Varavu Ettana Selavu Pathana

"Varavu Ettana Selavu Pathana" is an engaging Indian Tamil film that made its appearance in the Tamil Cinema in 1994. This household comedy-drama is directed by the renowned director, V. Sekhar and is filled with a top-rate cast which includes Goundamani, Jaishankar, and Mounika, among others. This film is much more than an enjoyable romp; it offers essential commentary on the prevailing societal norms and values with a perfect blend of humor.

The lead characters in the film are played by Nassar and Raadhika. Nassar is seen portraying the role of Bhaktavachalam, who is a naive village accountant living an ordinary life in a small town. On the other hand, Raadhika plays Bhakyavachalam's wife, who is somewhat a material girl. While Bhaktavachalam is humble and content with what life has offered him. His wife's desires run contrary; she yearns for a life closer to the posh and lavish lifestyle she observes in her prosperous brother's family.

This friction in perceptions lays the groundwork for the movie. Goundamani plays the role of the cunning next-door neighbor Bungalow Krishnan, who begins weaving his influence around Bhaktavachalam's family, to mislead them to riches. Jaishankar portrays the role of Bhaktavachalam's wealthy brother, a contrasting figure that further exposes and predicates the societal differences and expectations between the rich and the poor.

Going more into the character details, Bhaktavachalam is a devoted husband, and even with his meager income, he attempts to furnish his wife with all that she desires. Raadhika embodies her character as the wife who tries to irk her husband into stepping up his economic status, following her vain attempts to fit into her more affluent surroundings.

These personal narratives organically resonate with viewers, making "Varavu Ettana Selavu Pathana" not just a comedy movie but also a social critique in disguise. It holds a mirror to society and reflects the huge economical and societal pressure perceived by middle-class families. The societal pressure created by the perceived need to reciprocate the spending of wealthier relatives fuels the narrative.

The unique title "Varavu Ettana Selavu Pathana" is a Tamil idiom that translates to "if income is eight, expense should be only ten." The idiom serves as a reminder of financial discipline and the prudent need to live within one's means. It creates a powerful context that encapsulates the theme of the movie.

With an interesting screenplay and excellent performance by the actors, the movie manages to entertain while subtly highlighting the pitfalls of trying to maintain a lifestyle beyond one's means. The genuine portrayals by the actors enhance the viewer's experience, making them resonate with the characters and their predicaments.

The comic relief provided by none other than Goundamani, with his witty dialogues and amusing scenes, and Senthil as the innocent helper, serves as a potential crowd-puller. Their comical interpretation of serious subjects has garnered applause and leaves the audience in fits of laughter throughout the movie.

Adding to the lively ambiance of the movie are the spectacular musical scores by Director Sirpy. Songs like "Pechu Pechu Pechukkulle" and "Mulmul Murasinga" are melodious additions to the film that continue to hold their charm even decades after the movie's release.

In conclusion, "Varavu Ettana Selavu Pathana" while being a family comedy, gracefully delivers a profound message about overcoming societal pressures and the importance of living within one's means. It is a masterful blend of well-crafted characters, situational comedy, engaging screenplay, and skilled performance. The movie, in its flair and distinct way, serves as an important reminder of some of the malaises in society, bringing them to the limelight and invoking a thought-process around them. This not-so-simple comedy-drama, till today, enjoys a timeless appeal among all types of viewers.