'3BHK' Review | Siddharth-Sarathkumar starrer has its heart in the right place, though story isn't new

For many Gen X parents who have led modest lives, owning a house remains the ultimate dream, a symbol of security, pride, and success. '3BHK', directed by Sri Ganesh, taps into this deeply familiar aspiration through the story of Vasu, a lower-middle-class man trying to turn that dream into reality.

Vasu, played by Sarathkumar, lives in a rented house with his wife and two children, Aarti and Prabhu. A strict yet loving father, his deepest wish is to one day buy a house for his family. But with rising expenses and only one income to rely on, that dream constantly slips out of reach.

His hopes rest heavily on his son, Prabhu (Siddharth), who struggles under the weight of these expectations. Caught between his family's hopes and his challenges, Prabhu's emotional journey becomes the heart of the film.

Also starring Devayani and Meetha Raghunath, '3BHK' is a warm, feel-good family drama that finds strength in its sincerity. The movie has its moments, honest, relatable, and even moving at times. But the movie plays it a little too safe, never quite stepping out of the familiar template.

From early on, it's clear where the movie is headed; the story follows familiar beats, with predictable conflicts and a neatly wrapped-up ending. But what keeps it engaging is the strength of the performances. Siddharth, in particular, stands out as Prabhu, convincingly playing the character's journey from the age of 18 to around 40 with nuance. You can't help but notice how Siddharth still manages to pass off as an 18-year-old, there's barely a gap between his look here and his 'Boys' era. It's not just the appearance, but the way he slips into that youthful awkwardness that makes it all the more convincing.

Meetha Raghunath brings a quiet charm to Aarti and plays the role with sincerity. Sarathkumar and Devayani, too, are solid as the parents, grounding their characters with believable warmth and restraint. But the film's biggest drawback is its reliance on well-worn tropes. The conflicts feel recycled, such as Vasu and Shanthi pushing their children into 'well-off' marriages, only for things to unravel in ways that are predictable from a mile away. It's all a bit too familiar, which makes parts of the film feel predictable and flat. Chaithra J Achar plays Aishwarya, Prabhu's love interest, and while their screen time together is limited, their chemistry feels easy and unforced. One of the film's strengths lies in how it handles its themes. Despite the overall feel-good tone, Prabhu's journey isn't without its weight. The expectations placed on him aren't harsh or toxic, they come from a place of love, especially from his father, but that doesn't make them any easier to carry. The pressure of being the family's only hope takes a toll, and his fear of letting them down is something many young people today will find all too familiar.

'3BHK' may not break new ground in storytelling, but it finds its footing in performances and the emotional truth of its characters. It's a film that understands the quiet weight of middle-class dreams and reminds us that sometimes, even the most familiar stories can resonate when told with honesty.