115 reviews
- tominmooney
- Jul 13, 2007
- Permalink
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
- wizzy_1986
- Jun 30, 2007
- Permalink
Why is Anbe Sivam regarded as the best movie in the history of Tamil cinema by many? Did this movie have any story at all? First of all is it a movie? No. Anbe Sivam is an experience, not only for one Madhavan but for another few thousands, who care to learn quite a lot of things and feel conceited about themselves, but fail miserably to confront the vagaries of life. What was the movie all about? An experienced matured man and a squeamish, egotist but tender hearted youth (a typical modern day youth) travelling together from Bhubaneshwar to Chennai(East coast of India).Fate hinders their journey in all possible ways which Madhavan initially considers exasperating but later reveres as an experience of a lifetime. The story is as simple as that but the associated scenes,dialogues and the lessons learnt reverberate through your mind for a long time.
Be it the floods,train accident or the little boy's death it is Madhavan who breaks down and get shattered. But Kamalhassan adapts himself and reconciles himself to reality and helps in the best possible way he can. While it takes a lot of effort for Madhavan to tell Kamalhaasan about his fraternal love towards him, Kamalhaasan finds it easy to tell 'A.Ars, you are a go(o)d man' (it's not that easy to tell it to someone earnestly). From where did Kamal get this maturity? The story moves into the flashback of Kamal,a communist, who loves the daughter of a capitalist, Nasser, whom he opposes as a worker regarding wages. When the duo decide to elope to Kerala for marriage, their bus meets with a gory accident. Kamal is badly bruised losing a limb and is totally disfigured. While struggling in bed for life, Nasser speaks extremely rude and blatant to Kamal. On conjuring up the scenes after the accident, he evaluates stark contrast of Nasser and the sister. Kamal sees god through the sister and sees it subsequently in quite a lot of people who propagate love.His outlook changes completely.
The first half with some lighter moments, the middle with some interesting dialogues and the last with some really shaking scenes Anbe Sivam stands tall amidst other usual Tamil movies. Madhavan is extraordinary communicating the emotions powerfully(especially in the climax dialogue with Kamalhaasan). The one fight scene in the middle could have been avoided. Rather than going abroad for shooting songs, this movie has brought out some really excellent locations in India( not only in machi machi song). The choice of season to shoot this movie has been brilliant with the monsoon accentuating the kind of feelings to be conveyed. Does the name 'Anbe Sivam' mean 'Anbarase Nallasivam' trying to say 'All are one soul'? Kamal only knows. Finally, I'm sure it would not take any effort for anyone who has seen this movie to say 'I love you Dr.Kamalhaasan' for such an excellent story and screenplay.
Be it the floods,train accident or the little boy's death it is Madhavan who breaks down and get shattered. But Kamalhassan adapts himself and reconciles himself to reality and helps in the best possible way he can. While it takes a lot of effort for Madhavan to tell Kamalhaasan about his fraternal love towards him, Kamalhaasan finds it easy to tell 'A.Ars, you are a go(o)d man' (it's not that easy to tell it to someone earnestly). From where did Kamal get this maturity? The story moves into the flashback of Kamal,a communist, who loves the daughter of a capitalist, Nasser, whom he opposes as a worker regarding wages. When the duo decide to elope to Kerala for marriage, their bus meets with a gory accident. Kamal is badly bruised losing a limb and is totally disfigured. While struggling in bed for life, Nasser speaks extremely rude and blatant to Kamal. On conjuring up the scenes after the accident, he evaluates stark contrast of Nasser and the sister. Kamal sees god through the sister and sees it subsequently in quite a lot of people who propagate love.His outlook changes completely.
The first half with some lighter moments, the middle with some interesting dialogues and the last with some really shaking scenes Anbe Sivam stands tall amidst other usual Tamil movies. Madhavan is extraordinary communicating the emotions powerfully(especially in the climax dialogue with Kamalhaasan). The one fight scene in the middle could have been avoided. Rather than going abroad for shooting songs, this movie has brought out some really excellent locations in India( not only in machi machi song). The choice of season to shoot this movie has been brilliant with the monsoon accentuating the kind of feelings to be conveyed. Does the name 'Anbe Sivam' mean 'Anbarase Nallasivam' trying to say 'All are one soul'? Kamal only knows. Finally, I'm sure it would not take any effort for anyone who has seen this movie to say 'I love you Dr.Kamalhaasan' for such an excellent story and screenplay.
- praveen1013
- Nov 16, 2006
- Permalink
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.
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.
- ARUNKUMARD
- Jun 16, 2005
- Permalink
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.
- ram_dhanush
- Apr 22, 2007
- Permalink
- rameez3000
- Dec 21, 2006
- Permalink
I consider "Anbe Sivam" as the best movie of all time. Fabulous story, exceptional screenplay and apt comedy make this movie a treat to watch. It's doubtful if anyone else will be able to make a movie again in the same caliber. Unfortunate that it was not sent for the Oscar's. It's music is riveting and apt for the situation. The characters are brilliant. The way the change of heart occurs for Anbu is perfectly done through the screenplay.Kamal at his best throughout the movie and well supported by Madhavan, Naser and others. It is one of the few movies to have a title that was apt for it's screenplay. It speaks about communism, love, friendship and what not. 10 out of 10
Kamalhasan is known for his extraordinary performances in Indian cinema but this movie is something special for him for he has not acted but lived as Nallasivam . The movie speaks about an universal issue in the most simplest yet the beauties way. Special congrats to Madan for writing some mind storming dialog. Special congrats to Madavan for putting an wonderful performance that too when kamalhasan is present. The movie created a pain in every viewer's heart that remained for two or three days. I can compare this movie with any Hollywood drama for it has got everything love, philosophy, emotion, action above all an excellent way of telling the story. Indian cine industry can follow this at least from now or else they can never get noticed. In one line " A movie that can knock the doors of Hollywood"
- mugamoodi7
- Aug 30, 2006
- Permalink
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...
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!
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!
One more of Kamal Hassan's Gems. Excellent acting by Kamal Hassan and Madhavan. Wonderful music by Vidyasagar. More of an art film than an entertainer. In my opinion it is the best Tamil film in recent times. And one of the best non Mani Ratnam film ever. The socialism is subtle yet clear and the director has handled the movie very well. It will go down as a classic in Tamil movie history. As always with good art films, the movie didn't do very well at the box office but made an impact all the same. Personally, it is my favorite Tamil movie till now and I recommend this to everyone. You will not regret watching this movie. That is why it is the only movie I have rated 10.
This is the second film that I have seen in recent times (the other being Ikiru) that has the power to change the course of the life of its viewer, for the better. Haasan is breathtakingly brilliant in Anbe Sivam (Love is God), even more so in my opinion than his turn in the Godfather-inspired Nayakan. He traverses the entire gamut of emotions and is especially brilliant in the comic scenes. He is master thinker, too, which is evident from the screenplay that he has written. While the script prima facie seems to be a rip off of the classic "Planes, trains and automobiles" ("Due Date" was another recent spin on the same story), the depth that Haasan offers because of the inherent conflict that he introduces in the exchanges between Sivam, who is a communist, a "comrade" and Anbarasu, the quintessential child of free market, gives the happenings a rare gravitas, inspite of the comic incidences. And although the love story that plays in flashback runs in a predictable fashion and takes away some of the sheen, it ends in a spectacularly jaw dropping climax that stunned me. Hindi movie audience has been truly unfortunate as we have seen so little of Kamal Haasan. There has been the odd Appu Raja, wherein he blew away with his double act. Then there was the abhorrent "Abhay", which could have put an insomniac to sleep. Watching this is a penance that Hindi movie watchers who have berated Kamal Haasan as an overrated actor should perform, at least once. This is available, with English subtitles, on Amazon Prime.
- ragingbull_2005
- Mar 9, 2017
- Permalink
Another excellent showcase of Kamal Haasan's acting prowess, Anbe Sivam finds the esteemed actor delivering another masterful performance on screen but the film in itself is a surprisingly mediocre & corny comedy caper with humanitarian themes. The segments dealing with two men stuck together is surely interesting but when the story dives into the lead character's backstory, it spends too much time there, thus diluting the interest. Considered by many to be one of best films of its industry though I fail to see what's so special about it, Anbe Sivam was one tediously overlong & forgettable experience for me.
- CinemaClown
- Jan 13, 2020
- Permalink
Acting - 10/10
Script 10/10
Propaganda 10/10
You can justify anything with creative mind.
Anti hindu -10/10 True Color's of Kamal Hasan the self obsessed man.
Anti hindu -10/10 True Color's of Kamal Hasan the self obsessed man.
- sharma-csc
- Jul 11, 2022
- Permalink
- reachrajdream
- Dec 24, 2006
- Permalink
Yes, if you have atlast come to this webpage in this huge collection of movies database. You must be either a Tamilian i.e. one who speaks or regards his culture as Tamil (or) on the look out for good movies in languages other than English.
Though good sub-titles for the movie (for non-Tamilians) could be useful. All the subtelities could be apprecaiated only when you understand and speak contemporary Tamil. Madhavan and Kamal Hasan have done a great job in playing their part in the film. Comparable only to two other Tamil films 'Kurdhipunal'and 'Nayagan'.
P.S. :Must watch out for the communist subversive messages in the dialogs.
Though good sub-titles for the movie (for non-Tamilians) could be useful. All the subtelities could be apprecaiated only when you understand and speak contemporary Tamil. Madhavan and Kamal Hasan have done a great job in playing their part in the film. Comparable only to two other Tamil films 'Kurdhipunal'and 'Nayagan'.
P.S. :Must watch out for the communist subversive messages in the dialogs.
- thisiskris_18
- Dec 3, 2006
- Permalink
Its amazing that how can this man performs like this... How much effort Kamal Haasan made in this movie??? Unbelievable.. a small example is that the spectacle with -10 power that kamal wearing in the movie.. U know? he had a contact lens of +10 to compensate that..
Technical details apart..
Can anyone say the message better than this?
Can anyone deny the facts mentioned in the movie? It does n't matter Weather you believe God or not.. It is the Humanity the ultimate requirement...
Yes, I do agree that you and me are God... and only the true love and care can be referred as God..
what a movie?
wow wow wow wow...
Technical details apart..
Can anyone say the message better than this?
Can anyone deny the facts mentioned in the movie? It does n't matter Weather you believe God or not.. It is the Humanity the ultimate requirement...
Yes, I do agree that you and me are God... and only the true love and care can be referred as God..
what a movie?
wow wow wow wow...
- RadhaRadha
- Jul 17, 2008
- Permalink
Before I begin with the film, I want to express a doubt on this site's functionality. Have the critics gone mad? You guys give this masterpiece just a 7.8? This film beats Hollywood films in many ways, trust me. Firstly, the atheism theme in this film is not intended to encourage people to join atheism, but not to misunderstand atheists as they're human beings as well. Kamal Haasan has been highly underrated in most of his films although he teaches us things that we don't learn in the daily screwed up education syllabus. This film teaches us patience, love, honesty, and sincerity. The work of art in this film is undoubtedly wonderful as they're presented in subliminal ways. This film is not a remake of Planes, Trains And Automobiles, but just inspired character wise. This film deserves several Oscars and many other awards as well. Besides that, I really look low upon IMDb in this as films such as The Avengers and Skyfall are overrated despite their illogical film making. Overall: 9.3/10
- thiru-dinesh
- Aug 14, 2006
- Permalink
I'm 24th to write a review for this movie in IMDb. If you're reading these reviews without having seen the movie, then it is not gonna get you anything. No one on earth could guess what this movie could be about, just by reading its reviews or scanning through the cast unlike all other movies. To tell you.... it's not a movie at all to be in IMDb. It's life..!! It is more than a movie, not jus to be watched, but felt..!! This is the best movie in tamil cinema ever..!! If you've not seen this movie yet, you've missed a masterpiece. Movies at times, may teach you some lessons in life.....but here's a movie that teaches you life...!! Words just can't describe this movie. So watch this movie and enhance yourself as a human..... and serve the purpose of being on earth as a human....!
- gowtu-gowtu
- Apr 20, 2010
- Permalink
For those who don't have the interest of watching any movies, I would like to say to them that watch this for your lifetime. Its a neatly penned story where two contrasting characters come and meet and where their journey takes to ? Kamal plays an awesome role and madhavan perfectly fits in. Nothing looks to be overdone or underdone. In the start some may feel a kind of regular romance but the basic character is neatly brought down for kamal. Its an movie where everyone will agree, whether he/she is an atheist or theist , that this is what life is all about. The essence that love is god is beautifully told. Its better not to know about the scenes and directly watch the movie. If possible own a legitimate copy of it. Easily at par for any great Hollywood drama. So if you haven't watched this, do it right now.
- mukund_west
- Mar 18, 2010
- Permalink
Until I saw this movie, I was skeptic about the presence of so called GOD. But later i realized that he is within us. This movie is about two different persons - Nalla(kamal) and Arsh(madhavan) who meet together and how their life changes after that.
Kamal Hassan - The God of Tamil Cinema has once again proved his talent in acting. The life of a disfigured person can never be such remarkably portrayed by anyone than kamal hassan in this movie. Even though the first half of the movie was pretty slow-paced and little bit commercially flavored, the second-half was a masterpiece. Especially the last half an hour where i was literally moved to tears. The dialogs were excellent.
Every character in the movie have done their role neatly and aptly. I recommend everyone to watch this classic movie for it is 160 minutes well spent. If you want to see GOD, Love every single life on earth and there you are; in front of the mirror, seeing GOD.
A Must Watch Movie for Everyone
Kamal Hassan - The God of Tamil Cinema has once again proved his talent in acting. The life of a disfigured person can never be such remarkably portrayed by anyone than kamal hassan in this movie. Even though the first half of the movie was pretty slow-paced and little bit commercially flavored, the second-half was a masterpiece. Especially the last half an hour where i was literally moved to tears. The dialogs were excellent.
Every character in the movie have done their role neatly and aptly. I recommend everyone to watch this classic movie for it is 160 minutes well spent. If you want to see GOD, Love every single life on earth and there you are; in front of the mirror, seeing GOD.
A Must Watch Movie for Everyone
Anbe Sivam is a very decent movie. Great acting by Kamal Hassan, and other cast supports well. It is a touching story about life and how circumstances change your outlook. Shooting locations are refreshing. However, I think the movie is slightly overrated as the story is weak and predictable. You might like it if you go with zero expectations, unlike me who went with an expectation to witness a masterpiece based on overall rating.
- ashish-cooltech
- Jul 6, 2021
- Permalink
This movie is a copy of RAIN MAN instead of PLANES TRAINS AUTOMOBILES.
the overrated kamalHasan in DUSTIN HOFFMAN's role and madhavan in TOM CRUISE's role.
- jacobj-46918
- Sep 26, 2019
- Permalink
- khansaima-37300
- May 28, 2021
- Permalink