16 Vayathinile (1977)

Say what you want about the technical aspects of the movie, I will never get over the fact that Sridevi pulled off a role like Mayil at the age of 14. The talent, I tell you. No one can convince me that she wasn't born to be a superstar. 

The biggest lesson to be learnt here, of course, is that girls should never, under absolutely no circumstances, prioritise a boy over their studies. It only ever ends in heartbreak, as we all know too well. It's also interesting that the one man in the movie who is not shown as a complete asshole has some sort of intellectual disability. Is the movie trying to comment that disgusting behaviour in men is the norm, and only those men who are perceived as "abnormal" by the rest of society can have some decency and humanity in them? I don't think I have explained myself very well, but it's food for thought anyway. 

Kamal Haasan is another reason to watch this movie. He is very good as Chappani, the "village idiot" who is hopelessly in love with Mayil. I was quite touched by his performance, which obviously made the ending that much ambiguously sadder for me. 

In conclusion, Sridevi rules forever. Get ready for all your fEEls, especially during the Chendoora Poove song. 

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