Raja Paarvai

Plot

Raghu (Kamal Haasan) is a blind violinist. Nancy (Madhavi) is keen on chronicling Raghu's inspiring life as a visually impaired but independently living person. Their relationship blossoms into a romance that is supported by Nancy's lighthearted grandfather (L.V. Prasad). Nancy is eventually due to be married to another man selected by her family, but leaves the church and rides away with Raghu.

Production

Raja Paarvai was the 100th film featuring Kamal Haasan, who also served as producer for the first time. It is loosely based on the 1972 film Butterflies Are Free. The film also marked the debut of art director Thota Tharani in Tamil cinema. It was simultaneously shot in Telugu as Amavasya Chandrudu. The final scene of the film which featured Madhavi's character leaving the church in her wedding dress and joining Haasan, was inspired by the final scene in The Graduate.

Soundtrack

The music was composed by Ilaiyaraaja. The song "Andhi Mazhai" is set in two carnatic ragas: Vasantha and Pantuvarali.

Reception

The film was a box office failure but is widely considered a cult film. Kamal Hassan's performance earned him a Filmfare Award. Haasan had to work seven to eight years to compensate the loss he faced through this film.