‘Vishwanath & Sons’: a charming family drama with romance on the side

Venky Atluri's latest film, "Vishwanath & Sons," brings a delightful romantic family drama to the big screen, starring Suriya as Sanjay Vishwanath, a successful businessman, Olympic athlete, and new father. The movie marks Atluri's return after the hit thriller "Lucky Baskhar" (2024), which earned multiple awards and became his highest-grossing film.

The story begins with Sanjay winning an Olympic gold medal in shooting, suggesting he leads a charmed life filled with wealth and fame. In fact, he has inherited his family business and shares a close bond with his mother, Nirmala Devi, portrayed by veteran actress Radhika Sarathkumar. Nirmala desires a grandchild from her only son, prompting Sanjay to travel to the United States and return a year later with a baby born through surrogacy.

However, complications arise when the child requires a bone marrow transplant, and Sanjay must track down the surrogate mother, Maddy (played by Mamitha Baiju), who happens to be the best match. This leads to an unexpected romance between the 40-year-old Sanjay and the 20-year-old Maddy, who develops feelings for him. While the age difference could potentially feel uncomfortable, the film handles it surprisingly well, showcasing Suriya's natural charm and Mamitha's playful energy.

The supporting cast, particularly Sunil Reddy as Sanjay's brother-in-law, adds humor and levity to the film. GV Prakash Kumar's music complements the lighthearted tone, but may not leave a lasting impression. Overall, the film focuses on family, forgiveness, and second chances, with occasional melodrama in the emotional scenes. While it may not be as memorable as Atluri's "Lucky Baskhar," "Vishwanath & Sons" remains an enjoyable addition to his filmography, showcasing Suriya's enduring screen charm and touching on relatable themes such as society's treatment of "the other woman" and attitudes towards second marriages.