Nanban (2012)

“Nanban” (2012) is a Kollywood coming-of-age comedy-drama directed by S. Shankar and produced by Gemini Film Circuit. It features Vijay in a triple role alongside Jiiva, Srikanth, Sathyaraj, Ileana D'Cruz, and Sathyan. This beautifully animated film takes us on the quest of two best friends and their journey to search for their college friend who taught them to live life on their own terms, outside the confines of academic pressure. As adults, Venkat and Senthil (played by Vikram and Jayam Ravi) go on a road trip to find their college buddy Pari after tracking him down through a tip offered by fellow classmate Srivatsan (Bharathiraja). While on their road trip, the narrative switches back to their university days, where they encounter Pari, a spirited student who is fervent about the concept of true education. Venkat is pressured into engineering by his authoritarian father, while Senthil dreams of becoming an engineer to be able to raise his family above the poverty line. Obstinate principal Virus enforces rote learning, which leads to emotional turmoil for over half the students, including Paneerselvam, who kills himself. Pari musters the courage to stand up to Virus and encourages his friends to dream bigger than grades and certificates. His friendship saves Senthil’s family from a financial crisis and inspires Venkat to pursue his goal of becoming a wildlife photographer. At the same time, Pari falls in love with Virus’s daughter Riya, making the situation even more contentious. Cut to the present day, Venkat, Senthil, and Riya follow Pari’s trail to Dhanushkodi. From the very beginning of their time in the school, he was never really the true “Pariventhan,” but rather Pappu, the gardener’s son who studied under a different name. Throughout college, Pari’s selfless deeds improve the lives of countless people. He rehabilitates Senthil after a botched suicide attempt, stars in the birth of Virus’s grandchild amidst a flood, and eventually gains the forgiveness of Virus. Then, after graduation, Pari is gone. Years later, he turns out to be the famous scientist and entrepreneur Kosaki Pasapugazh. Their reunion concludes with Srivatsan reluctantly confessing defeat in the now seemingly forgotten bet they made on that friendship trip. “Nanban” is an entertaining, uplifting film. It hikes the fine line between comedy and sentiment, creating sparkling moments that dance between laughter and philosophical insight. Though the movie tackles heavy themes such as the burden of high academics and suicide, it balances this with a message of valuing education, pursuing passion, and genuine friendship.