Curator Watchlist
A warmly funny, politically charged road movie that turns a mismatched-buddies setup into a moving argument for humanism. It’s beloved for its sharp dialogue, emotional payoff, and a lead performance that carries both bite and tenderness.
Where to watch: Buy
Tue · 2h 40m
Director: Sundar C
Starring: Kamal Haasan, R. Madhavan, Nassar
Anbarasu, young and arrogant, and Nallasivam, damaged - physically but not spiritually - by life, are thrown together by circumstances, and find that they are in some ways bound together by fate.
Sundar C
Kamal Haasan, R. Madhavan, Nassar
A warmly funny, politically charged road movie that turns a mismatched-buddies setup into a moving argument for humanism. It’s beloved for its sharp dialogue, emotional payoff, and a lead performance that carries both bite and tenderness.
Anbe Sivam is the rare comedy-drama that feels both playful and deeply principled. It uses a simple road-trip premise to stage a clash between cynicism and idealism, then slowly reveals that the film’s real subject is compassion as a lived practice, not a slogan. The result is funny, angry, tender, and unexpectedly moving.
What makes it endure is the balance: the film can pivot from broad comic energy to political and emotional seriousness without losing its grip. The dialogue is dense with ideas, but it rarely feels academic because the characters are so vividly drawn and the banter keeps the rhythm alive. The central performances give the film its warmth and sting.
This is a cult favorite for good reason: it has memorable scenes, quotable lines, and a sincere belief that human kindness is the closest thing to divinity. If you like your crowd-pleasers with conscience, this is an easy recommendation.
Peaceful Stoner (5★) · 232 likes
Two reasons for you to watch this movie: 1. The literal translation of the title is "Love is God".The reason for the title is explained in such a wonderfully aesthetic manner. 2. It has the God of acting in one of his pinnacle performances. All fellow Letterboxd users, I beg you to watch this movie.
Michael James (5★) · 227 likes
This cult classic comedy titled “Love is God” revolves around the journey of two people with conflicting ideologies, while exploring themes of life, perception, love, relationships, religion and humanism. Despite of handling multiple themes, it never gets overly preachy as it seamlessly blends it all into the densely layered narrative. The dialogues get exceptionally written, being humorous, poignant and thought provoking at the same time. Kamal Hassan is in his usual stunning form, well supported by Madhavan. Both their comic
ash (5★) · 169 likes
Yaar Yaar SivamNee Naan Sivam Vaazhve Thavam Anbe Sivam People who show human compassion are god to me. Only humans can help eachother, nobody will come from up there, only humans will. Kamal Hassan put together communism, capitalism and atheism together to tell his idea of God , as bizzare as the combination seems, it makes complete sense. GOATED performance by aandavar. This movie defines the atheism that I follow as only people can help people in need maybe… more
Shivu Gowda (5★) · 133 likes
Human beings deserve more films like Anbe Sivam
Boy Roarbison [fka Nag Champion] (4★) · 92 likes
This is what Letterboxd is all about. For a while now, Peaceful Stoner has been singing the praises of this film and damn near begging me to watch it. After months of it sitting on my watchlist, I finally caved, unearthed a torrent for it [IKNOWRIGHT?! I'm going straight to hell/jail/Grant Berridge's office] and feasted my eye follicles on this piece of modern Indian cinema magic. And I'm so very glad I did. I'm not much for musicals, and being
A classic mismatched-travel comedy that gradually becomes a moving study of loneliness, patience, and unexpected empathy.
A gentle road film built on compassion, dignity, and the emotional power of simple human encounters.
For its humane gaze, emotional realism, and belief that ordinary lives can carry profound moral weight.
A major Indian drama with moral complexity, strong characterization, and a tragic sense of social pressure.
Shares the blend of comedy, sentiment, and a fundamentally humane worldview that makes big ideas accessible.
A popular Indian dramedy that mixes humor with social critique and a sincere faith in human connection.
For viewers who like ethically layered drama where everyday conflict reveals deeper truths about society and character.
A tender, observant film about loneliness, connection, and the quiet dignity of ordinary people.
A sharp, funny Indian comedy with social bite and a strong sense of community and resilience.
A foundational humanist film about poverty, dignity, and the way circumstance tests moral character.
A mainstream emotional drama centered on endurance, fatherhood, and the struggle to keep faith in people.
Combines sharp dialogue, emotional healing, and a skeptical character learning to accept care and vulnerability.
humanism, compassion, atheism, socialism, road trip, odd-couple friendship, class conflict, grief and healing
dramedy, road movie, philosophical, political, humanist, cult classic, emotional, social commentary, buddy film, 2000s cinema