Mann Vasanai (1983)

I find it really fascinating to watch debut films of my favourite artists. Not only do I like seeing how they've grown as actors, but also if there was a spark of something great to come all along. As objectively bad as Coolie No. 1 (1991) was, I cannot deny that I still got to see something in Tabu that would pave the way for greatness later. She was pretty much flawless as Rajani, and isn't that the best sign of promise from a newcomer? So for a Tabu historian like myself, it is no great wonder that 5 years after her debut, my queen was winning her first National Award for Maachis. 

Coming to Mann Vasanai- I am mildly shocked by how good Revathi was in her debut performance. I mean- I was expecting her to be good, duh, but I literally could not keep my eyes off of her. Of course she has grown over the years, but even in her debut, you can't help but see glimpses of the extraordinary performer she was to become very, very soon. Plus, she just looks so cute??? How to not fall in love with her is the real question. I also lowkey loved her chemistry with Pandian, which made the climax and ending even more beautiful to me. And of course, made the conflict before the climax more gripping. 

This was my second Bharathiraja film after 16 Vayathinile (1977) and since both of them deal with similar issues in a similar setting, I couldn't help but compare them a little. But one thing is for sure- his love for the rural life of Tamil Nadu makes his gaze both sensitive and nuanced (complete contrast to certain filmmakers who have a very condescending gaze towards rural culture), which makes the experience worthwhile for even someone like me, who is completely unaware of what was up in that particular time and place. It is truly the mark of a legendary director that his works feel fresh even after all these decades (it'll be 40 years of Mann Vasanai in 2 years omg). 

In conclusion, Revathi rocks!! Stan my babie Asha Kelunni for clear skin and good grades. 

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