Santosh Subramaniam is a Tamil-language romantic comedy film released on April 11, 2008. Directed by Mohan Raja, the movie is a remake of the Telugu blockbuster Bommarillu (2006). It stars Jayam Ravi and Genelia D’Souza in the lead roles, with Prakash Raj, Geetha, and Sayaji Shinde in supporting roles.
The film beautifully blends romance, comedy, and family drama, making it a delightful watch. It explores themes of parental control, personal freedom, and love, resonating with audiences across different age groups. With strong performances, melodious music, and engaging storytelling, Santosh Subramaniam remains one of the most cherished Tamil films of its time.
Plot Summary
The story follows Santosh Subramaniam (Jayam Ravi), a young man who grows up under the strict control of his father, Subramaniam (Prakash Raj). Though Santosh has all the material comforts in life, he feels suffocated by his father’s excessive involvement in every decision he makes—whether it’s his career, friends, or marriage.
His life changes when he meets Hasini (Genelia D’Souza), a carefree, cheerful young woman who lives life on her own terms. Drawn to her spontaneity and innocence, Santosh falls in love. However, the real challenge arises when he must introduce Hasini to his father and convince him to accept their love.
The film takes the audience on an emotional journey as Santosh struggles between his love for Hasini and loyalty to his father, leading to a heartwarming and entertaining climax.
What’s Good?
1. Performances
- Jayam Ravi perfectly portrays the role of a son who is torn between obedience and self-discovery. His emotional expressions and chemistry with Genelia are spot on.
- Genelia D’Souza delivers an energetic and lovable performance. She brings Hasini’s character to life with her innocence, charm, and natural acting.
- Prakash Raj is exceptional as the strict yet loving father. His performance adds emotional depth to the film, making the father-son conflict highly relatable.
2. Direction
- Mohan Raja ensures that the film retains the essence of the original while making it suitable for Tamil audiences.
- He balances humor, romance, and emotions seamlessly, ensuring that the film remains entertaining from start to finish.
3. Music
- Devi Sri Prasad’s music is a major highlight of the movie.
- Songs like “Senthamizh Pesum Azhagu” and “Yeppadi Iruntha” became instant hits and perfectly complement the film’s romantic and emotional moments.
- The background score enhances key scenes, making them more impactful.
4. Cinematography
- B. Rajasekar’s cinematography captures the film’s vibrant and colorful atmosphere beautifully.
- The visuals, especially during romantic and emotional sequences, add to the film’s charm.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
✔ Engaging Storyline – The film explores an emotional father-son relationship with a fresh and relatable perspective.
✔ Perfect Blend of Comedy and Drama – The humor keeps the movie light-hearted while emotional moments add depth.
✔ Strong Performances – The entire cast delivers excellent performances, making the characters feel real and relatable.
Weaknesses:
✘ Predictable Storyline – Since it is a remake, audiences familiar with the original Bommarillu may find it predictable.
✘ Slightly Long Runtime – The film could have been slightly shorter to maintain a tighter narrative.
Target Audience
This film is perfect for:
✔ Family audiences – The emotional family dynamics make it a great watch for parents and children together.
✔ Romance lovers – The sweet love story between Santosh and Hasini will appeal to those who enjoy romantic films.
✔ Fans of light-hearted entertainers – If you like movies that blend humor, drama, and music, Santosh Subramaniam is a great pick.
Box Office Details
The film performed well at the box office, receiving positive reviews from critics and audiences alike.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Budget | ₹15 Crores |
| Worldwide Collection | ₹40+ Crores |
| Opening Day Collection (India) | ₹3.5 Crores |
| First 5 Days (India) | ₹15 Crores |
| Overseas Collection | ₹8 Crores |
- The film was declared a commercial success, thanks to strong word-of-mouth and its appeal to family audiences.
- It had a successful theatrical run of over 100 days in multiple theaters.
Recommendation
Santosh Subramaniam is a heartwarming and entertaining movie with a beautiful message about love, family, and self-discovery. With strong performances, memorable music, and an engaging storyline, the film is a must-watch, especially for those who love family dramas and romantic comedies.
👉 Highly Recommended!
