A Slice-of-Life Tale That Echoes the Middle-Class Indian Aspiration
3BHK, directed by Sri Ganesh and starring Siddharth, R. Sarathkumar, Devayani, and Meetha Raghunath, is a poignant Tamil family drama that explores the lifelong pursuit of a middle-class dream — owning a home in the city. The film, currently running in theatres, blends emotional depth with nostalgia, offering a story many Indian families can identify with.
Plot Summary: The Quest for a Home of Their Own
Vasudevan (R. Sarathkumar), a humble accountant, yearns to buy a house for his family — a dream deferred for decades. Alongside his supportive wife Shanthi (Devayani), son Prabhu (Siddharth), and bright daughter Aarthi (Meetha Raghunath), he navigates the emotional and financial labyrinth of middle-class life. Each member of the family takes on silent burdens, pushing themselves just a little harder to reach the finish line: a modest 3BHK apartment they can finally call their own.
Performances: Understated and Honest
Sarathkumar delivers a mature, restrained performance as a father weighed down by responsibility, while Siddharth convincingly portrays a son caught in the cycle of self-doubt, job failures, and familial pressure. Devayani, though underutilized, brings warmth, and Meetha Raghunath sparkles with natural charm. Chaithra J Achar, in a brief appearance, leaves a mark with her quiet screen presence.
The film’s strength lies in its ensemble, with every character feeling grounded and believable. The chemistry between the family members adds authenticity, making the audience feel like a part of their emotional journey.
Direction and Writing: Emotionally Dense But Overstated
Sri Ganesh crafts a narrative that spans two decades and various homes — rented, cramped, and temporary — all symbolizing the family’s ongoing struggle. While the emotional core remains solid throughout, the screenplay at times leans too heavily on sentimentality. The pacing, especially in the second half, suffers from repetitiveness, and certain dramatic turns — like a forced engagement subplot — feel misplaced.
The film succeeds in creating a nostalgic environment, particularly in early scenes set in the 2000s, such as students anxiously checking exam results in a cyber café. These moments are relatable and lend emotional weight.
An Authentic Representation of Middle-Class India
3BHK taps into the psychology of Indian middle-class families — the compulsion to buy rather than rent, the sacrifices made in silence, and the guilt that children often carry when they fall short of their parents’ dreams. These thematic elements will resonate with viewers who’ve grown up in similar households.
Technical Aspects: Subtle Craftsmanship with Minor Missteps
Music by Amrit Ramnath, though emotionally effective in parts, feels overused in the second half, constantly nudging the viewer rather than letting the scenes breathe.
Cinematography by Dinesh Krishnan and Jithin Stanislaus adds intimacy to the storytelling, capturing cramped apartments and Chennai’s changing skyline with visual grace.
Art Direction brings nostalgic props and environments, particularly in scenes set during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Editing, however, is where the film falters. Several scenes linger beyond necessity, especially in the latter portions, reducing overall impact.
Misses: Predictable Turns and Emotional Overkill
Despite its grounded premise, 3BHK occasionally feels over-scripted. The emotional graph remains high throughout, leaving little space for subtlety or quieter moments. Yogi Babu, in a supporting role, is entirely wasted, and his presence adds neither humour nor substance.
Also, the film’s themes mirror other well-known dramas like Bommarillu or Chithha — a comparison strengthened by Siddharth’s performance style and casting — which slightly affects its originality.
Final Verdict: Earnest, Emotional, But Slightly Excessive ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3/5)
3BHK is a warm, relatable, and often touching drama about family, ambition, and resilience. While it doesn’t break new ground in storytelling, its sincerity and emotional truth earn it a place among the better feel-good family dramas of recent times. However, excessive sentiment and a sluggish second half keep it from reaching its full potential.
Watch 3BHK movie trailer here