Lubber Pandhu

Rubber Ball) is a 2024 Indian Tamil-language sports drama film directed by Tamizharasan Pachamuthu, in his directorial debut and produced by Prince Pictures.

The film stars Gethu Dinesh and Harish Kalyan in the lead roles, alongside Sanjana Krishnamoorthy, Swasika, Bala Saravanan, Kaali Venkat, Geetha Kailasam, Devadarshini, TSK, Jenson Diwakar and Pradeep Durairaj.

In 2011, in Perambalur, a young cricketer named Anbu was denied to join the "Jolly Friends" team due to caste-based discrimination.

Despite being included in the team and being a talented bowler Anbu was not given a chance to play, prompting him to leave the ground in frustration, accompanied by his friend Kathadi.

Later, Anbu learns that Durga is Gethu's daughter during a visit to their home and attempts to make amends, but his efforts turn unsuccessful.

Durga intervenes, slapping Anbu and ending their relationship while Yasodhai, fed up with Gethu storms off and moves to her mother's place.

In their debut match, Anbu's brief stint at the crease ends in dismissal, and a struggling Gethu loses his wicket though his determination was evident.

To salvage the team, Gethu enters without any protective gear, taunts the opposition, and single-handedly scores 94 to put a massive total in the first innings.

Weeks later Karuppaiya and the rest of "Adengappa 11 Per" reach another tournament to witness a new "Jolly Friends" team which now has players including Prasanth and others regardless of caste or religion.

In early March 2023, Harish Kalyan announced that he would be starring in a film titled Lubber Pandhu directed by debutant Tamizharasan Pachamuthu, who had earlier worked as an assistant director.

"[22] Avinash Ramachandran of Indian Express wrote that "Efficient writing and convincing performances makes Lubber Pandhu a truly terrific issue-based film that ensures bitter pills are swallowed, but not before a dollop of honey is given on the side".

[23] Gopinath Rajendran of The Hindu wrote, "Lubber Pandhu is a breath of fresh air and a refreshing addition to the ever-growing list of films on cricket; so much so that we can call it a whole new ballgame.

"[24] Kirubhakar Purushothaman of News18 rated the film four out of five stars and opined that "Lubber Pandhu leaves you with a fulfilled heart and a well-fed mind that comes after watching a brilliant cricket match, where both teams gave it their all.

"[26] Sruthi Ganapathy Raman of The News Minute wrote that "Lubber Pandhu is a film where gully cricket commentary fills the ears, men use the paint on their house to depict team loyalty, and for a change, the bride’s parents assert dominance over the groom’s.

"[27] Nakkheeran critic stated that "Moreover, this film 'Rubber Bandhu' has been a pleasant surprise success for the viewers as it gives us a feeling similar to what we felt while watching the movie Chennai 28 and the extent to which it gave us an impact.

"[28] karthi Kg of Puthiya Thalaimurai rated four out of five star and wrote that "This rubber ball is a good sports movie to watch with family.