Thread by @swaroopkaimal

As another cursed season of bird flu and culling of ducks happen in Kuttanad, got reminded of this novel, and its cult-like cinematic adaptation in 1977.
Ducks — countless of them — marched throughout reels. At the end, someone poisons and kills them. Yes, in same Kuttanad. 1+

#IthaIvideVare was the first colour film directed by I V Sasi. Production was by Hari Pothen. Madhu, Jayabharathi, Vidhubala, Adoor Bhasi, Sharada, Bahadoor and all were the lead artists. Jayan played the cameo of a ferry-boat man.

Soman shot to superstardom with this film. 2+

Main shoot location was Alappuzha. Plenty of ducks were reportedly bought by the production house. It’s said they used these ducks for promotion of the film as well — by deliberately taking them to roads, allowing them to create small traffic blocks, and —> 3+

—> when vehicles stop seeing them, crew would distribute notices. 4+

A young Sasi all set to make his next superhit. 5+

If he’s in frame, one would end up noticing Jayan first. While this was shot, he (Jayan) was just three years away from his death, and Soman was just 36. 6+

The main highlight (apart from steamy scenes between Jayabharathi and Soman) was the climax fight scene. Originally planned to be shot in Udaya Studio, it was shifted to a place called Ennoor, a lakeside area in Madras. 7+

Madhu and Soman were reportedly reluctant to get into dirty water and mud for the shoot. Cinematographer Ramachandra Babu recollects that one guy Maniyan, a friend of Pothen, arranged local arrack (patta chaaraayam), and it made things easy. Both actors were properly drunk. 8+

Thanks majorly to this poster, and some spicy scenes and one song, film had a dream run. People reportedly watched it more than once. Hari Pothen, who was neck deep in trouble those days, cleared all his problems overnight. 9+

Film became such a roaring hit, producer bought three cars and gifted them to I. V.Sasi, Soman, and Jayabharathi. 10+

Jayabharathi’s Ammini was much more than a mere skin show. A character that had substance and punch. She boldly rejects her lover in the end who had this secret motive of revenge behind his love-drama. 11+

This girl Shanthi was there as a group dance member. Director noticed her since she was extremely good looking. Next year, he made a film and made her the heroine. Avalude Ravukal created history, Seema, and a blissful matrimony. 12+

If you haven’t seen the movie, no harm in giving it a try. Soman’s Viswanathan will be in your mind for sometime at least. Padmarajan’s Viswanathan, rather.