Pavithra (film)

Ashok R. is an 18 year-old cancer patient, and Pavithra is a nurse in the hospital where he is being treated. Ashok and 18 year-old Chitra have been in love, which started a few months before his diagnosis. Ashok believes himself to be an orphan. On reading Ashok's medical records Pavithra sees that Ashok's initial is R, which means (in Tamil Nadu) that his father's name starts with the same letter. Raghunathan "Raghu" is Pavithra's husband. Since Ashok's age and date of birth are the same as her child (which was seemingly stillborn, and she is childless), Pavithra showers maternal affection on him. Raghu mistakes this maternal affection as something else because of a rogue doctor. This doctor unsuccessfully lusts for Pavithra and is hated by her. Confusion ensues, and Pavithra misunderstands Ashok. In the end, Ashok dies without the film revealing whether he was actually Pavithra and Raghu's biological son (initially thought to be stillborn) or not. Pavithra adopts a baby boy as her own child.

Ajith's voice was dubbed by Sekar.^[2] Comedy actor Amirthalingam made his debut through this film.^[3]

The soundtrack was composed by A. R. Rahman.^[4][5] The song "Sevvaanam" is based on "Mamboove", composed by Rahman for the Malayalam film Yoddha (1992).^[6] The song "Uyirum Neeyae" is set in the Carnatic raga Khamas.^[7][8]

Pavithra was released on 2 November 1994, Diwali day.^[9][10] Malini Mannath of The Indian Express said, "The writer-director should be commended for giving importance to the story line and the scenes in some places are really touching. But certain crucial episodes have been shoddily treated".^[11] K. Vijiyan of New Straits Times said the story, though unusual to Tamil cinema, was not well developed or brought across effectively, and "The director's inexperience in tackling sentimental subjects shows. Radhika may be a good actress but she needs a good director".^[12] Thulasi of Kalki applauded the performances of Radhika and Nassar, the music by Rahman and the cinematography, but criticised the inclusion of a dance sequence.^[13] The film went on to win two National Film Awards: Best Male Playback Singer (Unnikrishnan) and Best Lyrics (Vairamuthu).^[14] Furthermore, the film won third prize in the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Film winners list.^{[citation needed]} According to Ajith, the film changed the course of his life "to a certain extent".^[15]