Sarasayya is a Malayalam film released in 1971, directed by M. Krishnan Nair and starring Madhu and Sheela in lead roles. The film is a romantic drama with elements of tragedy, and is often considered as one of the most poignant and memorable movies of its time. The plot revolves around the titular character, Sarasayya, a young man who falls in love with his childhood friend Anitha. The two are inseparable, spending much of their time together, but their love is never explicitly declared. Instead, it is left to the audience to interpret their actions and words, which indicate a deep affection and longing for each other.
However, their happiness is short-lived as Anitha's father disapproves of their relationship, leading to a tragic twist of fate that separates the two lovers. Sarasayya is forced to leave his hometown and start a new life, while Anitha is betrothed to another man.
The movie then follows the separate paths of Sarasayya and Anitha, as they struggle to come to terms with the circumstances that kept them apart. Sarasayya becomes a successful doctor and marries another woman, but he never forgets Anitha and remains haunted by her memory. Meanwhile, Anitha continues to live a life of duty and obligation, tending to her husband and family, but always feeling unfulfilled and restless.
The movie is famous for its memorable songs, which capture the mood and emotions of the characters perfectly. One particular song, "Kanneerum Kinavum," has become an iconic classic, evoking feelings of love, longing, and sorrow in listeners even today.
The performances of Madhu and Sheela are also noteworthy, with both actors delivering nuanced and sensitive portrayals of their characters. Madhu, in particular, shines in his role as Sarasayya, showing a depth of emotion and intensity that is rare in Malayalam cinema.
The film also tackles themes that were groundbreaking for its time, such as the constraints imposed by society on individuals in matters of love and marriage, the importance of following one's heart even in the face of opposition, and the pain of unrequited love.
Overall, Sarasayya is a touching and poignant film that has stood the test of time. Its beautiful soundtrack, sensitive performances, and thought-provoking themes continue to resonate with audiences decades after its initial release, making it a true classic of Malayalam cinema.
Sarasayya is a 1971 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 28 minutes.
