An Analysis of Varumayin Niram Sivappu (1980): The Kamal Version of the VIP

Directed by K. Balachander and starring Kamal Haasan, the 1980 film Varumayin Niram Sivappu (The Color of Poverty is Red) remains profoundly relevant. Then, as now, unemployment has persistently plagued society as a major issue. In this regard, the film's full significance resonates deeply even today.

The Plight of Unemployed Youth

The story centers on three young men relentlessly searching for jobs in Delhi. Unable to secure any employment, they struggle immensely to survive the harshest form of poverty. Their lives perfectly embody the lines, "Terrible is poverty, worse is poverty in youth," as they constantly battle even for a single meal. The three are Rangan (Kamal Haasan), Appu (Dileep), and Sambu (S. V. Sekhar).

Rangan is a youth filled with self-respect, dignity, and anger at societal injustices—a devotee of the poet Bharathiyar, in short. Despite his father being a great music maestro, Rangan left home due to ideological conflicts. He finds that obtaining a job in the city is an uphill battle.

Rangan Dignity 

Rangan's character is defined by his refusal to compromise his self-respect for the sake of employment. A scene that powerfully illustrates his resolve and unwavering convictions is a job interview. 

Disgusted by the interviewers' attitude towards his firm speech, Rangan tears up his degree certificates right in front of them before walking out—a moment where Kamal Haasan absolutely shines.

Balachander’s directorial prowess polishes the narrative scene by scene. Instances like the three friends fighting over a cigarette butt reinforce the shared tragedy of their poverty. Into their lives enters Devi (Sridevi), an actress also struggling with poverty, the daughter of an irresponsible father.

Betrayal, Sacrifice, and Enduring Love

A romance blossoms between Rangan and Devi. Rangan vehemently disagrees with Devi tolerating the harassment of her drama director. 

Pratap Pothan perfectly fits the role of the drama director, the son of a wealthy industrialist, who harbors a mad passion for Devi.

As their lives unfold amidst these circumstances, the three friends eventually drift apart. Appu (Dileep), who is willing to do anything for money, eventually becomes the husband of an elderly, wealthy widow. Sambu is tragically left to wander the streets as a lunatic.

The love between Rangan and Devi faces many challenges. Desperate for Rangan to secure a job, Devi agrees to marry Pratap, who attempts to exert control over her. Rangan, enraged by Devi's decision, is consumed by anger, heartbreak, and existential despair. However, the film concludes by proving that their love cannot be broken by life's misfortunes, and the two ultimately reunite. 

A Glimmer of Hope

Rangan and Devi begin to live together in an abandoned carriage, starting a simple life. Rangan takes up the profession of a barber. 

The scene where he is accidentally about to shave his own father adds powerful depth to the film. Rangan proclaims that he feels no shame in doing any work that doesn't demand the sacrifice of his dignity, and a small light of hope begins to shine on his life.

Interestingly, Nizhalgal, directed by Bharathiraja, which also focused on the story of struggling, unemployed youth, was released in the same year. Both films became indispensable classics in later Tamil cinema.

It is worth noting that while Kamal Haasan's character in the 1988 film Sathya is celebrated for his powerful rage against societal corruption, he had already demonstrated this moral anger eight years earlier through the character of Rangan. 

At the time of Varumayin Niram Sivappu's release, it was largely Bengali cinema that explored stories of angry youth reacting to social decay. Varumayin Niram Sivappu carved out a significant place for itself in Tamil cinema by bringing such a powerful, impactful film to the forefront.

(From the inputs from the movie)