Kamal A2Z: Avargal
Editor’s Note:
Another reader joins the series! Just about a week more left for ‘A’. C’mon folks!
by Mahesh
I confess that this is not the first movie that would come to mind when you think Kamal Haasan, but for me it does. As Janardhanan, Kamal did not impress me much, but as Junior he did. I became a fan then and continue to be one. I do not recall much about the movie as I last watched it about 15 years ago, but a few things stand out till date:
- Kamal acts as a third hero (if you can call it that) in the movie! Talks a ton of the man who is used to care more about the role than his presence.
- As a Malayalee accountant Janardhanan, Kamal impressed with his ability to converse in a Malayalam-tinged Tamil.
- But the most impressive thing about Kamal in Avargal is his role as Junior. Kamal appears as a ventriloquist in the movie and from what I gather, really learnt the art. I still recall the first scene as Junior when one can see Kamal’s throat muscles move as Junior speaks! Kudos to the man, the actor and the artist.
In my opinion, Avargal sums up Kamal’s performance in many a movie. Caring more about the role than his presence or appearance - illustrated in Apoorva Raagangal, Guna, Swathi Muthyam (Sippikkul Muthu), 16 Vayadhinile, Kalyanaraman, Anbe Sivam, etc. His versatility with languages / accents - MMKR, Tenali, Maharasan, Sathi Leelavathi, Chanakyan, Panchathanthiram, Rama Bhama Shyama, Ek Duuje Ke Liye, etc. His dedication in learning the art to become the character depicted — Sagara Sangamam (Salangai Oli), Punnagai Mannan, Apoorva Sagodarargal etc.
The man really deserves A++.
October 2nd, 2007 at 12:37 pm
Suhasini in an interview mentioned Kamal obsessively practised Tap Dance for his role in Kalaignan, to the point where the wooden floor at home was dented ! & then in numerous interviews the fact that he learnt mridangam for Apoorva Rangangal. His interest in Carnatic Music. Passion for cinema - thy name is kamal !
October 2nd, 2007 at 1:35 pm
Bala: I think the tap dance must be for Punnagai Mannan. Suhasini wasn’t living in the same house as Kamal at the time of Kalaignan.
Coming back to Mahesh’s post, this was a golden period for KB and Kamal. They did Arangetram, Aval Oru Thodarkadhai, Apoorva Raagangal and this one, from 1973 to 1976, if I’m right. [All As coincidentally; anyone game for writing on them?] Kamal has mentioned that he used to exclusively act for Balachander those days while doing other movies in Malayalam. Also, we should realise that Kamal was trying to learn direction from KB and he was pushed into acting.
October 23rd, 2007 at 12:44 pm
Wow. Thats a very impressive collection of information about my favorite actor. Thanks!!!
July 27th, 2008 at 10:23 am
Kamal’s role is good and seems to be influenced by “Limerence” and Limerent Object being sujatha
Kudos to Balachander who always been in front runner in his thinking and most of his movies have been
contemprorary
starting his association( with Sri Balachandar) in Manmada Leelai,this one,apoorva ragangal,
all talking about unusual and contraversial
relationships between individuals with exception of Manmada leelai(more of tomboy character).
Kamal role in this of being ventriloquist,expressing his views through the toy, is awesome and his performance
has always been outstanding and that of a star one.
Sundaram -Bangalore