Anantha Movie Review: A Faith-Based Anthology for Devotees
The Tamil film Anantha arrived in theaters on January 13, 2026. This devotional drama runs for one hour and thirty-seven minutes. It carries a modest rating of 2.5 stars from both critics and users. Director Suresh Krissna crafted this project to honor the 100th birth anniversary of Sri Sathya Sai Baba.
Plot and Structure
The movie opens on April 24, 2011. Devotees gather outside a hospital at Prashanthi Nilayam in Puttaparthi. They await news about Baba's final moments. The narrative then shifts back a few weeks. Ashram supervisor Vasudevan, played by Nizhalgal Ravi, summons five devotees. He asks them to share their personal miracle stories one last time.
Anantha presents five distinct episodes. Each follows a similar pattern. A crisis occurs, prayers are offered, and divine intervention follows. The stories feature diverse characters from different backgrounds.
- A workaholic Mumbai businessman, portrayed by Jagapathi Babu, seeks spiritual redemption.
- A grieving Kerala widower, played by Y. G. Mahendran, rediscovers faith after his wife's sudden death.
- A mother, enacted by Suhasini, surrenders to Baba when her son nearly drowns in the Ganges.
- A dancer, Abirami Venkatachalam, develops a leg problem before a crucial competition.
- Two American devotees survive a wildfire that surrounds their home.
Performances and Technical Aspects
The cast delivers serviceable performances. Y. G. Mahendran and Sriranjani bring emotional depth to their segments. Suhasini fulfills the requirements of her role adequately. Jagapathi Babu maintains a restrained presence, though his episode includes a bank robbery subplot that lacks depth. Deva's musical score complements the devotional atmosphere of the film.
Overall Assessment
Anantha functions more as a series of testimonials than a conventional feature film. The structure offers little dramatic tension because each story's outcome becomes apparent early. The narration remains predictable by design. This approach reinforces the central themes of faith and grace repeatedly.
This movie clearly targets a specific audience. Sathya Sai Baba devotees and viewers drawn to devotional narratives will likely connect with its message. For general audiences seeking complex storytelling or suspense, Anantha presents a challenging viewing experience. The film serves its purpose as a tribute but operates within narrow creative boundaries.
Written by Abhinav Subramanian, the review reflects the consensus that Anantha resonates primarily with the faithful. Its anthology format limits character development and narrative surprises. The film stands as a cinematic offering for believers rather than a broad entertainment piece.
