A family entertainer!

Erumbu (Tamil)

Casts: Charlie, Monica Siva, George Maryan, Shakthi Rithvik, Susan George, and MS BhaskarDirection: Suresh G
Producers: Suresh Gunasekaran
Music: Arun Raj
Runtime: 1 hour 44 minutes
Director Suresh G narrates a straightforward yet heartwarming tale of love, effort, and determination in his film Erumbu (Ant).

What makes Erumbu unique is the fact that although it is a film about kids, it can be enjoyed by grown-ups too. It might be a story about children, but the point it intends to make is by no means immature.

Suresh G presents a highly moving tale about two children — a brother and a sister — from a lower-middle-income rural family that is both invigorating and inspiring.

Synopsis:

Annadurai (Charlie) is a farm worker who has to labor long and hard to make ends meet.

Annadurai’s family consists of his second wife, Kamalam (Susan George), their newborn son, his two kids from his first wife — Pachayamma (Monika Siva) and Muthu (Shakthi Rithvik) — and his elderly mother.

Both Pachayamma and Muthu fear their stepmother Kamalam who has an aggressive temper.

Like most other villagers, Annadurai, too, is unable to earn sufficient money to sustain the family and often has to take loans from money lenders.

He takes a loan from a crude money lender named Arumugam (MS Bhaskar). One day, Annadurai suffers humiliation at Arumugam’s hands as he is unable to repay interest on the loan on time.

In a bid to reclaim his dignity, Annadurai fights back. This only infuriates Arumugam even more.

He issues an ultimatum that Annadurai must repay the full sum along with interest before the month’s conclusion or he would lock him out of his residence.

Determined to settle Arumugam’s loan at any cost, Annadurai and his spouse set off for labor.

Annadurai and Kamalam typically take two weeks to return home if they go out to work, as the sugarcane fields are generally located far from their native village.

During this period, the kids are entrusted to the care of their grandmother.

At work, Annadurai lists the various options he has to obtain money to clear the debt in full. One such source he has in mind is by selling the only piece of gold they own — a small ring that Kamalam’s brother gifted to their infant son.

Lost ring:

Even as Annadurai and his wife labor in the fields, back home, his mother takes care of her grandchildren.

One day, her grandson Muthu begins weeping inconsolably, and the elderly lady, to pacify him, takes out the gold ring from the cupboard and hands it to him.

The child wears the ring and proudly displays it to his companions. However, he ends up losing it.

When Muthu realizes he has misplaced the gold ring, he is horrified. He trembles in fear at the prospect of having to reveal this to his stepmother.

He weeps and confides in his sister Pachayamma, who comes to his aid. How she comes not only to his assistance but also to the rescue of her father and family is the essence of what Erumbu is all about.

Characterisation:

The title Erumbu might appear unsuitable for this film initially. However, when you understand that ants lift weights that are 40 times their body weight, you realize that there couldn’t have been a more appropriate title for the movie.

The narrative focuses on the diligent character of responsible young children, who earnestly begin working to earn sufficient funds to aid their struggling parents.

The characterisation in Erumbu is simply exceptional. Full marks to the director for creating characters that are realistic and impactful.

Additionally, Erumbu boasts some truly impressive performances, starting with child actress Monika Siva, who portrays the silent but strong Pachayamma.

Righteous, patient, hopeful, humble, and determined, Pachayamma’s character is both inspiring and adorable.

Monika Siva delivers an admirable performance as the young child, who overcomes her own fears to provide solace and support to her younger brother.

Veteran actor Charlie, who portrays the central character of Annadurai in Erumbu, delivers yet another unforgettable performance in this film.

He comes up with a measured and authentic performance, to bring to life the character of Annadurai.

But it is George Maryan, who enacts the role of the simpleton Chittu, who steals the spotlight.

George Maryan’s role may not be as prominent as that of Pachayamma or Annadurai. However, the realistic manner in which the actor plays it and the impeccable timing with which he delivers jokes make his performance one of the highlights of the film.

On the technical front, Arun Raj’s music works excellently. Both his songs and his background score are exceptionally effective. His songs, in particular, have high retention value and are sure to attract the attention of audiences.

Final take:

Erumbu is not only a story that can inspire children but is also a clean entertainer that you can watch with your entire family.