Kamalhassan's dance skills have always been well known but it is only in Salangai Oli that he gets the chance to exhibit them on the scale that he deserves. Dubbed from Saagara Sangamam, which was directed by K.Vishwanath(who was also responsible for arguably the most popular Telugu movie in Tamil, Sankarabharanam), the movie finds Kamalhassan in top form, whether dancing or emoting. As necessary for a musical with classical dance at its center, the movie features a great soundtrack from Ilaiyaraja with the songs being rendered superbly by S.P.Balasubramaniam. Unserstandably, the Telugu original won National awards for both of them.

The story starts with Balu(Kamalhassan), an accomplished dancer in his younger days, writing a scathing review on the bharatanatyam performance of Shailaja(S.P.Shailaja). His past, where he was helped by Madhavi(Jayaprada), is shown in flashback, interspersed with his present. He had fallen in love with Madhavi and had even proposed to her, but circumstances prevented her from agreeing. Now his only thought is her well-being. Shailaja is none other than Madhavi's daughter and when Madhavi learns of Balu's whereabouts and condition, she arranges to have Shailaja learn dance under him. But she must take steps to prevent Balu from being aware the misfortune that has befallen her.

The movie is a showcase for Kamalhassan's classical dance skills and he parades his wares gloriously. And the dancing is not limited to the song sequences. There are several shorter sequences which are designed for the same purpose. The scene where he points out the huge flaw in Shailaja's performance by repeating the step in difference dance forms is exhilarating. His making a non-Tamilian understand the reason for his visit through dance gestures is another such cute scene. Among the song sequences, the scene where he conducts an impromptu recital in the kitchen is very sweet.

Ofcourse most of the song sequences are designed to bring out the best in him. Though Ilaiyaraja won a National award for the Telugu version, music if ofcourse universal and the lyrics blend in well enough to make us forget the songs' non-Tamil origins. Unlike Idhayathai Thirudaathey, where Mano took over for S.P.Balasubramaniam in Tamil, SPB renders the songs here too and gives us a hint of what won him the National award for the Telugu songs. Naadha Vinodhangal... is a nice mix of melody and Carnatic music. Mounamaana Neram... is slow and soothing while Thakita Thadhimi... is faster. Om Namachivaayaa... and Vedham Anuvilum... are perfectly suited for the dance performances. Vishwanath also makes a telling point about how a genuine artist is forced to sacrifice his talent at the altar of commercial cinema with the Vaan Pole Vannam... sequence

There are nice laughs initially during Kamal's photo session with his young photographer and the resulting photos. Starting from this, the friendship between Kamal and Jayapradha is developed in a sweet but mature way. Her acts of kindness and Kamal's reactions to them are natural. His feelings for her are completely believable and the way he proposes to her is a nice touch. Another enviable relationship is the friendship between Kamal and Sarathbabu. Sarathbabu's role is designed to make everyone wish for a friend like him. He is always at hand, supporting him and never faulting him.

Though the fact that a man could have only the well-being of a woman he once loved, in his heart(to the extent shown here) seems cinematic in theory, the way the character of Kamal is developed makes it utterly believable. Similarly, Jayapradha's act to hide her situation from him sounds a little corny but makes complete sense on screen. The climax is very strong and the way Shailaja breaks down on hearing Kamal talk about Jayapradha makes a very strong impact. The final scene is touching without being overly sentimental.

Kamalhassan must have come perilously close to an acting award for his performance here. His enthusiasm for dancing as a youngster is as well brought out as his love for his mother. He melts our hearts as he tearfully clutches Jayapradha's hands and thanks her after seeing his photo in the dance program invitation. Jayapradha generates respect for her character while Sarathbabu effectively conveys his genuine affection for Kamal through his performance. Shailaja(SPB's sister) is believable as the arrogant dancer in her debut in front of the camera.

Salangai Oli is music not just to our ears but to our hearts too.