Sadma (1983) Poster

(1983)

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8/10
How heart-breaking it can be when a dreamlike experience becomes a never-been...
Peter_Young16 August 2009
Sadma has one of the greatest and most unusual stories ever in an Indian movie. It is well directed, well narrated, and naturally acted. The film has bits of comedy, drama, but it is better described as a realistic, enjoyable and beautiful journey which remains keepsake-less. It lets the viewer experience a real pain on-screen. I'm obviously talking about the climax scene which is so touching that nothing can be good enough to explain what you feel about it. It can be really difficult when an experience of a lifetime, a story of love and a relationship of pure humanity are gone with the wind as if they had never been. I can easily relate to this because I experienced something similar in life. Don't know where the writer had taken his inspiration from to write this extraordinary story and this fine script, but Balu Mahendra must be applauded for handling it so well on-screen.

Kamal Haasan and Sridevi are nothing short of spectacular and superb in their respective roles. As the caring and worldly school teacher Somu, Haasan plays his role with depth and visible understanding of his character, and his final scenes are of the film's strongest. Sridevi, in one of her most memorable roles, plays a young woman, who, as a result of a head injury loses her memory and is in a mental state of a five-year old girl's. That means she actually has two roles to play (which this actress has done plenty of times). As the conscious woman before the accident, she is graceful and beautiful, but it is the other role that marks this performance. To play a little girl trapped in a young woman's body must be very difficult for any actor, but Sridevi does it with incredible ease and conviction, making her character both funny and moving.

It's extremely difficult to lose someone, but to lose someone who does not even know he may have ever had even an opportunity to interact with you is much more saddening. This is the basic concept of Sadma. All I can say is do yourself a favour and go watch it.
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9/10
Sad but true...
shail_k15 February 2007
After reading all the above comments I also felt like to comment on the film that I grown up watching. I watched this film when I was just 8yrs. old and one scene that still fresh in my mind is the climax. It is so heart wrenching and sad that you just can't stop the tears blow out of your eyes. Though I watched the film several more times but you can understand the magic of this film which left a strong impact in 8 yrs' old boy's mind. Kamal Hasan and Sridevi are at their best in the film. And Another clap for the superb directions of Balu Mahendru & Hrishida. Film's music also out of the time and goes pretty well with the film's each and every scene. What more to say, just watch it for your own sake if you are a true cine-lover.
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9/10
Comic, romantic and ultimately gut wrenching
HeadleyLamarr25 July 2007
Sdama is the story of an idealistic young man Somu (Kamal Haasan) who rescues an amnesiac young girl, Reshmi (Sridevi), from a brothel and takes charge of her life. She has the mental age of a five year old and her parents are looking all over for her. Reshmi gets in and out of trouble. Somu has to deal with her pranks and misdemeanors. He is pursued by the very sexy young wife (Silk Smitha) of his boss. Eventually the amnesia will go away - we have been told that it is just a matter of time. But when memory returns will the memories of Somu fade from Reshmi's mind?

What can one say about Kamal? The man wrote the book on acting. Here he is young, very good looking and absolutely perfect as the idealistic school teacher who decides to rescue a girl in trouble. Stalked by Silk Smitha, he also get ample opportunity to flex his dancing skills in a fantasy item number! Sridevi is very good as the five year old trapped in a young woman's body. She has the expressions and gestures down pat. Maybe there is exaggeration in the acting, but I can see her as a hyperactive 5 year old. Then she provides a perfect contrast as the young woman who wakes up from this nightmare. Silk Smitha has ooomph in ample measure and there is also an ampleness to her. One wonders how good some of today's anorexic leading ladies would look with those curves! The ultimate tragedy of the film leaves one in shock and mourning for what could have been while at the same time Reshmi's return to normalcy is celebrated.

The film is well directed and the camera work is extremely beautiful. Kamal still has traces of his South Indian Hindi accent, but is miles ahead of his Ek Duje ke Liye days. All in all this is a very satisfying cinema experience. Yes you will be saddened by the story but the beauty of the film is a joy that must be experienced.
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10/10
It's heart-rending
johnnymathew23 April 2005
It is one of the most heart-rending movies that I have seen till date. And the final scene would make most cry - and you wouldn't be sure whether you are crying for the character or for yourself or for something that can't be explained in words but only felt in the deep recess of our hearts. For most it might be just another good movie that makes you feel very sad and depressed. But for anyone who has ever loved and doted on anyone as if she was your child, lover and mother all rolled into one; loved so deeply that her presence is what helps you breathe and her absence shatters your world - he would be able to feel what Kamal's character really goes through.
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8/10
A great movie about the complex human relations and emotions.
Sandeepm28 March 2003
Well, especially for the western readers i must say that if u have not seen this movie yet(ofcourse u didnt...!) then its just like missing out "One flew over the cuckoo`s" nest of urs...yes it is one of the greatest work Indian cinema has ever produced. The Kamal hassan and Sridevi are at their best and so is director balu. The movie is all about a girl in her early twenties who after meeting an accident lost her memory as well as senses...well not exactly senseless but no better than a six year old. Kamal met her in a brothel and After meeting her, he just couldnt stop thinking about her and somehow managed to flee her from the hell..now its all about how he brought her at his home and how he treat her like a child, without getting diverted in terms of human instincts, cosidering the beauty she is.. and then the climax is superb and the most watchable part of the movie...Kamal`s performance of life...you just cant come out of the theater witout some drops...!then the music score by Illyaharaja is as touching as the movie itself...All the complexities of life with emotions flowing all over, movie is a great experience..
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9/10
An unbelievable story
mohsinleghari30008 November 2001
I haven't seen a movie like that.It is a special movie that will attract every sensible person.If you see this movie,a sad feeling will come in your heart.I will advise those who have not a strong heart that they should not see this movie.The end is so sad that all the night , you will think about the movie.The performance of Kamal Hassan and Sri Devi is outstanding.
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10/10
Sridevi only
gauravjuneja913 May 2021
Sridevi was far above the rest of the actors as this role can be performed by none other than Sridevi. Truely National award deserving performance. This movie marked the start of Sridevi era where Amitabh Bachhan , Rajnikanth , Kamal Hasan and other stars will soon going to fade away when they are cast with Sridevi.
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10/10
Watch It....
ramsri8127 April 2007
Well I guess worrying too much on what people might think about a movie made from India is going too wayward. Whether anyone likes,appreciates,admires this movie or not it will still stay true to be one of the best movie genuinely made for actors portrayed. Well most of the South Indian movies are story based and increasingly character(actors) based. This one was just made to match the wits and acting skills of Kamal and Sridevi. Personally one of the saddest ending scene seen in films (Yes it includes international movies too). Plot revolves around the relationship between a single man and an amnesiac girl in a hill station and how things turn out in the end against the lead actor. Class Direction,Class acting,Class scenery... Just a Classic Master Piece 10/10 from my side....

All Kamal needs is one good role in a International movie to show the world what are the standards set for Indian actors in Indian movies(not just Bollywood)
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10/10
Well-done yet heart-wrenching
Mazdoor23 December 2001
An extremely well-done movie (although not terribly intellectual), both lead actors do an excellent acting job with good material. Very simply, the plot focusses around the relationship between a single man and a girl he takes in, who has lost her memory. I was recommended this as an Indian film that is very non-Bollywood, and that is certainly true. (The unbelievably improbably coincidences are kept to a minimum, and there is no long-lost twin brother or dying mother or any of the inevitable Bollywood cliches.)

Be warned though, after watching this you might feel vaguely depressed for the rest of the evening.
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7/10
Sadma
IPyaarCinema22 October 2021
Review By Kamal K

My love for the soundtrack is for eternity, but its today that i had the pleasure of watching this marvelous movie. Kamal sir and Sridevi ma'am did a tremendous job in this epic movie, however i am sad with the ending though.
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10/10
The best movie
anexas17 May 2002
This is one of the best, or rather the best movie I have ever seen. The storyline and the characters are simple yet so complex. Seeing this movie is like being there for the time. The photography and the locations are absolutely fabulous, would remind of some time in your life. The facial expressions on Kamal's face are quite realistic. In one sequence the heroine is lost and Kamal has searched all around the village for her and not been able to find her. He sits in front of god, lights a candle looking at God's statue, just from his face expressions it is visible how much he wants her back in his life. The end scene would fill anyone into big time thoughts. Only downside is that silk smita has helped this movie to get Adult certificate and some boring song sequences.
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7/10
Masterpiece movie
nitesh-977941 May 2024
I watched it today Cult movie with a tragic Ending.

Ending can give you panic Attack.

But masterpiece, Kamal & sridevi nailed it.

I watched it today Cult movie with a tragic Ending.

Ending can give you panic Attack.

But masterpiece, Kamal & sridevi nailed it.

I watched it today Cult movie with a tragic Ending.

Ending can give you panic Attack.

But masterpiece, Kamal & sridevi nailed it.

I watched it today Cult movie with a tragic Ending.

Ending can give you panic Attack.

But masterpiece, Kamal & sridevi nailed it.

I watched it today Cult movie with a tragic Ending.

Ending can give you panic Attack.

But masterpiece, Kamal & sridevi nailed it.
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10/10
A movie with all the legends......
yc-5868214 August 2020
This movie has everything good story , great acting (Kamal Haasan , Sridevi legend's!!!) , great music ofcourse illaiyaraja ✨ and a sad ending sad but it showcase the reality of life recommended just watched it u will love it!!!
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9/10
True To Its Title
rupak_speaking26 February 2018
I write this review when I hear the sad news of Sridevi's demise. She announced her stupendous acting potential with this classic of a movie as early as 1983. She thereafter ruled Bollywood at a time when there were non-actors in female leads other than maybe Jaya Prada and Meenakshi Sheshadri and did so until the arrival of the likes of Madhuri and Juhi. The movie in question is one of my all time favourites, it is a beautiful narrative with a heart-breaking climax, reaching the peak of cinematic brilliance. Acting, music, cinematography, you name it, they did it. The film as well as the song "Aye Zindagi Gale Laga Le" is one of my favourites. I know not what is perfect, so I give it a 9...
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8/10
Intriguing performances by Kamal Hassan and Sridevi create the magical Sadma
saranyavalsarajan13 September 2012
Warning: Spoilers
It is heart wrenching for anyone who watches Sadma. The movie will leave you with nothing but an indescribable pain that lasts for a long time. Balu Mahendra's Sadma is an incredibly made movie for the masses who will easily relate to the characters and the plot.

Sadma narrates the story of Nehalata/Reshmi and Somu. Nehalata becomes Reshmi after she meets with an accident which leaves her with a head injury which regress her into childhood. Circumstances lead her into a brothel from where she is rescued by the kind hearted teacher Somu. Somu takes care of her and will eventually fall in love with her. He decides to treat her to bring back her memory. The treatment brings her memory back only to make us realize that she does not remember anything after her accident, including Somu. The movie ends up leaving us devastated with the fact that Nehalata has left her entire past with Somu and she has headed towards her hometown.

Sadma is a beautifully narrated movie that will leave you with just one thought; Somu should not have treated her. The script and direction by Balu leaves you in tears by the end of the movie and emotionally awed.

Kamal Haasan was already a terrific actor and he proved it again being Somu. Scenes wherein he enacts monkey for Reshmi and the whole song of Surumaee Akhiyon Mein will leave your heart completely fallen for Somu. Kamal's performance in the final scene deserves a special mention as that is the scene that leaves any viewer totally crashed. Kamal proved to be an ultimate actor and the movie, in Tamil, won him his first National Award.

Sridevi is equally flawless in the movie and her situations will make you empathize with the character. Her character cannot be hated even at the end of the movie as you realize that she is not at fault. Her transformation as the matured Nehalata to the five year old minded Reshmi is not really an easy task. But Sridevi portrayed it as a cake walk for her as she smoothly transforms into both the roles.

The music of the movie, by the legendary Ilaiyaraaja, is an all time treasure. Surumayee Akhiyon Mein will make your heart sulk even today when you listen. Aye Zindagi, Yeh Hawa Yeh Fiza and others are still in the list of classics.

If you have not watched Sadma, you are missing the experience of watching one of the best movies of Indian cinema.
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9/10
This movie will give u sadma
subhamchourasia23 July 2019
The movie is awesome Sridevi has done great acting I mean superb Kamal Hasan was also brilliant There story is also good But the only worst thing about this movie is the role of silk Smita she is in the movie for no reason except for some adult scenes and one third class song
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8/10
A young woman who regresses to childhood after suffering a head injury in a car crash.
kingtype23 July 2012
Warning: Spoilers
Sadma, directed by Balu Mahendra, is perhaps the film that best captures the tragedy of loving unconditionally and losing everything in the end. Sadma means trauma in Hindi, and the film is about Nehalata (Sridevi), who has suffered a head injury in a car crash. As a result of this, she loses her memory and regresses to childhood. She is trapped in a brothel, and is rescued by K Somprakash (Kamal Haasan). K Somprakash is a lonely schoolteacher who is not interested in getting emotionally or physically involved even with a sexually frustrated woman called Soni (Silk Smitha), who attempts to seduce Somprakash at every opportunity. Somprakash lives in a small hill-town, and his life is very monotonous. He decides to take care of Nehalata, who no longer remembers her identity or her past and needs to be taken care of like a child. Somprakash, at first, gets easily irritated by Nehalata's behavior, but gradually starts getting used to it. His intentions noble, he starts 'raising' Nehalata. He feeds her, bathes her, sings to her and monkey-dances for her. Somprakash knows he must do everything for Nehalata till she regains her memory, and only till then. But despite himself, he falls in love with her. He names her Reshmi, and she calls him Somu… Balu Mahendra has extracted above-par performances from Kamal Haasan and Sridevi. Kamal Haasan is perfect as K Somprakash, the lonely schoolteacher whose dull life is lit up and filled with colors by the child-woman's presence. Somprakash is a mild-mannered, docile fellow, but displays a rare streak of anger when saving Reshmi/ Nehalata from the clutches of Balua (Gulshan Grover). Kamal Haasan perfected the role of a simple man who falls for the beautiful Sridevi, more through expressions than by way of words. Sridevi's performance in Sadma is easily one of her finest. As Nehalata/ Reshmi, Sridevi portrays the character of a child-woman suffering from memory loss with stupefying brilliance. Reshmi is the portrait of innocence – watch how she welcomes a stray dog into their fold and christens him Hari Prasad. The childlike manner in which she calls Somprakash 'Somu' will warm your heart first, and then tear it apart when you see how the movie ends. The best scene in the movie – and one of the absolute best in cinema – is the ending of Sadma. Reshmi regains her memory and becomes Nehalata again, and remembers nothing about the time she has spent with her Somu. At the railway station when she is being taken back to where she belonged before her car crash, Somprakash, outside the train, monkey-dances for her… before the trauma of losing her hits him and insanity takes over… Kamal Haasan is electrifying as the madly-in-love man, frantically trying to make the once-innocent girl remember him and the wonderful time they spent together, to make her realize she belongs completely and only to him. The story is very captivating, and if the ending of Sadma doesn't break your heart, you should get yourself checked to see if you have one. Never before or after have heartbreak and trauma been captured in a film this way, so avoid if you're feeling depressed or suicidal!
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9/10
Inspired
This movie is inspired by the Bengali Movie 'Harano Sur' produced by the actor Uttam Kumar himself.
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10/10
Sadma" is a compelling and heartfelt film that leaves a lasting impact on its viewers
disharma-2413115 July 2023
Sadma" is a critically acclaimed Indian film released in 1983, directed by Balu Mahendra. Starring Kamal Haasan and Sridevi in lead roles, the movie is known for its emotional storyline and exceptional performances.

The film tells the story of Nehalata, played by Sridevi, who suffers from retrograde amnesia after a traumatic incident. She regresses to a childlike state and is found by Somu, portrayed by Kamal Haasan, who takes her under his care. Somu tries to help Nehalata regain her memory and identity while forming a unique bond with her.

One of the standout aspects of "Sadma" is the remarkable performances by Kamal Haasan and Sridevi. They both deliver exceptional portrayals of their characters, displaying a wide range of emotions and capturing the essence of the complex relationship between Somu and Nehalata. Sridevi, in particular, shines as she seamlessly transitions from a vibrant, carefree young woman to a vulnerable, childlike state.

The film's narrative is poignant and explores themes of love, loss, and the power of human connections. The emotional depth of the story is beautifully captured through Balu Mahendra's direction and the evocative cinematography. The film takes viewers on an emotional journey, showcasing the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of love.

The music of "Sadma," composed by Ilaiyaraaja, is another highlight of the film. The songs, including the popular "Ae Zindagi Gale Laga Le," are soulful and perfectly complement the mood of the film.

Overall, "Sadma" is a compelling and heartfelt film that leaves a lasting impact on its viewers. It is a masterful blend of stellar performances, emotional storytelling, and beautiful music. If you appreciate thought-provoking cinema that delves into the depths of human emotions, "Sadma" is definitely a movie worth watching.
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10/10
Kamal chachaa, Abe itni emotional movie kyun banai be!!!
Abe saala, ye dukh kahe khatam nahi hota be!! Duniya me isse jyada emotional movie koi bana nahi sakta. I can't stop crying. I don't know if it was sent for Oscars. But it deserved to be nominated.
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10/10
Sridevi is a GEM
lakhaniyash-1666722 October 2022
Warning: Spoilers
A unique idea or vision behind the entire potrayal takes it to the next level. Balu Mahendra has created a classic movie and his vision has took it to another level. Actors have done a fantastic job, specially Sridevi. She has really performed at an international level, the character that she played was demanding intensity, and the way she absorbed an innocent and somewhat mischiveous child and depicted on screen is more than anyone can imagine. Kamal Haasan, on the other side, He definately have performed very well in the entire film but at the end what he did was extra ordinary, the way He depicted his agony when his beloved one is leaving him was stupendous and in that he made me cry and that's a sign of a great actor who takes you in the scene. Other supporting actors were just perfect. Cheers to all their efforts.

Definately, the entire crew has done a great job in both the versions (Telugu and Hindi) and that's why it reached at this level.

Cheers to the entire team and appreciate everyone's hard work...... Creative Artists are GEM and they are rare... Tons of respect and reverence to them.
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10/10
A Master Piece
iamaffie1 August 2015
"Do not watch this movie, you would be distraught for days" is what I told my sister in law when she watched this movie.

The writer deserves all accolades for writing such a heart touching script and the director for making so realistically. The climax is so non cliché, it just hits the rights chords.

Kamal haasan is absolute genius, how wonderfully he has performed. Sridevi is as always great.

The movie takes you through a journey of two people, how they come together and how they affect each other's lives.

I am giving away all ten for the climax of this movie. It really is that good.
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10/10
WOW Film !
WorldMovie9910 September 2023
This is one of the best Romantic tragedies ever on screen. It would top the list. Sadma in literal sense implies the shocking event. But the shocking event in the film is double layered. Firstly the event in snehalata's (Sridevi) life and second the director's message to audiences. Both are strongly shown and are evergreen still. It's a masterpiece, a real classic in romantic genre. A must watch film as it has a heavy message.

The film progresses in a serene narration depicting the life of a carefree girl, who after a head injury comes in contact with a man, through a series of circumstances. She turns like a child due to her head injury. The man is a teacher unaware of her past, out of pity took her responsibility. They both form a romantic type of relationship which basically the main plot of film. They share adventures, experiences, understanding, love, fights, help etc. But towards the end she recovers from her head trauma and becomes normal. She forgets her entire experiences and leaves him forever without a remorse. This is natural from rational perspective but from the protagony's point it's a terrible heartbreak. He is left alone in the world with all his sacrifice with himself forever. How to adjust in such a situation is still shocking ! It's really Sadma (shocking) for an individual. The climax very well appeals in a realistic way between friends, between siblings, between families, between lovers etc. Covering all the possibilities in human relationships.

Technically too, it's a top notch film with Kamal Hasan and Sridevi as the brightest points playing the leads, stable music and songs, slow but gripping mood and clear scripting with no significant loose ends. Here the male is protagony and he himself is responsible for his grief, leaving the woman as innocent just like the world. This is an out and out brilliance. Just WOW for that.

Sadma is message giving film. It teaches the point that we all human being experience heartbreak in our lives due to our blindness. Blindness in our farsightedness, in our thoughts, in our actions, in our activities. The stronger the blindness, the greater is the heartbreak. We all are like the protagony, we strive to do everything for something/someone whom we don't know well. We blindly succumb to our own thoughts without analyzing it, without knowing well its implications. It's a film of well appealing reality to human life. Perhaps, for this Sadma will be immortal and would be remembered for the same. It's an epic film in pessimistic zone. A straight 10. A 100/100.
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10/10
Amazing movie
salman6270116 February 2022
One of the best film I had ever watched. Mixture of comedy as well as emotions makes this move a perfect film to watch. Kamal haasan and Sridevi were absolute gem in this movie.
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8/10
Superb
silvan-desouza7 March 2014
Warning: Spoilers
SADMA(1983) is one of those superb films which though was a flop at the B.O when released yet is one of the best films

The film is a remake of the 1982 of Balu Mahendra's own Tamil Film Moondram Pirai, starring Sridevi and Kamal Hassan.

The film is superb, it starts off well with Sridevi having an accident and then loosing her sanity, the scenes between Kamal and Sridevi are simply fab

Only drawback is the forced adult quotient featuring Silk Smitha which could be done away with.Even her sudden cure may not seem believable but the end is simply fab

Direction is superb Music is good, Ae Zindagi is the best song rest are decent

Kamal Hassan is terrific in his role, this was one of his early films Sridevi is simply outstanding in her role without overacting, Am surprised she dint get best actress award, she truly deserved it Silk Smitha is okay, Paintal, Viju Khote and Gulshan Grover are adequate
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