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Serials with a serious message
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The serials "Nambikkai" and "Vaazhndu Kaatugiren" produced by AVM, hold the viewers' interest because of their gripping theme and powerful characters.
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AVM PRODUCTIONS has indeed made its presence felt as a mega institution in entertainment circles with two serials "Nambikkai" being telecast on SUN, Monday to Friday, between 1 and 1.30 p.m. and "Vazhndu Kaatugiren" between 10 and 10.30 p.m. This can only be attributed to the producers' conviction that they will not disappoint viewers by offering them mediocre fare.
The very titles of the two serials have a positive ring about them. The title songs are good, especially that of "Vazhndu Kaatugiren", the lyrics of which are quite inspiring. As far as the cast is concerned "Nambikkai" has well-known faces. Chetan, for instance, has carved out a niche for himself as a small screen hero. Janavi, Dr.Sharmila, Kovai Anuradha and others are also at their best. In contrast, the only popular faces that one can instantly recognise in "Vaazhndu Kaatugiren" are Ajay Ratnam and Ishwari Rau. The rest of the cast are yet to make their mark as talented performers.
Dr. Sharmila's show of spite in `Nambikkai' is convincing. Janavi, the meek music teacher in "Chithi", is in a different role here and it is refreshing to see her lash out at Nandini, who tries to outwit her at every turn. Here she plays the role of Chinthamani, and attired in flashy silks and jewellery, and fretting and fuming at the slightest reason, she convinces us that she is every inch a scheming female.
In respect of dialogue, however, it is "Nambikkai" that scores over "Vaazhndu Kaatugiren". It cites women such as Indira Gandhi, Mother Theresa and Kannagi as role models and sends out a strong message of gender equality. Later, when Nandhini becomes an unwed mother she does not panic but in keeping with the times, challenges Chinthamani that she can prove the paternity of her child. However, it is strange that such a clever character like her is unable to see through a fake "samiyar" and can even give him so much money at the mere asking.
Here, one cannot but comment that blackmailing family members seems to be commonly resorted to in most soaps and serials these days.
But "Vaazhndu Kaatugiren" scores over "Nambikkai" because of its interesting theme. While "Nambikkai" is about unwed motherhood, murder, cheating and revenge "Vaazhndu Kaatugiren" has taken up an unusual subject - kleptomania. The producers did their homework well for they brought in a professional psychiatrist to talk about the mental disorder in the serial. While he described the symptoms he also gave quite a few tips on how people suffering from this problem could be helped. Here is an example of a serial that combines both entertainment and education.
THARA MOHAN RAO
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