenomenal thematic aspects and unflinching depiction of female psyche. Aval Appadithan is renowned for its revolutionary take on gender politics and for its avant-garde storytelling.

The story chronicles the lives and interactions of the three primary characters: Manju (Sripriya), Arun (Kamal Haasan), and Thyagu (Rajinikanth). Manju is an independent, strong-willed woman working in the advertising industry who is unafraid to voice her opinions on the social expectations imposed on women. She is an ardent feminist who holds a deeply cynical view about men based on her tumultuous past and personal experiences. Her character is known for breaking the conventional mould of women's role depicted in Indian Cinema.

Arun, played by Kamal Haasan, is a documentary filmmaker and serves as the moral compass of the film. At the outset, Arun stands in stark contrast to Manju's disdain for the male gender. He is sympathetic and understanding, and his character signifies the ideals of a progressive man who is sensitive to women's issues. He meets Manju while on assignment and is intrigued by her unconventional beliefs and her audacious attitude towards life. Their intriguing and complex interactions provide a progressive discourse on feminist principles and form the heart of this movie's narrative.

Rajinikanth's character, Thyagu, is a suave, women-charming, successful advertising executive, who represents the stereotypical male mindset. He is former colleague of Manju and becomes an integral part of the narrative once his path again crosses with Arun and Manju. His character’s layered disposition adds a significant dimension to the movie's social critique of gender norms.

Aval Appadithan's narrative is told in a unique flashback technique interlaced with documentary-style sequences that give it an unconventional and edgy storytelling format. The black-and-white aesthetic of the film accentuates its intensity and complexity and adds to the uniqueness of its presentation.

The film severely criticizes the society's ingrained patriarchy and how it impacts the life of women. It is a sharp and brave rebuttal of the social expectations imposed on women, presented through the unfiltered lens of its lead character Manju. The film is an exploration of a woman's quest for her identity, her rights, and her freedom in a society strongly wrapped in the confines of patriarchal norms.

What makes this film strikingly ahead of its time is its unapologetic critique of the societal norms with the prism of feminism. It was an audacious attempt during the 70s period of Indian cinema where such themes were rarely touched upon. It still remains an example of brave storytelling for gender equality in the sphere of cinema.

The soundtrack and background score are another highlight of Aval Appadithan. Composed by Ilaiyaraaja, one of India's greatest composers, the music significantly contributes to shaping the movie's tone and setting its atmosphere. The film's title song went on to become one of the iconic tracks in Tamil cinema and left an indelible impact on the audience.

Despite initial commercial setback, Aval Appadithan has garnered significant acclaim over the years for its raw, bold, and ahead-of-its-time portrayal of feminism. It has since enjoyed a cult following and is often regarded as a classic for its experimental and progressive storytelling, deft character development, and the sterling performances of its lead characters.

In conclusion, Aval Appadithan is a cinematic gem that bravely pushed the boundaries of Indian cinema. The film, with its strong feminist undertones, daring storytelling, memorable performances, and memorable music, is a remarkable viewing for any cinema enthusiast.