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{{for|the 2019 film|Azhiyatha Kolangal 2}}

{{short description|1979 film by Balu Mahendra}}

{{for|the 2019 film|Azhiyatha Kolangal 2}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2015}}

{{Use Indiandmy Englishdates|date=NovemberApril 20152024}}

{{Use Indian English|date=April 2024}}

{{Infobox film

| name = Azhiyatha Kolangal

Line 8:

| caption = Poster

| director = [[Balu Mahendra]]

| producer =

| writer = Balu Mahendra

| starring = {{ubl|[[Pratap K. PothenShoba]]|[[ShobaPratap Pothen]]}}

| music = [[Salil Chowdhury]]

| cinematography = Balu Mahendra

| editing = D. Vasu

| studiomusic = Devi Films (P)[[Salil Ltd.Chowdhury]]

| studio = Devi Films

| released = {{Film date|df=y|1979|12|07|ref1={{Sfn|Dhananjayan|2014|page=258}}}}

| runtime = 100 minutes

| country = India

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}}

'''''Azhiyatha Kolangal''''' ({{transtranslation| ''Enduring [[Kolam|Patterns]]''}}) is a 1979 Indian [[Tamil -language|Tamil]]-language [[coming-of-age film|coming-of-age]] [[drama film]], directed by [[Balu Mahendra]],. starringIt stars [[Pratap K. PothenShoba]] and [[ShobaPratap Pothen]]. [[Kamal Haasan]] played a guest role in the film. The film was Balu Mahendra's second directorial venture and his first in Tamil.<ref>{{Cite news |date=13 February 2014 |title=டைரக்டர் பாலுமகேந்திரா திடீர் மரணம் |url=http://cinema.maalaimalar.com/2014/02/13105628/famous-director-Balu-Mahendra.html |titleurl-status=டைரக்டர்dead பாலுமகேந்திரா|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141204103813/http://cinema.maalaimalar.com/2014/02/13105628/famous-director-Balu-Mahendra.html திடீர்|archive-date=4 மரணம்December 2014 |access-date=1328 FebruaryNovember 2014 |work=[[Maalai Malar]] |access-date=28 November 2014 |language=Tamil}}</ref> Partly autobiographical, the film dealt with the events that happen during the adolescence of three friends who live in a small village. In addition to directing the film, Balu Mahendra wrote the screenplay and shot the film. The film was released on 7 December 1979. Upon release, ''Azhiyadha Kolangal'' received critical acclaim, and was premièred at the "Indian Panorama" of the [[International Film Festival of India]] in 1980.

''Azhiyadha Kolangal'' was released on 7 December 1979.{{Sfn|Dhananjayan|2014|page=258}} Upon release, it received critical acclaim, and was screened at the "Indian Panorama" of the [[International Film Festival of India]] in 1980. A spiritual successor, ''[[Azhiyatha Kolangal 2]]'', was released in 2019.

==Plot==

Gowrishankar ([[Kamal Haasan]]), a managing director of a company in [[Madras]], receives a letter from his childhood friend Pattabi. The story goes into flashback mode where he along with Pattabi and another friend Raghupathi live in a small village. The three teenage friends are attracted to Indumathi ([[Shoba]]), a school teacher who comes to their village, and try to impress her. Situations lead to Raghupathi's death by drowning.

==Cast Plot ==

Gowrishankar, the managing director of a company in [[Madras]], receives a letter from his old friend Pattabi informing him about the death of their teacher, Indumathi. On reading the letter, Gowri becomes nostalgic and recollects his past.

<! -- https://archive.is/vjViS -->

*[[Pratap K. Pothen]] as Indumathi's husband

*[[Shoba]] as Indumathi

*[[Kamal Haasan]] as Gowrishankar (Guest appearance)

* Master Manohar as Raghupathi

* [[Venniradai Moorthy]]

* [[K. R. Indira Devi]]

In childhood, Gowri, Pattabi and Raghupathy are close friends and study at a village school. The three friends try to explore sex through a prostitute, but run away immediately after reaching her house. Pattabi likes the girl who visits his house and starts spending time with her. Gowri likes the new teacher Indu and dreams of living with her, despite the wide age gap. Raghupathy looks for excitement through his friends.

==Production==

<!-- http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/actor-archana-talks-about-azhiyatha-kolangal/article8229440.ece -->

After the critical and commercial success of his directorial debut ''[[Kokila (1977 film)|Kokila]]'', Balu Mahendra decided to make a film in Tamil, that was partly autobiographical according to him.<ref name=hindu1>{{cite news|last1=P. K.|first1=Ajith Kumar|title=A life in cinema|url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/a-life-in-cinema/article595756.ece|access-date=28 November 2014|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=26 August 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Warrier|first1=Shobha|author-link=Shobha Warrier|title=Sex and teenage fantasies|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2003/aug/18balu.htm|work=[[Rediff.com]]|access-date=27 November 2014|date=18 August 2003}}</ref> It was during this time, he was approached by [[Mahendran (filmmaker)|Mahendran]] to shoot ''[[Mullum Malarum]]'', the latter's directorial debut.<ref name=MM>{{cite web|title=முள்ளும் மலரும் படத்தில் நான் பாலு மகேந்திரா|url=http://www.filmmakerbalumahendra.blogspot.in/|publisher=filmmakerbalumahendra.blogspot.in|access-date=27 November 2014|language=Tamil|date=21 April 2013}}</ref> Initially hesitant to work in Tamil films, Balu Mahendra accepted the offer, thus entered the [[Tamil cinema|Tamil film industry]] as a cinematographer. Because of his commitments with ''Mullum Malarum'', he shelved his directorial venture. After the success of ''Mullum Malarum'', he revived the project and named it ''Azhiyadha Kolangal''.<ref name=MM /> The film was produced by Devi Films of Devi Theatre Complex. The film was shot at Pettavaithalai, Sirugamani and Inungoor near Trichy in 27 days within the budget of 8 lakhs.{{Sfn|Dhananjayan|2014|page=259}}

Gowri’s dreams are shattered when Indu’s fiance arrives. Indu spends more time with her fiancé, which upsets Gowri. Pattabi and Gowri fight on trivial issues, but stay united due to Raghupathy. The boys get influenced by the postmaster, who indulges in sexual activities outside the village. They also get tempted to smoke like Indu’s fiancé to experience it. All their excitement ends when Raghupathy drowns in the village pond when the three go swimming. When Gowri visits Indu, she is also in tears and shares her pain with him.

The central characters of the film are played by three adolescent boys, who are in the verge of sexuality.<ref name=DFF>{{cite web|title=Indian Cinema '79/'80|url=http://dff.nic.in/2011/indian_cinema_1980.pdf|publisher=[[Directorate of Film Festivals]]|access-date=27 November 2014|pages=83–84}}</ref> [[Shoba]], played a small role as a school teacher. Kamal Haasan played a guest role as a token of friendship for Balu Mahendra and his portions was shot in a day at three locations.{{Sfn|Dhananjayan|2014|page=259}}

In the present, Gowri is filled with tears in his eyes after recollecting his childhood, his friend and teacher's demises and the time spent with his friends.

Apart from direction, Balu Mahendra assumed his usual responsibility of cinematography and wrote the screenplay, while D. Vasu edited the film.<ref name=DFF />

==Soundtrack Cast ==

<!-- https://archive.today/20210718095013/https://thefederal.com/the-eighth-column/reliving-childhood-40-years-of-azhiyaatha-kolangal/amp/ -->

{{Infobox album

{{Cast listing|

| name = Azhiyadha Kolangal

*[[Shoba]] as Indumathi

| type = film

*[[Pratap K. Pothen|Pratap]] as Indumathi's husbandfiancé

| artist =

* Nataraj

| cover =

* Master Manohar as RaghupathiRaghupathy

| released =

* Shyam Sunder

| recorded =

* [[Vennira Aadai Moorthy]] as the postmaster

| venue =

* [[K. R. Indira Devi|Indira Devi]]

| studio =

* [[Kamal Haasan]] as adult Gowrishankar (Guest appearanceuncredited)

| genre = [[Film soundtrack|Feature film soundtrack]]

* Sridharan (uncredited)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/sridharan-interview-a-man-of-multiple-shades/article19125339.ece|title=Sridharan: A man of multiple shades|date=22 June 2017|url-access=subscription|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112035750/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/sridharan-interview-a-man-of-multiple-shades/article19125339.ece|archive-date=12 November 2020|work=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=19 October 2024}}</ref>

| length = 20:25

| label = EMI

| producer =

}}

== Production ==

The music was composed by [[Salil Chowdhury]], with lyrics by [[Gangai Amaran]]. Mahendra originally wanted his friend [[Ilaiyaraaja]] to compose the music, but Chowdhury who had previously worked with Mahendra in ''Kokila'' was keen to work in his Tamil film too.<ref>{{cite web|title=இளையராஜா என்ற மகாவித்வானும் நானும்.. -1|url=http://www.filmmakerbalumahendra.blogspot.in/2012/09/1_12.html|publisher=filmmakerbalumahendra.blogspot.in|access-date=27 November 2014|language=Tamil|date=12 September 2012}}</ref>

<!-- http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/actor-archana-talks-about-azhiyatha-kolangal/article8229440.ece -->

After the critical and commercial success of his directorial debut ''[[Kokila (1977 film)|Kokila]]'', Balu Mahendra decided to make a film in Tamil, that was partly autobiographical according to him.<ref name="hindu1">{{citeCite news |last1last=P. K. |first1first=Ajith Kumar |date=26 August 2010 |title=A life in cinema |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/a-life-in-cinema/article595756.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131207105125/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/a-life-in-cinema/article595756.ece |archive-date=7 December 2013 |access-date=28 November 2014 |work=[[The Hindu]]|date=26 August 2010}}</ref><ref>{{citeCite web |last1last=Warrier |first1first=Shobha |author-link=Shobha Warrier |date=18 August 2003 |title=Sex and teenage fantasies |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2003/aug/18balu.htm |workurl-status=[[Redifflive |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130530165518/http://www.rediff.com]]/movies/2003/aug/18balu.htm |archive-date=30 May 2013 |access-date=27 November 2014 |datewebsite=18 August 2003[[Rediff.com]]}}</ref> It was during this time, he was approached by [[Mahendran (filmmaker)|Mahendran]] to shoot ''[[Mullum Malarum]]'', the latter's directorial debut.<ref name="MM">{{citeCite web |date=21 April 2013 |title=முள்ளும் மலரும் படத்தில் நான் பாலு மகேந்திரா |url=http://www.filmmakerbalumahendra.blogspot.in/ |publisherurl-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141112084834/http://www.filmmakerbalumahendra.blogspot.in/ |archive-date=12 November 2014 |access-date=27 November 2014 |languagewebsite=Tamilfilmmakerbalumahendra.blogspot.in |datelanguage=21 April 2013Tamil}}</ref> Initially hesitant to work in Tamil films, Balu Mahendra accepted the offer, thus entered the [[Tamil cinema|Tamil film industry]] as a cinematographer. Because of his commitments with ''Mullum Malarum'', he shelved his directorial venture. After the success of ''Mullum Malarum'', he revived the project and named it ''Azhiyadha Kolangal''.<ref name="MM" /> The film was produced by Devi Films of Devi Theatre Complex. The film was shot at Pettavaithalai, Sirugamani,Perugamani and Inungoor near Trichy in 27 days within the budget of 8 lakhs.{{Sfn|Dhananjayan|2014|page=259}}

Inspired from the 1971 American film ''[[Summer of '42]]'',<ref name="babu">{{cite news |last=Babu Jayakumar |first=G |date=14 February 2014 |title=Visual Epics to Relive the Master Storyteller |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil_nadu/Visual-Epics-to-Relive-the-Master-Storyteller/2014/02/14/article2055530.ece#.UySJFB0SCaU |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140214082440/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil_nadu/Visual-Epics-to-Relive-the-Master-Storyteller/2014/02/14/article2055530.ece |archive-date=14 February 2014 |access-date=15 March 2014 |newspaper=[[The New Indian Express]]}}</ref> the central characters of the film are played by three adolescent boys, who are on the verge of sexuality.<ref name="DFF">{{Cite web |title=Indian Cinema '79/'80 |url=http://dff.nic.in/2011/indian_cinema_1980.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150404021349/http://dff.nic.in/2011/indian_cinema_1980.pdf |archive-date=4 April 2015 |access-date=27 November 2014 |publisher=[[Directorate of Film Festivals]] |pages=83–84}}</ref> [[Shoba]], played a small role as a school teacher. Kamal Haasan played a guest role as a token of friendship for Balu Mahendra and his portions were shot in a day at three locations.{{Sfn|Dhananjayan|2014|page=259}}

Apart from direction, Balu Mahendra assumed his usual responsibility of cinematography and wrote the screenplay, while D. Vasu edited the film.<ref name="DFF" />

== Soundtrack ==

The music was composed by [[Salil Chowdhury]], with lyrics by [[Gangai Amaran]].

{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%;"

! No. !! Song !! Singers !! Lyrics

|-

| 1 || "Poovannam" || [[P. Jayachandran|Jayachandran]], [[P. Susheela]] || rowspan=4|[[Gangai Amaran]]

|-

| 2 || "Kedacha Unakku" || [[S. Janaki]]

|-

| 3 || "Naan Ennum" ||[[S. P. Balasubrahmanyam]]

|-

| 4 || "Poovannam" || P. Susheela

|}

== Reception ==

''Azhiyadha Kolangal'' opened to critical acclaim and was commercially successful too.<ref name="hindu1" /><ref name="DFF" /> Ranga of ''[[Kalki (magazine)|Kalki]]'' wrote Balu turned a literary short story into a sweet new poem with his camera.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=ரங்கா |date=23 December 1979 |title=அழியாத கோலங்கள் |url=https://archive.org/details/kalki1979-12-23/page/n65/mode/2up |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230414082858/https://archive.org/details/kalki1979-12-23/page/n65/mode/2up |archive-date=14 April 2023 |access-date=13 March 2023 |magazine=[[Kalki (magazine)|Kalki]] |pages=62–63 |via=[[Internet Archive]]}}</ref> Along with ''[[Uthiripookkal]]'' it was the only Tamil film to be shown at the [[International Film Festival of India]] in 1980.<ref name="DFF" /> The film's camera work was considered to be very innovative and was very different from other Tamil films that had come before.<ref>{{citeCite news |last1last=Chellappan |first1first=Kumar |date=12 February 2012 |title=Balu Mahendra: A poet who used shots and scenes to tell stories |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-balu-mahendra-a-poet-who-used-shots-and-scenes-to-tell-stories-1648926 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141205152555/http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-balu-mahendra-a-poet-who-used-shots-and-scenes-to-tell-stories-1648926 |archive-date=5 December 2014 |access-date=27 November 2014 |work=[[Daily News and Analysis]]|date=12 February 2012}}</ref> The film is widely considered to be one of Mahendra's "masterpieces".<ref>{{citeCite news |last1last=B. |first1first=Kolappan |last2=Subramanian |first2=Karthik |date=13 February 2014 |title=Master craftsman who was also a great teacher |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/master-craftsman-who-was-also-a-great-teacher/article5684162.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140707053554/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/master-craftsman-who-was-also-a-great-teacher/article5684162.ece |archive-date=7 July 2014 |access-date=27 November 2014 |work=[[The Hindu]]|date=13 February 2014}}</ref><ref>{{citeCite news |date=14 February 2014 |title=Balu dead |url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1140214/jsp/nation/story_17937110.jsp#.VHd-AtKUdDI |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141204202340/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1140214/jsp/nation/story_17937110.jsp#.VHd-AtKUdDI |archive-date=4 December 2014 |access-date=27 November 2014 |work=[[The Telegraph (CalcuttaIndia)|The Telegraph]]|date=14 February 2014}}</ref><ref>{{citeCite news |date=23 February 2014 |title=Film Fraternity Pays Respects to the Veteran |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/Film-Fraternity-Pays-Respects-to-the-Veteran/2014/02/14/article2055534.ece |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141222210305/http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/Film-Fraternity-Pays-Respects-to-the-Veteran/2014/02/14/article2055534.ece |archive-date=22 December 2014 |access-date=27 November 2014 |work=[[The New Indian Express]]|date=23 February 2014}}</ref>

== References ==

{{reflist}}

== Bibliography ==

* {{Cite book |last=Dhananjayan |first=G. |author-link=G. Dhananjayan |title=Pride of Tamil cinemaCinema: 1931–2013: Tamil|title-link=Pride filmsof that have earnedTamil national and international recognitionCinema |publisher=Blue Ocean Publishers |year=2014 |oclc=898765509 |author-link=G. Dhananjayan}}

== External links ==

* {{IMDb title|0235204|Azhiyadha Kolangal}}

{{Balu Mahendra}}

[[Category:Indian1970s coming-of-age drama films]]

[[Category:1970s Tamil-languageerotic drama films]]

[[Category:Tamil-language1970s Indian films]]

[[Category:1970s Tamil-language films]]

[[Category:1979 films]]

[[Category:Films about juvenile sexuality]]

[[Category:Films about puberty]]

[[Category:Films about virginity]]

[[Category:Films directed by Balu Mahendra]]

[[Category:Indian coming-of-age films]]

[[Category:Tamil-language films]]

[[Category:1970s Tamil-language films]]

[[Category:Films scored by Salil Chowdhury]]

[[Category:Indian coming-of-age drama films]]

[[Category:1970sIndian coming-of-ageerotic drama films]]

[[Category:Semi-autobiographical films]]

[[Category:Tamil-language Indian films]]