Film Review: Samudhiram

AFTER WITNESSING a round of stories of four brothers, viewers are now offered a three-brother fare. They have a sister. That's about the only change. Otherwise Super Good Films' ``Samudhiram'' is a story of the sincere affection that exists in a family - love that is more filial than fraternal; attachment that is more unnatural than normal.

The brothers (Sarath Kumar, Murali, and Manoj) allow themselves to be humiliated, and thrown out penniless. All for the sake of the sister whom they very well know, is being ill-treated by the husband and father-in-law. Why such patience when it does not help the sis in any way, is an unsolved puzzle.

Rajamani (Kaveri) is the brother's loving sister. That her husband (Akash) and father-in-law turn out to be consummate villains is only expected. The price the four pay for being a close-knit family is what ``Samudhiram'' unfolds.

Sarath Kumar with a well-maintained physique looks younger in ``Samudhiram''. He has underplayed the emotion angle of the character which saves the viewer from a gross display of melodrama. But the opening scene only goes to show that the hero is impulsive and foolish. Why else would he ask his brothers to consume poison as if their lives are worth nothing? His assistant (Manivannan) seems more practical and sensible. This recklessness is what brings the entire family to the streets. But nobody's complaining because such is the bond!

These days wherever there is family drama there is Murali. So after ``Anandham'' it is ``Samudhiram''. Yet whatever the role, Murali always presents it neatly and he does so here too.

This is Manoj's second film (after ``Tajmahal''.) He is paired with Monal and looks more like her kid brother. He is full of life and zest in the action scenes.

Sindhu (Durga) is the plump wife of Murali. She has a lot of scope to perform and has done so quite creditably.

Abhirami has little to do except look good, which she undoubtedly achieves.

Kaveri, as the sister, has expressive eyes and a pleasing countenance and her daring outburst in the climax is effective. You only wish she had done it much earlier. (Has the same voice dubbed for Monal too?)

Goundamani is too loud , but his witty repartees are enjoyable. Erode Soundar has penned the dialogue. The story is also his. Only that the story has nothing new. It is the screenplay that makes the film cohesive and interesting. K. S. Ravikumar is in charge of the screenplay and direction. If only he had chosen an innovative storyline!

Deva's brothers Sabesh-Murali make their debut as music directors. ``Azhagana Chinna Devadhai'' alone creates a ripple.

`Pyramid' Natarajan as the cool, cunning and calculating bad man steals the show.

``Samudhiram'' comes in an era, when not many among the city breds have the time or inclination for sisterly sentiments or brotherly idiosyncracies. Nevertheless one has to wait and see whether this ``Samudhiram'' makes waves.

MALATHI RANGARAJAN

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