Raja Rani - Entertainment Rule

A newlywed couple, experience indifference in their marred life from the day one and both were only intend to agonize  each other through silent acts of conflict. The flashback reveals their past, parting the film equally half with enough dose of love, comedy and tragedy making it a wholesome entertainment. After longtime, Nayantara had appeared in a Tamil film and along with Arya - both were seen paired in Boss En Bhaskaran - had ruled each other as Raja and Rani (King and Queen) on screen.

Directed by debutant Atlee, had done a decent job by giving not much important to alcohol and such like comedy scenes had warm up with beer! The way he handled the post breakup scenes is appreciable, without much despair. Jai been Nayan’s love affair, doesn’t look fair but rather he appear like a younger brother to her. As a customer care employ, he makes fuss with Nayan and begs for releasing him from being irritated by multiple callers dialing his number - the people who receive customer care calls will enjoy the scene.

The sweetest and cute part of the film for me personally was Nazriya Nazim’s role as Keerthana, makes cheery on the cake! She’s an example how sweet a girl could be… I like to add a line from Gautaman Bhaskaran of Hindustan Times, wrote: “the one person who caught my attention was Nazriya, who as an Arya’s lover, is absolutely gorgeous with a face that is so expressive that we do not need her to speak”. How true! Hehe… I have become a fan of her lately (check the lovely song of her on my sidebar from Tamil film Neram).

Sathiyaraj as father of Nayantara was emotionally well done and called him as darling by her sounds different. The music (by G.V Prakash) was wonderful overall and I esp. like the song Oday Oday, which is very peppy and stylish and the cinematography also involves creativity. Not to forget, Santhanam has been the minister of this kingdom of king and queen, but as a comedian he makes merely laugh for good rather constantly annoying. The indoor sequences look fair in soft light and the frames were all well composed in an artistic manner. Overall a decent modern family entertainment!

Footnote:

As usual watched the film in the Drive-in Theater here and seldom was it crowded on Monday, we could find number of families with kids parked their seats in front of their cars. It was just like a proof how well the film had reached and received. Despite interruption of rain, everyone seems enjoyed the movie. 

Mariyan - The Immortal

As usual the expectation leads to deceive, but not quite because I anticipated nothing much despite hype created by AR Rahman music. Mariyan is absolutely wonderful movie however it lacks energy or feel boredom, the essence of love uplift the story as deep as ocean and vast dry landscape of Africa produce an embrace of romance and adventure. The film opens to cheerful Sonapareeya (song), sails on the overseas of love, romance and struggle to reunion parted by a strange ordeal in Africa.

The film is based on a real-life incident of three immigrant oil workers from India being kidnapped in Sudan and how they managed to escape from being hostages. Dhanush played the lead character called Mariyan - which means ‘a man who never dies’; hails from a fishing village in  the southern tip of India goes to Sudan on contract basis to work in a construction site, to provide financial support to his ladylove. On his successful tenure and backpack to home, he is caught by the Sudanese terrorist, along with two of his co-worker were dragged through unknown terrain demanding money for their freedom.

Apart his great venture across terrible landscape of Africa and chased by merciless terrorist following brutal attacks… the film deals with caressing love and romance at initial half. Parvathi is paired with Danush; pursue him with love affair until he reveals back his hidden love, take us on a beautiful voyage of elegant love and natural expressions of Parvathi.  Dhanush has undergone a great ordeal from bottom of sea to drought prevailing desert or landscape of Africa, delivered a performance of absolutely tamed fishermen and strong ability beholding lean body.  

The film also has a scene of fishermen’s body washed ashore expose to Sri Lankan firing. Dialing a phone to his ladylove, from the custody of terrorist instead calling his company for their release is something showcased the depth of love but not so interesting! AR Rahman’s music has assist advancing the feature, which has been one of the prime aspect make watching pleasure… Neetru Aval is a beautiful song fascinated with love, but I disappointed with Kadal Raasa Naan… for which I expected it to be more savor and cheerful, but it fall into sorrow.

The film directed by Bharat Bala - who produced the acclaimed Vanda Matram video composed by AR Rahman - could have make it more interesting and serious the second half rather leaving it obvious to guess. Cinematography was handled by Marc Koninckx; captured the emotions more graceful and amazing underwater scenes.  Mariyan somehow lacks entertainment but good watching for the performance of Dhanush and elegant love scene. 

Ethir Neechal - Family Entertainment

It seems humor has become favorite genre of filmmakers in Tamil these days releasing number of films based on humor and Ethir Neechal (swimming against the tide) is a decent flick comprising comedy and sports at equal base. Recapturing the caption of late super hit classic, stared by comedy king Nagesh, doesn't have any relation with this film having TV star Sivakarthikeyan in lead has run a marathon race successfully bearing humorous torch.

The film begins with the flashback of how Kunjithapatham allies Harish got the name and his past life that put him on trouble and embarrassment due to his name - which shortened version, makes him an object of ridicule among others. Kunijthapatham (a name of his family deity in the film) loses his father and lives under his mother’s shadow, go through number of embarrassing moments due to his name resisting him emerging atop. Even his first love brakes revealing his name, he decided to change his name on the advice of his friend and also met a beautiful girl Geetha and fall in love for her.

He also impressed her following  comedy series and once she reveals his real name,  she blame him for not being genuine unlike her and after a brief convince between them Geetha ask him to achieve something in life to stabilize his name.  So he decides to run in the annual Chennai Marathon bringing back his running abilities which he can’t establish then due to his name. The film shifts to a serious flat form of pursue athletes and dream of a father who wants her daughter to become a sports champion in running.

Attakathi heroine Nandita plays the young coach, whose desire to become a sport personality was splashed by false result in gender test... which reminds the Indian runner Shanti, from Tamil Nadu, whose medals were snatch as she lost to prove her gender. Sivakarthikeyan has once again proved his natural sense of humor and his innocent look, well fit to the character and Priya Anand as his companion acted beautiful as a school teacher. Manobala plays a numerologist makes laugh riot!

The film was directed by newcomer R.S.Durai Senthikumar, a former assistant of Vetrimaran and produced by actor Dhanush - who also danced for a song in the film. Kolaveri fame Anirudh composed the music and among the six songs, 'Boomi Enna Suthudhea' and 'Velicha Poove' are beautiful songs set happy and romantic mood. The theme song was energetic  The last few minutes on the marathon race make an apex seat watching and I really appreciate the way it was shot and confess the strain.

Ethir Neechal: A decent pace on entertainment pool and pursuit on sports! Assure for laughter and smile J

Udhayam - NH4

Vetri Maran, who bears victory as his fore name has once again succeed creating a interesting plot with the filmmaking of Tamil film ‘Udhayam NH4’ - the highway between Chennai-Bangalore. His early films Pollathavan and Aadukalam did good business with box of hit and talked for the performance of actor Danush and the plot selection.  Udhyam (dawn), directed by his former associate (Mani Maran) on the script written and produced by him, is a romantic thriller runs on a fast track, tracing and chasing with interruption of flashbacks describing the development of love and pursuit.

The film takes a rear seat with usual love story of an average boy and rich politico’s daughter feel for each other and run away braking down her father’s imprisonment and being chased by an encounter specialist sent by her father to capture both. But what make the movie interesting were the treatment and the part of tracking down phases, which were fascinating and stunning with chasing sequences.

Boy’s fame Siddharth plays the hero and well patted the dawn, showcasing his love and guts in decent way. The new face Ashrita is pretty, strong and desirable lass behold through her each gesture and well portrayed a modern girl influenced by pub culture. The film also highlighted the fun and frolic of night pubs in Bangalore (this will suit for any metro cities shaded more on IT and engineering colleges) and the anger of some political parties against such practice where well exposed the reality.

Introduction of Kay Kay Menon in Tamil as encounter specialist, stern through his look, but setting a mood of anytime melt away captures the attention. And the frequent ringing phone from his unrevealed family at home enhances the excitement on will he show grace on the young ones. The cinematography well captured the night scenes and as well the feel of artificial light and darkness of night. Music by GV.Prakesh: other than the two songs (Yaaro Ivan and Ora Kannala), which was hit among youngsters and I too enjoyed listening, doesn't delight. But the BGM rocks!

Udhyam - midnight dawn!

KBKR - Just Fun

I had some fun watching this Tamil movie KBKR (Kedi Billa Killadi Ranga) in theater a day ago, packed with wholesome comedy and entertainment; I couldn't find anything worth missed if you skip this movie. But it’s good to be left with lighter scenario, filled with moments of laugh riot.  From the director of national award winning film ‘Pasanga’, Pandiya Raj, has sought to succeed his name once again, with humorous genre, since his latter movies hadn't done fair business even the concepts were different, the indifferent screenplay doesn't make amuse.

KBKR is a story of two youngster (friends) who wanderlust without doing any job, but joyfully aspiring to stand for local body election to make easy money. Meanwhile both fall in love with different girls, and does funny and silly things to develop an attachment and also work as a volunteer under a politician to seek seat for contesting in election. The film almost travels on humorous track, with usual friendship factors such as combine drinking, pulling legs and silly fights (nowadays there aren't movies without showcasing drinks, while politician in Tamil Nadu wanted quite ban on liquor).  I think for filmmakers showing drinking scene seems giving reality feel, but I don’t know how long they are going to promote liquor as normal thing in cinemas? 

The upcoming heroes Vimal and Sivakarthikeyan play the lead role of Kedi Billa & Killadi Ranga – I couldn't connect what the title conveys, as both characters show similar characterization, Siva does better with his natural humor sense and Vimal’s tone come as his plus. As usual, Soori with his supporting role in friendship made ticking a lot.  Kazugu fame Bindu Madhavi (one of two heroines), come as homely but only to show some action… a distinct character reversible to heroes. Regina, apt to her name in film as Paappa (baby), does a cute performance.

Music by Yuvan Shankar Raja! No song was re-callable and except somewhere the BGM rocks and take forward the film… there’s nothing to say.  The director had tried to make it serious at climax but it hadn't stimulated well and rather bored. Overall ‘KBKR’ can be watched just for fun and time pass!

Paradesi - The Best!

There are very few films come up with a concept of period piece and recreate history exactly or feel close to real. In this front, director Bala’s ‘Paradesi’ (a pejorative Tamil term for wastrel) has took a special place in Indian film industry and within days of release (march 15) the film received National Award for Best costume design – by Poornima Ramaswamy. Inspired by a 1969 English novel ‘Red Tea’ by Paul Harris Daniel, the film upholds real life incidents of enslaved tea plantation workers of pre-independence India.

Director Bala, critically acclaimed for very unusual cinema has transported us to an era where the people of rural villages in the Madras Presidency are drove to work on British tea plantations with a promise of high wage and accommodation on contract base. But once reached, they are treated as enslave and pointing at their accommodation, food and medicine the supervisor cheats the enslaved to work on frustration and uncertain freedom. The film’s lead was unrolled by Adharvaa as Rasa, a carefree young tom-tom beater with half bald head – which is the state of most of men in the film hailed from village as enslave.

Alike Adharvaa, Vedhivka role is equally appraise for characteristic performance. The pretty actress has greased down gracefully, showcasing her acting skill which perhaps would wonder anyone who had watched any of her early pictures. ‘I guess everyone is equally talented and bringing it out is an art of either actor or director similar to student or teacher’. In this way director Bala had done incredible job by bringing or identifying the best out of actors and giving them change while exploring untouched plots.

The film also enclosed the struggle of tea leaf plucking; confesses the truth which is not easy as we see in tea estates, a pretty sight where women wore a basket on back and head covered in colorful shawl. One thing that impressed or impounds me in the film was the tone.  The dark yet low-light gave a realistic touch and brought down the more emotional and enslave scenes into less impulse. The music scores vital support to the film and songs come alongside the sequence is fair impressive and profound lyrics produces energy whiles lives at enslave.

Nowhere could I see an actor on screen and every character were so alive. The film run for more or less than two hour has very less dialogues, but the expressions and cinematography explains a lot. I recommend this film as must watch everyone and there is no language barrier here. Sorry I have no complains about the film, but indeed appreciate the entire team of Paradesi and its impossible without hardship and hats off to Bala to think different from any other.

Aadhi-Bhagavan – My Vision

Ameer’s Aadhi-Bhagavan was suppose to notice for the technical background and action performed by Jayam Ravi in dual role and one of it showing bisexual or effeminate in character. The Tamil film released under the action crime genre was unrolled by ‘A’ certificate, due to some brutal violence and abundant showcase of liquor and smoke. The film began with a force of income tax raid at a VIP house in AP (Andhra Pradesh), shifts to Pattaya’s fun and frolic streets where Aadhi (Ravi) deals with a mafia group, the money he stole from the VIP by  acting as a strict IT officer – reminds Vikram in Kandhasami. 

Unlike the beginning, the remaining scenario wasn't interesting until Bhagavan (another Ravi) shows grace as a comic killer, whose girlfriend Rani accompanying Aadhi, flew to Mumbai to lead him into a police trap for rather resembling Bhagavan. Neetu Chandra as Rani does a pivotal role which is a rare phenomenon in male dominated Indian film industry; the martial artist and model turn actress delivered an outstanding performance as a pity waitress and devoted girlfriend of Bhagavan, to whom she could do anything.  At other hand Jayam Ravi exhibited a flourishing feminine mannerism and fascinate for women had well expressed his face and the smiling gesture has enhanced his comic character.

As Aadhi, Jayam Ravi wore a stylish court suite enveloping his Mafioso role. I find the most disappointing was perhaps the first half and lack of entertainment. The film’s many dialogues were a blend of multilingual changes according to cities traveled and the subtitles were sore  to read even watched through big screen – as usual the Prarthana drive-in theater. The movie doesn't show any strong reason or significance why Aadhi become a Mafioso and Rani could even die for saving Bhagavan while she well aware his affair for other girls and involve in lovemaking leaving her at living room. I know I am stupid if I seek for justice? He-he…

The most stunning overall was the chasing sequence that leads to bloodshed climax. The pursuing scenes remind me the enthralling ‘Bourne Ultimatum’ which is my favorite among the Bourne series. The film had touched many historical places of India during its course at rear end. The songs weren't significant and couldn't understand a bit. But the nightclub song at Pattaya, quite own Hindi lyrics had a good number of dance movements, other than the colorful Goan song and duet in Rajasthan desert. Music scored by Yuvan! I liked the theme Bhagavan…

Ameer’s ‘Aadhi-Bhagavan’ (Ancient God) is yet another movie, couldn't stop but compare with Hollywood grade and it only shows our attempts to resemble there rank rather uploading our own. I would give 2^nd rank to this film on Ameer’s directorial venture and the 1^st one would remain Raam – my all-time personal favorite of him.

Watch it if u were an action movies buff! I warn the first half was boring.

Kadal (The Sea) View

I had a wonderful visual treat; watching the Tamil film ‘Kadal’ from my regular Drive-in Theater here late night, get me an experience of floating at a distinct yet fabulous locale. Sea, being the livelihood of fishermen had become the source of this film and characters play a powerful sail on the gently yet rough screenplay, but boarding a weak story. There are many films related to fishing folk formerly, but Kadal has been fascinating a lot among enrich showcased in location setting. I wished there was a total different story on this performance oriented on board into the sea.

There are two main characters lead the story with their impressive performance: the comeback of yesteryears handsome hero, Arvind Swamy, took crown once again representing a respectful priest and Karthik son Gautham’s debut as young hero, certainly befit to the character of young fishermen that uncertain to adapt anybody. And of course we can’t go with them alone; everybody does a natural play around the scenario and the teen heroine, Thulasi (daughter of actress Raatha), steals heart with her childish attitude and cute expressions… she has a long way to go become a mature artist.

The film almost sails on a lifeboat of characters, the sea become a backbone to this mysterious or lead to confusion subject. The Tamil slang spoken in the film was very unusual and offensive somewhere, adding chaos at understanding the phrases. The songs composed by AR. Rahman had already recognized as best, has once again confessed to stole via visuals, except Nejikkula – the one tops the album has lost track between scenes and speech – cinematography has ruled others with two excellently choreographed. The setting of the Church and fishing market and the broken ship are architecture excellence!

The most fascinating and stunning part of the film was the climax! The actions performed by the three (Goutham, Aravind and Arjun) on the ship on rough seas were breathtaking and represent anything unlike before a Tamil cinema has witnessed. I read from the acclaimed cinematographer (Rajiv Menon) interview that the awesome storm sequence at climax was shot alive during the Nilam Cyclone that landfall near Chennai in October. Taking the film crew into the sea when the storm was at its peak really needs guts, and not only our filmmakers but the actors too truly amaze me by taking such dare ventures and experimenting live action using the unpredictable terrible natural event.

Hats off to ace director Mani Ratnam for creating unique at Tamil cinema, taking each pace forward into his own standard with film-making;  Kadal is another film adds credit to his phenomenal except the disappointment with story but, technically and naturally content.  

Kumki – Jumbo ride

Expectation is something we can’t avoid, however; even we get frustration sometime going overly anticipating. So was a film was wonderful, the anticipation happens robotically towards the filmmaker’s next venture and there’re only few in the film division whose makeup lives up to the feeling and enhance and embrace close to the heart.

From the time the movie was entitled, the anticipation began; since the movie is based on things I’m passionate about – nature and wild, how can a tamed elephant story become exception? Kumki is a Tamil name for the captive, trained Indian elephants that are used mostly for taming and training of newly captured wild elephants and also to lead away wild elephants that stray into human settlements.

Prabu Solomon, the director of the late fascinating film Mynaa has come up conjoining nature and music side by side, comprising romance and thriller leading the movie to emotional core. Set in a tribal village, which faces the stroke of wild elephant and lose of lives hires a trained elephant to tackle the tusker that threatening their lives and livelihoods; the mahout who falls in love with their tribal girl decided to stay there with his show elephant, which doesn't trained to combat a wild elephant. But how come he manages all in spite of love and venture on tusker; embark on an adventures ride.

The grandson of Sivaji, Vikram Prabu doesn’t let down the pride of greatest actors of all time, portrait as mahout perfectly, conveyed almost inherent of the character that distinctly noticed. Being a debut actor, his unfamiliar face is plus and Lakshmi Menon strikes through her cute expressions even expose to tremble, beholds a perspective native tribe women. The film was throughout fascinating and Thambi Ramaiah does a mainstream humor and character vise manipulate. The head of the tribe village is also a notable character.

There’s a lot to experience in the film which visually treat and sound track creates a vibrant and alive moments esp. the Jog falls sequence was stunning and an ever seen scene shot on the screen. Terrific! I really need to mention about Music, which is the heart beat of the feature film and songs are quite intimate with the scenes and no where it feels off track or disjoined. The scenes related to elephant destruction and battle are created through graphics; but the way u look into the screen will animate and the real elephant Manikam was truly admirable and being the largest land animal, its behaviors are very childish and creates a sympathy over its disposition.

I need to say the Kumki (movie) was completely blissful and worth watching! Get ready for a lovely experience :)

Thuppakki – Only for firing

The hang of Kasab (the lone survived gunman of 26/11 Mumbai terror attack) and the month of November go hand-in-hand with the release of Thuppakki (Gun) is a coincident, because the movie also deals on terrorist bombing in Mumbai. The movie is a wonderful action thriller, driving Vijay on a serious platform and it would have been much better if it was drove through this genre track without derail through songs and insensitive love scenes.

The film’s highlight was the action sequences and Santhosh Sivan’s stunning cinematography, and cleverly moved scenario by A.R. Murugadoss – the director of the movie, is flashed. I feel few scenes and songs are forced inside the story to satisfy the fans of actor Vijay (I’m sure they won’t like it too) and I wonder when he will realize or lose zeal this custom of giving unchanged unflavored unwanted scenes to watch.

Nothing interesting in the movie like the action, the fight scenes are not recommended for light hearted and the exciting part was shooting a dozen sleeper cells at a moment in various places across Mumbai. The climax is a total mess up upon the anticipated and the director seems had no choice than giving up to frustration to end the movie, by escaping though a speed boat!

The songs weren’t so fair but couple of them was stylish in Madhan karky and Pa.Vijays lyrics and Vennilave is calm and beautiful song acclaim to voice of Hariharan and Bombay Jayashri and shot at Swizz. Villain Vidyut Jamwal well suits the roll of a terrorist head and being a martial artist, he deserves the combat at the climax and unlike Mattrraan, Kajal Aggarwal doesn’t hold importance in the film than adding some spicy to gun roll.

Thuppakki – Blast more than shooting.

Maattrraan – moves into international platform

I wished not to miss this movie watching in theater, and went for a late night last show in drive-in, the only theater I could visit and more over the director of the movie, K.V. Anand is one of my favorite filmmaker in Tamil lately whose movies make me look forward his next venture and I feel he’s someone special in creating quite content and quality films on the mainstream cinema. Maattrraan is also a unique movie dealing with conjoined twins and we have seen many movies on twins early but this is something different for which the director has to be appreciated.  This is very interesting and amazing to see how conjoined twins survive with different style and attitude on their own with no space for personal or privacy since both stick together.... the film make a thought on the real conjoined exists.

The movie not only left with the conjoined twins but also handles a serious social subject on adulterated energy drink as alternate, the movie rides on a roller coaster of action thriller, glamour and social science and technology. As Vimal and Akhil, Surya plays the dual role perfectly and there’s nothing to say about his acting because he had lived to the core of the subject and the action sequences are stunning with merry first half and serious pursuit rear.

The director was dare to develop a story tracing back to Ukraine, revealing a real mystery flight crash and   the country’s well performance at world games by the athletes based on steroid in 80’s moves the Tamil cinema into a international platform. One important thing that leaves at amaze and spellbind was the cinematography; the director who itself an outstanding cinematographer doesn’t need much to say how well the visual performance must be... he makes everything look at the state of the art.

Sachin Khedekar as Ramachandran does a great job of father and genetic scientist, wearing a smart face of veil hiding an evil and Kajal Aggarwal holds a partially chief role alongside Surya, adding glitz and glam to cheerful; and one of the drawbacks of the movie was the early grip loose of the suspense but the director dragged as much possible tighten and loosing the thread like a kite before landing on ground. The songs were a kind of usual Harish Jayaraj flick and the intro song was fascinating with apt lyrics and the duet was remarkable capturing the wonders of Norway.

Could easily feel the hard work of each crew behind the screen and without going deep in research on the technicians and technology used off-screen I appreciate all the emphasis given from behind to behold. Overall Maattrran is a better transformation or enhance for Tamil cinema on the commercial front. 

Sundarapandian

Sundarapandian is a love and friendship based rural entertainment capturing the anger and frustration in love, alongside humor and sentiments leading the families to theater. Sasikumar plays the lead character and himself produced the film was directed by his late associate Prabhakaran and the movie is a kind of his usual embark on friendship cruise.

Lakshmi Menon as heroine is a lovely homely debut to Tamil cinema and her innocent smile and mischievous sights are sure to strike your hearts and she also expressed a good acting. The Parotta comedy fame Soori creates wonderful humor and Appukutty’s love interest on heroine was just freak and funny but he gains overall sympathy by run over by a bus and brings a brake to the fun journey.

The movie was shot almost around the Usilampatti town of Madurai district, and when it comes to movies based on Madurai it’s rare to look out of violent and anger; but Sundarapandian was much better than the previous movies except climax at bloodshed. The songs and music weren't imposing but the hero introduction song was pretty and peppy and other songs were a part of fair series.

Bottom line:

Sundarapandian is a family entertainment flick with dose of friendship notes.  I’m sure Sasikumar receives many female fans follow the film and so was his acting supposed to be.

AttaKathi – unique

I watched this good film, 'AttaKathi', with my cousin on Tuesday evening in Drive-in; and it was a Tamil movie captured on a phase of life of a casual youth who seeking for love and it wasn’t like watching a movie, but just checking out the next door.  Every character we come across the movie was so real and natural and even everyone are new faces, it wasn’t feel strange but too familiar like we interact every day in neighborhood.

AttaKathi is a combine of two Tamil words referred to ‘cardboard knife’ and the main character of the movie is lead by the title, who entice like a hero to become only zero!  The movie is all about the hero ‘Dhina allies Dinakaran’ who fall in love for every beautiful girl he come across and he leads a group of friends whose vow is to only love and marry... but at a moment in frustration that no one loves him, he decides love is not for him and changed his attitude and style, which leads him to college... where once again love knocks at the door.

The actor doesn’t expresses a gem of acting but his causality gets applauds and whenever he tries to react to emotion or impress a girl he leaves us aloof and laughter. There are many locally things in the movie that would cherish anybody who grows around Chennai and the bunch of Gaana songs are one of an enchanting of the movie, we get to experience after a long back.

Among the two more girls, Poornima holds charm somewhat on the screen; and buses play an important role in the movie where most of the scenes were captured inside the bus and on the footboard. Dhina is called as route thaala (leader) by everyone in college, which I am hearing first time, words used to describe the leader of the bus that en route to college; and something that I find great relief was that on one used cell phones!

It isn’t a usual love story where failures taken into serious destruction or depression, but everything were left lighthearted and like there’s an end, there’s a beginning... the love starts seeing another girl. The background score were somehow reminding the theater performance and the songs are unique and interesting to listen through refreshing lyrics! Aasai Oru Pulveli is my favorite song.

Atta Katha... deserves watching for its innovation and refreshing indeed!

Saguni

After planning for day after another to watch the Tamil flick Saguni in drive-in was happened only on Friday after gathering hope it won’t rain that evening, as it threatened with dark clouds like the first day and heavily showering on the consecutive day. The movie was an entertainment pack with politics as background and it is one of a decent commercial film released lately and gladly it doesn’t have any punch dialogues, one man army or gang war or skin shows!

The story wasn’t interesting but the way it leads at second half was good and moves enthusiastically for us to watch keeping away our basic sense!  Karthi plays the role of Saguni, who interact with political activities and leaders to achieve his goal being their reliable source and Santhanam helps him by losing everything and tried to make us laugh but we got only bored to his blunt jokes and almost seeing him in every film these days.

Pranitha as a heroin, doesn’t have a scene to express or act really and only used for couple of duets. In whichever way Karthi used to impresses her are fake and drawback to the movie and waste of reel. Nassar has been utilized well in the role of god man and he done his best making us laugh and think though his silence; Radhika has shown her face after long back into the big screen as a woman gangster come councilor and city mayor.

The editing and cinematography has made the movie picture clear and background score doesn’t make notice except two songs soothing and capturing the places of picturesque! Prakash Raj has done his job as usual good in role of villain and the credit goes to director who makes it fast on screenplay following the break just being an end to the boredom.

Bottom line:
Overall an entertainment… but no more cheerful to cherish and deliciously insipid!

OK OK

Named after one of my favorite Tamil song from SMS, Oru Kal Oru Kannadi (OKOK) is made with an intention to make audience laughter and with the support of Santhanam, Director Rajesh has given a completely entertainment movie without much cared about a story unsure. The producer Udhayanidhi as a debut actor and along with Hansika Motwani, has tried their level best at just acting than stressful character.

 The entire movie is nothing without Santhanam and he’s has led the movie so well bringing the audience back to theater and gave a laughing treatment to everyone… but somehow at same time enjoying lot the comedy, there is a kind of repeatedly irritating. Unwisely everyone looks so white and bright on screen and the already white beauty Hansika have been whitewashed and the expressions of the lead were not so real and casual to impress.

 The director has tried to maintain his style of comedy and perhaps succeeded with the support of Santhanam and National award winner Saranya has done a beautiful role of a mother who encourages her son’s love. The music was not so impressive and felt so repetition of Harrish Jayaraj’s previous hits and unlike Rajesh’s previous movies the melodies where not soothing.

 The peppy song Venam Machan… is a good Gaana from Harrish jayaraj for the first time and the Azhage Azhage… is a duet beautifully captured the stunning deserts of Jordon and Egypt. The cinematography was pretty clear, sharp and colorful! The movie OKOK gives double guaranty for a good laughter and humor which many often miss to check between their always busy lives.

Kazhugu - 2012

Holding the title of late super hit Tamil movie stared by superstar RajiniKanth has nothing to do with this subject, which is very different to think anyone normally about the lives of those who dare to recover the bodies of whom committing suicide by jumping off the cliff into deep valleys. Renowned for such real in incidents and point, the movie grabs the plot in Kodaikanal and along the adjoining parts of Munnar.
A couple of films old hero Krishna has led the role of recovering bodies along with the help of his friends Thambi Ramaiah and Karunas has uplifted the script with their sensible humor preventing from leading it so serious. The tough job of recovery wasn’t stressful to impressive and it was just a part of the film which deals with lives on land above the cliff and mounds. Bindu Madhavi pursues Krishna in love following his good heart and bringing above the body of her sister who jumped off the cliff.

Not well known in front, Krishna is best suited for the role whose appearance replaces a real life hero involved in the recovery job. The Pasanga fame Jayaprakash does a mystery role whose activity was no were to guess but a thin line of villain expression on behalf. Bindu Madhavi has a matured face and height and while seeking for attention she expresses right at moments.

Almost the movie moves in darkness and night mode, it lacks clear picture at background. The cinematography wasn’t much better than expected but better at behalf ending the movie where the much bloodiness hides in darkness. The BGM wasn’t impressive except the songs, where the two melodies by Yuvan and Karthik Raja were humming sort even I find hard to cope with lyrics. The pre-release ‘Aambalaikum Pombalaikum…’ is a peppy number with catching tunes and somehow true lyrics!

Bottom line:
Kazgugu (Eagle) has gasped the best aspiration for a better cinema from the usual commercial aspects and represents the limelight with darkness.

Aravaan – an epic unveiled

Derived from a chapter on Su.Venkatesan’s Award winning novel Kaaval Kottam, the movie Aravaan reveals the epic of ever known inhabitants of 18th century lived in southern Tamil Nadu and the practice of men sacrifice. The Aravaan is a small character appears in Indian epic Mahabharata, who scarifies himself to goddess to make, won Pandava’s on war for which he received the boon of heredity worship of Koothandavar priced by lord Krishna, who also married him to fulfill his desire by taking a women form before he killed.
The Aravaan, who was presented by another boon to watch the 18 days war of Mahabharata through his cutoff head’s eyes, has been vitally followed as heredity worships of Draupadi and to watch the custom of war, his head had been hanged at a taller post. Thus commemorating this custom, in a part of Tamil Nadu called Kuvakam, holds an 18 day festival where the transgender are married to men as Aravaan whose sacrifice hold stage to leave transgendered window.

But from this epic and custom, the movie Aravaan is quite different in depicting the story where the director’s touch has been a lot on this commercial period. Taking just 10 page facts from the novel, director Vasanthabalan has modified the picture into perfect period setting and selecting best ones for the role to enhance, but somehow lack to create feeling at back in emotion which are similar to epic television serials.

Pasupathi for his expression of reality, the role has feed him as thieving Kombuthi and Aadi at another hand has well drawn into the niches whose attitude and body language thrive. The simple action and adventure doesn’t curious but the setting was… and having a beautiful heroin, the romance and love is missing.

The detail background setting and location selection and edition are all weld well to create the period of different generation. Singer Karthik as debuted music director scores average, except Nila song nothing shines like moon. The ending was indifferent and seems like forced to end to say no need scarifies… the flashback is a great drawback to the vigorous pre-interval.

Bottom line:
Aravaan amaze with incredible period setting and costumes, location and uniform of total ingredients... don’t expect much.

Dhoni – hit the education system

The actor turn-producer Prakash Raj’s directorial debut Dhoni is not alone a movie, but a message for the entire education system that everyone needs to read, understand and help bringing change in future. This is not first time Prakesh Raj impresses with his acting, but taking away the entire script in his hand had moved emotionally to the core unlike ever to leave wet eyes and heart weighted.
He’s one of the finest versatile actors in India whom I like and admire the most, and he has a thirst-quenching for innovative and different movies that an entire family could enjoy. Now as a director has tasted the delicious fruit of the film industry that too taking away a social cause in hand had handled well both the direction and acting at same delight. However he shines on screen as a light on night and shadow at sunshine.

Dhoni, domains the middle-class life and explains their most expectation, the education which they believe and certainly the only source they could save for their children’s future. Karthik as Subu’s son is passionate on cricket and wants to become a player like Dhoni, was forced by his father to concentrate on studies which he’s not interested and unable to memorize a thing brought conflict into them that put crisis to push back at rear.

Akash as Karthik is best choice for the role of 14-years old and he himself in the age of group, acting comes casually to him and expressions where so real… and Radhika Apte as a neighbor is refreshing and smiles so cute as a smart prostitute or keep in decent role. The emotional scene in the backdrop of my favorite talk show Neeya Naana is tough and significant phase to go through deep.

The most attractive part of the movie is the music! Ilaiyaraaja’s composition was quite awesome and bliss esp. the songs and lyrics were rather obvious and meaningful to listen. Again hats off to Prakash Raj for his indeed contribution to the concept of bringing change into the education system has hit hard those critics students so far for their week performance in studies.

Education is to improve our knowledge and not in an intention of money making or fame alone and we need an education that gives special attention to students who are unable to cope up with studies in due care and affection and not hurting them deep. In other hands both parents and teachers need to act as a balance in understanding the child’s ability and mental strength to encourage and develop in what they are interested, and not everyone has an intention like becoming Dhoni, but has some talent hideaway from the common cause education that we only know about.

Dhoni – An all rounder (Prakesh Raj) wins the man of the match and receives great applauds from audience aside!

Nanban - Best friend

Nanban has brought back families to theater and I could see a certain amount of people to be parked their vehicles next to another after long time to send us to back row from our usual parking in drive-in. I try to recollect when I watched a quite entertainment movie and obviously could not come to a conclusion as it is very long time after Vasool Raja MBBS and I’m sure Nanban will stay in touch for long time in memories and as long friendship is there.

The appreciation should go to the 3 Idiots who impressed the grandmaster Shanker to remake it for Tamil audients to go by emotionally touching their hearts to go with their feeling and reverberating heartbeats. The movie bears the message of all is well by massaging our hearts to make it relief whether from hypertension or stress by their laughter blaster treatment and with so much positive energies to cherish.

Being a fan of Vijay once, I hated him alike many on his indifferent and annoy way of acting latterly in movies, but this one wants me to take chance to renewal his fanfare and so was his acting. Absolutely wonderful and charming! I need to say; Sathyan topped the list by making laughter to core and wonder with his performance. His voice modulation has added an aspect to his character to do well.

First I wasn’t favorable with Srikanth’s look but he proves with his insight than being gracious but now couldn’t think of another one in his role and Jiiva done his best. Virus, called by students on Sathyaraj does fairness to his sneering dean character, and this villathi villain isn’t indifferent in expressing his scorn and Ileana as his daughter is very lean alike her name and cute in expression and sweet as sauce.

The BGM was beautiful... and songs are energetic, esp. the song on friendship and the single string solo is fabulous. Nalla Nanban is my favorite one and overcoming the feeling it causes isn’t an instant and its one best rendering about friendship. To remind the movie is made by Shanker, the grandness is touched at least by couple of songs represent the bold and beautifully and at many places the focus has been keep on Ileana’s lean hip.

Bottom line :
All is well! Nanban is a best feature on friendship. Don’t miss the fun and heartwarming feel of friendship.

7th sense

Watched the Suriya starring 7aum Arivu (7th sense – a Tamil movie), in drive-in theater last evening as family is wonderful to watch once for its special effects and action sequence and plot behind the story. The movie is an inspiration brought up from the life of a Buddhist monk called Bodhidharma who lived during the 5th or 6th century and went to China from our neighboring district Kanchipuram (India) to cure a critical disease spreading there and taught the martial art of Shaolin Kung Fu to Chinese.
The beginning of the movie describes the life of Bodhidharma for first 20 minutes is fabulous, with Suriya as Bodhidharma has given a try in portraying him isn’t interesting except for its special effects and cinematography, gives a feel of watching newsreel. As usual Suriya lives up to his ability and character and as a circus man he has nothing to do much with the occupation, stands through his silent monk appearance and stunning action scenes.

The concept of bringing back the techniques from the long lost Pallava prince turned Bodhidharma is fantastic but the treatment is weak and hard to appreciate the attempt lacks through the subject. Shruti Haasan as debut has hit the niches with her natural way of acting and with little innocent on face she holds more scope for performance as a young scientist, has a brighter future ahead certainly and not to forget she is Universal hero’s daughter.

Dong Lee is the best choice for the evil role and the Vietnamese American actor and martial artist threats with his eyesight and driving away the people against the leads are damn remarkable and remind me ‘The Mummies’ where the skeletons rose one by one. A. R. Murugadoss, the director of the movie surely deserves praise for coming up with a different concept and relating the past with future and giving a detail depiction of a legend unknown.

The songs are fantastic and help to decorate or promote the film and O’ringa song caught up with the energies of youngster and remind me a song from Crazy frog and there is a feel that the screenplay could have sound better and strong, and about the emotions, it lacks sense and looks artificial. Overall it’s a wonderful movie to watch and makes wonder about the bio war and science and it feels that it would be nicer if history comes along with the story.