ANBARIVU REVIEW : GOOD CAST SALVAGES THIS PREDICTABLE DRAMA
Jan 06,2022
Anbarivu has a premise that we have been seeing on screen from days the days of Uthama Puthiran — estranged twins switching places and bringing down the scheming villain who has been causing trouble. The slight difference here is that rather than an action drama, director Aswin Raam gives us a rural family drama.
The film begins with the antagonist Pasupathi (Vidaarth, digging into this negative role with relish) narrating how he managed to separate his friend Prakasam (Saikumar, cast against type as a good guy) and his wife Lakshmi (Asha Sharath, dignified), the daughter of Muniyandi (Napoleon, who manages to soften this problematic character), the hot-headed Muniyandi big shot in Arasapuram, a village near Madurai. Pasupathi, who works as Muniyandi's help, had been hoping for a political ticket from the big man, who doesn't consider him because he is from the neighbouring village Aandiyapuram, which is looked down upon bu the Arasapuram folks because they are from a less privileged background. Caste is obviously the reason, but somehow, the film is hesitant to use the C-word. Instead, it chooses to talk around the issue with euphemisms. Towards the end, we get one visual, in which coconut shells are replaced by plastic cups in a tea shop.
The film tries hard to convince us that Muniyandi might be casteist and quick-tempered, but he also has a heart of gold and can change for the sake of his daughter. In fact, that's why he agrees to accept Prakasam, who is from Aandiyapuram, as his son-in-law. However, following the success of Pasupathi's plot, Prakasam has now gone to Canada with one of his twin sons, Arivu (Hiphop Tamizha Adhi, in his usual casual self), just a baby at that time. And so, the other twin, Anbu (again Hiphop Tamizha Adhi, trying hard to be a loud and colourful villager) grows up to be a ruffian-like character under the care of Muniyandi and Lakshmi. But when Arivu learns of a family back home in Madurai, he decides to return and reunite the family. With Pasupathi, who is now a successful politician, still working his schemes, can Arivu succeed?
Anbarivu, an overlong, predictable film takes quite a while to get us hooked into its story. The director spends a long time giving us cliched scenes and generic characters. We get a mandatory romantic interest each for the brothers (Kashmira Pardeshi and Shivani Rajashekar); there is a minor villain character (Arjai); a character (Sharath Ravi) who exists only to let us know what Pasupathi is plotting. The narrative plays out in very predictable fashion, intercutting between the life of Anbu in Arasapuram and Arivu in Canada. Even the manner in which Arivu gets to know about his family in India is done in a juvenile manner. And once the switch happens, we expect the second half to be all about whether he gets caught, and his countermoves against Pasupathi. It is here that Aswin Raam surprises us a little as we get to this point by the interval point itself.
And so, the second half turns out to be a modest improvement over the first as the relationship drama between Anbu, Arivu, their parents and their grandfather comes to the fore. The scenes in which Anbu and Arivu patch up with Prakasam and Lakshmi are quite affecting, and the reunion scene between the husband and wife works even better, calling back to an earlier scene between them. It also helps that the casting feels right with actors who make us care about their characters. But in the end, after showing Muniyandi the error of his ways, the film also ends up glorifying him in the very next scene, taking away some of the warm feeling it had managed to stir in us for a while.
Top Stories
Anupam Kher Scolds David Dhawan Over Retirement Rumors: "Who Are You to Decide..."
Jun 04,2026
Veteran Bollywood filmmaker David Dhawan has returned to the director’s chair after a gap of six years. However, what has surprised fans even more is his announcement that his upcoming film Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani will reportedly be his final directorial venture before retirement.But
'Bad breath from her mouth...' When Bobby Deol refused to film an intimate scene with Manisha Koirala, the reason will leave you stunned.
Jun 03,2026
Bollywood actor Bobby Deol recently opened up about several funny behind-the-scenes moments from the early phase of his film career, including playful pranks on co-stars Twinkle Khanna, Rani Mukerji, and Manisha Koirala.The actor made these revelations during his appearance on the popular
Kangana Ranaut Recalls 26/11 Mumbai Terror Attack Night: ‘We Were Dancing and Suddenly…’
Jun 03,2026
Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut recently opened up about her personal memories from the night of the devastating 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks while promoting her upcoming film Bharat Bhagya Vidhata.During the trailer launch event of the film, Kangana revealed that she was attending a party
‘She Was Faking It’: Madhuri Dixit Makes Shocking Revelation About Karisma Kapoor’s Dance Performance
Jun 02,2026
Madhuri Dixit and Karisma Kapoor remain one of Bollywood’s most iconic on-screen duos, especially for their unforgettable performances in the cult classic Dil To Pagal Hai.The film, which also starred Shah Rukh Khan, is still celebrated for its music, romance, and legendary d
Bobby Deol Reveals Who Can Play Dharmendra in His Biopic, Says ‘No One Can Replace Him’
Jun 02,2026
Bobby Deol is currently in the spotlight for his upcoming film Bandar, but the actor recently grabbed headlines for his emotional remarks about his late father and Bollywood legend Dharmendra. During his appearance on Aap Ki Adalat on India TV, Bobby Deol spoke candidly about Dhar
Cocktail 2 Trailer Out: Shahid Kapoor Gets Trapped Between Friendship, Love and Marriage Chaos
Jun 02,2026
After months of anticipation, the makers of Cocktail 2 have finally released the official trailer of the much-awaited romantic drama, and it is already generating massive buzz on social media.Featuring Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon, and Rashmika Mandanna in lead roles, the sequel appears to c
Taapsee Pannu Reveals Extreme Workout Struggles for Perfect Figure, Urges Young Women Not to Follow Unhealthy Fitness Trends
Jun 01,2026
Bollywood actress Taapsee Pannu is once again making headlines—this time for her honest and heartfelt comments about body image struggles and unrealistic beauty standards. Known for speaking candidly on social issues, the actress recently revealed how she pushed herself to physical e
Trophy in Hand, Love in the Air! Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma Share Emotional Moment After RCB Win
Jun 01,2026
The final of the Indian Premier League 2026 turned into a historic night for Royal Challengers Bengaluru as the franchise clinched its second consecutive IPL title with a dominant victory over the Gujarat Titans. Led by a sensational innings from Virat Kohli, RCB once again lifted the cove
Entertainment News
Taapsee Pannu Reveals Extreme
Jun 01,2026
Trophy in Hand, Love in the Ai
Jun 01,2026
Ajith Kumar’s Mother Funeral
May 30,2026
Salman Khan and Sanjay Dutt’
May 30,2026
“What If He Gets Angry?”:
May 30,2026