’’Anbe Sivam’’ revolves around the concept that God is in everyone, rather than in various forms, and it is hightime that each individual started exposing more of God in him, which would result in a peaceful and a pleasing planet.The theme really sounds interesting and innovative, like most of the films of today.
But Unlike many Tamil films of the day, ’’Anbe Sivam’’ dosent stop with a promising theme.It moves on to a well designed plot, talented and committed cast and crew, and minute detailing throughout the film.It is films like ’’Anbe Sivam’’ that convince our onlookers that Indian Cinema is as good as any other tinsel town in the world.It is however painful that like all tremendous films Anbe Sivam also is eluded of the roaring recpetion of the fans and embraces only the classy claps of the critics.
We have seen stories that revolve around the friendship made during train travel.On a different note, this story revolves around the friendship of two persons Arasu and Sivam during their mission to reach their destinations after missing their flight.The story narrows in to its theme comparing and contrasting the attitudes.lifestyles, ethical values and approaches of these two diversely placed gentlemen, a hi-tech youth and a passionate middle ager.The plot is so perfect that you have to strive hard to find a a visible flaw. The most wonderful thing about Anbe Sivam is the value accredited by every member of the team to his/her performance.
And performance wise, who can dream of topping Kamal Hassan.Kamal stands a cut above the rest, and delivers one more praiseworthy role, with abundant ease.Kamal’s dedication, versatility and application are put into a great show.His amicable acting both as an active artist in the flashback and as a self motivating humble handicap in the main plot deserve several rounds of applause.No other actor could have dreamt of playing such a demanding character, and Kamal adds another feather in his feather-full cap.His unbelievable voice modulations turn out to be an added advantage, and speaking of his voice, we have to take our hats off for his rendering of three songs.His dignified singing of the title song with a helluva of modulations would put any playback singer to shame. To add more to the records, Kamal has penned the superceding story and screenplay too.Kamal is Kamal
Next to KamalHassan, Madhan scores off.The noted cartoonist and critic was an unexpected pleasure, both on and off the screen.As always, he presets himself very naturally in his short cameo where he plays the real Madhan himself.But Madhan was a revelation taking care of the dialogues which turn out to be one of the assets of this film.’’Why are you people talking about Communism after the Soviet Union debacle.?’’ ’’Well.If Taj Mahal is shattered, will you people stop loving?’’.Conversations like these turn out to be very interesting.Each and Every dialogue that comes in the film has its worth, be it humour, pathos or casual.Madhan easily strikes a balance between Crazy Mohan’s humour and Sujatha’s effectiveness, once again the normal man’s delight.
The surprise packet in the whole film is Madhavan, who seems to grow versatile film by film.Oversmartness, Suspicion, Inexperience, Bias, Faith, Sincerity, fear, immaturity, Improper Reasoning and many other tenets of his character are exposed from the first to the final frame, and Madhavan expresses all of them with great authority.Kudos to Maddy for such a potent potrayal.
All other actors fit in beautifully.Kiran Rathod makes her presentable without excessive make up.Uma Riaz Pownraj, the old lady who plays nurse are all impressive newcomers, despite their tiny roles.Nasser, Santhanabharathi, Seema and all others show their experience and effeciency.And YuhiSethu delivers yet another delightful cameo.
The crew are as good as the cast.Vairamuthus lyrics strike a great accord with the film, and he is an award due for the title song.Vidyasagars songs knit well with the film, but you would have expected a better performance given his present form.
Cinematography by Arthur Wilson throws light upon all our wonderful surroundings the same way, the director shows our ethical values.The picturisation is immaculate during ther train scens, and while capturing the rain-marred Orrisa streets.
The art direction is one of very high class too, and the art director Prabahakar garners much attention during the train and bus accidents.
Sundar.C is known for his humorous films, but his Anbe Sivam makes our moods very serious, the same way his previous films made us lighthearted.His pains to make this film a success are gains to his ability as a director. Only the little longer flashback and the inadequate expressions after the child’s death may be minor flaws.
Anbe Sivam is totally a worthwhile film.