| Oppol | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | K. S. Sethumadhavan |
| Written by | M. T. Vasudevan Nair |
| Produced by | Rosamma George |
| Starring | Balan K. Nair Menaka Master Aravind Shankaradi Kaviyoor Ponnamma |
| Cinematography | Madhu Ambat |
| Edited by | G. Venkitaraman |
| Music by | M. B. Sreenivasan |
| Distributed by | Angel Films |
Release date |
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| Country | India |
| Language | Malayalam |
Oppol (English:Elder Sister) is a 1981Malayalam-languagedrama film, produced by Rosamma George under the banner of JMJ Arts, directed byK. S. Sethumadhavan and written byM. T. Vasudevan Nair. The film starsBalan K. Nair,Menaka and Master Aravind in the lead roles. The film features original songs composed byM. B. Sreenivasan.[1][2] The film was based on a short story of the same name written by M. T. Vasudevan Nair in 1975. The film revolves around Malu and her brother Appu. Malu marries Govindan and shifts to his house along with her brother. Appu however, becomes jealous of Govindan because he suspects that he will isolate him from his sister. The rest of the film deals with how they mend their relationship.[3]
The film was released in theaters on 2 April 1981 to critical acclaim. The film was also a major commercial success and went on to become the second highest grossing Malayalam film of the year behindKolilakkam. The film won three National Awards forBest Actor (Balan K. Nair),Best Child Artist (Master Aravind) andBest Female Playback Singer (S. Janaki). The film also won two State Awards forBest Film andBest Director (K. S. Sethumadhavan). The film is now considered aclassic in Malayalam cinema and it also marked the official debut of veteran actress,Menaka G. Suresh (the mother of actress,Keerthy Suresh and the wife of Malayali producer,G. Suresh Kumar who made a future mark in furtherMollywood industry until her marriage in the late-80s)[4]
The film revolves around Malu, her younger brother Appu (Aravind) and Malu's husband Govindan. Malu and 6-year old Appu were living together. When Malu is married to Govindan, an ex-military officer, she takes Appu with her to Govindan's house. Govindan is a bit annoyed, but adjusts to the situation to win over his wife, who is much younger than him. Appu, on the other hand, becomes jealous of Govindan and worries he will isolate him from his dear sister. He attacks Govindan during honeymoon and Malu scolds him. The boy runs away from the house and Malu becomes distressed. Towards the end it is revealed that Appu is actually the son of Malu. When Govindan discovers the truth, he tirelessly searches for the boy and brings him back.[5]
The Little Magazine, A children's magazine adapted the film into a short story.[5]
The music was composed byM. B. Sreenivasan with lyrics byP. Bhaskaran.
| No. | Song | Singers | Lyrics | Length (m:ss) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Chaattal Mazhayum" | Chorus, Malathi, Latha Devi | P. Bhaskaran | |
| 2 | "Ettumaanoorambalathil Ezhunnallathu" | S. Janaki | P. Bhaskaran | |
| 3 | "Ettumanoorambalathil" (Plain) (Bit) | S. Janaki | P. Bhaskaran | |
| 4 | "Pottikkaan Chennappol" | K. J. Yesudas | P. Bhaskaran |
Upon release the film received excellent reviews. In a retrospect review Neelima Menon ofThe News Minute goes on to say that the film isK. S. Sethumadhavan's most prolific and underrated work. She also states that the film was bold at the time for discussing a variety of issues that women face in society, like the stigma around a woman who loses her chastity before marriage. She also goes on to appreciate Balan K. Nair's performance in the film and praises its screenplay for its boldness to tackle issues that woman face in society.[6]
For the first week response was lukewarm however, through positive reviews and word of mouth, the film went on to become a commercial success. The film completed a 100 day run in several centers. The film was the second highest-grossing film of the year behindKolilakkam.[3][4]