Deeply moving and highly relatable
“3 BHK”
– Review
‘3BHK’ chronicles several decades of Sarathkumar and his family’s life and their struggle to fulfil their dream of owning a house.
Sarathkumar is the sole breadwinner of a middle-class family of four. He and his wife Devayani, along with their son Siddharth and daughter Meetha Raghunath, move from one rented house to another as he continues to save for a home of their own, because for Sarathkumar, house = respect.
Every time they get inch closer to it, life intervenes – where needs become more important than wants.
Sarathkumar invests in Siddharth’s education, so he can share his dream and the burden of saving money with him. But, Siddharth, like Sarathkumar, is fighting his own battle – one that drains him physically and mentally. Will Sarathkumar’s dream come true forms the core plot of the movie.
Director Sri Ganesh crafts a narrative that feels organic and lived-in. He takes his time to establish the characters and their world, allowing the audience to truly invest in their journey.
The screenplay, co-written with Mahesh Uppala, is rich with relatable conflicts and moments that tug at the heartstrings without resorting to overt melodrama.
The film’s strength lies in its ability to highlight the small, significant victories and quiet sacrifices that define middle-class life.
The performances are undoubtedly the film’s strongest pillar. Sarathkumar delivers a standout performance, portraying Vasudevan with remarkable nuance and authenticity. His transformation through the years, marked by subtle changes in demeanor and appearance, is particularly commendable.
Siddharth, in a role that allows him to showcase his depth beyond typical commercial fare, is equally compelling. He embodies the pressures and emotional journey of a middle-class youngster with heartfelt sincerity, making his character incredibly relatable.
Devayani, as the supportive wife and mother, and Meetha Raghunath, as the daughter, also deliver strong, natural performances that add significant emotional weight to the narrative.
The ensemble cast, including Vennela Kishore and Brahmaji, provides solid support, contributing to the film’s overall charm.
Amrit Ramnath’s music and the cinematography further enhance the film’s emotional resonance, creating an immersive experience that feels both personal and universal.
Rating: 3.8/5
