Varusham Padhinaaru

A movie not to be missed. "Varusham 16" is one of those films that has a rare combination of great performances as well as a great script. It also scored at the box-office. Karthik, who has worked with some of the best directors in tamil cinema, teams up with noted Malayalam film director Fazil in a film which tells the story of lost love, painful memories and ultimately, redemption through time. I don't want to say anything else, as I will just ruin the movie if I do. Just go out and see this brilliant film for yourself.

Everyone associated with "Varusham 16" does a wonderful job. Khushboo, who was just up and coming, struck gold with this movie playing a sweet and lovable character. Poornam Viswanathan and Sukumari (Fazil's regular) also give solid performances. Jayapradha, as Karthik's mother, springs a wonderful surprise and gives a heartfelt performance. Even the comedy track by Janakaraj and V.K. Ramasami is funny and doesn't disturb the film's narration. Finally, it is Karthik who owns this movie and gives quite possibly the best performance of his long career. From the very first scene to the climax, Karthik is "Kannan" - a man who is passionate, sincere, determined, and ultimately a failure. Karthik, one of the best actors during that time, gives an amazing yet natural performance. The awards he won for this movie were fully deserved. Fazil also does a neat job directing, but where he really scores is in the narration. Ilayaraja provides some of the best songs in tamil cinema. "Pazhai Mudhir Cholai" and "Gangai Kara Mananadi" are two songs that will stick with you long after the movie is finished. Overall, a classic movie.

Both Karthik and Khushboo are young and sincere in this movie . Khushboo has to look all pretty and sad and she does that well . As usual Karthik is on top and the movie belongs to him. He must be in his late 20s then . Its shot in lush Kerala with many Malayalee actors like Sukumari. The greenery is unmissable with thatch roof cottages . Kartik is the son of a big affectionate family . His cousins from Delhi have come to visit as it's the yearly festival time . Khushboo and Kartik fall in love after teasings and leg pulling . Her family opposes. Her grandmother ( Vadivukarasu ) is very stern ( I find her Likeable even then ) and does not like Kartik or his family at all . Their cousin has eyes on Khushboo and in the final festival day a fight ensures where he shoots Khushboo by mistake .She dies on the spot .Karthik kills the villain and goes to jail for 16 long years. Kartik is o a sweetheart as a young adolescent , a hurt lover, an affectionate son , a teasing grand son . Many old timers make this movie watchable , JanakRaj , Sukumari , V K Ramasamy , Poornam Vishwanathan ... Its a movie for the entire family .

I saw this one when I was in high school. Oh those wonderful days of innocence when Khushboo was a goddess, Karthik was dashing and Ilayaraja was at his peak. This one's a great nostalgia trip for anyone from my generation. Love, family, great locales, fabulous music -- what else do you want?