Several stage plays of popular playwright Thoppil Bhasi, such as Mudiyanaya Puthran (1961), Puthiya Akasham Puthiya Bhoomi (1962), Thulabharam (1968), Koottukudumbam (1969), Mooladhanam (1969), Ningalenne Communistaki (1970) have been successfully adapted to the big screen. Another of his plays, Aswamedham , written and staged for the first time in 1962, was adapted to the screen by Supriya Films in 1967 under the same title. It talked about how leprosy was dreaded and those affected ostracised by the society.
Sarasayya , released on July 2, 1971, was a screen adaptation of the stage play written by Thoppil Bhasi in 1964 as a sequel to Aswamedham . The film went on to win the Kerala State Award for the best feature film and the best actress award for Sheela that year.
Produced by P.V. Sathyam under the banner of Deepak Combines the film was directed by Thoppil Bhasi. The playwright also wrote the script and dialogues. Sathyan and Sheela who played the lead roles in Aswamedham were retained for Sarasayya . The characters played by Prem Nazir, Kambisserry Karunakaran, Indira Thampi and Sukumari in Aswamedham were assigned to Govindankutty, Thoppil Krishna Pillai, Jayabharathi and KPAC Lalitha respectively in this film. Madhu, S.P. Pillai, Adoor Bhasi, Alummoodan, Kaviyoor Ponnamma were the other prominent actors in this film.
Doctor Thomas (Sathyan) treats and cures Sarojam (Sheela) of leprosy. But the stigma remains. She is abandoned by her lover and expelled from her family because of the wrong notion that leprosy was incurable. Thomas gives her refuge. He is involved in inventing new and effective medicines to fight the disease. Sarojam assists him in this task. Thomas’s wife Girlie (KPAC Lalitha) and Sarojam’s former lover Mohan (Govindankutty) spread scandals about the relationship between Sarojam and Thomas. A complaint is lodged by Girlie’s father Paulose (Adoor Bhasi) against Thomas for giving refuge to Sarojam in his official quarters and alleging that the doctor had illegitimate relations with her. Thomas is suspended from service. Doctor Harindranath (Madhu) is posted in his place.
Sarojam returns home. Her sister Sarala (Jayabharathi) and her husband Kaimal (Alummoodan) are suspicious of her relations with Thomas and begin to ill treat her. Thomas continues his research. Mohan visits Sarojam’s house with a hidden agenda on winning Sarala’s love. One day Mohan beats up Sarojam’s father (Thoppil Krishna Pillai) who is mentally chellenged. Sarojam protests against Mohan’s act. Sarala asks Sarojam and her father to leave the house.
Once again Thomas comes to their rescue and gives them refuge in his house. Harindranath falls in love with Sarojam and decides to marry her. He waits to get the consent of his parents who live in his native place quite far away. Thomas is not aware of their love affair. Harindranath and Sarojam decide to keep it a secret till the wedding is fixed formally. Harindranath leaves to his native place. In a weak moment Thomas approaches Sarojam requesting her to fulfil his carnal desires. Sarojam surrenders unwillingly.
Harindranath returns with the news that his parents had agreed to his marriage. Sarojam tells him what happened but refuses to reveal the identity of the person who ruined her chastity. Sarojam’s father who is a mute witness of all that had happened questions Thomas. Thomas is disturbed. Sarojam’s father dies after Thomas inadvertently injects a wrong medicine.
Thomas’ thesis on the new methods of leprosy treatment wins the approval of the Medical Board. Girlie realises her mistake and repents on her harsh behaviour towards her husband. Along with Harindranath she rushes to inform Thomas of the Medical Board’s decision. But they find that Thomas had committed suicide fearing arrest for causing the death of Sarojam’s father.
Sathyan and Sheela excelled in their roles. The film was dedicated to Sathyan who died before the film was released. Alummoodan, S.P. Pillai and KPAC Lalitha were impressive.
All the songs written by Vayalar Rama Varma and set to tune by Devarajan became huge hits. Njaan nine premikkunnu maankidave …, Mukham manassinte kannadi …. (both by K.J. Yesudas), Mahendra neela …, Neelaambarame tharapathamey …, Choodaratnam sirassil …(all by P. Madhuri) and the title song Utthishtatha jagratha … (M.G. Radhakrishnan-Madhuri) are songs that have stood the test of time.
Will be remembered : As a social film with a strong message; for its songs and as a film that won top honours at the Kerala State awards.
