The temples at Sabarimala and Guruvayoor are two pilgrim centres in Kerala on which films have been made not only in Malayalam, but also in other South Indian languages. The colour film Sree Ayyappanum Vavarum , produced by Uma Thankam under the banner of Sree Devi Movies, was released in November 1982. Directed and edited by Suresh, the script and dialogues were written jointly by Purushan Alappuzha and Karthikeyan Alappuzha based on a story written by the former.
Shot at Vahini, Prasad and Chithra Mahal studios, some of the scenes were shot in the hills of Sabarimala. Cinematography by Rajan and special effects by Sushil Bellah were impressive. Some of the songs composed by A.T. Ummer became extremely popular.
Along with popular stars like Prem Nazir, Soman, Balan K. Nair, Cochin Haneefa, Prathapchandran, Unni Mary, Sreevidya and Meena, a newcomer Sabu was cast in the role of Lord Ayyappa. Mohanlal made an impressive guest appearance as Kadutha. The film dispensed with the usual comic scenes.
Unlike earlier films on Sabarimala like Sabarimala Sree Ayyappan (1961) produced by Pakshiraja Studios and Swami Ayyappan (1975) produced by P. Subramaniam, this film failed at the box office. The film focussed on the stories of Lord Ayyappa and his friend Vavar, who is also worshipped as a part of the pilgrimage to Sabarimala.
The popular story of Lord Ayyappa, the presiding deity at Sabarimala atop the Sabari Hills, the legend behind building the temple and the friendship between the Lord and Vavar is touched upon in the film.
Sabu in the main role failed to impress. Prem Nazir as Vavar, M.G. Soman as the King of Pandalam, Unni Mary as the Queen, Prathapachandran as the wicked minister, Balan K.Nair as King Udayanan and Cochin Haneefa as Kaliyappan, the Chief of the Marava troops, did justice to their roles. Sreevidya in a cameo role as Vavar’s wife was also impressive.
The sub-plot of the film was on the miracles in the lives of the devotees of Lord Ayyappa. The stories also hinted at the need for communal harmony.
The film opens with scenes of the Sabarimala pilgrimage which was shot ‘live’ during the course of a pilgrimage season. It featured all the important points in the traditional pilgrimage route.
The songs were written by Poovachal Khader and Koorkanchery Sugathan. A few traditional songs and verses were also included. Songs like ‘Ishwara Jagadeeswara…’; ‘Sabari Gireesha Sree Manikanta…’, ‘Saranam viliyude…’(all sung by K.J. Yesudas), ‘Nilavenna pole…’ (S. Janaki), ‘Dharma Sasthavey….’(Yesudas), ‘Ezhazhake noorazhakey…’ (Ambili and chorus) were very popular.
Will be remembered : As a film on the famous Sabarimala temple and some of the important legends associated with the shrine, also for some songs like ‘Ishwara Jagadeeswara…’
