Movie: Samudhram

Director: K.S. Ravikumar
Cast: Sharat Kumar, Murali, Manoj, Abhirami, Kaveri, Sindhu, and Monal.

After the spate of films about childhood friends-turned lovers, it's now the 'sibling-bonding' season. Centering round the eldest brother, who has nurtured and brought up his three younger siblings (it's always three), crossing many hurdles, fiercely protective and supportive of them. The trio too dote on their eldest brother, and if anyone around, like the jealous neighbouring landlord thinks that they can throw a dent in this bonding, they are soon shown their place. With all four having almost the same mindset and behaviour pattern, there is not much chance of variation in characterisation or performance. It's always the second sister-in-law who tries to whip up a little excitement by being rebellious, but very soon she too falls in line. The youngest brother of course is the college going guy, but except for a song or two with his new found love at the campus, he never seems to progress anywhere in his academic life! After facing various hurdles jointly-created mainly by the jealous landlord- the four siblings are finally shown grouped for a happy ending.

'Vanatheppol', 'Anandam' and now its 'Samudhram'. Sharat, Murali, Manoj and Kaveri play the four siblings. Pyramid Natarajan the 'villain' of the piece, consents for the marriage of Kaveri with his only son, just so that he can harass the girl and heap insults on the brothers. It takes a long time for the brothers to catch on to what the guy is up to, as they fall in every trap he has laid, and get insulted at every turn. The smarter Kaveri realises it soon enough, throws the 'Thaali' on her husband, and walks away with her brothers. While Abhirami is the docile wife of Sharat, Sindhu is the rebellious wife of Murali. Manoj is the college going brother with Monal to sing with.

While the 'three brothers' do only what they have done before in earlier films, Kaveri comes into her own in the final scene. In a low-key performance Pyramid Natarajan leaves a mark. Sabesh-Murali (brothers of Deva) in their debut as music directors give some varied tunes, the 'Azhagana Chinna Devathai…' being the catchier one.