The recently released trailer of Todd Phillips’ “Joker: Folie à Deux” has captivated audiences with its striking visuals, especially the final shot featuring Joaquin Phoenix’s Arthur Fleck and his signature red smile on a glass wall. However, a parallel from Indian cinema has emerged, highlighting that Kamal Haasan’s 2001 film “Aalavandhan” had already explored a similar concept.
In a recent post by IMDb India’s official Instagram handle, a montage video juxtaposes the last shot from “Joker: Folie à Deux” with a scene from “Aalavandhan.” The scene from Kamal Haasan’s film depicts him looking at himself in a mirror, where his lips fit into a blood-red sinister smile reflected on the mirror’s surface. This mirrors the moment in the Joker trailer where Lady Gaga’s Harley Quinn draws The Joker’s red smile on a glass wall, and Arthur Fleck fits his smile against it, creating a visually striking and symbolic image.
Fans and cinephiles have been quick to recognize Kamal Haasan’s innovative approach, with many expressing admiration for his creativity and foresight. Comments on social media have praised Haasan as a visionary who was ahead of his time, with some users suggesting starting a series titled “#KamalHaasanDidItFirst” to highlight his contributions to cinema.
“Aalavandhan,” directed by Suresh Krissna and based on Kamal Haasan’s novel “Dhayam,” showcases Haasan’s versatility as an actor in a double role alongside actresses Raveena Tandon and Manisha Koirala. Despite not achieving commercial success initially, the film has gained a cult following over the years and earned critical acclaim for its special effects, winning a National Award in that category.
The comparison between the iconic scenes from “Aalavandhan” and “Joker: Folie à Deux” highlights Kamal Haasan’s enduring impact on cinema and his ability to explore complex themes and visual storytelling techniques well ahead of their mainstream recognition. As audiences eagerly anticipate the release of “Joker: Folie à Deux,” this revelation serves as a reminder of the rich cinematic heritage and innovation present in Indian cinema.
Sources By Agencies
