Azhiyatha Kolangal

Azhiyatha Kolangal (1979), directed by Balu Mahendra, is a coming-of-age drama. It stars Shoba, Pratap, Nataraj and Kamal Haasan. The film deals with a man who recalls his boyhood years filled with close friends, youthful curiosity, and ultimate loss, when he learns of the passing of his teacher. He accepts the events that moulded his life as he remembers those bittersweet times.

Gowrishankar, a successful company director in Madras, receives a letter from his old friend Pattabi. The letter informs him about the death of their beloved school teacher, Indumathi. Reading it causes him to recall his early years. Gowri, Pattabi, and Raghupathy were the closest buddies attending a village school years ago. Intrigued about adult life, they once attempted to visit a prostitute but got panicked and ran away. While Gowri was powerfully drawn to their compassionate, and graceful teacher, Indu, who was considerably older, Pattabi fell for a girl who often visited his house.

Gowri was heartbroken when Indu's fiancé visited her. Gowri felt envious and melancholy watching Indu hang out with him. Gowri and Pattabi had minor arguments, but Raghupathy's presence kept them together. The three boys were also impacted by the village postmaster and tempted to start smoking after Indu's fiancé did. When Raghupathy drowned in a pond on one of their excursions, disaster struck. Gowri visits Indu, and they mourn their loss together. Today, Gowri sits with tears in his eyes. He remembers the days of his youth, the death of his close friend, and the teacher who was once so significant in his life.

Azhiyatha Kolangal is perhaps a great film with great emotional depth, and a delicate sensibility in its representation of the sensitive transition from boyhood to adolescence. Its visual storytelling, leisurely speed and poignant reflections on growing up cause it to stir up a great deal of nostalgia. The film subtly explores the innocence, confusion and heartbreak of youth, leaving a lasting impact through its mood, tone, and richly layered characters without ever feeling forced or dramatic.