Anbe Sivam

Many rule out this movie as a non-masterpiece just because its a remake....I stick to what Ram Gopal Verma said, 'nothing is original'. In Hollywood, people make movies inspired sometimes by small or Eastern/European movies, then much of the time it is an adaptation of a novel. The director gets a huge team of writers to fine-tune the script. The result, a masterpiece. Here, Kamal single-handedly carried and executed this film. He was inspired by a Hollywood movie which was a slapstick comedy. Did the original say "God is Love" and tackled communist views? This should never be called a remake. Kamal's detail in acting proves he can beat any given actor in this world, I dare to bet. Even in scenes which does not highlight him, he reacts perfectly. Even the minute details was taken care of in his movements and face reactions, the muscles, and the handicap. The best part of this movie is actually the depth of characterization in Kamal and Madhavan, they lived as Nalla and A. Ars throughout the screening in my mind. I have never seen the depth of characterization as much as this movie in the recent past. Deserves to be in the top 250. Is this Internet Movie Database or American Movie Database? I hardly saw a move with a richer context than this. Indian movies do provide masterpieces once at a time, and please do recognize these efforts.

I happened to see this film which was a perfect blend of philosophy, realistic acting and the fine art of film making.

Now, I am not a big fan of Kamal. Never was. The arrogance so clearly etched on his face is a major put off for me. But ever so often, Kamal makes me admit ( albeit grudgingly ) that he is the best at what he does.

The philosophy of the film is best explained by the words of the title song, ...

A rough translation goes something like this,

For the theists, God is love. For the good among the atheists, Love is God.

Who here is God ? You and me.

The story is written by Kamal as is the screenplay. He has sung a couple of songs as well out of which the haunting title song stands out. Madhavan is but a tool in Kamal's hands which he uses effectively to his advantage.

Kamal's character changes from that of a bumbling idiot in the first few scenes to a communist union leader with a artistic vein in the middle scenes to a god like figure in the last few scenes. In the last scene, as Kamal walks away into the horizon, we are left with no option but to stand up and salute the indomitable spirit of a man from whom life has taken away so much but still manages to smile.

I wouldn't describe anything more about the story because any words that I can conjure up here wouldn't be enough. The film tells a philosophy that is best seen and understood.

When Love lives in your mind, you are God.

this is one grossly under rated movie. it is really touching, funny and one off the best all time title songs. kamal is at his best and madhavan manages to prevent being over shadowed with some cheeky timing sense. only' black dot in the film is kiran who can neither look good nor act or even wear some nice dresses. we would have loved to see simran or abirami do the role(she was awesome in "virumandi"). no one can come out of the theater without a heavy heart after seeing the climax. dialogs by madan is too good and small roles like "Poun Kunju" and that of villain Nasser uttering praising lord siva and the co incidence of saying it in the end is brilliant.if don see this movie u r missing some thing

A movie of the millennium, I would say that had come from Tamil Film Industry. The environment suited well for this movie. Kamal Hassan was exceptional in acting as usual. Nevertheless, Madhavan did well too. There is no hero in this movie. Only characters. The movie has a strong message to audience. A very good message. It teaches a valuable lesson. It explains what really God is and the true meaning life.

The script and screenplay are awesome. There are some humor scenes. That fight could have been avoided. The theme song was really awesome. The song touched me very much. The music was awesome too. Other songs are good too, but not needed.

Kama Hassan has given an excellent movie. Hats off to Kamal Hassan...

Watch this movie. Learn the true meaning of life. You won't regret it. It's worth it.

I give this movie a 9 out of 10. That one mark was removed for that fight.

4 for the story... 2 for performance... 2 for theme song... 1 for other songs...

Total, 9/10...

I watched the movie because of the stars - Kamal Hasan and Madhavan. I do not understand Tamil, yet the movie has been so well made that at times you do not feel that you need the dialogs.

In brief, the movie shows two extremely different characters who are forced to spend time together due to circumstances.

The movie tends to slow down in the middle, when it goes into the flashback of Kamal Hasan's life. However, for the most part, it is a pretty sensible piece of art - something that is a rarity in Bollywood. The movie could have been shorter - and that is the only complaint that I have. Otherwise, it is a brilliant idea that has been executed to near perfection.

Kamal Hasan - as always - excels. Madhavan is great, too. The music score was really good.

A must see!