Rathinirvedam (1978 film)

Rathinirvedam (transl. Adolescent desire) is a 1978 Indian Malayalam-language erotic drama film directed by Bharathan and written by P. Padmarajan based on his own novel of the same name.^[1] In the film, Pappu, a teenager, is awaiting his pre-degree results to join an engineering course. He gets attracted to his neighbour Rathi, who is a middle-aged woman, and falls hopelessly in love.

Rathinirvedam
DVD cover
Directed by	Bharathan
Written by	P. Padmarajan
Based on	Rathinirvedam by P. Padmarajan
Produced by	Hari Pothan
Starring	Jayabharathi Krishnachandran Kaviyoor Ponnamma
Cinematography	Ramachandra Babu
Edited by	K. Narayanan
Music by	Devarajan
Production company	Supriya Creations
Release date	8 March 1978 (1978-03-08)
Running time	124 minutes
Country	India
Language	Malayalam

The story-line of the film miffed many for its sensitive portrayal of the lead as well as garnered appreciation for its narrative. It is said to have redefined the art of filmmaking in the country, and hence regarded as a landmark in Indian film history. The film was also one of the biggest box office hits in Kerala state's history. It inspires similar productions all over the nation, even decades after its release.

Cast

• Jayabharathi as Rathi
• Krishnachandran as Pappu
• Kaviyoor Ponnamma as Saraswathi
• K.P.A.C. Lalitha as Bharathi
• Meena as Narayaniyamma
• Soman as Krishnan Nair
• Adoor Bhasi
• Master Manohar
• Baby Sumathi as Shanthi
• Bahadoor as Kochammani
• T. R. Omana

Production

The film was produced by Hari Pothan under the banner of Supriya Films. It was mostly shot in Nelliampathi, Palakkad, Kerala.^[2] Director Bharathan had proposed to actress K.P.A.C. Lalitha after the shooting of this film.^[3] They remained together till the death of the former.

Soundtrack

The music was composed by G. Devarajan and the lyrics were written by Kavalam Narayana Panicker.^[4]

No.	Song	Singers	Lyrics	Length (m:ss)
1	"Kaalam Kunjumanassil"	P. Jayachandran, Chorus, Karthikeyan	Kavalam Narayana Panicker
2	"Mounam Thalarum"	K. J. Yesudas	Kavalam Narayana Panicker
3	"Shyaamanandana Vaniyilninnum"	P. Madhuri	Kavalam Narayana Panicker
4	"Thiruthirumaaran"	K. J. Yesudas	Kavalam Narayana Panicker

Legacy and criticism

Rathinirvedam is regarded as a landmark in Indian film history.^[3][5][6] It inspires similar productions all over South India, even decades after its release.^[7]

Remake

Main article: Rathinirvedam (2011 film)

A remake of the film was made in 2011. It was directed by T. K. Rajeev Kumar. Shwetha Menon played the female lead, and Sreejith played the young male lead. Padmarajan himself was credited as the writer.^[8][9]

Awards

• Filmfare Award for Best Film - Malayalam won by Hari Pothan (1978)^[10]