Lubber Bandhu movie Review

Synopsis: An ego clash arises when the two cricket masters Anbu and Gethu bump into each other, wanting to prove who is the best. Things become more awful when Gethu turns out to be the father-in-law of Anbu. Can there be an end to this conflict? 

Review: 

The major talking point of art is the joy it offers. A sense of personal fulfilment can be achieved through art of any kind. It also has an indisputable ability to transform something bad into good. For instance, in the contemporary world, when we are stressed, we often reach out to our ‘go-to’ movies and favourite shows, or even songs. They work like instant painkillers that release the pressure built within us. We even end up in theatres, seeking something new to fix us momentarily – a sudden change in our mood is impeccable. 

There’s also something similar to the one we are discussing — sport. Of course! There is an unfair filtration of talents based on social aspects, but the soul of sport – camaraderie – remains unchanged. So, what if the idea of art meets its distant brother ? Won’t it be impressive ? It seems like Tamizharasn’s Lubber Bandhu has hit the target without messing it up, finding the right balance between drama and sports. 

The film is set against a local backdrop that’s deeply rooted in its culture. The use of ‘Vijayakanth reference’ when we are introduced to the character Gethu (Attakathi Dinesh) is lively to watch, as it highlights the regional significance. It’s the same when the character Anbu (Harish Kalyan) comes in, where one of the songs from actor Vijay’s film is used. Though it sounds a bit hackneyed, it manages to do the job. Use of these references indicates the generational gap between Anbu and Gethu, and the influence of films in each of their lives. 

We also learn how another popular medium cricket plays an important role in their lives – they can’t survive without it. Either of them are cricket masters in their respective localities, but unknowingly, they hold a sense of entitlement over their skills. So, when they face off for the very first time, their pride is scrutinised. 

As the film progresses, the tension between them keeps rising as they strive to prove who the superior one is. We must appreciate the way in which Tamizharasan portrays this. The clash of titans seems serious in some occasions, but it’s predominantly comical in most cases. 

Bala Saravanan and Jensen Diwakar play as buddies of Anbu and Gethu, respectively. Their funny exchanges in the touchline spice up the things between the two male leads; the humour adds an extra flavour to the drama. It becomes more interesting when Anbu finds that Gethu, the person with whom he has an ego-clash, is actually his father-in-law. This set-up makes the film more fun to watch.  

Though Lubber Bandhu looks like a rivalry between two cricketers, it’s actually more than that. The film is equally anchored by the female leads, Durga(Sanjana) and Yasodhai(Swasika). Durga is the daughter of an inter-caste couple, Gethu and Yasodhai, a Dalit woman. Durga is the one who Anbu romances, and time and time again, we see her determination. On the other hand, we witness the fierceful nature of Yasodhai. Seeing her knifing the beef and making dishes out of it looks cool (perhaps, it’s time to look for some beef recipes). This kind of portrayal of a female character is something we haven’t before. 

We witness many events taking place because of Anbu and Gethu’s clash, but what majorly stands out is how it affects their relationship with their counterparts. Both the male leads are left with two choices, whether to stay egoistic or end it all for the sake of romance. But what doesn’t change in their lives is cricketing. All these complications seem to work well, and we eagerly anticipate seeing things unfold.

The final verdict?

There are so many layers in this sports drama, and it is joyful to watch such a piece. Finally, Lubber Bandhu leaves many things as the end note — love, representation and camaraderie. Although the film may seem idealistic at times, what it offers overall is watch-worthy.