Enna Satham Indha Neram (2014) is a Tamil-language feature film directed by Guru Ramesh, which tells the unique story of quadruplets who find themselves lost on a school trip inside a massive zoological park. The movie stars real-life quadruplets Aakrithi, Aapthi, Adhiti, and Aapti in the lead roles, marking a distinctive entrance as the first set of quadruplets to feature in a movie. These quadruplets were recognized by the Limca Book of Records for this feat.
The film begins its narrative with an introduction to the quadruplets, who are mischievous, ebullient and strikingly similar in appearance but boast their own distinct personalities. It delves into the dynamics of their tight-knit family including their parents, played eloquently by actors Maanu and Jayaram. The parents' roles display the care and challenges involved in raising four identical children, with the screenplay tactfully handling the topic of parental guidance and the nurturing of each child’s individuality.
As the quadrigeminal siblings set off for a school field trip, what was meant to be a day full of learning and fun swiftly turns into a harrowing adventure as the girls become separated from their class group. The children find themselves alone and navigating the dangers of the zoo. Their escapade is not just a physical journey as they attempt to reunite with their teachers and classmates, but it is also an emotional and character-building journey.
Interwoven through this narrative are the interactions between the quadruplets and the animals in the zoo, which serve to highlight the film’s broader environmental and animal welfare messages. The film resonates with underlying themes of conservation and the ethical treatment of animals, prompting viewers to consider their relationship with nature and wildlife.
Enna Satham Indha Neram relies heavily on the performance of the four little protagonists, whose chemistry is palpable and performances are remarkably synchronized. Despite their young age, they carry the film with laudable ease and engage the audience with their innocence and charm. Their individual characters come to shine through various scenarios, be it in moments of fear, camaraderie, or quick-witted problem-solving, creating an engaging tableau of distinct personalities working together.
The supporting cast, including Malavika Wales and Nithin Sathya among others, contribute to the film's plot by weaving their own parallel stories that intersect with that of the quadruplets. The script brings together a variety of characters from different backgrounds, building a microcosm that reflects the diversity of life outside the zoo while keeping the focus tightly on the main narrative.
The film’s technical aspects, including the cinematography and the sound design, merit recognition for capturing both the lush vibrancy and the perilous undertones of a zoological park. The camera work effectively conveys the viewpoint of the young girls, portraying the zoo as a colossal place filled with awe-inspiring, yet potentially dangerous, wild animals. The soundtrack further adds layers to the film, balancing playful tunes with suspenseful music to reflect the shifts in the quadruplets’ rollercoaster day.
Director Guru Ramesh, in his debut feature, manages to create a family-friendly film with Enna Satham Indha Neram that goes beyond simple entertainment. Through his storytelling, he emphasizes the importance of understanding and compassion towards animals as well as the imperative of acknowledging the individual identities of children, even in the case of multiples.
While the film navigates a day in the life of the quadruplets, it also paints a broader picture about human interaction with the natural world. This relationship between man and nature has repercussions that go beyond the immediate moment, a theme subtly woven by the director into the emotional fabric of the movie.
Enna Satham Indha Neram is a blend of adventure, comedy, and life lessons that is designed to appeal not just to children but also to families and anyone who enjoys a heartwarming tale of adventure and unity. The title of the movie, which translates to "What is the sound of this time?" is reflective of the movie's contemplative nature about the sounds and silences of life—and how they impact the rhythm of our existence.
In summary, Enna Satham Indha Neram stands out as a unique family outing that combines the wonder of childhood with the teachings of life’s unpredictability and diversity. It is a film that asks its audience to listen to the sounds of the moment—be they of laughter, of wild calls, or of silence that begs for introspection—and leaves them mulling over the experiences long after the credits roll.
Enna Satham Indha Neram is a 2014 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes.
It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.3.
