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  • Cast Kamal Hassan,
  • BannerPremalaya Pictures
  • Editor K. R Kittu
  • Cinematography B.S Loknath
  • Music M.S Viswanathan
  • Producer R. Venkataraman
  • Director K. Balachander
  • Audio release date NA

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Direction
Story
Cinematography
Music
Editing

Akali Rajyam story at a glance

Akali Rajyam is a path breaking film in many aspects. Let it be the representation of many issues which were plaguing India then such as Unemployment, Caste System and Economic Divide, or hard hitting characterizations, the film has it all. Kamal Hassan’s terrific performance as the frustrated unemployed youth, Sridevi’s earthly performance as the female lead, Balachander’s amazing direction made it a modern classic.

Story Details:
The film is a remake of Tamil hit Varumayim Niram Sivappu directed by Balachander himself with Kamal Hassan and Sridevi in the lead. Ranga (Kamal Hassan) is an unemployed youth despite having gold medal in his academics. He lives with few friends in Delhi after confronting with his orthodox father and questioning the way of his parents’ life. An admirer of Sri Sri’s work, Balachander brilliantly shows the hero reciting the poet’s verses when in emotional turmoil. He meets Devi (Sridevi) in dramatic circumstances and soon realizes that she works in a drama company in order to support his opportunist father who utilizes her for his needs. Devi  has a boss (Pratap Pothan) who eyes her and tries to exploit her for his wrong intentions.  Ranga is brash by nature with straightforward attitude which makes it difficult for him to find the right job. He questions the wrong happenings around the society where the country couldn’t give a proper job for a Post Graduate like him. Rest of the film deals with whether Ranga gets a good job, and what happens to his relationship with the heroine.

Performances:
Kamal Hassan is extraordinary in the lead role of Ranga. He dubbed his own voice for the film which added even more depth for the character. His recital of Sri Sri’s poems in key scenes is the major highlight of the film. Sridevi is breathtakingly natural as the strong woman who deals with problems in life. Her histrionics and great screen presence adds tremendous value to the film.  Pratap Pothan is excellent as the bad guy. Remaining actors do a great job in making the film a modern classic.

Technical Aspects:
Story by K.Balachander is thought provoking with phenomenal lines. His direction is visually striking with great impact on the viewer. His timely usage of Sri Sri’s verses is a huge asset. The film is shot mostly in Delhi and shows the visual beauty of the capital city. Music by M.S.Vishwanatan is a huge asset with the experimental song “Kanne PIllavani” becoming an evergreen hit. The song features a musical conversation between hero and heroine where the former instantly pens the lyrics for the tune sung by the latter. Athreya wrote great lyrics for the song. Sapatu Yetu Ledhu is another great classic dealing about unemployment in a satirical way.

Cast and Crew:

Ranga- Kamal Hassan

Devi- Sridevi

Devi’s Boss- Pratap Pothan

Cinematography- B.S.Lokanath

Editing- K.R.Kittu

Lyrics- Athreya

Music- M.S.Vishwanathan

Producer- R.Venkataraman

Written and Directed by- K.Balachander

Banner- Premalaya Pictures

Release Year- 1981

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