Readers Write In #651: Book Review of ‘Sridevi – The South Years’

By Neeraj S Iyer

Prologue: A Journey of Passion and Perseverance in Chennai’s Cinematic Labyrinth

In the heart of Chennai’s bustling film industry, a narrative as intriguing as any cinematic tale unfolded. Here was Amborish Roychoudhury, a National Award Winning Author, navigating the labyrinth of a vibrant yet unfamiliar Tamil Film world. His odyssey, marked by the challenges of language and culture, was akin to a director crafting a work of art in an unknown dialect. Roychoudhury’s journey, fueled by sheer passion and a quest to understand an inscrutable/perplexing/enigmatic Indian Cinematic Icon. It was not just about writing a book; it was a cinematic expedition into uncharted territories of art and expression.

As said by the amiable Author himself; in the kaleidoscopic world of Chennai’s film industry, a narrative as captivating as any silver screen saga was being authored. Amborish found himself amidst the whirlwind of South Indian cinema, a realm as dazzling as it was daunting. His quest? To unravel the mystique of Sridevi, a legend who transcended language and culture.

Now Picture This – A bustling Chennai, its streets echoing with the rhythms of Tamil, Telugu and sometimes Malayalam, its air thick with tales of cinematic legends. In this vibrant setting, Roychoudhury, a stranger to the language and customs, embarking on a journey reminiscent of the classic hero’s quest. His challenge was not just linguistic but cultural, trying to bridge the gap between his own Bengali roots and the rich vibrancy of South Indian cinema.

Each day was akin to a scene from a film – a blend of high drama and poignant moments. The Author, armed with a translator’s voice and a researcher’s zeal, delved into archives, engaged with film scholars, critics and conversed with those who had worked closely with Sridevi. Imagine the scenes – intense discussions in quaint coffee houses, interviews in studios where the air buzzed with anecdotes of the past, and quiet evenings spent poring over old film reels and scripts.

His journey was not merely about collecting facts; it was about absorbing the essence of a culture that had birthed a star like Sridevi. He navigated through the maze of Chennai’s film alleys, each turn revealing a new aspect of Sridevi’s multifaceted career. From the bustling Sets and Studios, where cinema breathed in every nook, Mr Roy carefully pieced together the mosaic of Sridevi’s life.

A Bengali’s Ode to the Southern Star

In his book “Sridevi: The South Years,” Amborish Roychoudhury, embarks on a cultural odyssey, traversing the landscape of South Indian cinema to unravel the enigma of Sridevi. His endeavor, bridging linguistic divides and cultural chasms, is not just an act of admiration but a scholarly pursuit to understand and document the phenomenon of Sridevi.

The Southern Cinema’s Luminary

Sridevi’s journey in the South Indian film industry is a narrative of diverse roles and collaborations with cinematic giants. Her performances alongside actors like Rajinikanth in “Moondru Mudichu” and Chiranjeevi in “Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari” showcased her ability to blend seamlessly with different styles and personas. What did these legends think of Sridevi, the actress who could outshine even the brightest stars? Well, the legendary Kamal Haasan and renowned Film Critic Mr Baradwaj Rangan opines about her craft in their well detailed forewords.  

The Craft of a Cinematic Chameleon

Roychoudhury meticulously analyzes Sridevi’s roles, from the playful charm in “Meendum Kokila” to the intense drama of “Aakhari Poratam” and countless other great roles created by K Balachander and his peers. Each role was a testament to her versatility. But what was it about Sridevi that captivated the hearts of the South Indian audience? Was it her ability to portray complex emotions with ease, or her dance that spoke a universal language?

The Enigma Beyond the Arc Lights – Whispers Behind the Curtain

The author delves into the dichotomy of Sridevi’s vibrant on-screen presence and her private, contemplative off-screen persona. Co-stars often wondered about the thoughts behind her expressive eyes. What did they reveal about her inner world? There was a ‘Veil of Mystique’ around the Star-Actor that made her and her films even more unique. This chapter delves into the dichotomy of Sridevi’s on-screen vivacity and off-screen reticence. The Book explores her life away from the cameras, a narrative that presents a stark contrast to her cinematic persona. What was the story behind her silent, introspective nature? The author invites readers to look beyond the glitter of stardom. Amborish invites his readers to ponder the solitude that often accompanies greatness. What stories lay hidden behind those expressive eyes? Well, that is something which we would never know or maybe we are never meant to know.

The Art of Laughter: Sridevi’s Comic Brilliance

Sridevi’s mastery was not confined to dramatic roles alone. Roychoudhury’s narrative takes a delightful turn as he explores her foray into comedy. Her performances in films like “Kshana Kshanam” and “Guru Sishyan” were not just about eliciting laughter; they were a showcase of timing, expression, and an innate understanding of the subtleties of humor. What made Sridevi’s comedy so impactful? Was it her ability to convey humor through a mere flicker of an expression, or her skill in delivering lines with a natural ease that few could match? Do you need to say more about her brilliant Chaplin-esque act in Mr India?

A Dance of Emotion

While reading about Sridevi’s multifaceted talent, it’s hard not to delve into her dance performances. Her ability to express the narrative and emotion of a song through dance was unparalleled. In numbers like “Aaku Chatu Pinde Tadise” and “Naino Mein Sapna,” she didn’t just perform; she brought the songs to life. Her dance was a language in itself, speaking directly to the audience’s hearts. How did Sridevi manage to blend classical and contemporary dance forms so effortlessly, making each performance a memorable spectacle?

Sridevi’s journey was not in isolation. She was part of an era that saw the rise of many greats. Yet, she stood out, be it dance or acting. What set Sridevi apart in an industry teeming with talent? Was it her versatility, her ability to adapt, or something more intangible – a charisma that couldn’t be replicated?

Scenes from a Marriage of Emotions

Sridevi’s skill to navigate a spectrum of emotions set her apart as a rare gem in Indian cinema. Roychoudhury delves into scenes where her emotional range was palpable, such as the poignant depth in “Moondram Pirai” (Sadma for Hindi audiences) where Sridevi, portraying a woman with retrograde amnesia, brings to life a heart-wrenching blend of innocence and vulnerability. In a particularly poignant moment, her character, Bhagyalakshmi, fails to recognize her own parents. It’s a scene where Sridevi’s facial expressions oscillate masterfully between confusion, realization, and a haunting, unspoken sorrow. The depth of emotion she channels through her eyes, without uttering a single word, creates a symphony of heartache and empathy that resonates with the viewer long after the scene fades. Another memorable instance is from “Meendum Kokila,” where Sridevi, playing the role of a traditional housewife, confronts her husband about his infidelity. The scene is a masterclass in restrained yet powerful acting. Sridevi’s portrayal of a myriad of emotions – from disbelief and hurt to a dignified resolve – is nothing short of spectacular. Her ability to convey the turmoil of a wounded heart, juxtaposed with the societal expectation of composure, showcases not just her versatility as an actress but also her profound understanding of the nuanced layers of human emotions. A remarkable scene that stands out is from the film “16 Vayathinile,” where Sridevi plays the role of Mayil, a naive village girl. There’s a moment of pure cinematic magic when Mayil, who harbors innocent dreams of love, faces a brutal betrayal. Sridevi’s transition from a dreamy, hopeful girl to a shattered soul is portrayed with such devastating authenticity that it leaves the audience grappling with a whirlwind of emotions. Her ability to convey the crushing weight of disillusionment, with a subtlety that speaks louder than words, is a testament to her profound understanding of the human psyche.

In “Varumayin Niram Sivappu,” the Actor delivers another unforgettable performance. In a scene where her character is torn between her love and her principles, she masterfully balances vulnerability with strength. The scene where she confronts her lover, questioning the societal norms that bind their relationship, Sridevi’s performance is both powerful and poignant. Her facial expressions, fluctuating between resolve and pain, coupled with a voice quivering with emotion, create a portrayal that is both relatable and heartrending. These scenes, are not just high points of Sridevi’s acting career but are also reflective of her ability to elevate a script through the sheer force of her performance, making each character she portrayed an unforgettable part of cinematic history.

Eyes – They Do Talk

In cinema, where dialogue often takes precedence, Sridevi’s ability to convey volumes through her eyes was extraordinary. Roychoudhury highlights scenes where her eyes did the talking, like in “Sadma,” where a single glance conveyed more than words ever could. This quality of acting often set her apart from her peers and the silent eloquence raises an intriguing thought. In an industry often criticized for its over-the-top dramatization, how did Sridevi’s subtle yet powerful expressions carve a niche of their own? And given that the South Film Industry along with a fair share of Bollywood audiences, were used to histrionics on screen, how did this Actor draw the audiences to the theaters and make them love her? Maybe screen presence, maybe a sheer conviction in her performance or maybe some kind of ‘mystery’, or an ‘aura’, which we keep hearing very often whenever her name comes up during Film discussions.

A Legacy in Anecdotes – Echoes from the Sets

Beyond the screen, the book talks Sridevi’s interactions with her co-stars and crew and paints a picture of a woman who was as human as she was a star. The Writer shares some anecdotes from the sets and what emerges about the person can only be described in one or two words; like moments of kindness, obedient, logical, a keen learner, utter professionalism, reticent, hints of insecurity (which surrounds every big star), humility, a childlike aura and some more. Beyond the sets, as her presence in the South Industry was becoming minimal with Bollywood busy making her into a Diva in the mid to late 80s, we get to know about Ram Gopal Verma’s utter fascination for her and how unbelievable it felt for him when she agreed to act in his entertaining Telugu film (later remade as Daud in Hindi). Later on, after becoming a visionary sort of Director in Hindi Cinema, and giving a ‘foot at the door’ to many renowned Artists, it’s a pity that Sridevi and RGV never worked together again. Now, looking back at Urmila’s subtle expressions and demeanor in his path-breaking movie Satya, her performance bares similarities to some of Sridevi’s acclaimed performances in Tamil Cinema.  

An Unparalleled Fusion Artist

She was a Confluence of Styles, in many ways. Sridevi’s ability to fuse classical Indian dance with contemporary styles, along with her well trained co-stars, set her apart as a dancer. Her performance in “Meendum Kokila” showcased this unique blend, where traditional Bharatanatyam met modern cinematic dance. Further, in her 1977 Malayalam Film SathyavanSavithri with Kamal Haasan, what many a folks rave about is her spectacular dance recital. Infact as Amborish writes “Even ‘spectacular’ as a word falls criminally short of describing what this ‘untrained dancer’ did there”. This fusion was not just about dance; it was a metaphor for her approach to cinema and life. How did Sridevi manage to balance tradition with modernity with ease? Well, she has kept the forums perennially ‘open’ to such perplexing questions for film buffs, critics and fans alike.

The Philosophical Underpinnings of Sridevi’s Art

In this meticulously researched Book, where no stone seems to be unturned, I would personally like to touch upon the philosophical aspects of Sridevi’s career. Her journey was not just about entertainment; it was a narrative that mirrored societal changes, especially for women in India. Her roles often challenged the status quo, subtly questioning and reshaping societal norms. What does Sridevi’s choice of roles tell us about her as a person? And what does it reflect about the society she was a part of? Again, the answers will be left for introspection.

A Timeless Enigma

With “Sridevi: The South Years,”Amborish Roychoudhury leaves the reader with a sense of awe and a multitude of questions and why she would be missed. Sridevi’s legacy is not just in the films she left behind but in the myriad of ways she touched lives, both on and off the screen. Her story is a testament to the power of cinema to inspire, to challenge, and to transcend the ordinary, much like the star herself.

Beyond the Realm of Cinema

While reading the thoughtfully written book, we might often reflect on this unique ‘Actor-Star-Diva’s’ enduring legacy. Her versatility raises an important question about the future of Indian cinema. Who will carry forward the legacy of this multifaceted talent? I suppose the answer lies not in finding another Sridevi, but in appreciating the uniqueness of each artist.

The Actor now truly transcends the boundaries of film analysis, making us philosophize about the impact of a figure like Sridevi on life and art. Her journey was not just about entertainment; it was a mirror to the society, a reflection of evolving narratives in Indian cinema. Sridevi, in her silent eloquence, taught us about the beauty of complexity and the power of subtlety.

Epilogue

To conclude the Author’s cinematic expedition, “The Man on a Mission” transformed. What began as an outsider’s endeavor to document a legend’s life became a journey of self-discovery, a testament to the power of cinema to transcend boundaries. His narrative, rich with the hues of understanding and admiration, was not just a tribute to Sridevi, but a bridge connecting disparate worlds.

As the pages of “Sridevi: The South Years” took shape, they became more than a Biography. They were a chronicle of a Bengali’s odyssey in the heart of South Indian cinema, a journey marked by the universal language of art and a shared love for an icon who defined and transcended it. In this journey, Amborish Roychoudhury, didn’t just find Sridevi; he found a piece of himself, forever entwined with the celluloid tapestry of Indian cinema.