Anbe Sivam

“Anbe Sivam” (2003) is a philosophical drama directed by Sundar C, the film stars Kamal Haasan, R. Madhavan, and Kiran Rathod, and is widely regarded as one of Kamal Haasan’s finest works. It follows two strangers, Nallasivam, a scarred yet compassionate socialist, and Anbarasu, a self-centred ad filmmaker, on an unexpected trip from Bhubaneswar to Chennai. As their contrasting beliefs clash and evolve, the journey reveals profound truths about love, suffering, and what it truly means to be human.

Two protagonists, Anbarasu, a Tamil film commercial director, and Nallasivam, a factory worker with facial scars from an acid attack and a socialist slant, encounter each other at Biju Patnaik Airport, each waiting for a flight to Chennai. When a storm grounds the flight, Aras wrongly assumes Sivam to be a terrorist threat and calls in the authorities only to discover he was mistaken. Stranded due to the weather, they now have no choice but to share a room overnight. Aras needs to return for his wedding, while Sivam has a ₹32,00,000 cheque to deliver to union workers.

Without any available flights, the men ride a bus to board their train. Early on, Aras’s bag is stolen, putting him in a bind, but Sivam continuously helps him out even when Aras avoids him at every turn. During the journey to the train station, we hear Sivam’s story, as he recounts how he used to be a healthy activist fighting against the exploitation of his village by the factory owner Kandasamy Padayatchi. He did, indeed, fall in love with Padayatchi’s daughter, Bala, but a bus accident disfigured him. After recovering, he learns that Bala has married and moved abroad.

Later, with many adventures in between, they end up in Chennai, where Aras delivers Sivam’s cheque and invites Sivam for his marriage. Aras’s bride is Bala. Padayatchi challenges Sivam but accepts to increase labourers’ wages. Padayatchi’s assistant, torn by loyalty to his boss and disgust at his past misdeeds, tells Sivam to keep clear of Padayatchi.

“Anbe Sivam” is a soul-stirring journey that speaks to anyone seeking a film with heart, meaning, and emotional depth.Kamal Haasan delivers a deeply impactful and realistic performance, complemented brilliantly by Madhavan’s equally strong presence. It’s perfect for viewers who appreciate stories about compassion, personal growth, and the quiet power of love. A moving reminder that even through suffering, kindness prevails, "Anbe Sivam" remains a timeless reflection on the belief that “Love is God.”