Swayamvaram (One's Own Choice) (1972) is a feature film production written and directed by Adoor Gopalakrishnan. It is in Malayalam. Critically acclaimed upon release, the film marked Adoor Gopalakrishnan's debut in feature film. The film starkly portrayed the middle class angst of the post-Nehruvian society and the transition of Kerala's middle class into a modernist society. Although the economic and social crises of the middle class is pervasive in the film, the emphasis is on the existential problems at an ontological plain. This film marked a transition in Malayalam film aesthetic as it was the first break with social realism and an attempt to come to terms with the disillusionment in ideologies.

The film was shown at a number of film festivals around the world.

[edit] Plot

After eloping together, Vishwam, an aspiring writer on the hunt for a job, and Seeta arrive in a big city. Financial pressure leads to Vishwam and Seeta moving out of their home and seeking a cheaper place to stay. Eventually, as money becomes more tight, they both end up in a slum. Unable to hold on to a tutorial job, Vishwam soon finds work in a timber mill. Poverty begins to grip the family, and soon after the birth of a baby, Vishwam falls ill and dies. Seeta is left a lonely widow with her young child.

[edit] Awards

The film has been nominated for and won the following awards since its release:

1973 Moscow International Film Festival (Russia)

• Nominated - Golden Prize - Swayamvaram - Adoor Gopalakrishnan

1973 National Film Awards (India)

• Won - Golden Lotus Award - Best Film - Swayamvaram - Adoor Gopalakrishnan
• Won - Golden Lotus Award - Best Director - Adoor Gopalakrishnan
• Won - Silver Lotus Award - Best Actress - Sharada
• Won - Silver Lotus Award - Best Cinematography - M.C. Ravi Varma

[edit] External links

• Swayamvaram at the Internet Movie Database