‘Kudumbasthan’ from the Nakkalites director Rajeshwar Kaliswamy is a sureshot comedy drama that is set with a basic and known premise of a Middle Class breadwinner’s trials and tribulations, especially focusing on the financial issues in managing a stable career and household. Starring Manikandan, Guru Somasundaram, Saanve Megghana as prominent characters, the film is a sureshot family hit.
‘Kudumbasthan’ Plot
A carefree bachelor in love Naveen marries the girl he loves Vennila without the knowledge of the parents and friends by their side. Amidst restrictions and unacceptance, the couple move in with Naveen’s parents as Naveen is in a steady job and Vennila preparing for cracking the IAS exams, still not accepted by her in-laws. It all changes when Naveen and Vennila become pregnant and the couple are dawned with the sheer responsibility they have in the near future.
Apart from the pregnancy, Naveen’s boastful and over the top brother – in- law who always feels inferior about Naveen’s abilities and job compared to his high paying, well settled job. The two men’s ego clash and constant unspoken competition leads to Naveen’s first debt, which grows double when he loses his job for the sake of his friend and maintaining his self respect. As the breadwinner, Naveen’s brimming stress boils more when the financial necessities and demands from his own family peg him sleepless. The once carefree bachelor becomes stressed out with loading responsibilities and maintaining a so-called ‘settled’ image in front of his relatives and especially his brother-in-law.
The Characters
Manikandan as Naveen in the titular character just like in ‘Good Night’ delivers a realistic and impressive performance. His boy next door image only adds to his ability to mold into the character with the on point Kongu dialect and in maintaining this closer to reality connection with the rest of the characters.
Saanve Megghana as Vennila in her acting debut will reach places as the actress, although has a dubbed voice, transcends the emotions of a lovable and supportive partner who stands up for her partner’s decisions. Her resilience when facing discrimination based on her caste and while going through tough times works well, a homely and subtle heroine with an endearing expression throughout.
Supporting characters played by R. Sunadarrajan, Guru Somasundaram, Balaji Sakthivel, Kudassand Kanakam have put together absolutely entertaining performances who are the actual sources of comedy and drama. The combo of Nakkalites Dhanam, Jensen Dhivkar is an absolute delight to watch right from the beginning to the end, making the audience cackle at the screen.
Get ready to celebrate the family man ❤️#Kudumbasthan – in theatres from 24th January 2025!@Cinemakaaranoff @Manikabali87 @saanvemegghana @vinoth_off @VaisaghOfficial @prasannaba80053 @EditrKannanBalu @Kumarksamy @thinkmusicindia @vinciraj_NC @Nakkalites @sureshchandraa pic.twitter.com/AH6tBxuUdN
— Rajeshwar Kaliswamy (@DirRajeshwark) January 10, 2025
The Positive Aspects
A full on comedy drama that works well among the family audience who are the main target audience. A known premise that is about the struggles faced by the breadwinner who is also determined to challenge the way society expects a Middle Class man to bend and mold to the changing demands is made into one of the most engaging screenplays of recent times.
All the actors from the prominent roles to the occasional ones score big. Guru Somasundaram as the egoistic and boastful son-in-law who expects respect and priority and constantly craves attention is matched by dual coloured in-laws who both go with his antics and talk bad about him, is all sourced from the characters around us, making the movie feel more closer.
Music Director Vaisagh has earned well deserved attention with a balanced music for the fun and emotional parts. Cinematography by Sujith N. Subramaniam captures the characters who are all familiar from the Nakkalites concepts.
Jensen Dhivakar and Prasanna Balakrishnan with their comedy tracks earn thunderous laughter, especially in the climax that ensures a proper family drama ending with the audience leaving with a smile on their faces and certain scenes to remember and chuckle later.
The Negative Aspects
Rajeshwar Kaliswamy in making a well woven narration and screenplay has left some loose ends in the dialogues that escapes the tight screenplay. The scene between Manikandan and Guru Somasundaram post interval, an important one with both the characters having an ego clash ends abruptly.
The Verdict
Kudumbasthan in a pure comedy delight for the family audience to have a fun filled watch. A good balance of emotions, humour and messages that are sprinkled like a garnish well presented by the apt talents. A must watch for the comedy lovers and those who crave a good hearty laugh over the weekend with their friends and family.
