Anbe Anbe

Anbe Anbe (English: "Dear, Dear") is a 2003 Indian Tamil-language romantic family drama film directed by Mani Bharathi. The film stars Shaam and Sharmelee in lead roles, while an ensemble supporting cast includes Vivek, Yugendran, M. N. Nambiar, Manorama, and Santhoshi. The music was composed by Bharathwaj. The film released on 1 May 2003 and opened to mixed reviews from critics. The film's plot is loosely based on the Hindi film "Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!" (1994).
Plot.
An extended family consisting of a grandfather, Mahendra Bhoopathy (M. N. Nambiar), and a grandmother, Vishali (Manorama), live in a grand mansion, near Kanyakumari with their sons, daughter, and grandchildren. They have two grandsons: Cheenu (Shaam) and Shiva (Yugendran). They both have a grudge towards each other from childhood as Cheenu is always first in whatever he does, and Shiva is jealous of it. Vishali (Sharmelee), the couple's granddaughter, walks in with her parents. This creates further rifts among the cousins as Cheenu falls in love with her. All these lead to the elders quarrelling among themselves, and finally, Cheenu sacrifices his love for his cousin, the dog unites the lovers. The whole extended family lives happily ever after.
Production.
Manibharati, who worked as an assistant to Mani Ratnam, Saran and Vasanth, announced that he was making a love story for AVM Productions. Shaam was signed on to play the lead role, which was initially titled as "Romeo and Juliet". Actress Priyamani was approached for the project but she turned down the offer, meaning that Sharmelee was signed to play the lead role. Shamelee, who had been studying for a computer degree, earlier signed "Aasai Aasaiyai" and the Telugu film "Tarak" before signing this film.
Soundtrack.
Soundtrack was composed by Bharadwaj.
Reception.
"Sify" wrote "There is nothing new in the story and director Manibharathi has not been able to tell this weak story with conviction". "Thiraipadam" wrote "The movie is woefully short on everything required for an engaging love story and is a failure right from the word go".