Anbe Sivam
Tags: romantic, flashback

Plot synopsis:
The film begins with ad film-maker Anbarasu (R. Madhavan)- who prefers that his name is mentioned in the abbreviation of A. Aras rather than his full name, arriving at the Bhubaneswar airport in Orissa, India. He is about to board a flight back to Chennai for his own wedding. However, he learns at the airport that his flight is cancelled due to the bad weather in the state where heavy floods and torrential rain due to the wet season have affected air traffic. While waiting for further announcements, Aras watches a television news of a terrorist threat at an airport in Mumbai, making him suspicious when he sees a limping man carrying an old sack on his hands. He informs the authorities, who find out that the man only has a cucumber in that bag and nothing else.The man, a physically disabled man named Nallasivam a.k.a Nalla (Kamal Hassan) introduces himself to Aras and both of them get to know each other. However, Aras underestimates Nallasivam, ignoring his advice and friendly acquaintance, resulting in some comical events in the airport itself. Announcements are finally made that the flights would not board on that day and Aras will have to reserve place in nearby hotels to put up the night. Aras realizes that the five star hotel that he was staying in before is now fully booked, leaving him optionless. Nallasivam however helps him find a place in a two star hotel nearby, in which both Nalla and Aras have to share the same room. Aras' resentment of Nalla makes him act selfishly in trying to get rid of Nalla but at every juncture, Nalla does him a favor which leaves Aras with a heavy heart. The next morning, Aras takes a taxi without waking Nalla in order to find his own way to Chennai. However, Aras realizes that the floods have blocked most of the roads and even the train station is covered by high levels of water. He gets mugged by a thief in the station who offers to help Ars with his luggages, and loses all his money. Nalla however comes to the station and helps Aras retain the wallet, sans the money. It is then revealed that Nalla is a trade unionist and is travelling with a cheque worth Rs. 30 lakh to be delivered to some people after fighting a court cases for some union workers. The comical and misunderstanding events continue as the pair make it to a different train station. There, Nalla decides to tell the story of his own past, but a tired Aras falls asleep and walks away as he is about to begin.The film then flashes to few years back when a perfectly good looking Nalla performs in street theatres protesting against the industrialisation process which is marginalizing labor force. He often gets into trouble due to this. Nalla is also a painter, and a very talented one at that. He is fighting mainly against the town's biggest business tycoon, the manipulative Kandasamy Padayachi (Nassar), whom he satirically imitates during many of his shows. However, an interesting turn of events sees Nalla and Kandasamy's own daughter Bala (Kiran Rathod) fall in love with each other. Realizing Kandasamy's power would be too much to bear if they want to get together, Nalla and Bala decide to elope, but while Nalla is on a bus on his way to meet Bala, the bus meets with a horrible accident at a hillside which leaves Nalla badly injured, which subsequently leads him to be paralyzed. Bala is told by her father that Nalla is dead, while Nalla suffers from inferiority complex on his new, paralyzed look and starts wondering about doing social work and still fighting for union causes. Nalla is also shown as a communist believer.The film returns to present times, as Aras and Nalla board the train for which they have been waiting, but as the train arrives, they get into an argument about communism, Karl Marx, and so on. Nalla accuses Aras as an agent for Western and rich manipulation, while Aras defends himself and criticises communism as a whole, referring that the Soviet Union doesn't exist anymore. Nalla argues that the idea of communism wouldn't die. The argument turns heated and sensitive, causing a short-tempered Aras to punch Nalla. After initially looking calm, Nalla punches Aras back even harder, causing Aras to bleed. As a result, Aras deceives Nalla into buying water for him and locks the train door, leaving Nalla stranded. On the train, Aras meets a good-looking corporate individual who shares the same interests as Aras (Yugi Sethu), who asks Aras to throw away a pack of biscuits Nalla gave to Aras and instead take his own whisky offering. As Aras wakes up the next day, he realizes that he has been conned again and the corporate man is a thief, and has stolen all of Aras' belongings. The train comes to a halt because a train which travelled on the track before had an accident and it has to be cleared up first. There, Aras witnesses a slew of dead bodies and suffering people, causing him to suffer emotionally. To his surprise, he meets Nalla again at the treatment camp nearby. He apologizes to Nalla, who forgives him. Nalla proposes that he donate blood to a dying boy in need of AB- blood, while Aras mentions that he is bloodsick. Nalla manages to convince him finally, and Aras donates. Aras also retrieves his belongings as he finds that the thief is also around the camp. Nalla proposes that Aras travels with him in an ambulance which will be carrying the injured boy on its way to Chennai.While on the journey, the boy passes away, finally causing Aras to cry as he calls God 'unjust' for giving the boy hope in the form of Aras' blood, and then take away his live. Nalla, who doesn't believe in God externally, tells Aras, that Aras himself is God, that his tears after the boy dies is the nature of God itself. Aras also comes to terms with using his full name Anbarasu (derived from the full Tamil name Anbarasan - literally 'King Of Love'), a name he previously despised under the reason that he doesn't like 'anbu' (love). Both of them go their separate ways in Chennai, but Aras realizes that Nalla's union cheque is with him and returns to the address Nalla had given him.He realizes that Nalla had lied to him previously when he told that he has a wife and son named 'Sangu'. The address is a place where injured labourers from Orissa camp while waiting for their legal funds (the money fought for them by Nalla). 'Sangu' is the name of Nalla's dog. After giving the cheque, he goes to the nearby shop to meet Nalla, and scolds him for not telling the truth. He asks Nalla to come with him for his marriage, but Nalla says he will 'come later'. In an emotional moment, Aras recounts the story of how his brother died from a freak accident when he was young (a story he already told to Nalla before). He says that Nalla is his new-found brother and should stay with him as long as life permits. A clearly emotional Nalla immediately accepts the invitation.However, at the marriage, Nalla realizes that the girl Aras is about to marry is Bala. He takes this opportunity to appear in front of Kandasamy and threaten that he will stay on and make Bala realize what a cheat her father is unless Kandasamy signs all related documents for pay increment and bonuses for his company's labourers. Sacrificing himself for the workers, Nalla leaves after Kandasamy signs, leaving behind a letter for his 'brother' that he has missions to complete in this world, and that he'd rather travel as a free bird than to be caged and tied at one particular place. He thanks Aras for the love shown. Kandasamy meanwhile orders his assistant (Santhana Bharathi) to kill Nalla. As Nalla walks away, the assistant approaches and Nalla, telling that he cant fight like he used to do, is ready to accept death. However, the assistant drops his weapon, weeps, and apologizes to Nalla. He tells Nalla that because he did all the dirty work for his boss, the God has punished him by taking away his beloved daughter from him. He tells Nalla that he has done enough sins, and doesn't want to bear any more sins on behalf of his boss. He asks Nalla to leave and that God will protect Nalla. Nalla refutes, saying that the assistant himself is God. He says that there is no greater God than to be able to apologize and change an original intent of killing.The film ends with Nalla walking away with his dog, Sangu.Thanks to Wikipedia

Review: 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.
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.
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.
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.
Love is God. I happened to see this film which was a perfect blend of philosophy, realistic acting and the fine art of film making.
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, ...
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..
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 .
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.
As always with good art films, the movie didn't do very well at the box office but made an impact all the same.
The best part of this movie is actually the depth of characterization in Kamal and Madhavan, they lived as Nalla and A.
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.
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.
Hats off to Kamal Hassan...Watch this movie.
Madhavan and Kamal Hasan have done a great job in playing their part in the film.
A crisp narration and very good acting from the protagonists, this movie makes for an interesting watch.
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.
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 an appropriately titled story of Nallasivam (Kamal Haasan), an idealist, social activist and communist, whose past is poignant and present moving.
His sense of humor that remains with him through his ups and downs is the strong point of the character.Nallsivam and Anbarasu meet each other at the Bhubaneswar airport on a rainy night and fate throws them together for the next three days before they reach Chennai."Anbe Sivam" was another milestone in Madhavan's career.
Anbe Sivam is an absolute classic and it is really unfortunate that this film did not do well commercially.KamalHassan proved again he is the best Indian actor of all time....
Highly recommend anyone with liking for a good movie to watch this one!
thanks to all the people involved in the making of this movie especially kamal haasan I would say that this movie had the right elements, be it music be it the story line or be it acting, it was just too good....
This movie shows the thin line between copy and inspiration.If anyone who can't shred a tear after watching Kamal's performance in climax they might have rock solid heart.
Wow what a amazing experience this movie is.The title song is sung by Kamal Hasan and his voice has as much depth as the meaning of song has.
This is the only movie Kamal has worked with music director Vidyasagar.The melody song while painting room also good one.If we come to performances i am not getting words to describe Kamal's performance(some of my friends who don't like Kamal also appreciated his performance).
Nasar and Santhana Bharathi are simple good.I don't want to brag about story here but i want tell how much i enjoyed watching two people's journey while discussing life and ideologies.
It is just the amazing story line, unparalleled acting by actor Kamal and Nazer (pls excuse if actors' names are wrongly spelled), fantastic theme and concept that makes it one of the most irresistible movie.
Wonderful acting, Background score, Songs, Story, Direction, Dialogue, Screenplay, Art work totally whole film is fantastic..
It is one of the best Indian Films and Kamal Hassan and Madhavan done their roles perfectly especially Kamal, who also done the Screenplay for this movie.The dialogs were impeccable and lovely.
Must Watch movie to flood peace in world although It didn't did great in Box office but One for Life medicine.
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.
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 not a movie,its an experience of a lifetime,an experience for Kamal,Madhavan,Nasser and even a dog.This movie takes you on a journey that may change your lives forever.The story is simple,two people meeting each other under certain circumstances that takes them on an unusual journey across India from Bhubaneshwar to Chennai.Madhavan who plays Anbarasu AKA Ars a modern day youth.Kamal who plays Nallasivam a matured experienced man with a rather disfigured character and has gone through a lot in his life.What happens when these two meet each other?
The rest of the story unfolds on how these two get along with each other.The highlight in this movie is the chemistry between the characters played by Kamal and Madhavan ,how do they change along this Topsy-tourney journey.Madhavan learns a lot from the well experienced Kamal.Kamal is a person who understands the part and puzzle of life and takes every incident,even the worst in the best way possible,he sees love in and God in love.How did he get this maturity?The story moves to a flashback,where Kamal is communist who does not believe in God,loves a capitalist's(Nasser) daughter.He goes against Nasser regarding less salary as a worker.As her father is against their relationship,they plan to elope to Kerala,the bus meets in an accident which was cause by a dog but she was not in,Kamal was injured and subsequently became the incident that made his body disfigured.Nasser meets him and speaks in a rude manner that hurt him even badly.Kamal sees God in the nurses(sister) that helped him through his recovery and many other people who show love.After his recovery,he went to meet Nasser for meeting his daughter,Nasser states that his daughter is married to a foreign groom and Kamal walks away in disappointment.Then the story returns to present time,where a train derails on the way and a boy is on the verge of dying who is in the same blood group as Madhavan,Madhavan donates blood to the boy,eventually the boy dies,Madhavan starts crying and scolding God on this situation,Madhavan asks Kamal''You don't believe in God,don't you?''.Kamal replies''I do believe in God''.''Which God?''Madhavan asks.''You,a person who is crying for someone you do not know,that is God''Kamal replies.This shows the maturity of Kamal along the development of his character in this movie.When Madhavan asks if Kamal has a child,he says yes,then he finds out the child is actually a dog,the dog that caused the accident that Kamal was disfigured.There are many scenes in this movie that will touch your heart,amazing dialogs that come along with it.Cinematography is awesome.The music by Vidyasagar is purely brilliant.The title soundtrack ''Anbe Sivam'' will certainly gave me goosebumps all the way.I am nobody to rate this movie because I've learnt a lot from this movie,to give respect even if you are not given so.Final say,a person who wants to learn the part and puzzle of life must definitely watch this movie.Learn to live,learn to love,Love is God..
I'd like to begin this review by saying that although the movie is loosely "inspired" from "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" (i.e just the basic premise of two very different strangers chancing to meet and using this as a plot device to let the story flow), the rest of the movie has absolutely nothing to do with the Steve Martin classic, and stands on its own as a masterpiece of film-making.
Anbarasu, with the help of Nalla Sivam (brilliantly played by Kamal Hassan, who also wrote the movie) finds himself lost in a place affected by floods and heavy rain, which acts as a purgatory of sorts for him to discover his own humanity.
Hence the title of the movie, that translates in English to "Love is God".
The movie which is better related to as an experience will leave you awestruck in every possible way.The story is about a journey shared by two people - Nalla Sivam aka Nalla(Kamal Haasan), an experienced, physically challenged, middle aged guy and Anbarasu aka A.Aras ( R.
Nalla's heart touching flashback, the words he utters to show his brotherly love to Aras, and the way their stories converge, are few of the many brilliant moments this movie has to offer.
Why is Anbe Sivam regarded as the best movie in the history of Tamil cinema by many?
Why is Anbe Sivam regarded as the best movie in the history of Tamil cinema by many?
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.
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.
An experienced matured man and a squeamish, egotist but tender hearted youth (a typical modern day youth) traveling 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.
An experienced matured man and a squeamish, egotist but tender hearted youth (a typical modern day youth) traveling 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,duologue's and the lessons learned 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.
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.
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.
Kamal sees god through the sister and sees it subsequently in quite a lot of people who propagate love.His outlook changes completely.
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 duologue's and the last with some really shaking scenes Anbe Sivam stands tall amidst other usual Tamil movies.
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..
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..
This movie is about 2 characters Anbarasu (Satyanand in Telugu) and Nalla Sivam (Sada Sivam in Telugu).There is lot to speak about this film but I will put it all succinctly and I would like everyone to watch this film.
But love is a feeling Nala Sivam (Kamal Hassan): So do the communism, It felt to many, but Marx only wrote it.
This Movie is a Real Peace Teaching Movie for all, In Tamil Nadu and other Southern Indian states where this movie is released and the result is not Good BTW i felt bad on those who reviewed as Bad. This is really a Good and Tremendous Appreciable movie, whenever i watch the Video of the Title Song Yaar Yaar Sivam, i will get at least a few drops of tears in My Eyes.
Anbe Sivam is my all time number one favorite.A movie that I strongly recommend.
Hats off to Kamal for this movie.It gets into you, deep down your heart, the feeling, the message, the acting which you won't forget in the near future.I can honestly say, it's the best movie I've ever seen.
And when Mr Shivam walked away into the Madras monsoon in the end you felt you had lived a full life and the Spirit of man.It movies enrich our lives then this one does.A non Tamil following ,single time viewer possibly cant understand what all the fuss is about.Probably they don't make ones like this anymore..
The story is not so new, but the screenplay and acting surpasses everything.Anbarasu(Madhavan) is a posh guy who like to be called A.Ars. While looking for a shooting location just 4 days before the marriage in Orissa, he is left stranded there because of the rains and floods.
Nasser asks his right hand (Santhana Barathi) to kill Sivam who does not do that because of humanitarian reasons.The story ends there.The theme "Love is God" is perfectly brought out through this movie.
Music rendered by Vidhyasagar is worth a mention, particularly the title song "Anbe Sivam" and the duet "Poo Vaasam".For the People who love Good cinema, this is a MUST SEE!!:).
There are lot of signs this movie is classic and timeless as the story is more into emotional side of humans plus life.
The movie seemed to be on about love, but it ended up saying about not loved-Loneliness, which is a classic progression.The story plot is simple,it's purely into character of Kamal and Madhavan.Madhavan and Kamal have done great job on their role.Madhavan is advertisement film maker and Kamal is communist theater actor,with artistic talent and simple human whose life is entirely an example of humanity.
And not to miss mentioning is actor Nasser performance, especially when he says "sethu PO" will be all time best hardcore villain dialogue(Can watch this piece when you are let down by life and life's people to get empowered to live well and confidently against the oppositions of life).
one main lesson that is learnt by madhavan(in the movie) but not shown explicitly is when at first scene kamal tells madhavan that nowadays good looking, learned people commit crimes more than the not-so-good looking ones...
a Kamal film like this still does not get, if not better, equal hype to Rajini's movies...
It must be a heart break for some but this film has its "one line" plot from a Hollywood movie called "Trains planes and automobiles" but except the fact that 2 different people are made to travel together due to circumstances and one of them is narrating a story...
The idea of atheist, practical, matured man who starts liking the emotional, finicky guy, nasser and kiran's character and also the train scene etc are kamal's own making and the underlying concept of the society is itself very fresh ...
script was made in such a way that title tells you the story, theme, etc....Anbe Sivam - "Love is God" Love is God theme is portrayed thro.
journey between two, Kamal and Madhavan.when there is love in you then you are the GOD.
Each time i watch the scene in which Nassers assistant instead of killing Kamal, explaining the problems he's facing with his child, I cry.
Watch this movie to understand what is life..
Anbe Sivam is a film that tamil cinema will get once in a blue moon.
The film blends both comic and emotional elements so well that one moment we are on the verge of tears after the death of a child, then we get goosebumps as Kamal says it is the humanity and compassion within a person that makes them god, then we are laughing as he says something cheeky.
i can sense that the story line was inspired from a Hollywood movie named Flights trains and bus, but the execution of the social message is the best part of this movie.Kamal Hassan has added entertainment with education .