LOVE IS NOT A GAME WITH ROOM FOR A THIRD PERSON

To paraphrase the Hungarian-American actor, singer and entrepreneur, Eva Gabor, love is a game that two can play and both can win. But, what if a third person enters that game? Would the win-lose equations change in any way?

"ಪಲ್ಲವಿ ಅನುಪಲ್ಲವಿ" (Pallavi Anupallavi) is a 1983 Kannada-language movie that gained great critical acclaim. Belonging to the sub-genre of “romantic drama”, it deals with the theme of love and its impermanence, if not transience. The film attempts to connect the dots between love and romance, on one hand, and lust and attraction, on the other. It explores the impact of carnal indiscretions on not only marital separation, but also on casual friendships within the larger milieu of societal norms and behavioral constructs.

Great plot to put on celluloid, for sure!

The protagonist, Vijay (Anil Kapoor) pledges his love to Madhu (Kiran Vairale), a college student who wants to pursue studies abroad. However, he gets entangled in a close friendship with Anu (Lakshmi), who has separated from her adulterous husband. Young Vijay gets emotionally involved with the older, married Anu; his feelings for Madhu though do not wither either. Thus, there is blurring of lines between physical attraction and emotional involvement; marital fidelity and romantic perfidy.

The film is renowned director, Mani Ratnam's debut film...and, the rough edges of the maestro's art are apparent. Perhaps it was a lack of confidence in the acting prowess of his cast– comprising of Anil Kapoor (first foray in the lead role), Kiran Vairale and others– that impeded nuanced dramatization of even emotion-packed scenes. Veteran cinematographer, Balu Mahendra's excessive use of “long shots” and “low key” lighting exacerbates the injustice to cinematic effect.

The deficiency in the visual treatment of content is more than made up with the brilliance of Ilaiyaraaja's background score.

My rating: a liberal 7.0 on 10...if only for the super plot and sublime music of Ilaiyaraja!