A clash of egos, firm unwavering love, confidence in oneself, sportsman spirit with subtle hints at casteism, classism, woman empowerment and all on the backdrop of cricket….that’s what forms the podium on which Lubber Pandhu is delivered.

And what a movie it is……

The movie pits two hot headed gully cricket players, Anbu and Geethu against each other in a battle that escalates beyond the pitch and into their homes.

Harish Kalyan and Attakathi Dinesh have delivered magnificent and restrained performances as the leads as they struggle to keep their respect in the eyes of their partners and their love for cricket intact, simultaneously.

But what I particularly liked about this movie is that despite it being about what is primarily a male dominated sport, there are some very strongly etched female characters.

Whether it is the upright Swasika playing Yashodhai who knows exactly what she wants and is ready to kick her husband out for it…..or it’s Sanjana playing Durga whose confidence in her love gives her a resolve to stand her ground. “I will not ask you to do anything for me”, she tells her lover dismissing him to do whatever he pleases, displaying her supportiveness and independence at the same time.

Even the smaller character of Akhila is shown to be someone who proves her mettle when she gets an opportunity.

There are so many subtle messages in the movie that you can’t help but admire the way the script has been written and portrayed.

The movie is fast paced and since it revolves around cricket, the on ground antics are fun to watch.

But mind you, Lubber Pandhu is nothing like your average movie on cricket like Iqbal or Jersey, it’s a movie that attempts to send a message of equality throughout its depiction.

Fantastic performances, great plot, a nice twist in the end (nah, nothing jaw dropping) and a light feel good movie….what more do you want?

The movie is available in various languages, including Hindi, but I watched it in original Tamil with subtitles in English.

#DaMoRating: 9/10

Disclaimer: Actually there is not much that can be found as a fault in this movie, but I am cutting one mark because some of the subtitles are a bit messed up especially towards the end. Also if I want to cut marks I will, tumko kya? 😛😛