Kudumbasthan Movie Review

“Kudumbasthan,” a Tamil film that translates to “Family Man,” is a heartfelt family drama that explores the struggles of a middle-class man burdened by familial and financial responsibilities. Directed by Rajeshwar Kalisamy, the film attempts to blend humor with the emotional turmoil of its protagonist but falls short in execution.

Manikandan, played by an earnest Manikandan, is the family’s breadwinner. Living with his supportive parents Sundararajan and Kudassanad Kanakam, he juggles responsibilities while working as a designer in an advertisement agency. His sister, played by Nivethitha Rajappan, is married to Guru Somasundaram, an arrogant corporate employee who often belittles Manikandan and his sister.

Complications arise when Manikandan marries his girlfriend, Saanve Megghana, against his parents’ wishes. His life takes a sharp turn when he loses his job after a heated clash with his boss (Balaji Sakthivel). Struggling to make ends meet, he borrows money from lenders, only to fall deeper into financial trouble. With the help of his parents, he starts a bakery business, but the venture faces setbacks, compounding his struggles.

Manikandan shines in his portrayal of a hardworking and devoted family man, delivering a performance that resonates with the audience. Saanve Megghana, Nivethitha Rajappan, Sundararajan and Kudassanad Kanakam lend solid support, each playing their roles with authenticity.

Guru Somasundaram, despite being a talented actor, fails to hit the mark here, with his over-the-top portrayal alienating rather than engaging the audience. Balaji Sakthivel’s role as the antagonistic boss is underwhelming and lacks depth, leaving little impact.

Rajeshwar Kalisamy presents a relatable premise but stumbles with the narrative’s pacing. While the first half moves smoothly with moments of laughter and drama, the second half drags with repetitive scenes and a lack of momentum. The screenplay, co-written by Prasanna Balachandran and Kalisamy, lacks the sharpness needed to keep viewers fully invested.

However, Prasanna Balachandran’s dialogues offer a silver lining, injecting warmth and humor that prevent the film from completely faltering.

Cinematographer Sujith N Subramaniam and editor Kannan Balu deliver competent work, ensuring the film looks polished and cohesive. Unfortunately, Vaisagh’s music fails to leave a lasting impression, with no standout tracks or memorable background scores to elevate the emotional beats of the story.

“Kudumbasthan” is a decent attempt at portraying the trials of a middle-class family man. It has its share of heartwarming and humorous moments but suffers from uneven pacing and underwhelming performances in key areas. Despite its flaws, it’s a light-hearted film that can be enjoyed with family for its relatable themes and humor.

Rating: 3/5

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