Table of Contents
- Plot Summary
- What’s Good?
- Performances
- Direction and Screenplay
- Music and Background Score
- Cinematography and Visuals
- Humor and Emotional Depth
- Strengths and Weaknesses
- Strengths
- Weaknesses
- Target Audience
- Box Office Details
- Day-wise Earnings (India and Overseas)
- Recommendation
- Genres:
- Rating:
- Cast:
- How is Our Review?
Released on January 12, 2012, Nanban is a Tamil-language comedy-drama film directed by Shankar. Adapted from the Bollywood hit 3 Idiots, this movie brilliantly captures the essence of friendship, dreams, and the pressures of academic life. With a star-studded cast including Vijay, Jiiva, Srikanth, Ileana D’Cruz, and Sathyaraj, Nanban combines humor, emotion, and an inspiring message that resonates with audiences across age groups. This review highlights what makes the film memorable and worth watching.
Plot Summary
Nanban revolves around the lives of three close friends—Panchavan “Pappu” Parivendan (Vijay), Venkat (Srikanth), and Senthil (Jiiva)—and their experiences at an engineering college under the strict and often comical regime of their principal, Professor Virumandi Santhanam (Sathyaraj), nicknamed “Virus.” The story explores the pressures faced by students in a highly competitive academic environment while addressing larger themes like pursuing passion over societal expectations. A series of events involving friendship, love, and hilarious moments lead to an emotional yet uplifting climax.
What’s Good?
Performances
Vijay shines as the enigmatic and unconventional Pappu, delivering a charismatic performance filled with humor and warmth. Jiiva and Srikanth complement him perfectly, portraying relatable characters with sincerity. Sathyaraj as Virus is both humorous and formidable, while Ileana D’Cruz adds charm as the love interest.
Direction and Screenplay
Director Shankar does an excellent job of adapting 3 Idiots into Tamil culture while retaining the original’s essence. The screenplay balances comedy, drama, and social commentary, making the narrative engaging and meaningful.
Music and Background Score
Harris Jayaraj’s music adds life to the film, with tracks like “En Friend Pola” and “Asku Laska” becoming instant hits. The background score complements the film’s tone, enhancing emotional and comedic moments alike.
Cinematography and Visuals
Cinematographer Manoj Paramahamsa captures the scenic beauty of the college campus and various locations with finesse. The vibrant visuals contribute to the film’s overall appeal, making it a visual treat.
Humor and Emotional Depth
The film masterfully blends laugh-out-loud moments with touching emotional scenes, ensuring that it appeals to a wide audience. The humor is natural and relatable, while the emotional beats leave a lasting impact.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
- Engaging Performances: The cast’s chemistry and individual performances elevate the film.
- Relatable Themes: The story’s focus on academic pressure and self-discovery resonates universally.
- Shankar’s Direction: The adaptation’s Tamil sensibilities make it fresh and relevant.
- Music and Visuals: Harris Jayaraj’s songs and the stunning cinematography enhance the cinematic experience.
Weaknesses
- Comparisons to Original: Fans of 3 Idiots may find parts of Nanban predictable or lacking originality.
- Pacing Issues: A few scenes in the second half feel slightly stretched.
- Limited Female Roles: The focus remains on the male characters, with limited development for Ileana’s character.
Target Audience
Nanban appeals to a broad audience, including families, students, and fans of light-hearted yet meaningful cinema. The movie’s themes of friendship and following one’s passion resonate with young viewers, while its humor and emotional moments ensure it’s enjoyable for all age groups. Fans of Vijay and Shankar will find it particularly rewarding.
Box Office Details
- Budget: INR 55 crores (approx.)
- Worldwide Collection: INR 150 crores (approx.)
Day-wise Earnings (India and Overseas)
- Day 1: INR 15 crores (India) | INR 4 crores (Overseas)
- Day 2: INR 13 crores (India) | INR 3.5 crores (Overseas)
- Day 3: INR 12 crores (India) | INR 3 crores (Overseas)
- Day 4: INR 10 crores (India) | INR 2.8 crores (Overseas)
- Day 5: INR 9 crores (India) | INR 2.5 crores (Overseas)
The movie’s strong box office performance underscores its universal appeal and the power of its message.
Recommendation
Nanban is a heartwarming and entertaining film that delivers an important message about following one’s dreams and valuing friendships. With stellar performances, vibrant visuals, and a soulful soundtrack, it’s a must-watch for fans of feel-good cinema. Highly recommended for a wholesome cinematic experience.
Genres:
Comedy, Drama
Rating:
7/10
Cast:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Vijay | Panchavan “Pari” Pariventhan/Kosaksi “Pappu” Pasapugazh |
| Jiiva | Sevarkodi Senthil |
| Srikanth | Venkat Ramakrishnan |
| Ileana D’Cruz | Ria Santhanam |
| Sathyaraj | Virumandi Santhanam (Virus) |
| S. J. Suryah | Panchavan Pariventhan |
| Sathyan Sivakumar | Srivatsan (Silencer) |
| Anuya Bhagvath | Shwetha Santhanam |
| Manobala | Librarian Bose |
| Uma Padmanabhan | Mrs. Ramakrishnan |
| Vijay Vasanth | Paneerselvam |
| T.M. Karthik | Rakesh ‘Price Tag’ |
| Adukalam Naren | Ramakrishnan |
| Ajay Rathnam | Panchavan’s father |
| Indrans | Govindan |
| Balaji Venugopal | Ragging Senior |
| Venkat Sundar | Ragging Senior |
| Andrea Jeremiah | Voice for Ileana D’Cruz |
| Atlee | Appearance in “Asku Lasku” Song |
How is Our Review?
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