Certain subjects seem to be ageless. Dowry system, corruption, child marriage, black marketing are just some of them. These subjects have been a favourite for Indian language writers. Many films were also made on these subjects. Dowry was a subject for films produced in most Indian languages right from the beginning of cinema. The Malayalam film ‘Arappavan,' released in August 1961, was on this subject. Incidentally, the Dowry Prohibition Act also came into force in May 1961
‘Varavikrayam' (Telugu,1938) directed by C. Pulliah is considered as the first successful film made on this subject. Early Tamil films like ‘Thyagabhoomi' (1939) and ‘Utthami' (1943) also focused on this sensitive theme.
The songs from ‘Utthami' that propagated the evils of the dowry system became very popular. V. Shantaram's Hindi film ‘Dahej,' released in 1950, also focussed on the evils of this system.
‘Arappavan' was produced and directed by K.Shankar under the banner of Seva Films. This was his debut film. Edited by K. Narayanan, the camera was handled by Ambu.
Popular artistes like Sathyan, Prem Navas, Muthiah, Ambika, Santhi, KPAC.Sulochana and others starred in the film.
The film was set among the working class milieu of toddy tappers and coir workers. Ramu (Sathyan) is a wood cutter. His wife Lakshmi (Sreeranjini) works in a coir factory. Their son Bhasi (Prem Navas) is educated but unemployed. Ramu's daughter Kallu (Ambika) is married to Paramu (Muthiah) the son of Kittu (Kalakkal Kumaran), a toddy tapper.
Kallu is tortured by her mother-in-law Janu (Omana) as Ramu is unable to give the promised dowry, which is half a sovereign. Paramu is kept away from his wife by Janu on condition that they can lead a married life only after the dowry is given. After some time Kallu is sent back to her home.
The village tea shop owner Pachu Pillai (Kedamangalam Sadanandan) and the toddy shop owner ‘Muthalali' (G. K. Pillai) are virtual trouble-makers. Bhasi is in love with Pachu Pillai's daughter Ammini (Santhi). Pachu Pillai opposes their love affair stating that Bhasi belongs to different caste. Disappointed, Bhasi leaves the village. He hopes to earn money and pay his sister's dowry.
Meanwhile, Paramu has been meeting his wife on the sly. Kallu becomes pregnant. Ramu falls down from the tree and breaks his leg. Kallu approaches Muthalali for money. Muthalali attempts to rape her but fails. Rumours are spread about Kallu's illegitimate relationship with the Muthalali.
Bhasi returns to the village with money. Even he and his father suspect Kallu. In their fury both Ramu and Bhasi rush to Muthalali's house, intending to kill him.
The timely intervention of Madhavi (Sulochana), Muthalali's wife, saves the situation. But before this Kallu commits suicide. Pachu Pillai changes his mind and agrees to his daughter's marriage with Bhasi.
The film failed miserably despite some good performances by Sathyan, Muthiah and Ambika.
Eight songs, written by Kedamangalam Sadanandan, were tuned by G. K.Venkitesh. ‘Vaadikariyunna poovey…' (P. B.Sreenivas), ‘Chekkanum vanney…' (A. P. Komala), ‘Karayathey karayathey…' (P. Leela) turned popular hits.
Will be remembered: As first Malayalam film on the dowry menace. For the debut Malayalam film of director K. Shankar and for some of the songs.
