Considered to be a cult classic, this movie focuses on one of the social evils deep-rooted in Indian society – untouchability. Kamal, son of a carnatic singer, wants to serve for the poor and needy. However, his upper class father’s conservative ideologies pose threat to the same and for the peaceful co-existence of the household thereby creating a rift between the father-son relationship. Things only grow worse when Kamal falls for the lower caste girl Sita. Kamal hassan, Gemini Ganesan, and Sita’s heart wrenching performance and Balachander’s direction made this movie stand apart from the crowd. Illayaraja’s music helped in a big way too.