When I started this journal a few months back, I had but a vague idea about what to write on these pages. The idea was to mostly write around the two topics close to my heart : Philosophy and Movies. Now Philosophy was a recurring theme during the early days of this site. But strangely other than just passing references to films, It was mostly relegated to the background.
Why did this happen ? It was not as if I was seeing fewer films. Infact, ever since we bought our VCD player, We have been absolutely living on films. The real reason was the fact that I did not see a single film which was worth writing about.
That changed last week.
I happened to see a film which was a perfect blend of philosophy, realistic acting and the fine art of film making. I am talking about the latest kamal - madhavan starrer Anbe Sivam.
Now, I am not a big fan of kamal. Never was. The arrogance so clearly etched on his face is a major put off for me. But ever so often, Kamal makes me admit ( albeit grudgingly ) that he is the best at what he does.
The philosophy of the film is best explained by the words of the title song,
...
Aathigam pessum adiyaarkelaam sivamme anbaakkum,
Naathigam pessum nallavarrukko anbe sivamaakkum.
Yaar yaar sivam ?
Nee naan sivam.
A rough translation goes something like this,
For the theists, God is love.
For the good among the atheists, Love is God.
Who here is God ?
You and me.
The story is written by Kamal as is the screenplay. He has sung a couple of songs as well out of which the haunting title song stands out. Madhavan is but a tool in kamal's hands which he uses effectively to his advantage.
Kamal's character changes from that of a bumbling idiot in the first few scenes to a communist union leader with a artistic vein in the middle scenes to a god like figure in the last few scenes. In the last scene, as kamal walks away into the horizon, we are left with no option but to stand up and salute the indomitable spirit of a man from whom life has taken away so much but still manages to smile.
I wouldn't describe anything more about the story because any words that I can conjure up here wouldn't be enough. The film tells a philosophy that is best seen and understood.
When Love lives in your mind, you are God.
Anbe Sivam
Comments
arun wrote:
Though the film is well made, the usual cliches of the villain being a god invoking hindu villain & christian sisters doing all the humanitarian work could have been avoided.
But U see, in india atheists (like kamal) do not dare take potshots at any other religion than hinduism & this shows.
Krishna wrote:
Thanks for atleast sharing the meaning for those words...I've provided your blog as reference while I was dicussing about my view on Anbe Sivam
praveen wrote:
that was a nice write up about the movie, i loved the movie and thanx for that translation.
Rajesh wrote:
Whether you admit grudgingly or not, kamal is one of the best and with that superb talent has given us the spectacular message through the movie where the people in this world should start realising and stop fighting with each other.
amialeo wrote:
i love this song .. but i donno in tamil..
the lyrics in telugu dont do justice to the them i believe..please translate the entire song this in english...thank you
Saket wrote:
Wow,
I found this page while looking for translation of the title song of Anbe Sivam.
Reading through your blog I could feel the goosebumps that I had while watching the film. Great movie! Well written post
Cheers!
mahadevan wrote:
Kamal is out and out a thorough pro.
fessional and though he is known to be an atheist,all his movies have carried wonderful themes about Man and God.
Take Alavanthan for instance -
Kadavul Pathi Mirugham Pathi Kalenthen Sethe Kalave Nan
Mirugham kondur mirugham Kondur
Kadavul valuka............
here its is depicted aptly man as got both divine and devil qualities in him and he has the choice on what to choose and enhance.
Keep Up Kamal!
Vivek wrote:
Join this community,might be heartening to know that there are others who share your thoughts : http://www.orkut.com/Commun...
Karthic wrote:
A rough transilation of the song is here. I tried my best to match it with the exact meaning. But you must know Tamil to enjoy the juice of this wonderful song.
“Who here is God? You and me are God.
Life is a sacred test. Love is God
For the theists, God is love.
For the good among the atheists, Love is God.
Love is God, always....
Love is God, everywhere...
If the heart is made only of flesh, it can be eaten up by fire
If the heart is the tool for Love, it dodges death.
Who here is God? You ane me are God
For the one who follows the path of love, there is no death...
You will have a long lasting life if you have a loving heart...”
I was not a very big fan of Kamal hasaan before seeing this movie. After seeing this movie, I became a big fan of him. The concept that is said in this movie is too good. The underlying thing in this movie is “Don't search for God else where. God is within you and you are the God when you show Love on others.” Only Kamal hasaan can deliver such a message so strongly. He smiles and makes the viewer cry. Thats Kamal Hasaan...
Keep sharing this information with others. Lets spread Peace and Love all around the world.