Kamal Haasan, Vijayakumar, Jai Ganesh, M. G. Soman and Sripriya play key roles.

The story revolves around a working middle-class woman, who sacrifices her desires to support her large family.

Kavitha accepts the marriage proposal as she now feels confident about Murthy taking care of the family.

When Rama Arangannal read a story written by M. S. Perumal in the magazine Kalaimagal, he requested K. Balachander to explore the possibilities of making it into a film.

[6] It is the second in Balachander's trilogy of films where the lead "has to make sacrifices and take care of her family", succeeding Arangetram (1973) and preceding Manathil Urudhi Vendum (1987).

[2] Balachander introduced Jayalaxmi in Aval Oru Thodar Kathai and the sobriquet "Fatafat" she got after she frequently used the word in this film.

[14] The song "Kadavul Amaithu Vaitha Medai" was shot at a community hall situated at Nandanam, Chennai.

[16][17] For the song "Kadavul Amaithu Vaitha Medai", Viswanathan wanted only human voices to mimic the sounds of objects and animals.

[23] Aval Oru Thodhar Kathai was remade in Telugu as Anthuleni Katha (1976), also directed by Balachander.

[24] In 1983, Balachander directed the Kannada remake Benkiyalli Aralida Hoovu, where Haasan played the guest role of a bus conductor.

Ravikumar stated, "Through his script and direction, Balachandar brings out the tender core of his middle-class heroine, assailed by problems, in Aval Oru Thodarkathai.

The film made waves not just for its principal characters who challenged Tamil cinema's set notions; it was also the dialogues that drew gasps from the audience.

In creating Kavitha, K Balachander gave life to one of Tamil's most enduring, powerful female characters".

[30] The Hindu wrote, "Aval Oru Thodarkadhai is a film that will stay with you forever – the invincible heroine was a big draw.

Her matter-of-fact approach to life was very fresh for Tamil audiences, who sang paeans to KB's creative stroke".