Sagara Sangamam

Plot

Balakrishna (Kamal Haasan) is an economically disadvantaged but multi-talented dancer, adept at the Indian classical dances of Kuchipudi, Bharatanatyam, Kathak, etc. Fondly called Balu, his simple and very honest soul does not permit him to attain professional success in the commercial world that requires a certain level of moral laxness. Madhavi (Jayaprada), a wealthy young woman and a dance patron, notices his talent and acts as his benefactress, helping him secure an opportunity to participate in a high-level classical dance festival.

Balu's aging mother passes away from the afflictions of poverty two days before the performance. Balu, who was very attached to her, is emotionally devastated and fails to participate in the dance festival. Madhavi nevertheless gives him support and encouragement and sets him on the mend. Balu gradually develops a fondness for Madhavi as their relationship grows. He hides his love for her but eventually picks up the courage to express it. Balu discovers that, while Madhavi shares his feelings, she is a married woman separated from her husband. The husband later returns to unite Madhavi and Balu, but Balu decides to sacrifice his love showing respect for the institution of marriage.

The years pass, and Balu, a disappointed man, has become an inconsolable alcoholic and a newspaper journalist/art critic. Meanwhile, Madhavi's husband dies, and she hears about Balu's condition. In a bid to revive his will to live and his passion for his art, she tends to his medical needs through his friend Raghu (Sarath Babu) and solicits Balu to be the dance master for her daughter, Sailaja (SP Sailaja).

The film ends with Sailaja's stage performance with Balu watching her in a wheelchair, his health having completely deteriorated. Raghu and Madhavi are seen taking him away quietly, without interrupting the performance, back to the hospital. Balu dies on his way to the hospital.

Cast

Crew

Production

Kamal and R. C. Sakthi wanted to make a film on a subject, about a dancer who was an alcoholic for which they named it as "Anupallavi", when K. Viswanath approached him with a similar subject, Kamal felt he had to do the film. On the sets of the film Gopi Krishna one of the choreographers, insisted that Kamal should train for at least a month. Kamal was one of the top stars of the time, doing multiple shifts, and had to find the time. Kamal said it was "greatest sacrifice from my side". Playback singer S. P. Sailaja was recruited to play a prominent role thereby making her debut as an actress and also remains her only film she had acted so far. K.Viswanath who is related to Sailaja, decided that she would fit perfectly in the role of Kamal Haasan's pupil, after seeing the photos. Sailaja recalled: "I was reluctant as I was trained only in Bharatanatyam but in the film I had to perform other dance forms like Kathak too. While shooting my introductory song ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ at Ravindra Bharathi, I became nervous on the stage and refused to act". Chakri Toleti did a role of a photographer boy in the film. Thotta Tharani said that the budget was drastically cut for the song in which Kamal dances on the well.

Soundtrack

The film score and soundtrack was composed by Ilaiyaraja. The lyrics for Telugu version was written by Veturi while Vairamuthu has written the lyrics for Tamil version. The song "Vedam Anuvanavuna" is based on Hamsanandi Raga. The song "Om Nama Sivaya" is based on Hindolam Raga. The song "Naada Vinodam" is based on Sriranjini Raga. The song "Balakanakamaya" is based on a Thyagaraja kirtana and was composed on Atana Raga. The song "Thakita Thadimi" is based on Shanmughapriya Raga. Both "Mounamelanoyi Ee Marapurani Reyi" and "Vevela Gopemmala" are based on Mohana raga.

Sagara Sangamam (Original soundtrack)

All lyrics written by Veturi Sundararama Murthy except where noted; all music composed by Ilaiyaraaja.

Salangai Oli (Tamil soundtrack)

All lyrics written by Vairamuthu except where noted; all music composed by Ilaiyaraaja.

Sagara Sangamam (Malayalam soundtrack)

All lyrics written by Sreekumaran Thampi except where noted; all music composed by Ilaiyaraaja.