Varavelppuu is a Malayalam language movie from 1989, which tells the story of an educated and affluent young man, Prabhakaran (played by Mohanlal), who relocates to his hometown after completing his studies in the United States. Despite being knowledgeable and resourceful, Prabhakaran has a ion for drinking and lives life to the fullest, without any specific aim or goal. This attitude gradually legitimizes him as a troublemaker in the eyes of his family and society, making him an outcast.
The plot picks up momentum when Prabhakaran falls in love with a local girl named Sithara (played by Revathi), and decides to settle down with her. But in order to do so, he must gain acceptance from her conservative family, who staunchly oppose his lifestyle and drinking problem. Prabhakaran makes several attempts to change his ways to impress Sithara's family, but to no avail.
Things take a different turn when Prabhakaran's father decides to marry him off to a wealthy girl named Shobha (played by Meena). Shobha is a kind-hearted and understanding girl who falls in love with Prabhakaran irrespective of his flaws. However, Prabhakaran's love for Sithara clouds his judgment, and he refuses to accept Shobha's proposal.
Throughout the film, we see Prabhakaran's struggle with himself and his surroundings, as he tries to find meaning in his life. The movie portrays the clash of traditional Indian values with modern-day westernized lifestyles, and how these two ideologies struggle to coexist in society. The film also touches upon the themes of love, family, and relationships, weaving them seamlessly into the narrative.
The movie features some memorable performances by the lead actors, particularly Mohanlal, who delivers a stellar performance as the protagonist. He captures the essence of Prabhakaran's character with ease, portraying his rebellious nature, surmounting stress, and inner turmoil with great skill. Revathi, who plays the female lead, shines in her role, lending a naive and innocent charm to her character. Murali delivers an impressive performance as Prabhakaran's friend who tries to steer him towards the right path.
The film's music, composed by Johnson, is another highlight, with several catchy and memorable tracks. Some of the most iconic songs from the movie, such as "Aadivaram Adavukal" and "Chippi Irangunna" continue to be popular even today.
Overall, Varavelppuu is an engaging and thought-provoking movie that explores the complexities of modern-day living and relationships. Its relatable characters and solid performances by its actors make it an enduring classic of Malayalam cinema.