MOVIE REVIEWS

Author: S.RAVICHANDRAN (a) Salavakkam Ravi


ANEGAN

The story unfolds with sequences that happened in Burma several years ago. Dhanush stuns us with his raw appearance as Murugappa (Munaruna) in the scenes happening in Burma.  His love with Samudhra from royal family is not accepted by Samudhra's father (Mukesh Tiwari) and they decide to end their life.  Burma chapter comes to a curtain there.

Next comes Dhansh in his favourite attire “Lungi” as Kaali.  The romantic episode extends here with his lover appearing as Kalyani in this chapter.  They could not get united in the second episode also, as they get killed.

Next comes the modern Dhanush as Ashwin, who works in a Gaming software company with Madhu and the romance extends for a third chapter. 

Karthik plays a crucial role in the movie appearing in Episode 2 and his revenge continues in Chapter 3.  His performance in a negative role enthralls the audience and gives life to the movie.

Dhanush’s outclassed others with his excellent performance.  Karthik has handled the negative role to perfection.  Amyra Dastur as Samudhra, Kalyani and Madhumita shows excellent variety in action and expression. Stress factor faced by IT professionals and need for stress relief measures is well portrayed in the movie. 

Jagan and Mallika have played small, but impressive roles.  Ashish Vidyarthi, Mukesh Tiwari and Thalaivasal Vijay have performed their respective roles to perfection.

The story sequences and re-birth concepts make us recall Sridhar’s “Nenjam Marappathillai”.

Though the story is well made, love extending for 3 episodes seems too long and unnecessary. Mukesh Tiwari in the third episode not getting involved in any of the activities, though he creates some expectation, makes him odd man out.

You can watch the movie for Dhanush’s class, Art Direction in Burma sequences and Karthik’s scintillating performance.

SHAMITABH (Hindi)

Film aspirant boy Danish (Dhanush), unfortunately muted by nature, breathes, eats and lives in the ambition of becoming a Cine Star.  For him "Film is Everything". 

After losing his mother, he starts his career as a Bus Conductor in Mumbai (makes us recollect Rajinikanth briefly). His tireless efforts in achieving his goal, in spite of his physical shortcomings, becomes a reality when he meets an Assistant Director Akshara Hassan, whose sympathetic approach and efforts fetch Danish a chance in films.  But the big question is how will he communicate?

Amitabh Bachan (as Amitabh Sinha) comes in handy to bury Danish's shortcomings using technology to their advantage, as Danish uses Amitabh's baritone to produce marvelous results.  The chemistry behind the equation DaniSH+AMITABH = SHAMITABH works out very well for both of them, until the ego clash between them spoils the good work.  Whether it is SHAMITABH or SHAMITABH is the big question among them.  This ego clash creates a big fissure in their friendship and they get separated, resulting in their own downfall. 

What happens when both of them realize their mistake and get united once again is the story.  The climax will definitely make you cry.

Dhanush literally lived in that role and his performance showing great passion for movies is exemplary.  For a man of Amitabh's caliber this role is just a cakewalk. Akshara Hassan makes a decent debut, though there is not much scope for her in this film.

Ilayaraja's music, as expected, is really outstanding.  The songs are quite modern to suit the story's trend and he didn't let us down as far as re-recording is concerned, which is his forte.

P.C.Sriram's cinematography is worth a mention.

Hat-trick success for Balki+Amitabh+Ilayaraja combination.

A movie to watch just for performance & novelty.





கத்தி 

சமுதாயத்தின் மிக முக்கியமான ஆனால் முக்கியத்துவம் கொடுக்கப்படாமல் இருக்கும் ஒரு பிரச்னையை எடுத்துக்கொண்டு மிகத் திறமையாகக் கையாண்டுள்ள இயக்குனர் முருகதாசுக்கு ஒரு சபாஷ்.  இயக்குனர் சங்கர் பாணியில் சமுதாயப் பிரச்சனைகளை மையமாக வைத்து கதைக்களம் அமைப்பதும், சிறந்த திரைக்கதை அமைத்து நடிகர்களின் சிறப்பான நடிப்புத் திறமையுடன் ஒரு நல்ல படமாக அமைப்பது முருகதாசின் சிறப்பு.  

சமூக விரோதிகளைப் பழிவாங்கும் படமாக "கஜினி", ஊழல் பெருச்சாளிகளைப் பொறி வைத்துப் பிடித்து கொள்ளும் சமூக சிந்தனையாளனாக "ரமணா", சர்வேதசத்  தீவிரவாதிகளை மதிநுட்பத்துடன் ஒழிக்கும் விஜயின் "துப்பாக்கி" என வியாபார ரீதியான அதே சமயம் ஒரு நல்ல கருத்தை வெளிப்படுத்தும் முருகதாசின் படங்களின் வரிசையில் மற்றுமொரு குறிப்படத்தக்க படமாக "கத்தி" அமைந்திருக்கிறது. "துப்பாக்கி" திரைப்படம் போலவே இந்தப் படத்தின் வெளியீடும் ஒரு போராட்டத்திற்குப் பின்னரே சாத்தியமானது. (முருகதாஸ் இயக்காத)  "தலைவா" படம் போல அல்லாமால் இந்த படத்தின் வெற்றிக்கு இந்த சர்ச்சை ஓரளவு உதவி இருக்கிறது.

கிராமத்து மக்களின் உரிமைக்காகப் போராடும் "ஜீவா" எனப்படும் "ஜீவானந்தம்"ஆக ஒரு விஜய்,  கொல்கத்தா சிறையில் இருந்து தப்பிக்கும் குற்றவாளியாக "கத்தி" எனப்படும் "கதிரேசன்" ஆக ஒரு விஜய் என விஜயின் இரட்டை வேடம் ரசிகர்களுக்கு இரட்டை விருந்து.  விஜய்-முருகதாஸ் கூட்டணியில் உருவான தொடர்ச்சியான இரண்டாவது படம் என்பதால் எதிர்பார்ப்பு அதிகம் இருந்திருக்கிறது.  அந்த எதிர்பார்ப்பை இந்த படம் பூர்த்தி செய்திருக்கிறது என்றுதான் சொல்லவேண்டும்.  ஜீவாவின் இடத்தை தன்னலத்தோடு நிரப்பும் கதிரேசன், ஜீவாவின் தியாகத்தையும் உயர்ந்த நோக்கத்தையும் உணர்ந்து ஜீவாவின் கனவை நனவாக்கப் போராடும் காட்சிகளும், மக்களின் கவனத்தை  ஈர்க்க  கதிரேசன் கையில் எடுத்துக்கொள்ளும் ஒரு வித்தியாசமான போராட்டமும் கதைக்கு வேகம் சேர்ப்பதோடு, பொழுதுபோக்கு அம்சம் அதிகம் இல்லாத ஒரு கதைக்கு விறுவிறுப்பு சேர்த்து தொய்வு ஏற்படாமல் காப்பாற்றுகிறது.

அனல் அரசுவின் அனல் பறக்கும் சண்டை காட்சிகள், ஜார்ஜ் சி. வில்லியம்சின் நேர்த்தியான ஒளிப்பதிவு, இளைஞர்களை வசீகரிக்கும் அனிருத்தின் பாடல்கள் என தொழில்நுட்ப பலமும் படத்திற்கு அமைந்துள்ளது கூடுதல் சிறப்பு.

மிகச் சிறந்த படமாக இருந்தாலும், ஒரு சில குறைகள் இல்லாமல் இல்லை.

1. சமந்தாவின் கதாபாத்திரம் வலுவற்றதாகவும் தேவையில்லாத ஒரு திணிப்பாகவும் அமைந்துள்ளது 

2. நல்ல சண்டை காட்சிகளுக்கு இடையே, விளக்குகளை அணைத்து, காசை சுண்டிப் போட்டு, விளக்கை ஏற்றி அடிக்கும் சண்டை காட்சிகள் சற்று குழந்தைத் தனமாக உள்ளன  

3. ஜீவாவின் இடத்தை நிரப்பும் கதிரேசனின் உருவ ஒற்றுமையை மட்டுமே வைத்து முதியோர் இல்லத்தில் இருப்பவர்கள் முழுவதுமாக நம்புகிறார்கள் என்ற ஏற்றுக்கொள்ள முடியாத காட்சிகள் 

4. புழல், செம்பரம்பாக்கம் போன்ற ஏரிகளிலிருந்து குடிநீர் வராமல் இருக்க, குளிக்கும் நீரும், கழிவறை நீரும் நிற்பதாக காட்டும் காட்சிகள் (வீட்டு தண்ணீர் தொட்டியில் நீர் திருடுவதாக சில காட்சிகள் இருக்கின்றனவே என்று சமாளித்தாலும் கூட) 

5. ஜீவாவின் உருவத்தை நன்கு அறிந்த கிராமவாசிகள் இறுதிக் காட்சியில் அவரைப் பார்க்க ஓடும்போது எதிரே வரும் (அதே உருவம் கொண்ட) கதிரேசனைக்  கண்டுகொள்ளாமல் அவர் மேல் மோதியபடி ஓடுவது 

இருந்தாலும், ஒரு நல்ல கருத்தை எடுத்துக்காட்டி, சமுதாயத்திற்கு வரப்போகும் ஒரு அபாயத்தை தடுக்க நினைக்கும் ஒரு நல்ல படமாகவே "கத்தி" நம் மனதில் மேலோங்கி நிற்கிறது.  புகை பிடிக்கும் காட்சிகளோ, மது அருந்தும் காட்சிகளோ அறவே இல்லாத படம் "கத்தி" ("துப்பாக்கி" படம் இதே வகையான தூய படம்தான்). எம்.ஜி.ஆர். படங்களில் அவர் மட்டுமே இந்த நல்ல பழக்கத்தைப் பின்பற்றுவார்.  முருகதாஸ் படத்தில் வில்லனும் கூட இதை செய்யவில்லை.   மற்ற இயக்குனர்களுக்கு ஒரு நல்ல முன்னுதாரணம் 

JEEVA

- Movie Review

கிரிக்கெட் விளையாட்டு பற்றிய மற்றுமொரு சுவராஸ்யமான படம்.  ஒரு மாறுதலாக கிரிக்கெட் விளையாட்டை மட்டும் மையப்படுத்தாமல், அதைச் சுற்றி எழும் சமுதாய சிக்கல்களையும் சிறப்பாக வெளிப்படுத்தும் ஒரு படம். 

கிரிக்கெட் விளையாட்டின் மேல் அதீத ஆர்வம் கொண்ட மாணவனாக வரும் விஷ்ணு (ஜீவா) சந்திக்கும் எண்ணற்ற போராட்டங்கள், படிப்பில் சோபிக்க முடியாமல், விளையாட்டில் முழுமையாக இடம்பெற அவன் சந்திக்கும் தடைகள், இடையில் ஒரு அழகான காதல் அனுபவம் என சிறப்பாகத் தொடங்குகிறது திரைப்படம்.  அந்த காதலுக்கு வரும் சிக்கலும், அதுவே கிரிக்கெட் விளையாட்டில் அவன் முழுநேரம் ஈடுபடத் துணைபுரிவதும் இயல்பான திரைக்கதைக்கு ஒரு சான்று.

கடினமான பயிற்சி, உழைப்பு ஆகியவற்றின் பலனாக ஜீவாவின் ஆட்டத் திறமை மேம்பட்டு அவனை ஒரு நிலைக்கு உயர்த்த, அந்த உயரத்திற்கு மேல் செல்லமுடியாமல் அவன் சந்திக்கும் தேர்வுக் கமிட்டி சர்ச்சைகள், உதாசீனங்கள் என சிறப்பாக அமைந்துள்ளது திரைக்கதை.  தமிழ்நாடு கிரிக்கெட் சங்கத்தில் உள்ள குழப்பங்கள், ஒரு சமூகத்தினரின் ஆதிக்கம், பாரபட்சமான தேர்வின் காரணமாக மாநில அணியின் வீழ்ச்சி என யதார்த்தங்களை காட்சிகளாக அமைத்து ஒரு உண்மை அனுபவத்தை திரைப்படமாக தந்திருக்கும் இயக்குனர் சுசீந்திரனுக்கு ஒரு சபாஷ்.  ஒரு பெரிய இழப்பு, அதன்பின் ஒரு எதிர்பாராத திருப்பத்தால் ஜீவாவுக்கு தேசிய அணியில் கிடைக்கும் வாய்ப்பு என எந்த வித சறுக்கலும் இல்லாமல் சீராக செல்கிறது கதை.

ரஞ்சி அளவில் விளையாடி பின்னர் திரைக்கு வந்தவர் விஷ்ணு என்பதால், அவரது கிரிக்கெட் ஆட்ட நுணுக்கங்கள், அது தொடர்பான காட்சிகள் இயல்பாக அமைந்துள்ளது படத்திற்கு கூடுதல் சிறப்பு.  ஜீவாவின் கிரிக்கெட் பயிற்சியாளர், ஜீவாவின் நண்பன் ரஞ்சித், ஜீவாவின் தந்தை, அடுத்த வீட்டில் வசிக்கும் சார்லி ஜீவா மீது காட்டும் பாசம் என ஒவ்வொரு பாத்திரமும் மனதை நெகிழ வைக்கின்றன.  ஜாதிப் பெயரை பயன்படுத்தாமல் ஸ்ரீராம், பார்த்தசாரதி, சேஷகோபாலன் என்ற பெயர்களை குறிப்பிடுவது இயக்குனரின் சாதுரியம்.  

"வருத்தப்படாத வாலிபர் சங்கம்" புகழ் ஸ்ரீ திவ்யா அழகு தேவதையாக வலம் வந்து ரசிகர்கள் உள்ளத்தை கொள்ளை கொள்கிறார்.  அவரது நடிப்புத் திறமையும் மெருகேறி வருகிறது.  இந்த அழகு தேவதை இளைஞர்களின் தூக்கத்தை கலைப்பதோடு, போட்டியாளர்களாக தமிழ் திரையில் முன்னணியில் இருக்கும் சில நாயகிகளின் தூக்கம் தொலையவும் காரணமாக இருப்பார் என்பது உறுதி.

மைனா, கும்கி, வருத்தப்படாத வாலிபர் சங்கம் என இன்னிசை ராஜாங்கம் நடத்தி வரும் இமான் இந்தப் படத்திலும் இசை விருந்து படைக்கத்  தவறவில்லை.  குறிப்பாக "நேற்று நான் பார்த்ததும்", "ஒருத்தி மேலே மீண்டும் மையலானேன்" என்ற பாடல்கள் மயிலிறகாய் மனதை வருடுகின்றன.  ஆனால் எல்லா பாடல்களுக்கும் சிகரம் வைத்தாற்போல் "ஒவ்வொன்றாய் திருடுகிறாய்" பாடல் காதில் ரீங்காரம் செய்த வண்ணம்   இருக்கிறது.  சமீப காலங்களில் இதுபோன்ற ஒரு பாடல் கேட்பது அரிதாகிவிட்ட சூழலில், இதே பாதையில் இமான் செல்வது அவருக்கு மேலும் பெருமை சேர்ப்பதோடு, கேட்பவர்களின் காதுக்கும் மனதுக்கும் குளிர்ச்சி அளிக்கும்.

இது படம் மட்டுமல்ல கிரிக்கெட் விளையாட்டை முழுமையாக நம்பி ஈடுபடும் இளைஞர்களுக்கு ஒரு பாடமும் கூட.

SADHURANGA VETTAI

- Movie Review

The movie starts with interesting "Double Decker" sequence, trapping Ilavarasu (as Chettiar) into the scam with comic sequences especially warning him to maintain silence to prevent weight loss to "Vijay".

Then the famous MLM scenes.  The Director has clearly portrayed the "Brain Wash" techniques employed by MLM companies, exploiting the weakness of youngsters who dream to become rich overnight.  The dialogue uttered by Gandhi Babu "Plenty of money at your feet.  It is up to you to grab with both hands or pinch and take a bit" would mesmerize any youngster.  Filling bathroom water and sealing it with label is quite disturbing to watch.

Bus stand sequence involving failed attempt to fetch Rs.100 followed by brainy tactic to fetch Rs.400 itself is a testimony to the logic and trend of the film.  The dialogue "to cheat someone, you must induce desire in his mind" reveals the condition of present day citizens.

K.R.Jewellers scenes, Emu Farm story, Rice Pulling are shot with proper sequences sustaining interest throughout.  The film might have been shot after a thorough study about recent scams.

Theatre erupts into laughter in the scene where police officials run out of paper while receiving complaints about Gandhi Babu through fax.

Cinematographer turned actor Nataraj Subramaniyan as Gandhi Babu performed in such a splendid manner that you cannot think of any other person doing that character, including top heroes of Kollywood.  He fits into that character so naturally.

Ishaara had done her part reasonably well showing her timid approach in the earlier sequences and having a concern for Gandhi Babu in spite knowing his unlawful activities.

The film might create awareness among the people to stay away from such scams.  At the same time it might also encourage and provide enough ideas to such miscreants.

In any case, it is a movie to watch just for its novelty, excellent screenplay and splendid performance of Nataraj.

Well Done!!

NERAM

- Movie Review

Life is a complex drama with lot of twists and turns in its script.  One small incident changes the course of one's life either in constructive manner or in a destructive manner.  This movie is based on this uncertainty of life.  

The story revolves around Nivin Pauly (as Vetri) who faces severe financial after being "pink slipped".  He has to handle many problems like mental agony, convincing his lover Nazriya Nazim's (as Veni) father Thambi Ramaiya (as Saravana"R"), tackling his brother-in-law, etc.

Navin, in his path of struggle meets different characters like Bobby Simha (as Vatti Raja, a ruthless money lender), Ramesh Thilak (as Lighthouse) who adds to his agony, John Vijay (as Sub-Inspector), etc.  Nasser's brief appearance also has its own impact as it brings about a dramatic turnaround in the fortunes of Navin.

The screenplay is very clear and logical to a greater extent.  There are also some interesting duels with a right blend of humour in the conversation and situation.

For instance...

*  Painter's reply to Thambi Ramaiya's query "how to enter the police station?"

* Sub-Inspector made to stay in a cell due to painting work in the police station

* Sub-Inspector's suggestion to Thambi Ramaiya to become a senior officer and give him an idea about how to proceed with the case

* Vatti Raja's goonda having a costly mobile without balance or button not working

* Thambi Ramaiya's definition on "housewife's role" according to the context

* Manobala checking a patient in "Mortuary" and declaring him "dead"

Debutant director Alphonse Putharen should be complimented for giving an uncomplicated and practical movie. 

Such small budget but effective movies would definitely boost the morale of the Tamil film industry and encourage the creators to produce more movies under this genre.

Superb!!!

CHENNAIYIL ORU NAAL

- Movie Review

This fine thriller is a multi-starrer Tamil film, a remake of Malayalam film "Traffic". 

In order to perform heart transplant within the stipulated time between two persons separated by a distance of about 150 km, a challenging task is undertaken by a group of people.  Questions like whether they succeed in their attempt?  What are the challenges they face in the journey? make the film interesting and a nail-biting climax unfolds the answer to all these questions.

Popular actors Sharath Kumar, Prakash Raj, Cheran, Raadhika, Vijayakumar, Prasanna and Manobala fit into excellent characters and share equal importance in the film.  To add star value to the movie, Suriya makes a brief appearance.  Character artistes Jayaprakash and Lakshmy Ramakrishnan are also given powerful roles and they have done extremely well.

Sharath Kumar as Police Commissioner Sundara Pandian does his role to perfection portraying a variety of expressions like action, command, concern, decision making, social responsibility, sympathy, etc. The story kicks off only after his nod to the plan.

Prakash Raj as a Film Star Gautham Krishna does what is expected of him.  Raadhika plays the role of his wife trying to balance between Prakash Raj and their daughter who justify their points i.e. duty and affection.  We have seen this scenario in many films and so there is nothing so special about this combination.

Cheran plays a tainted police official's role, who takes up a challenging job to make amends for his lapse in duty.  Prasanna as Dr.Rohin Joseph does well, a role which needs to express the dilemma between working for a social cause and showing personal anger after being cheated and insulted. 

Mithun as Ajmal brings a twist in the story interrupting the challenging job taken by Satyamoorthy and builds up tension among the audience.

Parvathy Menon and Iniya make brief appearance and their presence fails to make an impact.  Sachin however performed well as an aspiring TV anchor.  Tamil film industry needs a good looking young hero.  Hopefully Sachin will fit into the scheme of things.

Surya's cameo might satisfy his fans and add star value to the movie.  But his sequences spoil the reality of the movie. 

However for so many good things in the movie, we can bear this typical cinematic approach.

NAAN

- Movie Review

Vijay Antony's efforts to prove his mettle as a multi-faceted personality has worked out nicely for him as he is able to perform as a good actor, if not the best, in his debut movie.  Time only can tell whether he is successful as a producer or not as there is mixed reaction among the public about the movie.  His role as a music director, his strong area, is good enough as the song "Makkayela" is already a huge hit.  "Thappellaam" song is good, as it blends with the visual sequences very well.

Vijay Antony, as Karthik/Saleem, may not be good enough in his expressions and body language as an actor.  But his appearance, attire and limited expressions have suited his character in the movie.  Though he appears frozen in most of the scenes, he is able to utilize the opportunity in some scenes like his fierce reaction against a college mate while changing the tyre of Ashok's car, the bar sequence breaking a bottle on his Krishanmurthy's head and threatening the same college mate, his angry duel with Siddharth (as Ashok) when he tries to reveal the true colour of Karthik/Saleem.

Rupa Manjari as Rupa has done her role to perfection.  Vijay Victor as Ashok's friend Suresh has also done well.  His gestures and dialogue provoking Karthik's anger are worth mentioning.  Anuya (as Priya) could do nothing special in her cameo, as there are no strong sequences to support her.  She simply appears as a pretty doll and vanishes immediately.

The screenplay is very smooth portraying the situations compelling Vijay Antony to take certain decisions and hard steps.  The crucial bus journey proves to be a turning point in the movie.

Jeeva Shankar, a disciple of late Cinematographer/Director Jeeva, has directed the movie.  He is totally successful in maintaining suspense and thrill throughout the movie.  Directorial touch can be felt and appreciated in the scene involving Karthik with towel and Ashok, wherein Ashok employs a different method to prove/understand that Karthik (calling himself as Saleem) is not a Muslim.

There are some negative points as well.  The logic behind certain dreadful activities of Vijay Antony is not convincing.  Also the Director's "Nobody is perfect" policy and justification of Karthik's deeds and his easy escape from the policemen is not encouraging at all.  It will in fact send a wrong message to the society.

Otherwise it is a well made film.

Pass mark to Vijay Antony as an actor.  He definitely has a bright career as an actor if he improves in certain areas.

Good movie but for a few minor lapses.

THAANDAVAM

- Movie Review

Yet another Vikram-Vijay combination after their successful campaign in Deiva Thirumagal. The film has scored full marks as far as quality is concerned.  The movie also provided enough scope for Vikram's versatile acting talent.

Director's creativity can very well be understood from the title itself.  Hero Vikram's original name is Shivakumar (Shiva) and the title of the film is "Thaandavam".

Vikram's scintillating performance as a blind man especially the echolocation technique is worth mentioning.  Contrary to his artificial and over-action in Deiva Thirumagal, Vikram has done exceptionally well displaying an array of expressions like romance, anger, vengeance and stunt as a full package.  He has taken enough care to maintain the seriousness throughout the movie.

Santhanam's comedy has worked out as a relief in the midst of hard sequences of the film.  Though repeated instances involving Santhanam and the policemen reminds us of "Abhoorva Sagotharargal", his timely dialogues are able to create laughter to some extent.  His superfluous dialogue with a senior police officer does not appear natural.

Amy Jackson's character is totally unwanted in this film, especially when the revenge sequences are going in full swing.  Her role seems to be an unwanted insertion in the story.

Anushka's role is extremely opposite.  Her mature thinking, working for a noble cause, clear understanding with her husband about future plans, her expressions after understanding her husband's position, etc. have once again brought out her acting abilities.  She could garner lot of appreciation through her performance  in Vaanam and Deiva Thirumagal. This movie is yet another feather in her cap.  Director has nicely brought out her talent not allowing glamour sequences, which might have brought down that character.  The sequences at River Bridge have been shot well.

Nasser, Lakshmi Rai and Sayaji Shinde have done their role to perfection.  Telugu fame Jagapati Babu (JB)'s character is the surprise element in the movie.  The suspense has been maintained right from his introduction scene and finally when the misery unfolds it makes the audience spellbound.

G.V.Prakash Kumar's music is the most disappointing factor in the movie as the songs are below par, especially when you remember his scores in Madrasapatnam and Deiva Thirumagal. 

You can definitely watch the movie for Vikram's extra-ordinary performance, picturesque London, excellent story and clear screenplay.

Great Movie!!!

NAAN EE

- Movie Review

Excellent trailers and good promotional tactics raised the expectation level sky-high.  The movie really lived up to the expectation, one must say.

Nani and Samantha as a romantic pair provide the ideal  “starter” before the heavy meal to follow.  Sudeep has acted splendidly displaying an array of expressions like dominance, royal look, jealousy, vengeance, cruelty, fear of death, etc. etc.

Director S S Rajamouli has moved the story in a smooth manner.  The real success of the story is the change in the approach of the viewer while watching the actual movie as against his mixed feelings while watching the trailer.  Suddeep’s reactions to the fly menace seem irrelevant and exaggerated when you watch the trailer.  But it is totally justified and appears logical when you watch the movie.  Other characters in the movie watch Sudeep in a manner similar to what we experienced while watching the trailer.

Graphics and special effects form the backbone of the movie.  Though much care has been taken to make things logical, there are a few lapses like the fly travelling long distance to reach Sudeep, abnormal deeds by a fly, re-birth of the fly to carry on protecting Samantha, even after complete destruction in the end, etc.  Otherwise it is an excellent effort and the entire team has done a commendable job.

A great movie indeed….

VAZHAKKU EN 18/9

Director Balaji Sakthivel once again proved his prowess to present a movie of reality. 

The story revolves around two pairs of contrasting lifestyles and attitudes.   Sri (as Velu) literally lived as a street-side food shop worker.  His earlier sacrifice to help his parents also touches one's heart. Taking a leaf out of Angaadi Theru fame Vasanthabalan's book, Sri's homework, working in a street-side food shop before the start of the movie, helped him to a greater extent to perform naturally.  His hesitant love with Urmila Mahanta (as Jothi) is very pleasant, a rare gesture among the youngsters of present day.  Whereas the other part of Mithun Murali (as Dinesh) with Manisha Yadav (as Arthi) is extremely opposite.  It clearly portrays the IT hazard and MMS culture faced by the youngsters of the day.  Hope the youngsters learn a lesson from this movie.

The two stories get interlinked through a Police Interrogation and the story gains great momentum soon after that.  Muthuraman performed brilliantly as Inspector Kumaravel.  It is a tribute to his performance that he succeeded in grabbing the attention of Superstar Rajinikanth, who was lavish in his appreciation.

Another interesting character is the boy who joins Velu in the street-shop, aspiring to become an actor.  Street-shop owner also did his part very well. 

Political hands suppress the truth in the court of law and the brave step taken by Jothi in the climax is an important turning point in saving Velu. 

A great movie which once again proved that if the storyline is strong and performance is natural, Tamil audience will accept the movie wholeheartedly, irrespective of the stardom. 

Hats Off !!!

ENGEYUM EPPOTHUM

An extremely interesting movie portraying the experiences of passengers travelling by two buses one plying from Chennai to Trichy and the other bus plying from Trichy to Chennai.  The movie starts with the terrific head-on collision which occurs between these two buses.  Soon after, the movie goes back to the sequences which happened 4 hours prior to the unfortunate incident.  Each character appearing as passengers of the bus has some memorable experiences which is fantastically shown in the movie.  The manner in which buses are made ready before the journey are shown in detail, which is quite unique to Tamil movie.

Ananya plays the role of a timid girl from Trichy visiting Chennai for the first time, in search of a job.  She is helped by Sarva, who makes a memorable debut in this movie. Ananya's expressions are exceptional throughout her appearance in the movie, showing her reluctance to cope up with the city culture and Chennai bus routes, suspecting Sarva's every move and her spontaneous reaction to a co-passenger in the share auto to respond  "I am (?) completed B.E., with 92%, I know English" and gradually getting bold enough to buy "Kings" for Sarva, etc. Anjali however plays a contrasting character, a bold girl who constantly teases Jai before finally accepting his proposal.  Jai has done equally well, especially his shock at the manner in which Anjali spends money in a luxurious shop and hotel. There are some more minor characters in the bus which have great impact like the person who is fast asleep waking up every time he hears "Trichy Trichy", the man who returns from the Gulf after 5 years getting frequent calls from his eager kid, the elderly person who talks to his son to pick him, the intimate couple-husband accompanying his wife as long as possible though he actually came for a send off, two youngsters exchanging romantic gestures through their eyes, the cute girl who keeps walking and conversing with the passengers, etc. 

The extra strong points of the story, apart from the crisp screenplay and editing, are the dialogues and some interesting scenes.  To mention a few, Jai's mother asking him over phone "You want me to beat drums and blow trumpets when you come home?",  Jai and friends selecting dress according to their girlfriend's dress on that day and his friend coming with Khakhi dress to match his Polytechnic girlfriend, Jai's sarcastic comments "At least change the subject" after listening to his friend's brother's remarks "we want to discuss mathematics in Ibrahim park", the girl offering Jai ice and requesting him not to disclose the fact, auto driver consoling Jai "Seems you come by auto for the first time, you will get accustomed to it sooner or later", Jai asking for "Bru Coffee" in Coffee Shop and arguing with the bearer as the "Cold Coffee" not hot enough(?), Sarva's excellent answer to Ananya for her criticism on Chennai, Ananya getting a checkered shirt for her father in memory of Sarva, Ananya's appropriate answer to her cousin to brush her doubt aside on how a girl could understand a boy in one day, Jai's age justification and his dialogue in that context "I may not be Tendulkar, but you are Anjali to me", slogan "It's my papa's road" written on a rash driver's car, etc.

Songs are good and are apt to the sequences and situation of the movie. "Govinda Govinda Chennaiyile Pudhu Ponnu" has a mocking tune, "Maasamaa Aaru Maasamaa" has folk flavour, "Un Pere Theriyaathu" has the mesmerizing voice of Madhushree and "Chotta Chotta Nanaiya Vaithaai" in Chinamyee's sweet voice is a fine melody. Music Director C.Sathya has done reasonably well.

The Director is extremely alert to include a scene "Men at Work" to justify head-on collision happening in GST road in which majority of the places have median. The collision is shown graphically very well and the screams and bloodshed during the collision are quite horrifying and filmed in a realistic manner.

Though I would definitely suggest you to watch this movie without any hesitation, you must have a brave heart to watch the unfortunate accident and the aftermath of the collision.  It would be a lesson to rash drivers as the movie clearly exposes the difficulties faced and losses suffered by many families due to the lapse in concentration or arrogance of one or two drivers, though this particular accident is due to some unfortunate incident of windscreen being covered by a cloth.

M.Saravanan, A.R.Murugadoss's long time associate, makes his debut as a Director in this movie and deserves credit for making the movie very interesting in spite of the fact that majority of the sequences happen during the bus journey.  The opening title of the movie has the audio of bus journey in the background and the end title has some vital advice to the drivers in the form of audio.  Full credit should go to A.R.Murugadoss Productions & Fox Star Studios for their brave attempt in presenting a different movie to the audience, having full faith in their taste and passion for novel ideas.

Great movie, but it is difficult to digest the reality.

DEIVA THIRUMAGAL

A heartrending story combined with extra-ordinary performance, lucid screenplay and well-structured sequences combine to churn out an unforgettable movie in the history of Tamil film industry, though inspired by the Hollywood movie "I am Sam".

Vikram literally lives as "Krishna" in the movie while others rally around him. It is amazing to see him depict the character of a mentally challenged person with such a remarkable consistency. Baby Sara as "Nila" shows lot of maturity in her acting.  The scope for these two characters is so immense that other characters had to be content playing little cameos in the movie.  Anushka, Santhanam, Nasser, M.Bhaskar, Amala Paul and Y.G.Mahendran should be commended for playing their role to perfection.

There are several emotional scenes in the movie which would make your heart melt.  Nila's classmate who often teases Krishna finally understanding his noble heart and kissing him, Nila's grandfather leaving Krishna midway in the outskirts of Chennai, Krishna's reluctance in crossing the road when the signal is not through with minutes left for his crucial meeting with Nila, M.Bhaskar's tactical statement in the court saving Krishna, Hand Shadow Art playing a crucial role in an emotional scene to describe the interaction between Krishna and Nila in total darkness, Krishna's splendid gesture bringing the medicine for Nasser's son, mute interaction between Krishna and Nila in the court, Nasser's emotional surrender and finally the practical but painful decision of Krishna in the climax.  Altogether a mixture of emotions which would bring out tears instantaneously and make your heart moan for a long time.

G.V.Prakash Kumar has scored the music apt to the sentiment of the movie. "Aariro" sung by Haricharan and "Vizhigalil Oru Vaanavil" sung by Saindhavai are particularly impressive. Director Vijay should be applauded for bringing out this wonderful movie. Credit should also be given to him for making the song sequences interesting. His partnership with G.V.Prakash after the historic movie "Madarasapatnam" has worked out wonderfully well once again.

Kollywood film fraternity can feel proud that it could offer quality movies like Angadi Theru, Madrasapatnam, Mynaa and Deiva Thirumagal in the recent times.  If this trend continues, it would easily garner the respect and honour which Malayalam and Bengali films succeeded in getting so far. 

A splendid movie which would remain glued to your memory for a long long time.

AVAN IVAN

Yet another Bala movie which has created much hype especially after his recent masterpiece "Naan Kadavul".  

Vishal and Aarya have been offered the roles of step-brothers with peculiar names Walter Vanangamudi and Kumbiduren Saamy respectively.  But the ample of scope provided to Vishal takes him far ahead of Aarya.  Vishal, with his womanish gestures, which he derived from his dance movements, and squint eyes add up to make his role challenging and performance-oriented.  I won't be surprised if Vishal gets an award for this movie.

Ambika plays the role of Vishal's mother in a manner she would have never imagined in her life.  G.M.Kumar as Highness, plays the role of a Zamindar to perfection.  The way he supports the families of Vishal and Aarya, bringing about peace makes his character supreme.  He is also instrumental in bringing out the inherent acting talent of Vishal.

Janani Iyer as Police Constable and Madhu Shalini as a college student fall in love with Vishal and Aarya respectively.  They simply come and go in the movie.  Nothing special about Yuvan Shankar Raja's music.

The movie has lot of negative aspects like the unwarranted joke which Vishal cuts at Janani Iyer's uniform, Ambika's filthy language, atheist remarks thrust upon by Bala on some divine characters on stage (which he did elaborately in his previous movie Naan Kadavul), cheap dialogues uttered by Vishal, ugly and cruel murder of Highness, the manner in which Aarya imitates the possible fear the top actors would have if Vishal becomes an actor, etc. etc.

However there are some bright moments in the movie like the performance of Vishal and Highness, Vishal performing "Navarasa" in front of celebrity Surya and Vishal's anger after his mentor's murder. 

Many of the scenes are not for family viewing, not due to any obscenity, but because of the raw, filthy language used by the lead characters in the movie.  Had this been under control, the movie would have been ideal for family viewing.

KHO

Great movie based on the prevailing political scenario in the country.

Veteran actress Radha's  daughter Karthika makes a decent debut in this movie.  Jeeva, Karthika and "Goa" fame Pia Bajpai work as journalists in a Tamil daily.  Jeeva in fact is a photo journalist.  Pia's one side love with Jeeva and the romance between Jeeva and Karthika pushes the movie with some interesting and humorous encounters.  However Jeeva's brave endeavour revealing the ugly side of the politicians puts him into trouble.  How Jeeva faces it and comes out triumphant is the main interest in the story.

Prakash Raj & Kotta Srinivasa Rao, ideal choices to act as politicians have done their role to perfection.  "Anjathe" fame Ajmal also has done his part well.

Harrys Jayaraj's memorable tunes add to the charm of the movie.  Mesmeric song "Ennamo Etho" is already a big hit.

An interesting movie with some realistic scenes.

You can watch this movie without any hesitation.

VAANAM

 

We have seen three tracks of stories combining at a point in movies like "Aaydha Ezhuthu".

But this is a movie where you see five such tracks.  

Bharath, as an aspirant guitarist from Bangalore, leaves for Chennai accompanied by his troupe, Saranya leaves for Chennai with her father-in-law to find a solution to clear her debts and retrieve her son, Muslim couple Prakash Raj & Sonia Agarwal take a journey to Chennai in search of former's missing brother, Anusha involved in "age old profession" takes the train to Chennai with different business plans.  

With these people reaching Chennai, Simbu is already there in the Metro as a Cable Operator.  His rush for money to succeed in his love results in a complicated situation.  The moment these people come together under mysterious circumstances, the real drama begins.  What you see after this meeting is a thrilling climax filled with action and suspense.  A touching end to the film makes the movie memorable.  Simbu's character in particular becomes unforgettable.

All credit to Director Krish for making the film interesting with proper mixture of scenes involving all the five tracks.  He has cleverly used the current problems like religious violence, problems faced by couples when they are found alone, police station incidents, child labour, etc. 

Yuvan Shankar Raja's music is nothing special in terms of quality, though a couple of fast numbers like "Evandi Unna Pethaan", "No Money" have become the talk of the town (?).

In spite of possessing all the essential ingredients, somehow the movie doesn't seem to be a Box Office Hit.  Difficult to understand public mood.

An interesting movie with excellent screenplay.  Don't miss it.