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India Today
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
3BHK: Moving portrait of dreams, dignity and family strength that endures
"Every ordinary family has an extraordinary story" - reads the title card of '3BHK'. And the same holds true for many films. Every ordinary story can become extraordinary in the right hands. Director Sri Ganesh, '3BHK', starring Siddharth, Sarathkumar, Devayani and Meetha Raghunath, is a heartfelt film, elevated by its writing and stand-out performances. The fact that all characters have their hearts in the right place makes you root for them. This is a film that will stay with me, like home, for a long story of '3BHK' is set in 2006 and follows a struggling middle-class family of four constantly moving from one rented house to another, each smaller and more compromised than the previous one. These homes often lack basic amenities. Some lack proper water connection, suffer from frequent power cuts, and have chipping and leaking walls - telling of their financial the film never romanticises these harsh realities, even for a second. What works in this film's favour is its refusal to milk emotions just for impact or manufactured drama. It feels tangible and believable. And that's where Sri Ganesh truly shines as a writer and a filmmaker. The family wants a home of their own, a place they can call theirs. Like many traditional households, the parents pin all their hopes on Prabhu (Siddharth). They somehow manage to gather enough money to send him to a private school, but can only afford to enroll their daughter Aarthy (Meetha Raghunath) in a government difference never seemed to bother Aarthy, the youngest in the family. She stands out for her rare emotional intelligence. There's no trace of resentment towards Prabhu for attending a better school. She selflessly offers to stay in a government school to ease the financial burden on her father (Sarathkumar). Meetha has played her role with quiet ends up carrying the crushing weight of his family's dream throughout his life. Setbacks bog him down at every turn. From mediocre exam scores and failed college placements to an unfulfilling job and meagre income. His journey is riddled with hurdles, each one chipping away his spirit. All these struggles may sound all too familiar and predictable, but it's the execution that truly makes the film is a pinching point in the film when the family hits rock bottom - their entire house is flooded, in water and worries. And that makes you truly understand and feel their longing for a better home. A place they can genuinely call their own. For the family in '3BHK', a home isn't just a roof over their heads. It's a symbol of dignity and respect that they have long yearned for. As Vaudevan (Sarathkumar) poignantly says, 'an own home equals respect'.advertisementThe film gently reminds you that life is anything but easy, as one character puts it, especially for those striving to rise above hand-to-mouth survival. And yet, through all the hardship, one thing keeps them going - family strength. For example, there's a scene where Vasudevan, nearing retirement and having never used a computer or even touched a mouse, is told he must learn the accounting software Tally or lose his job within a month. I loved the way his family rallies around, giving him the moral support he needed to learn the software at his age and even clear an exam. And this support is consistent with all the characters throughout the film. The way all four of them trust and stand by each other through every storm makes you reflect on the quiet strength of a safe, loving home and the impact it has on your film finds its heartbeat in those delicate moments of hope, when the family feels they're on the verge of achieving their dream, only to be set back by life's unexpected turns. And this cycle keeps happening throughout the are few actors like Siddharth who consistently choose films out of a genuine love for acting - far from the shimmer and spectacle, closer to the soul. His choice of roles reflects that commitment. He is impressively convincing both as a 17-year-old and a 34-year-old, both in voice and appearance. Siddharth is a sincere actor and it is fantastic as Vasudevan, a devoted family man whose only wish is to give his wife and children a better life. His scenes with Prabhu are deeply moving and genuine tear-jerkers. Devayani plays the role of a loving mother and a gentle wife. She flows with the character and plays it with sincerity. I just wish her character had a broader emotional range as her portrayal leans heavily on just teary background score aptly complements each scene. In his debut, composer Amrit Ramnath brings a sense of restraint to the melody, never allowing it to slip into overt melancholy. His music blends seamlessly with the narrative and the entire album gains new meaning after experiencing the film, scene by scene. There is something honest about his music that elevates every Babu's character brings in the laughs, as expected. I wish he stayed longer and had more screen time. That kind of light-hearted humour offers a much-needed balance in a film that's otherwise heavy with emotions. The kind of balance that turns a house into a home.- Ends
The Hindu
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
‘3BHK' film review: This Siddharth-Sarath Kumar-starrer radiates warmth and goodness
A few years ago, in 2022, came along a nondescript Tamil film titled Kuruthi Aatam. Starring Atharvaa in the lead role, this film packed too many elements. I wrote in my review about this sophomore film from 8 Thotakkal filmmaker Sri Ganesh: 'The biggest problem of Kuruthi Aattam is its desire to pack many things into its already-long 149-minute narrative. There's just too much happening too soon here.' With his latest film, 3BHK,Sri Ganesh sorts this issue out. The first sequence gets you right into the story — and this elaborates what the trailer already beautifully showcased — Vasudevan (Sarath Kumar) and his family want to build a home. Can they? This 140-minute cinematic effort goes into answering this singular question. And as it does that, it veers into the individual journeys of the lead characters — Vasudevan (Sarath Kumar), Prabhu (Siddharth), Shanthi (Devayani) and Aarthi (Meetha Ragunath). Early into 3BHK, the family is rushing to watch a film. They are in an autorickshaw, with Prabhu clinging onto the driver's seat. Despite being worried if they will be late, Sarath Kumar's eyes wistfully looks at an apartment under construction. It was something that came up for sale a few years ago, which he couldn't afford. And so that evening, the family huddles together after dinner to do the math. Can they actually afford to buy a home in the city? Or would they spend the rest of their lives living out of rented homes? Could they — a regular middle-class family struggling to make ends meet — be a small king in the concrete jungle? The math just doesn't work out. Aarthi, the brightspark in the house and a school topper, does the calculations and breaks it down into monthly savings. Everyone smiles. Maybe they just can buy their dream home. Refreshingly looking at everything from the lens of the different homes that the family moves into, 3BHK delves deep into the average Indian mindset of desperately wanting to possess a home instead of living in rented accommodation. For some families, this dream is fulfilled within a few years. And for some, like Vasudevan and his family, it takes an entire lifetime. This very desire of owning a home becomes the life purpose of Vasudevan and family. In its initial sequences, 3BHK recreates the Nineties beautifully – a time when exam results arrived on the computers over a patchy Internet connection, the tension over the marks increasing with every pause and keyboard blink on the computer screen. Sarath Kumar packs a punch in his role, discovering layers to Vasudevan even as he reacts to mostly disappointing news that comes his way. This is as much a story of the father and son, as it is about the pursuit of various houses. All four in the family are facing some sort of a test. While Sarath Kumar has to learn computers to cope with a changing work environment, Devayani needs to run some sort of a home food business to keep some money coming in. Aarthi needs to adjust too — in fact, the first scene has her jostling with her brother for the bigger cupboard in the house. The biggest exam, of course, is faced by Siddharth, whose life is literally a string of failures with little light at the end of the tunnel. He does destroy a few keyboards angrily in the process of finding light, but what keeps him going is his endearing family and their longing for a home. 3BHK (Tamil) Director: Sri Ganesh Cast: Siddharth, Sarath Kumar, Devayani, Yogi Babu, Meetha Raghunath, Chaithra Runtime: 140 minutes Storyline: A family has to overcome many odds to buy their own dream home Siddharth looks not a day older than when he debuted in Boys in 2003 (How? Can he please write a book on this or share secrets? ). Besides his looks and the many books he's buried his nose into, he showcases a convincing performance as a frustrated man trying to address the constant battle between what he desires and what he delivers. Watch out for his agony when a boss gives him an average rating. Or the beaming pride that radiates when he hugs his father on the terrace after one of those life talks we usually dread having. With Chitha and 3BHK, there's a quiet reassurance that Siddharth can ease into his characters. As is the case with the endearing Meetha Raghunath, whose camaraderie with the entire family sparkles. Chaithra of Sapta Saagaradaache Ello fame makes an impact in the few scenes she stars in. With these two in the frame, 3BHK's family is as close to being a real one, with dreams. What didn't work for me, however, was when 3BHK slips away from the core pursuit of the home story; there is a tangent involving a forced engagement that looked oddly out of place in an otherwise singularly focussed film that is paced leisurely. Music composer Amrit Ramnath, who dished out a terrific soundtrack in Malayalam filmVarshangalukku Shesham, debuts in Tamil cinema with this and brings along a fresh musical perspective, thus servicing the needs of such a film to the fullest. Peppering the catchy stock musical phrase — 'Kanavellam Nijamaga...' — throughout the many phases in the film adds value. Also contributing in good measure are cinematographers Dinesh Krishnan and Jithin Stanislaus, as does art director Vinoth Rajkumar's blast-to-the-past props. The most refreshing part of 3BHK is the absence of a singular hero. When you walk out of the cinema hall, it is the image of the four-member family that sticks with you. In a year that gave us Kudumbasthan and Tourist Family, 3BHK is a worthy addition to the list of feel-good entertainers. It shines light on the family, without veering into any unnecessary commercial elements such as fights or songs. 3BHK feels like a tight hug of reassurance.
Pink Villa
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
3BHK Twitter Review: Is Siddharth, R Sarathkumar's Tamil drama worth a watch? Read 11 tweets to know
The coming-of-age Tamil drama 3BHK has resonated with audiences way ahead of its release. The premise of the movie, directed by Sri Ganesh, presented a realistic take on the middle-class way of life, where a roof over one's head matters more than anything else. For the uninitiated, the film hit big screens on July 4, and ever since, social media has been filled with reviews from viewers who have already seen it. 3BHK Twitter review To begin with, nearly all audiences have agreed that the film's plot and screenplay move them emotionally and leave them with a deeper, emotionally driven retrospection. The angle of interpersonal family dynamics is one factor that has worked in favour of the film, as audiences prefer witnessing such realistic and wholesome scenes over anything else. It is very difficult to present a critique of the life of the ordinary man on-screen, but 3BHK has nailed it to perfection. The audience has been able to relate to the everyday heartbreaks, challenges, and other trifles that have gone unnoticed by many. The first half of the film, according to some viewers, appeared as a slow-burner, but the post-interval scenes were something that encapsulated audiences with enjoyment and a sense of feel-good. Besides the neat and crisp screenplay, individual performances have also been lauded by fans, especially those of Siddharth and R. Sarathkumar. Tagged as a relatable entertainer until the very end, audiences claimed that it concluded on a very positive note, offering a proper closure. More about 3BHK Besides Siddharth and R. Sarathkumar, the film also stars Yogi Babu, Devayani, Chaithra J. Achar, Subbu Panchu, and Vivek Prasanna. While the direction and screenplay are both handled by Sri Ganesh, the film is produced under the banner of Shanthi Talkies. 3BHK marks Siddharth's immediate next project after Chittha, which too was successful at the box office. Amrit Ramnath has composed the musical score of the movie.
Free Malaysia Today
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Free Malaysia Today
Superheroes, slashers and little blue men: what to watch in July
Which of these are you looking forward to watching this month? PETALING JAYA : July is shaping up to be a packed month at the cinema. From long-awaited superhero returns to reboots and sequels – and even a standout local title – here are seven upcoming films to look out for. 1. 'Jurassic World Rebirth' (release date in Malaysia: July 3) Just when you thought the dinosaurs were gone for good, 'Jurassic World Rebirth' brings the franchise back from extinction. This soft reboot is set five years after the events of 'Jurassic World Dominion', and follows a team to the island where Jurassic Park once stood to extract dinosaur DNA, believed to hold the key to major medical breakthroughs. Scarlett Johansson stars as Zora Bennett, a covert operations expert leading the team. Their mission takes an unexpected turn when they come across a civilian family stranded on the island – now revealed to have once housed a secret research facility. 2. '3 BHK' (July 4) Directed by Sri Ganesh and starring Siddarth, this Tamil-language family drama follows an ordinary middle-class family's emotional journey to own a three-bedroom flat, capturing the everyday sacrifices and dreams shared by many households. The film also marks a nostalgic reunion for actors Sarath Kumar and Devayani, who appeared in several popular films together in the 1990s. It's a heartfelt, grounded story amidst this month's bigger blockbusters. 3. 'Superman' (July 10) The Man of Steel is ready to take flight once again – this time under the direction of James Gunn. Known for 'Guardians of the Galaxy' and 'The Suicide Squad', the director and co-CEO of DC Studios has promised a mix of action, heart, and humour. Central to the story is the iconic rivalry – Superman's clash with Lex Luthor, whose intellect and ambition make him one of the most dangerous threats the hero has ever faced. With this film also setting the tone for the new DC Universe, expectations are sky-high. David Corenswet stars as Clark Kent/Superman, with Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, and appearances from Nathan Fillion as Green Lantern, Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific, and even Superman's loyal dog, Krypto. 4. 'The Smurfs' (July 17) The Smurfs are back, this time in an animated musical adventure! Rihanna voices Smurfette, who leads the little blue men into the human world to rescue Papa Smurf from the villainous Gargamel and newcomer Rasamel. With the help of new friends, the Smurfs must discover what defines their destiny to save the universe. Directed by Chris Miller ('Shrek the Third', 'Puss in Boots'), the film features a solid ensemble voice cast including John Goodman, Sandra Oh, Natasha Lyonne and James Corden. Kids will love this one! 5. 'I Know What You Did Last Summer' (July 17) Twenty-eight years after the original slasher hit terrified audiences, 'I Know What You Did Last Summer' returns as a direct sequel, with Jennifer Love Hewitt and Freddie Prinze, Jr reprising their roles as Julie James and Ray Bronson. The story follows a new group of friends who, after covering up a hit-and-run, begin receiving threatening messages from someone who clearly knows what they have done. As the situation turns deadly, they reach out to Julie and Ray – survivors of the original Southport massacre – for help to escape the same fate. 6. 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps' (July 24) After one infamous flop in 2015, Marvel's first family is getting a fresh introduction to its cinematic universe. Directed by Matt Shakman ('WandaVision'), 'First Steps' is set in an alternate, retro-futuristic 1960s New York. Find out how Mr Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby), Human Torch (Joseph Quinn) and The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) balance family dynamics with world-saving responsibility. Their primary threat? Galactus, a cosmic force that consumes entire planets, with the Silver Surfer appearing as his herald. Fans will recall that a post-credits scene in 'Thunderbolts' teased the team's arrival, suggesting they may be escaping from a collapsing universe, and hinting at bigger multiversal events to come. 7. 'Macai' (July 24) Malaysian filmmaker Sun-J (Shanjhey) Perumal, of 'Jagat' fame, returns with this Tamil-language crime drama set in the fictional Southeast Asian country of Lingapura. Siam (Karnan Kanapathy) is a drug dealer who loses a stash belonging to a violent kingpin. With no choice but to recover the loss, he ropes in a friend – sparking a chaotic journey that tests their survival and fate. 'Macai' premiered at the International Film Festival Rotterdam earlier this year and was the only Malaysian title in the Big Screen Competition.
The Hindu
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Tamil film ‘3BHK' rides on emotions: Why Sri Ganesh and Siddharth hope for heartfelt stories
Small is the new big in Tamil cinema this year. A few biggies of 2025 might have disappointed fans, but the relatively-smaller ones keep giving. Tourist Family, a film about a Sri Lankan family finding a new home in Tamil Nadu, won big at the box office earlier this year. It also stole many hearts for its emotional performances. 3BHK, slated for release this Friday, hopes to do the same. Starring Siddharth, Sarath Kumar, Devyani and Meetha Raghunath in lead roles — as a four-member family whose dream is to own a house — the film's trailer has had overwhelmingly positive comments, most of which highlight its emotional and relatable content. Director Sri Ganesh avers. 'We wanted the audience to respond like this to the film,' says Sri Ganesh, 'That such a response has occurred to the trailer itself gives us great joy.' Heartful stories The starting point of 3BHK was a short story written by Aravind Sachidanandam that Sri Ganesh chanced upon a few years ago. 'It was beautiful and real. It centered around a family wishing to buy a home... the end was poignant. Plotwise, that story has nothing to do with my 3BHK, but the emotion in it stuck a chord with me. I wanted to flesh out an entire life journey from that emotion.' Produced by Arun Viswa, 3BHK's central core is how buying a dream home takes an entire lifetime for a few families, like the one showcased in the film. 'For some, it defines their entire life; either they have to spend their entire lives planning for it, or shelling out EMI,' says Sri Ganesh, whose earlier films were Kurudhi Aatam and 8 Thotakkal. Does it bother him that today's audiences, used to watching films on OTT platforms from the comforts of their drawing rooms, are visiting theatres these days in search of a visual spectacle? 'The big screen is not only for visual spectacles. I feel we go for an emotional experience; it can be an action, comedy or a feel-good film. While technical aspects are important, for a film like 3BHK, we would have achieved what we set out to do if you walk out of the theatre full of emotion,' says Sri Ganesh, who describes director Vikraman's 1997 film Suryavamsam as 'life-defining', apart from picking Vaanathaipola and Anandham as his favourite Tamil feel-good movies. 3BHK has a strong technical team, with cinematographers Dinesh Krishnan B and Jithin Stanislaus, and art director Vinoth Rajkumar adding value. Also adding strength is young music composer Amrit Ramnath's tunes. 'When we started designing this album, we wanted to do something like 96. It was a soulful album, a result of thinking purely about the music and beyond what is trending on Reels,' he says. Sri Ganesh's early inspirations were comedian-actor Crazy Mohan – he has worked on the sets of a few plays of the playwright – and director Mysskin – he has watched Nandalala multiple times and assisted the filmmaker. He was also a part of Naalaya Iyakkunar, the popular TV programme that nurtured many current-day filmmakers. 'I have evolved a lot as a writer in the last few years. When I did my debut film 8 Thotakkal in 2017, I wrote it as a fast-paced thriller because I was anxious to get the attention of audiences. Now, I am confident that I can hold audiences with just emotions and drama. My aim is to tell heartful stories.'
