Pasanga (transl. Kids) is a 2009 Indian Tamil-language children's film directed by Pandiraj in his directorial debut. It stars debutant child actors Kishore DS, Sree Raam and Pandian, along with newcomer Vimal and Vega Tamotia in supporting roles. The film is produced by Sasikumar and music score is composed by James Vasanthan. They rose to fame after their 2008 hit film Subramaniyapuram. Pasanga released on 1 May 2009 to critical acclaim, winning three National Film Awards and several other awards at international film festivals.[1]
Plot
The story unfolds in a dry and barren village. The protagonist Anbukkarasu (Kishore) wants to excel in life as a collector and is a precious child. He meets Jeevanandam (Sree Raam), the son of the school teacher Chokkulingam (Jayaprakash). The meeting occurs on the first day of school. In the long run, Jeeva develops an instant dislike for Anbu even when the good-hearted Anbu tries to befriend him. However, Jeeva continues to hate Anbu with a passion. Enters Manonmani (Dharini), Jeeva's cousin, who develops an affinity towards Anbu. This makes Jeeva detest Anbu further. Anbu excels academically and in extracurricular activities, which contributes to widening the rift between the two. Anbu's parents have different opinions on life, resulting in a fight between them that Jeeva uses as a means to hurt Anbu further.
A fight between Anbu and Jeeva escalates to involve their parents, and this divides their families. The elders smooth out their differences when Jeeva's father speaks to Anbu's father about forgiveness, leading Anbu's father to get along better with his wife. In a twist, Meenakshi Sundaram (Vimal), Anbu's uncle, falls in love with Soppikannu (Vega Tamotia), Jeeva's sister. The families unite when they agree to the marriage of Meenakshi Sundaram and Soppikannu, much to the chagrin of Jeeva and Anbu, whose rift deepens.
At the end of their sixth grade, Jeeva's father asks the class to a write a letter about good and bad events in their past year, and this causes Anbu and Jeeva to share their feelings about one another. Anbu expresses his liking of Jeeva, while Jeeva continues to express his dislike of Anbu. However, Manonmani helps Jeeva understand that Anbu has changed his life for the better. When Anbu meets with a sudden accident, Jeeva's encouragement helps Anbu recover. Jeeva apologises, they become friends, and the film ends with Meenakshi Sundaram's marriage to Soppikannu.
Pandiraj at the presentation of the film, during the 40th International Film Festival (IFFI-2009), at Panaji, Goa on 27 November 2009.
Ramakrishnan was initially offered a lead role by Pandiraj, who was Ramakrishnan's colleague when they were assistants to director Cheran. As Ramakrishnan was busy with the shoot of Kunguma Poovum Konjum Puravum (2009), Vemal was cast in the role instead.[3]
Deccan Herald, wrote, "Prosaic yet profound, Pasanga, subtly driving its homily, makes for a fine family fare".[4]The Times of India appreciated the film's lack of double entendre dialogues and exaggeration of emotions, "but it is not wanting in romance, family sentiment, or humour at the same time". Still, the critic appreciated the story and "consistent" screenplay.[5]Karthik Srinivasan wrote, "This film, along with Nadodigal, are two of the most enjoyable and natural [...] films to have graced Tamil screens in recent years and I’m happy that someone had the sense to make films like this in this age of mindless action and hero worship".[6]
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