Kamal Haasan's restrained brilliance elevates a gripping, well-crafted thriller.
Verdict tier Exceptional, critics broadly rave, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.
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Critic consensus
Critical reception for Papanasam is overwhelmingly positive, with reviewers consistently highlighting Kamal Haasan's performance as the film's defining strength, praising his ability to bring depth and subtlety to a grounded, non-star-driven role. The film's taut screenplay, faithful yet localized adaptation of the Drishyam source material, and Jeethu Joseph's disciplined direction are widely commended, with several critics noting its effectiveness as an edge-of-the-seat thriller sustained over a lengthy runtime. A few reviewers acknowledge minor screenplay flaws and the inherent challenge of engaging audiences already familiar with the original story, though most conclude the film overcomes these hurdles. No significant shared criticism emerges beyond occasional notes on a slow opening stretch and one or two minor script lapses.
7 not-rated reviews aren't plotted
Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10
AI-generated summary of 17 critic reviews · may contain errors
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Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated
Top critic
Film review ·
Future film scholars are going to tie themselves up in knots about who is better, which approach is better, but for now, let's just say Kamal Haasan is terrific. And it's terrific to see him play a 'normal' part, something that doesn't ask you to view it through special Subtext Revealing Glasses. As fun as that is, sometimes, more of this, please.
Film review ·
We all know that Papanasam is a winning script and retaining Jeethu Joseph has helped immensely. But when a performer called Kamal Haasan takes up such a project, magic on screen is rest assured.
Film review ·
After the first half an hour when the various characters are established, the film gets into a thrilling roller-coaster mode. The next two-plus hours are when you have your heart perpetually parked in your mouth, as this hapless, middle class family goes through an unimaginable fate. The watertight script (except for one or two silly flaws) and robust execution gets you caught up in the emotional whirlpool along with Suyambulingam's family.
Film review ·
Papanasam is a movie that engages your senses while managing to dispel any misgivings on a timely basis. In a tour-de-force that stretches beyond the 2 hour and 40 minutes mark, director Jeethu Joseph has recreated the original magic of Drishyam but with a more localized flavor to boot. The stage largely belongs to Kamal Haasan, whose eyes tell as much a story as his vocal chords.
Film review ·
A must watch for those fans of Kamal who have been waiting to see him as an actor -- not just a star driven to stunts -- and, of course, Gauthami, who would certainly rekindle memories of her great performances.
Film review ·
Kamal Haasan is this out of the world Superman when he's in front of the camera. Give him any character and within a minute he transforms into that character. There's no denying that there's earnestness in Jeethu Joseph's story. But having watched a version of the movie I was apprehensive about 'Papanasam's' capability to convince me afresh. However it's a joy to discover what the team has done here. They have proved that even after watching several versions of the story, you'll still be able to relish this drama till the last minute.
Film review ·
"Papanasam" is the best and the most faithful remake of the original. It shows what Kamal Haasan is capable of doing when he's at his best.
Film review ·
It is a welcome relief to see an edge-of-the-seat thriller in Tamil without resorting to hurried screenplay, unnatural dialogues, forced characterization, abrupt editing, loud background scores to list a few among many other commercial compromises. The director deserves credit for making a nail-biting crime drama with no action sequences or unwanted songs.
Film review ·
Papanasam is a faithful remake of Drishyam with an authentic local flavor and more detailing from the original!
Film review ·
In a scenario, where the young Tamil cinema is busy experimenting rapidly on the unexplored variety of genres, Papanasam comes as a pleasant change with simplicity, realism, family bonding and basic human emotions as its core subjects.
Film review ·
If you are Kamal Haasan fan you won't even need to read this review to watch Papanasam. If you are not a Kamal Haasan fan, please don't miss it for anything in the world as it is very rare that a good script meets a great actor. And if you are thinking ' I have already watched Drishyam', I would say give Papanasam a chance as it has the potential to blow your mind. Be a little patient in the beginning and it would pay rich dividends.
Film review ·
Tamil answer to the legendary Malayalam blockbuster Drishyam by its mentor Jeethu Joseph is an emotionally uplifting pulse riser that has a prize boxer in Kamal Haasan delivering a knockout punch that explodes with family values, togetherness, morality, upbringing and much more.
Film review ·
A well-written screenplay, brilliantly executed, with clever music, stunning cinematography, and, above all, the hugely talented Kamal Haasan, make Jeethu Joseph's Papanasam a must watch.
Film review ·
Jeethu Jospeh's taut and convincing writing makes this a nail-biting thriller! But what will eventually make you take notice of this film is Kamal Haasan's superb performance. He makes subtlety look intense! Don't miss it! A brilliant gem like this doesn't occur in cinema often.
Film review ·
The film may be in Tamil but is likely to appeal equally to the Hindi cinegoer. Papanasam is a great reminder of why we go to the movies: to be entertained and stay emotionally engaged.Regional language should not keep you away, irrespective of upcoming Hindi remake, Drishyam.
Film review ·
Papanasam is a gripping tale that is unpredictable and ultimately leaves you stumped. Don't miss it
Film review ·
We live in an age where family-oriented movies are hardly on display and very rarely a selling commodity. But once in a while, there comes out a torch-bearer of a movie that reminds everyone that you do not need a hero with six-pack abs or skimpily-clad heroines to define a winning formula -Papanasam is one such wonder, a complete family entertainer made with loads of passion! Now that's enough reason not to miss this impressive movie!
Film review ·
Papanasam doesn't deviate from the original structure but there is a conscious effort to explain the strategy of Drishyam's understated intelligence. The ploy more or less works because the events look convincingly premeditated in context of the alibi and as a result the characters better fleshed out.
Film review ·
'Papanasam' is a faithful, if not better remake. It's an exhilarating cocktail of family, emotions, crime and redemption. It's not a whodunit or a 'howdunit' because we know both. It places the viewer in a moral dilemma. Jeethu Joseph's watertight script would have got a nod of approval from Hitchcock. He may have found the filial sentiments silly but that's Jeethu's masterstroke.
From our readers
22 ratings · user score 8.3
Just an ordinary story which comes in our day to day life however while seeing them in screen with Kamalhasan it become as extradinary. Did not feel it as the film though after seeing the film in next second and just storing it as real life! You can find another one Kamal hasan awesome acting in very simple charecter.. Amazing and class performence from him.. Asha sarath and Kalabavan mani has also given good act..Must watch film with family ...
Movie is Entirely Good. but it seems to only one logical mistake was happened i.e., Anjaan Movie was Released on 15th August. but in this movie specified as 2nd August. however, my review rating of this movie is 3.5 out of 5.
A good movie after a long time with full family entertainer by kamal sir suambu annachi
kamal and Gowthami hats off!!!
The idea behind Papanasam is a cash cow from filmmaker Jeethu Joseph. While he cashed in on the original Malayalam film, which was terrific for a Malayali like me, he also dressed as the writer for the Telugu and Kannada remakes and will also be donning the same cap for the Hindi release. Sparing you further insight about the makers, the film works mostly because of its village setting, a family drama, and the suspense that grips its viewer for most of the 160 minutes. There are lots of things to think about here, starting from the ethics that surrounds a crime. It will highly appeal to the Tamil audience, but if you are one of that guy who has already watched the original version or one of its two remakes, chances are that you will definitely compare the films. And the comparison will let you down. BOTTOM LINE: Papanasam is of course a brilliant thriller, and it will look amazing if and only if you have not watched the original Malayalam film and you have not read the book The Devotion of Suspect X. VERDICT: 5 stars out of 10. Watchable.
It was a wonderful family entertainer and really wonderful acting by Kamal sir also Niveda thomas and very lovely to see Gowthami mam after a long time on the Big screen and she was cute as well.. waiting for one more entertainer like this!!
For all those who watched drishyam and want to compare this movie, please undo the thoughts before you hit the cinemas.. Jeethu is magical to render the same concept in Kamal's own way! Hats-off to him. Pleasant background (where does these directors get the locations!!, stunning), Kamal-Gowthami pair back on-screen (love their DevarMagan), the subtle family drama, suspense filled 'what-next' screenplay..... I bet, you'll forget stepping out to get your popcorn's & coke... And the climax, man! 'TRULY KAMAL' Though the concept is sensitive, the movie depicts it from a family's eyes, so, you can just hit the cinemas with your whole family, without a pinch to hesitate... Last to mention, but, not least.. Gowthami!! Welcome back & we are looking for such choice-fully selected movies from you... Don't make it 'yet another come back heroine :)'
The moment the Film is seen, the one thing that came to me is ...I missed an opportunity of living in the Villages when the Film was chiseled , never mind to be even a leg work man in serving the crew. 2. Each one of them lived the Character and the Movie is a Team work of known and unknown names. 3. I think, it is high time that Rule are to be re written to consider and include REMAKES also for award selection. 4. Scrpt is very power full. 5. Kamal's last scene action,....no words to express, possibly he is also a father of two girls , he gave his best. Sivaji Ganesan must have lived and seen this action of 240 seconds to appreciate. 6. In 1995 or so, Kamal said that Cinema is a junction of all performing art- as an extension, now the script, say that Cinema is a Language( IG was telling this at one stage of interrogation. 6. Above all Thanks to Malayalam Making style, not much of digital intervention not much of Zoom shots. after a long time, we have (we Tamil People) seen a Movie as a natural scenic Film . 7. Asha Sarath is the superior performance. Teenager Sree Raam , has a great future waiting. 8. Gautami performed in a responsible way and exhibited the highest level of matured mother of 2 girls.10. Nivetha Thomas' parents are privileged to have such a Girl . God bless. IN ALL THIS IS A FAMILY TEAM AND NOT A CREW OF FEATURE FILM . More such Economical Movies are welcome from Industry side.Each one of target audience are having some learning from this movie God Bless . Raghunath.
excellent movie after long years. kamal gouthami n others acting was awesome. real movie without any exaggeration keep it up graet work. hata off
Over the years, numerous remakes has flooded the theatres but only a handful of them actually managed to do justice to the original. Invariably, a significant number of Malayalam movies has been remade such as "Kireedam", "Manichithrathazhu", "Traffic" etc...& the latest to join this group is Jeethu Joseph's blockbuster "Drishyam". It's already been made in other languages such as Kannada, Telugu with Hindi in the pipeline as well, but the Tamil version was helmed by Jeethu himself with Kamal Haasan in the title role. So will the remake appeal to the audience especially for the ones who have seen the original??? Since the storyline is pretty much known to everyone, I believe that I dont have to go into the details of it. Except for the names & places, the basic premise has remained faithful to the original. Suyambulingam (Kamal Haasan) was a hard working individual who led a contented life with his small close knit family. Inspite of having studied only till the 4th, he was a person who was well versed with the happenings around the world which was partly due to his avid love for movies. Things moved along serenely in his household, until an individual who seemed capable to wreak havoc in their lives announces his presence. How Suyambulingam rises upto that challenge forms the crux of the movie. "Drishyam" is the biggest blockbuster of our industry (maybe "Premam" might overtake it) & the full credit for that goes to Jeethu Joseph. The reasons were pretty obvious as apart from impeccable execution he had penned that brilliant script as well. Even in "Papanasam", it is indeed applaudable that though the movie runs close to 3 hours, it never takes a toll on the audience as we are totally engrossed in it. If at all there was a significant difference between the two, it was with regard to the character of the protagonist as Lalettan seemed calculative and more restraint in his emotions while Kamal displayed more of an emotional side amply showcased in the climax sequence. All the technical aspects were impressive be it Sujith Vaassudev's visuals, Ghibran's music (though I felt Anil Johnson's original score & BGM were much better) & Ayoob's editing. It's true that it's unfair to compare, but when it comes to remakes it's inevitable to be frank. If Lalettan had made Georgekutty memorable, in Tamil the mantle was on another legend Kamal Haasan & he has performed brilliantly. It wouldnt be prudent to accept the fact that we finally got to see the character rather than the star which had restricted his ability to showcase his acting skills in the recent past. Gowthami was average at best as she seemed kinda rusty & also it was a role which was tailor made for Meena. Coming to Nivedita Thomas, she seemed better than Ansiba while Esther didnt seem quite at ease here. As for the rest, Asha Sharath rocked while Kalabhavan Mani (I expected more from him as I personally feel he is more talented than Shajon), Anant Mahadevan etc have done a fine job. Verdict: Undoubtedly, this is definitely one of the best movies that have come out in Tamil in recent times. Just like "Drishyam" was a landmark in Malayalam, I wouldn't be surprised if it's remake turns out to be one as well. In short, give it a try as its a well crafted remake. On a lighter note, though Jeethu rectified the flaw he made in the original with regard to the phone call; he forgot that "Anjaan" was released only on August 15th while Suyambulingam & family saw it 10 days earlier!!! Rating: 3.75/5 Regards...Ben
Yes, I have watched the Malayalam version starring Mohanlal. The original was an amazingly twisted, adrenaline-rush and chase-laden film with fizz and grip, especially amazing due to Mohanlal's good performance. But within the broader swathe, the film was a tad overlong, and menacingly boring. 'Papanasam' is that unique film which is better than the original in every sense of the word. While it superbly stages the drama right from the beginning, it pays priceless details to the camerawork, which is all dazzle, but also all-appealing. Kamal Hassan makes the film work even more with his humor and expressive talents. The reason why I found this brilliant Tamil film absolutely better than the original version is its command on the storytelling which makes it an intellectually stimulating watch. But it has room for the relatability and emotional quotients, which I found missing in the Malayalam version as a whole. You need to watch 'Papanasam' even if you have watched the Hindi version. It is a thrilling experience not to be missed. I'm going with 4 out of 5 for 'Papanasam'. It makes cultural sounds.
Credits
Kamal Haasan
Gautami TadimallaLingam's wife
Kalabhavan ManiConstable Manikyam
Asha SarathInspector General
Niveda ThomasLingam's elder daughter
Esther AnilLingam's younger daughter
Roshan Basheer
CharleBus Conductor
Delhi GaneshGautami's father
M. S. BhaskarHotel Owner
Sree RaamCheramadurai
Ananth MahadevanIG's HusbandTamil films like Papanasam
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