
Kudumbasthan Unpacked: Saanve Megghana and Prasanna Balachandran on Crafting Modern Family Drama
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Saanve Megghana, who has appeared in several Telugu films, made her Tamil film debut with "Kudumbasthan," a well-crafted family drama that delves into the challenges faced by a middle-class family grappling with financial difficulties and societal pressures. "This film resonates deeply with me, as I come from a middle-class background and have many stories to share," Saanve expresses.
Kudumbasthan actor Saanve Megghana Interview: I am not scared of being stereotyped
In an interview, Saanve, who identifies comedy as her preferred genre, discusses the complexities of writing for this category. "While there are numerous comedic sub-genres, 'Kudumbasthan' does not rely on overt humor. Instead, it presents situations that can be perceived as dark comedy. The protagonist experiences significant hardships, including job loss, which leads to a bleak situation for his family. This context elicits laughter not from malice, but from the understanding that he will eventually overcome these challenges," she explains.
Saanve reveals her admiration for the late actress Sridevi, renowned for her ability to convey humor through mere facial expressions. "I find a strong connection with her, as I enjoy dancing and aspire to emulate her comedic style. She executed her craft with elegance and authenticity. Women can be just as humorous as men, and we are increasingly witnessing female stand-up comedians in the industry," she notes.

Discussing her role, Saanve highlights the depth of her character, Vennila, who, despite being portrayed as the wife, has a rich narrative. "Vennila has navigated an inter-caste marriage to be with the hero, which complicates her integration into his family. Additionally, she is pursuing her studies to become an IAS officer," Saanve elaborates.
A young actor, Saanve, who contemplates the evolving roles of women in contemporary cinema, states, “As long as I am providing the audience with meaningful films that make them laugh and enjoy themselves, I find fulfillment. My aim is to present strong characters. While there may be instances of stereotyping, I do not shy away from it, as that is when audiences can connect with you and your character. However, I also aspire to delve into a wider range of characters.”
Prasanna Balachandran: Today, shopping malls are neo temples, purchases are worship

Actor Prasanna Balachandran, who plays a significant role in Kudumbasthan and also contributes as a writer for the film, is part of the Nakkalites team, known for producing digital content. Having collaborated on the screenplay and dialogues with director Rajeshwar Kalisamy, Prasanna remarks, “Although I have only been a writer in cinema for a year, I believe that cinema should be derived from real life, observing life itself. Life is dynamic and changes rapidly; cinema must reflect that, and my team in Kudumbasthan was respectful of my desire to capture this essence. It was more about enhancing the narrative rather than each individual imposing their own vision on the story.”
He further emphasizes the necessity for more meaningful films in today’s context, asserting that it is crucial to examine what cinema reflects about society rather than the reverse. “Society should not develop inappropriately, and those who create cinema bear a social responsibility in this regard. We cannot place the blame on the audience for the direction our cinema takes. It is not our role to simply cater to their demands and shift the responsibility onto them.”
Prasanna embodies the contemporary reality of families, akin to the protagonist in Kudumbasthan, prompting the writer to examine the evolution of life. "I can meet all the desires of my family yet still feel unfulfilled. Nowadays, shopping malls have transformed into modern temples, and consumerism has become a form of worship. One's social standing is gauged by their purchasing power, and the brands one possesses define their identity. Even if you satisfy your family's needs, you are perceived as lacking if you cannot cater to their desires. This perspective was not prevalent a generation ago, as illustrated in Kudumbasthan."
How does Kudumbasthan effectively convey this message? "Having a skilled performer like Manikandan to portray the character made the process smoother. Once he agreed to the script, we engaged in extensive discussions to ensure a seamless integration with the role. There were numerous exchanges, and since Manikandan is also a writer, we were able to bring the project to fruition."
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