Olangal (1982)
DirectorBalu Mahendra
StarringAmol Palekar, Poornima Bhagyaraj, Ambika, Anju
Watch onNot on major OTT platforms in India
Best for: Viewers who appreciate classic Malayalam drama and emotionally driven stories about family and past secrets.
Where to watch Olangal online in India
Olangal is not currently listed on major OTT platforms in India. We check availability every week.
Availability for India, data by JustWatch. Updated 24 October 2026.
Olangal story (no spoilers)
Olangal is a 1982 Malayalam drama directed by Balu Mahendra. The story begins many years ago when fate brings Ravi Chattan to a remote village, where he meets and falls in love with Rita, a kind and responsive girl. Life separates the lovers, and years pass. Ravi marries another woman, Radha, and they have a daughter. His family happiness seems unshakeable until an unexpected phone call and a subsequent meeting with the parish priest disrupt the peaceful life of the Chattan family. Ravi learns he has a son, Raju, whose existence he was unaware of. The situation is further complicated by the fact that the boy's mother, Rita, has died, and now it is up to the father to take care of the boy and take him into his family. The film is inspired by Erich Segal's novel Man, Woman and Child. The tone is dramatic and emotional, focusing on the upheaval of a settled family by a past revelation.
Should you watch Olangal?
Watch it for
- Balu Mahendra directs this 1982 Malayalam drama, bringing his distinctive touch to a story about a family disrupted by a secret from the past.
- Amol Palekar plays Ravi Chattan, the man whose settled life is upended when he learns he has a son, Raju, from a past relationship with Rita, played by Ambika.
- The film is inspired by Erich Segal's novel Man, Woman and Child, offering a dramatic exploration of love, responsibility and family bonds.
- Ilaiyaraaja composes the music for this Malayalam-language drama, adding emotional depth to the story.
Skip it if
- You prefer fast-paced films; this 1982 drama unfolds slowly, focusing on emotional conflict rather than action.
- You are looking for a light-hearted family entertainer; the story deals with serious themes of separation, death and unexpected responsibility.
Olangal cast
Amol Palekaras Ravi Chattan
Poornima Bhagyarajas Radha R. Chattan
Ambikaas Rita
Anju
Adoor Bhasi
T R Omana
Jagathy SreekumarOlangal movie details
| Director | Balu Mahendra |
|---|---|
| Writer | Balu Mahendra |
| Music | Ilaiyaraaja |
| Cinematography | Balu Mahendra |
| Producer | Joseph Abraham |
| Release date | 25 January 1982 |
| Original language | Malayalam |
| Country of origin | India |
| Languages spoken in the film | Malayalam |
| Original title | ഓളങ്ങൾ |
Parental guide: is Olangal family friendly?
This is a general guide based on the film's drama genre; the film is suitable for family viewing with mild thematic elements. This is a general guide based on genre and certification.
Our verdict
Olangal is a thoughtful 1982 Malayalam drama that examines how a single revelation can unsettle a family's peace. Balu Mahendra's direction and the performances of Amol Palekar and Ambika bring emotional weight to a story inspired by Erich Segal's novel. It is a film for those who enjoy character-driven narratives about love, loss and responsibility.
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BhumikaFrequently asked questions
Where can I watch Olangal online in India?
Olangal is not currently listed on major Indian OTT platforms for free streaming.
When was Olangal released?
Olangal was released in India on 25 January 1982.
Who is in the cast of Olangal?
The cast includes Amol Palekar as Ravi Chattan, Poornima Bhagyaraj as Radha R. Chattan, Ambika as Rita, Anju, Adoor Bhasi, T R Omana and Jagathy Sreekumar.
Who directed Olangal?
Olangal was directed by Balu Mahendra.
What is the runtime of Olangal?
The runtime of Olangal is not available in the provided information.
Page last updated 24 October 2026. Facts from TMDB; how we write these pages: editorial policy.