For SI blog reader STG
You putzheads can believe us or not but Ulagam Sutrum Valiban (1973) is the ultimate Dr.Jekyll and Hyde of Tamil movies.
A magnificent eagle that soars high in the clouds and moments later an ugly crow that struggles to get its wings off the ground.
A dystopian nightmare and a delightful charmer.
Think we’ve taken leave of our senses? Well, you’re not the first to harbor such thoughts. 
Of course, ye schmucks will think such base thoughts, when you even think at all.
Heavenly Music
In a million years and after a gazillion albums, can the Allah-hailing A.R.Rahman approach the heaven that M.S.Viswanathan brings within reach of mere mortals for a few short minutes in Ulagam Sutrum Valiban. (Tis’ one of the great tragedies of life that the fame and sounds of some musical talents echo in just few places while that of others extends far and beyond.)
Who having heard the melody of Thanga Thoniyile, Nilavu Oru or Ulagam, Ulagam can fail to be under the everlasting spell of M.S.Vishwanathan.
We swooned, as did millions before us.
Every song in this movie is a lavish feast for the ears. The passage of time has not dimmed their appeal but instead boosted their luster when set against the drivel that’s part of most movies these days.
Adding to the allure of the fine music were the pleasing lyrics from Vaali and Kannadasan.
Sadly, the picturization of the songs is nothing to write home about.
Here, click on the below image to listen to one of the fine songs from the movie:
Hellish Direction
By the same token, it’s hard to conceive of a director so inept as M.G.Ramachandran aka MGR, the director of Ulagam Sutrum Valiban. Continue reading »
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