Sagara Sangamam (1983)

Directed : . Viswanath
Produced : Nageshwara Rao
Starring : Kamal Haasan, Jayaprada, Geetha, Sarath Babu, S.P. Sailaja
Music : Ilaiyaraaja
Cinematography : Nivas P.S.
Release date(s) : 1983
Running time : 160 minutes
Language : Telugu

Balu, short for Balakrishna, (Kamal Haasan) is an economically disadvantaged but multi-talented dancer, adept at the Indian classical dances of Kuchipudi, Bharatanatyam, Kathak etc. His simple and honest soul does not permit him to attain professional success in the commercial world that requires a certain level of moral laxness. Madhavi (Jayaprada), a wealthy young woman and a patron of the dances, notices his talent and acts as his benefactress, helping him secure his life-long opportunity of participating in a high-level classical dance festival.

Prior to the fulfillment of this ambition, Balu's aging mother passes away from the afflictions of poverty just two days before the performance. Balu, who was very attached to her, is emotionally devastated and as a result fails to participate in the dance festival. Madhavi nevertheless gives him support and encouragement and sets him on the mend. Balu, on the other hand, gradually develops a fondness for Madhavi as their relationship grows. Balu however hides his love for her, but eventually picks up the courage to express it, and discovers that while Madhavi shares his feelings, she is an already-married woman separated from her husband. The husband later returns to unite Madhavi and Balu but Balu decides to sacrifice his love showing respect for the institution of marriage.

The years pass by, and Balu, a disappointed man, had become an inconsolable alcoholic and a newspaper journalist/art critic. Meanwhile, Madhavi's husband dies, and she hears about Balu's condition as a desolate and ailing alcoholic. In a bid to revive his will to live and his passion for his art, she tends to his medical needs, through his friend, Raghu (Sarath Babu) and solicits Balu to be the dance master for her daughter, Sailaja (SP Sailaja).

The film ends with Madhavi's daughter's stage performance with Balu watching her in a wheelchair, his health having completely deteriorated. While watching the performance, he passes away. Raghu and Madhavi are seen taking him away quietly, without interrupting the performance, back to the hospital.