1967 was the finest year for Sathyan as an actor as his best two movies were released in this year. Ashwamedham was his best movie which was released on 15th September, 1967 and his last movie of the year was Paavappettaval which was released on 12th October, 1967. Coincidentially, both these movies starred Sharadha as the leading lady. Other than his last acting performance, Paavappettaval has the distinction of presenting Sathyan with Vidhubala for the first time as well as the last time .
Paavappettaval is a social drama cum love story.Gopy(Sathyan) returns to the native village from England after completing Bar-at- Law. His mother Bhavaniyamma and sister Radha are very happy. Gopi is attracted towards Lakshmi(Sharadha)'paavappettaval'(poor girl)of the story, daughter of Venkaiah(O.Ramadhas), who works as servant in the family. He takes advantage of the sleeping Lakshmi and promises to marry her. He leaves to city and stays with his uncle Balaramaiah(Adoor Bhasi). Gopi marries his daughter Vimala. Bhavaniyamma and Radha brings pregnant Lakshmi to the city. Gopi refuses to accept her and offers some money to Lakshmi. She leaves the house when her father arranges for the marriage. She take refuge with a nun and delivers a child. Meanwhile Vimala elopes with Sukumar(S.P Pillai). Bhavaniyamma sends Gopi to bring back Lakshmi. After several hardships, Lakshmi reunites with Gopi forms the remaining part which is, in fact, the main part of the story.
Director P.A Thomas has ably directed the drama story written by Muthukulam Ragavan Pillai. Since Sharadha is in the title role, maximum footage has been given to her and she has been kept in limelight throughout. Except some regular mollywood formulae, the movie is engrossing and keeps the viewer glued to the screen as it is very difficult to guess the climax. Interesting comedy scenes involving the pleas of the uncle (Adoor Bhasi) and the niece, i.e., Gopi are also the highlight of the movie. The final hotel drama in which Sathyan exposes the real face of Ambujakshi(Kamala Devi), is damn impressive.
Sharadha has performed brilliantly in the title role and thereby made her performance as a memorable one. She had to retire from acting because of getting overweight, else he could have acted throughout her life. Sathyan also has done well. Vidhubhala as the sister, Adoor Bhasi as the uncle and the other supporting actors also have done their parts well.
Music of this movie (composed by B.A Chidhambaranath) is so-so and therefore, forgettable. Technically the movie is OK. Length is also not undue because the momentum of drama is maintained after the murder till the final revelation. It's definitely a good family- drama.
I had seen this movie on Doordarshan years back and I don't find it being telecast on any satellite channel. The sadder thing is that its VCD / DVD is also not available. And the most surprising thing for me has been that I could not find a single wallpaper / poster of this movie on the internet. I urge the makers of this film to release its VCD / DVD and satellite telecast rights so that the fans of Sathyan and Vidhubala are able to see their only joint screen appearance as well as the finest acting performance of the great showman Sathyan. It's definitely a treat for the Sathyan and Adoor Bhasi fans as well as the family-drama audience.
