Statistics:

  • This is the 5262nd Tamil film ever made.

  • This is the 29th direct Tamil film made in the year 2001.

  • Lingusami is the director of this film.


This movie is the Xerox copy of "Vanathai Pola" (Whose is the original?). But, in his debut film itself Vikram's assistant Lungusamy has affixed his seal of honour in a very triumphant manner. Has the disciple outwitted the master? Can it be said so??

Lingusamy has done justice to his potential and proved his mettle in no uncertain terms. He has shown his directional genius as he weaves his screenplay and unties one knot after another in the story. The way he finds solutions to the problems which crop up in the family is quite laudable!

The cast list shows Mammootty, Murali, Abbas ans Shyam Ganesh as four blood brothers. Theirs is an exceptional and exemplary family; it stresses the unsurpassed greatness of the joint family system in a telling manner. But the daughters-in-law who step into the household create a host of problems. The brothers are not unnerved and with rocklike solidarity they stand united and hold aloft the banner of oneness of opinion. There is no jeopardy to the family bond. There is no sibling rivalry. The brothers remain unshakeable in their love and they uphold the family honour until the last. This family of three hours has succeeded in its mission of establishing the high value of family unity.

The movie has its strong roots in screenplay and endearing, apt dialogues. Mammootty's great histrionic powers have helped these two aspects to blossom and grow. Only in the first scene, logic falters as he sets his eyes on the girl for whose hand he has a right by virtue of his relationship. He is quite unmindful of the vast difference in age that exists in between them! Other wise he has acted most naturally throughout the film. Actually, he has lived to his character. In sum, wonderful acting performance!

Murali plays the role of the obedient brother to Mammootty. Abbas would never let the honour of the family down. Both of them acquit themselves very well with neat performances. All the brothers prove to be pillars of strength for their family. However, Shyam Ganesh is not given ample chances in this film.

Devayani dons the role of a calm daughter-in-law. (There is a big ovation in the theatre as she makes her entry.) Ramba is the daughter-in-law who has the character of a vamp. Ramba's performance changes the very course of the movie. Sneha has a pretty face, but her character fails to serve her well.

After a very long time, Srividhya is able to melt the hearts of many and Delhi Ganesh too.

Cinematography Arthur Wilson has employed new techniques with his Camera and this even in a family story. Some scenes are dull and pale, but all of a sudden some scenes are overwhelming. This stark contrast could have been avoided.

Every half an hour the songs by S.A.Rajkumar weaken the movie's tempo. But he has animated the scenes of the later half with his vibrant re-recording.

Mammootty's bank passbook causes a confusion which leaves the audiences perplexed for some minutes. The scene has welled up many eyes in the theatre with tears. A tear-jerking scene indeed!

Lingusamy has carved a niche for his film in the minds of the viewers with a story that has a film foundation and a strong screenplay. There is no trace of any vulgarity in the movie. Neither are there any dialogues with double meanings. The cast list doesn't boast of any big stars. No megastars or super stars nor the comedy of Vivek-Vadivelu. Yet the fragrance of the picture lingers on in the psyche of the audience. Now and again, the forceful, emotional dialogues capture their imagination.

Anandham - Quite true to its title.

Wow... Oops...
  • Mammootty underplays his character in a masterly manner. His capacity to act is marvelous. His performance reaches to the bottom of the viewer's hearts.

  • The screenplay has depth. The dialogues are sharp and to the point.

  • The director has his sway over the whole audience in the bank passbook scene. Everyone remains spellbound them.
  • The songs have cause trouble to the film.