Rating: 3.5/5
Director Sri Ganesh’s 3BHK is a heartfelt, slice-of-life drama that captures the emotional and financial rollercoaster of a middle-class family’s pursuit of a dream home. Anchored by sincere performances from Siddharth, R. Sarathkumar, Devayani, and Meetha Raghunath, the film unfolds like a warm family album—filled with hope, heartbreak, and resilience.
Set in Chennai, the story revolves around Vasudevan (Sarathkumar), a government employee who dreams of owning a 3BHK apartment. His wife Shanthi (Devayani), son Prabhu (Siddharth), and daughter Aarthi (Meetha) form a tightly knit unit that moves from one rented house to another, always chasing the elusive promise of stability. The film spans decades, chronicling their sacrifices, setbacks, and small victories.
Siddharth delivers a grounded performance as a son burdened by expectations and personal failures. Sarathkumar is quietly powerful as the aging patriarch, while Meetha Raghunath shines with natural charm. The film’s emotional beats are elevated by Amrit Ramnath’s evocative score and the nostalgic cinematography by Dinesh Krishnan and Jithin Stanislaus.
What sets 3BHK apart is its refusal to sensationalize. It finds drama in everyday moments—budgeting for tuition, navigating job insecurity, or sharing a meal in a cramped kitchen. While the pacing dips in the second half and a subplot involving a forced engagement feels out of place, the film’s emotional core remains intact.
3BHK is not just about buying a house—it’s about what we give up and hold on to in the process. It’s a quiet celebration of ordinary lives, told with empathy and restraint. For anyone who’s ever dreamed of a home to call their own, this film will feel like a mirror—and maybe even a hug.