AI manipulated images of screengrabs of Sridevi from the Malayalam film Deva Raagam.
Released on July 3, 1996, a look back at Sridevi's final film in Kerala, the divisive Deva Raagam.
Deva Raagam released in 1996 and it was considered a box office flop, or at best average-to-below-average in its primary Malayalam market. Directed by Bharathan, it starred Sridevi (in her return to Malayalam cinema after a long gap) opposite Arvind "Roja" Swamy.
It marked Sridevi's final venture with Kerala cinema, a region she first worked in as a child artist, then teen, and went on to appear in around 25 Malayalam films. Sources consistently describe the expensive film as a commercial disappointment in Kerala circuits, with some noting it was the only Bharathan film that failed to succeed after a long string of hits. It performed better in Telugu dubbed versions, but overall, it didn't recover costs through theatrical runs and faded quickly in theaters. Perhaps it recovered in global and satellite distribution in the long run - or via its massive music sales. We await further confirmation from reliable sources.
Highlights of most of the reviews (mixed to positive over time, with initial criticism) mostly rely on the music; it is flawless. The film was often panned by critics at release for aspects like pacing (considered lengthy for Malayalam audiences) and casting choices (some felt Sridevi appeared "a bit older" opposite Arvind Swamy and thereby affecting chemistry).
Well, Sridevi was 31 when she shot the film, and Arvind Swamy was a hefty 25; which may seem trivial now, but back then, somehow it managed to be a huge topic of discussion. Upon reflection today, Sridevi's resplendent career and towering stardom eclipsed the nervous newcomer that Swamy was. He had ballooned post Roja fame, and quite frankly was no match for Sridevi's prowess. Critics said she looked older, sure she did. She also looked staggeringly beautiful in her designer outfits that shone through in the song and dance routines. For a simple film set in a village, she perhaps didn't look the part of a simple village girl... Sridevi's fame and aura was overpowering, there was little simple about the actor who had been famous since age four and was, indubitably, a pan-Indian superstar. It was like trying to make a reigning queen look like a pauper. Even the way she walked, her gait, her aura, her presence, with her back stiff like the cine royalty she was, all eyes darted towards the most famous actor alive. The highest paid Indian actress of her time--famously so--the audience was too aware that she was 'the great Sridevi', not Lakshmi, the simple, besotted village girl character in the film. Even her co-stars and cine-stars, keep looking at Sridevi as she performs - note they aren't looking away, but directly at her, as if in disbelief that the legend was in their presence.
Today, what we remember most are the strengths of the film that were universally praised: exceptional music by M. M. Keeravani (songs topped charts, became huge hits, still iconic today; singer S. Chithra won a Kerala State Award). The bold theme/story (romantic drama tackling orthodoxy, social norms, and a village girl's love with a widowed scholar/priest-in-training) was appreciated for depth, beautiful narration, and strong screenplay/direction... in parts.
Acting and production quality lauded in the press back then included comments such as as "faultless," with "good acting and film-making at its best" (e.g., positive review of Tamil dubbed version).
Later retrospective views (fan/user reviews on IMDb, blogs) call it a "beautifully made" gem, "ahead of its time," "classic," or underrated, with many puzzled why it flopped.
Some say it deserved awards for its bold concept and performances.
Sridevi received significant appreciation for her role as Lakshmi: described as the "brightest spot" of the film, "mesmerising," "ethereal," "flawless," and dominating every scene.
Her epic beauty and performance were highlighted (especially returning to Malayalam after focusing on Hindi films).
Fans and reviews praise her for delivering a brilliant, strong performance amid personal difficulties (her mother's illness--tragically Sridevi's mother died during the making of the movie and Sridevi took a sabbatical). Some saying her climax scenes deserved a national award, a shout-out, we've often heard in Sridevi's lifetime. She was seen as elevating the film despite its issues, and her portrayal in traditional outfits/songs remains timeless. Gone too soon, we remember Sridevi for the powerhouse performer that she was and a true-blue superstar, the likes of which, we still haven't seen.
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