'Lubber Pandhu' Review: Solid nuances in writing backed by some great humour hits this rubber ball soaring in the sky.

 

Lubber Pandhu

Overview:

Sports films are always a tricky genre to handle due to its predictability and capturing its true essence. Integrating emotions and sensitive subjects makes it an even more complex genre to deal with, and that's something Lubber Pandhu pulls off quite convincingly.

Good writing can make even a feather a powerful weapon and this film is no such exception. The film deals with its subjects in a very deft manner that it neither overdoes nor underplays it.

Performances:

The story is filled with several characters etched out very well. Harish Kalyan as Anbu fills the screen with energy and maturity, and does several scenes in a subtle manner. The show stealers are easily Dinesh and Swasika, who get the best part out of everyone. The relationship between them is beautifully established through out the film and the small moments between them gives us some solid scenes of emotions. Dinesh as Gethu holds the perfect meter of being both egoistic as well as crying like a child when vulnerable. The other cast of Kaali Venkat, Bala Saravanan, Sanjana and many have their own moments all along the story. A complete performance from everyone, indeed.

Cinematography and Music:

The film maintains a very yellow-brown tone, that gives a real feeling of watching a cricket match with all its dust and glory. The songs are limited, but good on screen. The film scores all its brownie points in its background songs throughout, that are a tribute to Vijayakanth. Using these songs as a part of the story and for enhancing the characterisation of its leads is a masterful stroke.

Themes:

The core plot is about the ego conflict between its two male leads. Along with this element is the sensitive subject of caste discrimination, despite not taking the centre stage, is handled in a matured way. A fascinating aspect about this film is how it organically brings in many topics like male dominance, caste patriarchy and ego, without being forcefully fed.

Writing and Treatment:

The story proceeds as an ego conflict that brews between its two protagonists, albeit being smartly built, lacks a strong purpose to it. However, the film truly rises from its midpoint when several other elements are incorporated into this narrative and a very self aware treatment of the ego issue being punctured by some great humour stretches is brought into the picture.

Another winning aspect of the film is its portrayal of the women characters. Every single female on screen has a great sense of significance in the story. The story becomes more engaging and powerful when its stakes get increased, for the fact that its increasing stakes are its women. Both the men. although being egoistic on their own terms, acknowledge their vulnerability in front of their partners, resulting in some wonderful scenes of emotional closeness. 

An interesting aspect in the proceeding is the integration of caste issue along with the ongoing ego conflict and sport. It does a great job in bringing a sense of a sport-spirit, one associates with this genre. The film also skilfully brings in several stretches of humour in the latter half, that makes it more entertaining.

Conclusion:

To conclude with, Lubber Pandhu is a well made family-sports drama that weaves several themes seamlessly, ending up as a highly engaging watch.