Family dramas have always had a special place in Tamil cinema, and Santosh Subramaniam is one such film that beautifully combines romance, emotions, and comedy. Released on April 11, 2008, this movie is directed by Mohan Raja and stars Jayam Ravi and Genelia D’Souza in the lead roles. The film is a remake of the Telugu hit Bommarillu (2006) and successfully retains the charm of the original while adding its own Tamil flavor.
With a strong emotional core, memorable performances, and heartwarming music, the film became a favorite among audiences. But what makes Santosh Subramaniam special? Let’s dive into the details.
Table of Contents
Plot Summary
The movie follows Santosh (Jayam Ravi), a young man who lives under the strict control of his loving but overprotective father, Subramaniam (Prakash Raj). Although his father provides him with everything, Santosh feels suffocated because he has no freedom to make his own choices.
One day, he meets Hasini (Genelia D’Souza), a fun-loving and carefree girl who brings joy and excitement into his life. As their love blossoms, Santosh must find a way to balance his love for Hasini and his respect for his father. Will he be able to convince his father to accept his love? That’s what the movie beautifully explores.
What’s Good?
1. Brilliant Performances
- Jayam Ravi delivers one of his best performances, perfectly portraying a young man struggling between his father’s expectations and his personal desires.
- Genelia D’Souza steals the show as Hasini. Her energetic and bubbly nature makes her character unforgettable.
- Prakash Raj, as the strict yet loving father, adds emotional depth to the film. His expressions and dialogue delivery make every scene impactful.
2. Emotional Storytelling
- The film beautifully highlights the relationship between parents and children, showing how excessive control can sometimes feel suffocating.
- The romantic portions between Santosh and Hasini are natural, refreshing, and full of life.
3. Engaging Direction
- Mohan Raja does a fantastic job of keeping the film entertaining while maintaining its emotional depth.
- The screenplay is well-paced, ensuring that there are no dull moments.
4. Memorable Music
- Devi Sri Prasad’s music is another highlight of the film. Songs like “Adada Adada” and “Ennanbe” are still loved by fans today.
- The background score perfectly blends with the emotional and fun moments in the movie.
5. Beautiful Cinematography
- The film’s visuals are bright and colorful, enhancing its feel-good vibe.
- The songs are beautifully shot, making them even more enjoyable.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
✅ Strong Emotional Connect – The father-son relationship is deeply relatable and emotional.
✅ Excellent Acting – Genelia, Jayam Ravi, and Prakash Raj deliver fantastic performances.
✅ Perfect Balance of Comedy & Drama – The movie never feels too heavy, thanks to its lighthearted moments.
✅ Feel-Good Factor – The movie leaves the audience with a happy and satisfied feeling.
Weaknesses
❌ Predictable Story – Since it’s a remake, those who have seen Bommarillu might find it predictable.
❌ Slightly Long Runtime – Some scenes, especially in the second half, could have been trimmed for a tighter pace.
Target Audience – Who Will Enjoy It?
This movie is perfect for:
✔️ Families – It beautifully portrays family relationships and values.
✔️ Romance Lovers – The chemistry between Jayam Ravi and Genelia is fresh and entertaining.
✔️ Comedy Fans – The lighthearted moments make it an enjoyable watch.
However, if you prefer action-packed thrillers, this might not be the right film for you.
Box Office Details
| Budget | ₹12 crore |
|---|---|
| Total Box Office Collection | ₹30+ crore |
| India Opening Day Collection | ₹3.2 crore |
| First Weekend (India) | ₹10 crore |
| Overseas Collection | ₹5 crore |
| Lifetime Collection | ₹30+ crore |
- The film opened to strong positive reviews and became a box office success.
- It ran in theaters for more than 100 days, proving its popularity.
- The chemistry between Jayam Ravi and Genelia was a major reason for its success.
Recommendation
Santosh Subramaniam is a perfect family entertainer with a mix of romance, emotions, and humor. The strong performances, engaging story, and heartwarming music make it a must-watch for those who love feel-good movies.
If you enjoy movies with strong emotions and family values, this one is highly recommended. Even if you’ve seen Bommarillu, this version is still worth watching for its Tamil flavor and brilliant performances.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
