Kudumbasthan (2025) – A watchable but forgettable middle-class drama that could have been much better with a more focused screenplay.

 

Directed by: Rajeshwar Kaliswamy
Starring: Prasanna Balachandran, Jensan Diwakar, Kovai Gurumoorthy, Manikandan K., Guru Somasundaram, Saanve Megghana
Genre: Comedy
Language: Tamil

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Synopsis:

Kudumbasthan follows the story of a graphic designer who loses his job just as he finds out his wife is pregnant. Struggling to maintain his middle-class dignity, he falls into mounting debt. To make things worse, his status-obsessed brother-in-law constantly belittles him, pushing him further into frustration. As he navigates family expectations, financial struggles, and societal pressure, can he find a way to regain control of his life?

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Performances:

• Manikandan K.
  ✅ Once again, Manikandan delivers a strong performance. He portrays the struggles of a middle-class man with conviction and natural ease. His frustration, helplessness, and resilience are all well captured.

• Saanve Megghana
  ✅ She does well in her role, especially in the pre-climax scene, where her emotional performance stands out.

• Guru Somasundaram
  ✅ A scene-stealer! His performance is so relatable that he feels like that one family member we all know. His natural acting adds depth and authenticity to the film.

• Supporting Cast
  🎭 The rest of the actors do a decent job, but nothing particularly outstanding.

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Direction & Writing:

• Rajeshwar Kaliswamy presents a very relatable premise – a middle-class man’s daily struggles, job loss, family pressure, and societal expectations.
• The biggest issue with the film is its lack of focus. It tries to blend comedy and emotion, but the shifts between tones feel forced.
• Some scenes start with emotion but abruptly switch to humor, making them less impactful. The director doesn’t stick to a consistent emotional arc, which weakens the storytelling.

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Technical Aspects:

• Music & Background Score:
  🎵 Average. The BGM does nothing special to elevate the emotions.

• Cinematography & Visuals:
  🎥 Good. The visuals capture the middle-class lifestyle well, making the film feel authentic and grounded.

• Editing & Pacing:
  ✂ Passable. Some scenes drag on, making the film feel longer than it actually is.

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Strengths:

✔ Strong performances from Manikandan and Guru Somasundaram.
✔ Relatable story about middle-class struggles.

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Weaknesses:

❌ Lack of narrative focus – comedy and emotion don’t blend smoothly.
❌ Forgets to leave an impact – the film feels forgettable once it ends.
❌ Nothing memorable – No standout moments or dialogues that linger.

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My Personal Take On Cinema:

Kudumbasthan is an average entertainer with a relatable concept but lacks depth and emotional impact. While the performances are strong, the screenplay feels uneven, and the story doesn’t stick with you after the credits roll.

If you enjoy lighthearted family dramas, you might find some enjoyable moments, but don’t expect anything groundbreaking or memorable.

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Final Rating: 

2.5/5