It’s been 25 glorious years since cult hit Amruthavarshini hit the screens

Amruthavarshini director Dinesh

Baboo

strode in where few dared to tread. When others were making films that culminated in marriage, Baboo’s film waded into an existing marriage and the rest, as they say, was history.

The film stars Sarath Babu and Suhasini Maniratnam as the couple. Aravind Ramesh comes to visit them, but ultimately ends up killing his best friend since he was secretly in love with his wife. It was a rather bold story for that time and one that fetched the maker and the actors many accolades. Twenty-five years on, Amruthavarshini is still feted and its music sounds as fresh as ever.

Still well loved

“I’ve lost count of the number of people who told me that Amruthavarshini is their favourite film, more so on the day it marked 25 years. As a filmmaker, it was heartwarming. What can give you greater happiness than seeing people still celebrating a film that was made in the 90s, smiles Baboo.
The director says he was crystal clear about his cast and all of them were more than happy when he narrated the subject. “Sarath Babu, I knew from the early 80s; Suhasini, I had already worked with as a cameraman and in Suprabhatha; I had also known Ramesh while I was the cinematographer of many of his films. Yes, Ramesh had a negative role in the film, which had an unexpected climax. But I knew he was the perfect fit because Ramesh is one of those actors who doesn’t bother about having an image, but believes in doing justice to his character.

“It never felt like I was taking a gamble with this film because I always proceed with a project once I’ve liked the subject. That way, if I look back now,

Suprabhatha

was a bigger risk. But I didn’t get that thought when I made Amruthavarshini,” states Baboo, who won many awards for the flick.

Haunting music

Talking about the music which haunts fans even today, Baboo shares that music director Deva and lyricist Kalyan understood perfectly what he had in mind. “In fact, SPB sir went back to Tamil Nadu and told everyone, “I didn’t know Deva had such music inside him.” SPB sir loved

Manasa

which he had sung, my favourite is Bale Bale, but I know that many people love

Tunturu

,” says Baboo.

The director is now being asked if he will make a sequel to the film. “Sorry to disappoint, but it’s a no,” he tells us.


Didn’t get my lady love in film, but it got me my first Black Lady: Ramesh Aravind

Ramesh Aravind had three hit films before Amruthavarshini and six hits after. But the film came at a time when he had fast endeared himself to fans with his boy-next-door image. But to play a negative share in a love story when his popularity was at its peak never felt like a risk to the actor.


“Because, like in all love stories, he too was madly in love with this lady. Unfortunately, she was married. He was not a serial killer and it was this crazy love he had for her that made him do what he did. It was a glimpse of the human frailty that exists in all. I never bothered about how this would impact my image because this role fascinated me,” shares Ramesh.



He adds, “Our film began where most love stories end…marriage. And with an intruder into this set-up. What an interesting premise Baboo had laid out. We had such a good time shooting for it in Kodaikanal. The climax is what clinched it. I think when we work on some films, we don’t realise the kind of masterpieces they go on to become. Amruthavarshini was one of them. Also, I might not have got my lady love in the film, but the movie fetched me my first-ever Black Lady (the Filmfare award) and I even said so in my acceptance speech,” sums up Ramesh.

What makes a hit? Sitting still!

Dinesh Baboo was away filming in Ooty when his associate

PKH Das

called to say that the film was a super hit. “I asked him how he could declare the film a hit when it’s just been one show? He said everywhere the audiences were just sitting quietly in their seats and not budging. It was a sign that the film was a hit. That statement holds true even today,” smiles Baboo.


The eyes had it… for 4 days!

Four days into the shoot of the film, leading lady Suhasini developed conjunctivitis. “We halted shoot and waited for her to recover. Once she rejoined us, it was only smooth sailing,” recalls Baboo.