By Shivani P Menon
Siddharth’s milestone 40th film, 3BHK, has been winning attention not just for its relatable portrayal of middle-class struggles but also for the glowing endorsement it recently received from none other than Sachin Tendulkar. The cricket icon, during an interaction on Reddit, revealed that the Tamil drama was among the films he had recently enjoyed, alongside the Marathi release Ata Thambaycha Naay!
The mention quickly caught fire on social media, with fans celebrating the crossover between cricket and cinema. For director Sri Ganesh, who helmed 3BHK, the moment felt surreal. Sri Ganesh took to X to convey his heartfelt thanks, describing Tendulkar as his childhood hero and noting that the praise was a tremendous boost for everyone involved in the project. Producer Arun Viswa, who produced the film under the Shanthi Talkies banner, shared similar feelings, admitting that he was still processing the joy of seeing Tendulkar’s name linked with his film.
The excitement was shared by the cast as well.
Chaithra Achar, who stepped into Tamil cinema with 3BHK after gaining recognition in Kannada films, said she felt proud that she could now claim Sachin Tendulkar had watched and enjoyed her performance. She called the acknowledgement priceless and expressed her affection and gratitude to the cricketing legend on social media.
Released first in theatres before arriving on OTT platforms, 3BHK revolves around a family, played by Sarathkumar and Siddharth, as they grapple with the challenges of buying a three-bedroom apartment while navigating personal struggles. The film was well-received by critics and audiences alike for its warmth and authenticity.
Tendulkar’s other pick, Ata Thambaycha Naay!, is a Marathi film co-directed and written by Shivraj Waichal. Inspired by real-life incidents, the movie highlights the dedication and challenges of employees of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation. Featuring a strong lineup of actors such as Bharat Jadhav, Siddhartha Jadhav, Ashutosh Gowariker, Rohini Hattangadi, Parna Pethe, and Om Bhutkar, the film hit theatres in May this year and went on to receive favourable reviews from critics. By naming both titles among his recent favourites, Tendulkar not only delighted fans but also gave an unexpected boost to two films rooted deeply in everyday lives and social realities.