Avatharam (1995 film)

Avatharam is a 1995 Indian Tamil-language film written and directed by Nassar, making his directorial debut. The film stars him and Revathi. It was released on 9 June 1995 and failed at the box office, but won the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Third Best Film.

Plot
Kuppusamy, an innocent man, dreams to perform in Paandi's troupe, which performs in Hindu festivals. Baasi is expelled from the troupe for his bad behaviour. Finally, Paandi accepts Kuppusamy into his troupe. The blind girl Ponnamma, Paandi's daughter, falls in love with Kuppusamy. For some time, the festival's organisers prefer female dancers. Thereafter, Paandi dies during a stage performance, and the troupe splits up. Kuppusamy leaves the village with Ponnamma to become a film actor. There, they meet Baasi, and he accommodates them. Baasi then rapes and kills Ponnamma. Later, Kuppusamy is sent to a mental hospital, but he manages to escape. Kuppusamy is determined to take revenge on Baasi. Baasi, fearing for his life, seeks protection from the police in order to catch Kuppusamy. Kuppusamy first kills the policemen. A fight ensues between Kuppusamy and Baasi, in which Kuppusamy kills Baasi.

Production
Avatharam marked the directorial debut of Nassar. To portray Therukoothu authentically, he observed Therukoothu artistes for a year and completed writing the script within four months. Nassar revealed he was forced to include a revenge angle into the script for the sake of commercial viability.

Soundtrack
The music was composed by Ilaiyaraaja. The song "Arithaaratha Poosikolla Aasai" is set to Keeravani raga, "Thendral Vanthu Theendumbothu" is set to Jaunpuri, and "Oru Gundu Mani Kulunguthadi" is set to Harikambhoji. "Thendral Vanthu Theendumbothu" was later reused in the Telugu film Yevade Subramanyam (2015) as "Challa Gaali".

Release and reception
Avatharam was released on 9 June 1995. Since no distributors were willing to take up this film due to lack of commercial elements, the film's producer had to distribute the film by himself throughout Tamil Nadu. K. N. Vijiyan of New Straits Times lauded the film, saying its only flaw was the cinematography: "Some scenes look blurry and dark". R. P. R. of Kalki praised Nassar's direction while also praising for portraying the life of Therukoothu artistes with authenticity and realism while also praising Ilaiyaraaja's songs and re-recording. However the film failed at the box office. It won the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Third Best Film.