RGB Monday

A cute and colorful Ferris Wheel @ Elliots Beach, Chennai

வானவில்லை உடைத்து செய்த ராட்டினமோ 

கண்கவர் வண்ணத்தில் 

குழந்தைகளை அமர்த்தி மகிழ்விக்க   

The Ferris wheel a broke-up of rainbow?

In fascinating colors 

Hired to entertain children

Taking this RGB Monday further, i have made a chain-link to the meme and like to invite entries who are interested on this theme. Thanks Devilish Angle for encouraging me to take up this meme into chain link… hope you all support me and share your link-in if interested. 

Kodi

There are many films with political scenario, but I think for the first time a movie portrayed a woman politician was Kodi, though Dhanush led the movie and plays the title role. Kodi comes out as a mass political entertainer and to keep things interesting, Dhanush led a double role as elder and younger brother and Trisha as his opposite, as well as opponent, made certain its sound victory.

Growing up with equal status in politics, Rudhra and Kodi make their political carrier with their parties being opposite to each other, they hold affaire secretly away from the politics. Though both being passionate in their political carrier, Rudhra is bit further in upgrading her status and ready to go any extreme to fulfil her dreams whereas Kodi seeks straight forward and true to his love. How this differentiation mingles makes the movie.

Movies with equal importance to opposite gender aren’t frequent, and Kodi generated the theme well using the strong characterization of Rudhra (Trisha) and this could be a milestone role for Trisha who had done number of films. For the smart looking actress, the negative shade is quite new and for most of scenes she appears in her natural tone.  Dhanush, as usual becomes the show stealer and this time in two characters shown the variation well and worked simply.

With two back to back hits (Ethir Neechal and Kakki Sattai), director R.S. Durai Senthilkumar has sustain his success with Kodi, having  a fast paced screenplay boredom has kept away. Though we sense dullness in picturization, perhaps due to the condition of weather or mistake in display at the drive-in theatre, and the story being not unpredictable there are some twist to keep it interesting.

Kodi also highlights the issue of toxic mercury waste (that threatens the pristine of Kodaikanal) but it was just a matter of fact and doesn’t take serious foot. Santhosh Narayanan’s composition has supported the movie at its best and I liked the songs that make nice listening and intertwine the subject.   Anupama Parameswaran makes a cute presence as second heroine and S.A. Chandrasekhar’s role as Thalaivar (leader) done with honor.

Overall, Kodi well flew among the Deepavali release and could be watch with family

Sunday Photos: Beach Sight

Last evening I visited Palavakkam beach and spent some time quenching the thirst for some cool breeze and change of sight. During our stay in Thiruvanmiyur I frequent this beach in south Chennai, but now in Adyar its bit far checking out. It’s really good to see it pretty clean all these days and also becoming popular among locals to hang-out on weekends. I took some photos during the time of relaxing and here it goes: 

Since the evening was cloudy the sunset was pretty mild and boys where playing cricket in the foreground. 

Some pretty houses line the beach front across the sandy playground… which is also the part of the beach.

Soan papdi vendor and the push cart neat the water front  

Sundal  boy! Sundal is a kind of recipe made in white peas and sold as a popular snack in Chennai beaches.

Cotton candy man 

Appa, the Best Father (Movie Review)

There are very few films share our personal views and things we thought could be right if the outcome was this manner. Appa’s subject is very close to my heart and what I really thought how a parenting should be has been highlighted in this Tamil flick Appa. What a feel it was to watch a father son related movie along with your father? Actually I didn’t feel anything wonder (as i went with my father and bro to watch) but the scrip does enough and what it delivered is best.

Though it is a father son/daughter relationship subject, the objective has been parenting and the movie exhibits a model where the child was himself rather following the serious modes and being a replica of others. Directed and acted by Samuthirakani, the film deals with three different kind of parenting and the outcome of the children and parents reaction make it worth watching and also   entertaining.

Samuthirakani has played an ideal role model of a father, who wants to bring up his child with individuality and morality rather forcing him into certain kind of pressure the other children go through. Right opp. to him, his wife, being an arrogant and comparative person, wants her son to do what all other kids do instead of concerning his real needs and deeds. The parents were separated and the boy grows on his father’s guidance as a confidant, friendly and cheerful young man.

On the other hand, Thambi Ramaiya is as a strict father who dominates his son’s life and wants him always to be topper in academic. Being an anti-Samuthirakani he keeps his son away from them and later put him into a residential school against his wish. The third one doesn’t come into either category and with a son of retarded growth wasn’t encouraged or disregarded, but the short guy was the real show stealer.

After a gap of two years or so, Samuthirakani has took the Saattai (whip) in hand once again to drive away the force that implemented on children in name of education, supervision, suspicion and authoritarian. In Saattai(Samuthirakani’s previous movie), as a teacher, he took reform in education system and function of school and in Appa, he took a step further exhibiting certain kind of attitudes from the parents side to observe and put right  things.

I believe not everyone would get a father like the Samuthirakani’s character in the movie, because the way he handled his teenage son’s confused state of meeting with a girl and facilitates his discomfort feeling when he understand his unfamiliarity towards the opposite sex is absolutely wonderful and best ever expressed. I don’t think any father or mother would discuss the children about the things happen during the teen, like the film emphasis, because this is the phase decides ones behavior pattern and if it wasn’t designed properly the incidents against the women are impossible to avoid.   

Appa carries message on the shoulder which is apt to the current leading society and the movie is a testimony to the misconception happening in the education and children’s growth. Vignesh (the one played as elder brother in Kaaka Muttai) as son of Kani expressed smart and intelligence, although being an average student his character is quite impressive. Mailvagam (Nasath), the child with retarded growth, is one of the best aspects of the movie and his every move is noteworthy and amusing.  

Thambi Ramayai has continued his role from a teacher (in Saattai) to parent in Appa with same frustration, and has proved his ability in twisting his character in the rear end. The boy acted as his son expressed almost everything on his face and the two girls as their friends has given their best. The movie doesn’t have songs (though music by Ilaiyaraja) and also I couldn’t remember the one what lyrics, because Samuthirakani’s dialogues have saturated. It’s a movie for everyone to be must watched. 

RGB Monday

Merry go round @ Marina Beach, Chennai  

The colorful merry-go-round is a hand cranked or motor driven produces fun and amusement to both adults and kids.

Friday Review: Thozha – A Reliable Friend

Thozha aka Oopiri (in Telugu) is a neat Tamil movie I watched from the drive-in and the drama deals with the relationship between a quadriplegic and his caretaker. The film is an official remake of the French film, The Intouchables, and the Tamil-Telugu version was directed by Vamsi Paidipally featuring Karthi, Nagarjuna and Tamanah. The film opens with Nagarjuna and Karthi inside a car, racing through the streets encompassed by police chase, traces the past on the journey they come together and the bond shared between them.

Seenu is a culprit comes out on parole and seeks jobs that could showcase his humanitarian and thus attends the interview for the caretaker of a quadriplegic billionaire, Vikram Aditya. Though he was attracted to the magnificence of the house and prettiness of Keerthi (personal secretary of Vikram), the obvious reasons he confronted wants Vikram to go for him and what happens from then becomes a life changing for both.

Although the film concern about things happening between them, it goes beyond and touches the lives of their individuals and personal feelings so well. The film carries emotions in lighter manner yet reached the sense and makes come out of theatre without any compassion and sorrow to keep us down. Though Karthi showcase cool attitudes always, the director and the script has utilized him so well and his pair with Tamanah is not new but looks afresh on screen, perhaps because she does look like over makeup!   

Nagarjuna, who is always seen as action hero in Telugu movie and last seen in Rathamohan’s Payanam (in Tamil) as a commando, chose to do the role of commanding from a wheelchair. I anticipated some actions scenes by him, at least in flashback scenes, but just stills to go. The car racing in Paris city was stunning and funny with paragliding. The comedy with paintings and the character of Prakashraj as Naga’s personal advocate was very good.

The music and songs were enough kind, but somehow sprinkles Telugu essence. The camera work was good and the lightning in darkness of Paris and the interiors of the house captures the mood of romance and loneliness well. The expressions and feeling of a wheelchair bound was nicely navigated, without making any negative impact and impressions. The attitude of making surprise and indifference make sense and I also liked the way the character of Nagarjuna was displayed to see apart from compassion and sympathy.

Thozha – stands as a reliable friendship! 

Friday Review: Pichaikkaran (Beggar)

I watched the Tamil action drama, Pichaikkaran, from the drive-in on Wed. evening and it is a movie based on the life of a millionaire, who turned down his richness for a time period to save his mother’s life. Arul Selvakumar is a MBA graduate, flew down to India to take charge of his mother’s spinning mills. But within a short span in office his mother met an accident and falls into coma. With no response to any of the treatments, a sage guides him to beg for 48 days with a condition to not to use his influence in anyways and begin each day with bare hands, to get back her mother. The affectionate son decides to go through the term in belief of saving his mother and what all he faces during this course remains the topic.

Actor and music director Vijay Antony played the man behind the subject. Though he couldn’t adapt quite into the look and attitude of a beggar or perhaps the subject doesn’t need it, has given his best in acting and do stunning actions. He carries the look of smart and intelligence throughout the film, reminding his previous roles as Salim. Debuted Satna Titus as his love interest, exhibits elegant acting and the places where she reveals he’s a beggar and the hesitation in practicing with him later were all done in pretty manner.  And of course she’s beautiful!

Already there’s a movie released in Tamil based on beggars. Yes, Bala’s Naan Kadavul had dealt with the subject but were treated with brutal.  The beggars here were shown with little dignity and expressed intelligence, perhaps because the plot was set in metropolitan – Chennai. The movie has some merry scenes esp. the perspective on economics by a beggar gets great applauds at theater, and make certain entertainment. The background score was good and with each drag on the title (pichaiiiikkkkaran) upraise.  

According to director Sasi, the film was an inspiration from the real life story of a millionaire he knows, who would beg for 6 months annually and look after his job the remaining months. Though he didn’t put forth any fact about him, but has done his best communicating the lifestyle of beggars and the public’s perception on them. Particularly this scene where Vijay Antony express annoy when a police handshake him when come to know he’s a millionaire, but who was knocked early in beggar veil. It was a nice execution distinguishes the differences in society. Pichaikkaran – is a social messenger through entertainment. 

My Account on Ariyalur

Waking up early in the morning in Ariyalur was something feels fresh, perhaps the new environment holds the magic and moreover the peaceful ambiance, although the guesthouse we stayed exists adjoining an important junction on the bypass with Lorries passing frequently, doesn’t discourse the mood. The guesthouse has a large garden and unmaintained lawn in the front yard with a pavement to come around. But as soon we arrived the previous night, I decided to explore the garden next day morning before we move to Kumbakonam. The night was cool over there; though we were offered AC rooms, the need for air con doesn’t become certain and we chilled out sometime before hitting the bed.

The rooms allotted for us were spacious, and the lobby itself as sizeable of a hall. We experienced quietness staying there and we the only guests of the house doesn’t expose to any restrictions. In morning we saw many little egrets on the lawn which seems to come in foraging and their presence really made the morning more pleasure and also represents as small statues décor the garden. The guesthouse has some beautiful shrubs (including flowering ones) on both sides of the entrance and the doors also etched some lovely designs that includes floral in bronze. The lobby has reflection panels on all sides above the lintel and for the windows, which keeps away the need for a mirror.

I find the shrubs outside the guesthouse presents a nice background to photograph and I pushed myself to place between them for a portrait to feel content. My father said Ariyalur was surrounded by Cement factories and the popular ones like Arasu, Ramco and Dalmia where among them. And thus it was always busy with lorry traffic and even at night they kept moving on. Ariyalur has no places of interest particularly to mention or I unaware, but the renowned Chola temple Gangaikonda Cholapuram comes under the district of Airyalur. Built by Rajendra Chola I in 1035 AD, the temple modelled similar to the Big Temple in Thanjavur and it’s one of the most visited places in Tamil Nadu.

Some more little egrets on the lawn

I really want to visit Gangaikonda Cholapuram for very long time and last year they commemorated 1000^th year of Rajendra Chola formally ascended the throne in 1014 CE. I really miss visiting the place just been to the district, and no proper planning keeps me away from the destination. We leaved the guesthouse by 8am and moved towards Kumbakonam with a plan of having breakfast on the way. As usual google maps guided us on the short route and the road was good enough but many Lorries passed the way. With no big towns on the route, we settled for a mine hotels/mess adjoining villages and to say the truth it tasted good that high paid restaurants. The hot idly, vada, sambar and chuttni were fulfilling. 

Friday Review: Miruthan

After long back I was at theater (drive-in) to watch the sci-fi thriller Miruthan, which was advertised as India’s first zombie film in Tamil. Jayam Ravi as protagonist and Lakshmi Menon as his love interest, the film was directed by Shakti Soundar Rajan of Naaigal Jaakirathai. I was amused to know he was the director of Naanayam, one of my favorite Tamil films, based on bank robbery but shot on an innovative platform. 

I see Miruthan as an experimental movie and the concept of zombie is pretty new for Tamil audience who haven’t exposed too many zombie movies in Hollywood. Even I wasn’t familiar with this genre. The film begins with a mishap where some toxic fumes split into the road and a stray dog that sniffs become violent and bites a man who in return becomes a zombie and the virus spreads from one human to another through a chain of violent bites.

Jayam Ravi is a traffic police with a grade to become a police inspector, but chose to retain to the former to take care of his little sister. And he loves Lakshmi Menon as one side; although she’s engaged to someone their meeting always end at sending bad reputation about him to her. At this moment the virus spreads rapidly and many zombies rise among the residences of Ooty – from where the story starts, and Jayam Ravi supports the doctors’ team, which includes Lakshmi and let them to Coimbatore in search of antidote to prevent the virus and violent spread through.

Though they reach CBE, the situation blocks them into a shopping mall right opposite to the medical hospital, where a team of doctors waiting for the sample to find prevention, how did they cross the lane full of zombies in killing mane and a bite that could transform them into zombie? Was set in a bizarre and yet light emotional and thriller. Though there are spaces for emotion, the film travels on a matured lane and straightforward keeps the length of movie short.

The director has applied light-hearted moments here and there to keep track on entertainment rather going serious and keep discontent. Kaali Venkat, RNR Manohar and Sriman has done their bit pleasing the audience as naive and Jayam Ravi led his role well and shooting most of them is something sounds overwhelmed. While I appreciate the director for coming up with different subjects, I wish his films carry some realism for us to believe on the concept. I don’t find a strong reason for those becoming zombie, but still has done a good job and leave us with an anticipation and fierce version 2! 

Friday Review: 49-O

The comedy king of Tamil cinema, Goundamani, has reappeared in a movie after long back and also led the film titled 49-O. The movie released in Sep 2015 deals with the state of farmers and fertile lands being transformed into housing plots though political satire. Goundamani as the protagonist haven’t come back to do a regular comedy role as hero, which most comedians prefer do to these day but acted prudentially in a serious character along his counter dialogues for what he’s famous for.

Goundamani is a genuine farmer and believes that fertile land is the future, oppose to the farmers decided to sell their fertile land to a real estate company but their poverty forced them to go ahead with the decision and later deceived by the company and local politician. The people realizes their mistake and to help farmers get back their lands, Goundamani come with a plan of promoting his own fertile land but instead of making housing plots he develops  graveyards, beside the lands of farmers to block the business of the company.

As another step to regain their fertile land, they decides to sell their votes instead of politicians fix the amount, usually, they come up with a sum to be paid for vote. Later they nominate their own candidate and propagate for his victory against the local politicians… but unfortunately he was murdered. At that moment, Goundamani starts a pioneering movement and how did that help them to regain their fertile lands is rest of the story. Like one man army, Goundamani bears the entire movie and his age isn’t an issue while his energy level on entertainment front is still adequate.

With simple story, Goundamani’s strong dialogue delivery and script writing upholds the farmer’s struggles and political satire as the highlight of the scenario. The land promoters has been excoriated a lot and much of illusions relevant to the fake promises by them has been revealed in fun manner. The music/songs and cinematography has been average, but nothing to complain about and many scenes have been straightforward so the film concludes in less than 2 hours. The movie is worth watching for the strong social message that supports the value system of farming and re-entry of Goundamani - for his political counter! 

Btw. 49-O is a rule referred to The Conduct of Elections Rules in Indian, a procedure to be followed when a valid voter decides not to cast his vote and decides to record this fact. 

Demonte Colony

Horror is the trend (successful trend) in the Tamil cinema and this year, number of films released under this genre and almost tasted the success.  I haven’t watched many films of this genre, but from the few I checked and heard about, humour has been the main source for the success of these films except the movies – Maya, Strawberry and Demonte Colony (which I watched last weekend) are suppose to be serious. Demonte Colony grips watching throughout without got to be disturbed by the commercial factors anywhere but it was entertaining in a different way and it has an interesting screenplay set between four friends fighting against the spirit within four walls of their bachelor room.

Though the film doesn’t expose any scary images but got to experience a real thriller through the characters expression and haunted feeling. Inspired from a real time rumour related to the Demonte Colony, in Alwarpet, Chennai, though I don’t know what history the colony holds, the director’s creation was superb and the time period he capture through the scene was another impressive part. Arulnithi dictated the leadership well, and the other three friend characters are greatly supported the venture and has put a realistic effect while exploring the ghost bungalow as well fighting against the fear of being killed. The director has put the story simple to understand by everybody and though intellectually played the scenario there are certain moves confuses the naive while the focus is on fatality or escape.

Demonte Colony is tremendous and gives a bit of realistic feel among the horror films!

Tribute to Aachi Manorama

There are certain things happen unexpectedly and Aachi Manorama’s lose was such and she is a greatest Indian legendary actress and senior artist where no one in this word would have achieved like her. She’s the only actress in the world to be acted in more than 1500 films and 5,000 stage plays! I was thinking about Manorama’s contribution to Tamil cinema lately and was feeling grieve that no one took notice about her and truly wished that someone take a grand function for her when she was alive; commemorating her appearance in almost Indian languages and character that nothing left behind.  An amazement rise up every time thinking about her and I always think, apart being an actress she’s someone very special and no Indian actress would have received such recognition and withstood for a period of long time or more than 60 years in film industry.

pic courtesy: google

I think it is her base that kept her existed for record breaking years in film industry – the drama or theatre performances she continue to do beside her acting in movies.  As a mainstream comedian and character artist, she had done milestone performance in number of movies and in emotional and mother characters there was a time no one couldn’t defeat her or no films made without her.  There are number of films I admired her acting, but I haven’t been familiar with movies of her in earlier stage. Samsaram athu Minsaram, Paati Sollai Thattathea, Chinna Thambi, Chinna Gounder, Nadigan, Guru Sishyan, Kizakku Vaasal, Pangali, Thillana Mohanambal, Aboorva Sagotharangal, Savaal are some of her many films I enjoyed her role. Not only acting, she’s a wonderful singer and has sung about 300 songs and all her songs are super hit and her vocal is something distinct and standouts.

Though I feel there’s something absence in recognizing her presence while she alive, the crowd that gathered for her final procession towards the funeral is not everyone celebrates. In a decade, not a celebrity or artist gathered such crowd (after Sivaji’s demise in 2001) and almost Tamil cinema had paid their homage to her at her premises. The actress had acted with 5 Chief Ministers and her association with Chief Minister Jayalaitha, in cinema, is too close and her personal homage to her is quite appropriate and an honour that entitle everything. Though being an epic chairperson in acting her association with actors and public always seems to be simplest and her record doesn’t showcased anywhere and she lived a life that everyone will appreciate and adherence. She’s a role model to all actors’ esp. who wants to long stand in film industry and for an actor he/she should be ready to take any role rather doing only hero and heroine. Manorama has broken this practice and had done what she itself wouldn’t have expected. Until cinema/theatre is there, she will be alive in memories and film and digital rolls. 

RGB Monday

Here's another multicolored image for the RGB Monday series... comprising red, green and blue.

The colorful balloon  shooting (or ready for shoot) at Marina Beach, Chennai

RGB Monday

Remote in hand, I was thinking what to post for my new found series. But I got the idea at the moment looking at the remote. And here I got the colors in a single click.

The buttons in the remote and in array of red, green and blue... although yellow interrupt the row I find it apt to the series. The TV remote is one of the objects we handle daily at home. 

Kaadu (Forest)

The Tamil movie I watched last night at home theatre is obviously based on the title Kaadu (forest) and the lives and way of living adjoining same. The movie wasn’t much interesting to watch, but I did plainly for the message it carries on forest conservation and the important of preserving the forest. The film shot in and around Dharmapuri, one of the most backward and drought prone district in Tamil Nadu, captured at its natural state.

Begin with a note dedicating to all nature lovers and forests activists, Kaadu makes it path clear and wants to point out the mindless behaviour of man toward deforestation. Even though the movie comes under usual drama, the main plot deals with Velu, who collects firewood in the forest and sells to the people in his locality. Being a believer in nature, he makes certain not to cut a single tree or plant in the forest to preserve it for future generation.

Velu’s friend Karuna, who aspire to become a forest officer couldn’t cope up the bribe that is needed by the selector. In desperate he smuggle sandalwood and get caught but he request Velu to replace him so that his dream don’t ruin. Velu in jail, Karuna becomes a forest officer by impressing the DFO and tries to take over the forest for his personal gain by removing the people of the forest. Velu on bail, fight against karuna, and smugglers on other hand, to save forest and its people.

Directed by newcomer Stalin Ramlingam, Kaadu ties to capture the views of people closely associate with forest and what/how it suppose to be and seen. The film travels on socio-political scenario (that well detail the lifestyle of the people in forest) has great remarks throughout, touching topics such as eco-conservation, unemployment and corruption in government engine and the important to rely on roots. Captioned as forest, the film doesn’t show any animals but stressed the need of them to be in the forest than in zoos.

Vithartha as Velu in the role of a rural man is apt, as he had done many similar roles in his carrier that began in Myna and his transformation into rebel is also convincing. The film also conveys communism at its fair bit, Samuthirakani in the role of political prisoner, with a mandatory reference to Che Guevara, spell out neatly the need to fight for one’s right. For a movie with great idealism, the romance and comedy comes as a flipside spoils the real cause of watching.

The film also indirectly mark the late encounter of red wood smugglers or loggers in AP, whom were mostly gone from nearby districts of Dharmapuri. Although the movie ends with message, it wasn’t sharp hitting rather it should be as it make mandatory that forest guards should be truly admirer of nature and forest activist to protect it entirely. And if we continue neglect forest and keep ravage, the after effect would be drastic that humankind would not survive. 

Papanasam – My POV

Papanasam doesn’t need an introduction (at least to the readers from India – the movie has been remade in all southern Indian languages and in Hindi as Drishyam) is a good family pack and to say in a line it’s about a family that commits a crime and how the common man (the head of the family) protect them from law. As a protagonist, for Kamal Haasan, the movie is another milestone on his performance and to add mileage was his access to Tirunelveli accent. But for me the tone reminds Poovaragan, one of the 10 roles he had done in Dasavathaaram with same courage.

Apt to the title, the movie was shot in and around Papanasam and Tenkasi in Tirunelveli. Though it is a remake of Malayalam version and also directed by same (Jeethu Joseph), I sense an imitation of Malayalam while watch the movie – perhaps because of some important roles done by actors who come from Malayalam. Being led by real life partners, Gauthami and Kamal, their intimation has works well in the movie and also exposed beautiful and the tendency, when protecting the children, is quite natural and look normalcy.

Although the movie’s progress was predictable, there’s something grips beyond suspicion esp. the scene where the family undergoes a trail/torture by police would cause an impact on heart. Niveda Thomas and Esther Anil (as the children of Kamal, who’s called Suyambulingam – a self born Lingam, which resemble the character that developed on self) performance is also appreciative and the way they control the emotions and achieving what needed is simply superb! But I was intensely watching will they mess up anywhere.

Another character that impound us is IG Geetha Prabhakar (Asha Sarath), as a ruthless woman police officer with utmost grim to bring out the truth behind her missing son and going silent in ending, when Kalam indirectly confess his sin, is an impression along with the scene. Ghibran music is very sensible, although the movie has only couple of songs it conveys the pain and intimacy at poise. The entire theme and background is effective!

The most interesting part was how the protagonist tries to hide away the evidences by recreating his own and make believe others; including the police (which might sounds overload) is an excel. But I sense rather being a messenger the movie comprehend thriller. The screenplay is quite drastic and with excellent actors/performers we can’t expect more. Glad I watched the movie in theater with great applauds and apprehend.

Poriyaalan (Engineer)

Poriyaalanis a Tamil movie I watched this weekend at home theater and the film released in 2014 has a gripping story that explores the life of a civil engineer who aspire to become an outstanding builder but entangled by the dark side of real estate and loan shark. Next to IT field or perhaps in a way surpass the real estate and building constructions have grown a lot in attempt to touch the sky although sometime the buildings fall!  But keeping the message in limit, the movie develops into a thriller.

Saravanan is a dutiful engineer, working at a construction company decides to start his own and for his budget he could get plots only far away from the city. So with the guidance of his friend, who works under Sundar – a merciless loan shark and goonda, they decide to use his money, as he gone to jail, and replace it before he comes out of prison.  In the meantime, they got a nice plot (within the city) from a middleman and complete the registration.

But when they try to promote the land for construction, they learn it belongs to someone else and Shahstri, the middleman, made away with their money. And to make the situation worse, Sundar comes out on bail earlier than expected. What will happen if he comes to know his money was used without his knowledge? And when they learn he’s not just after the money but the women in their families. Could they track down the middleman before it is too late?

The movie begins from the middle; goes back and then front with one friend breakdown for their lost money and fear to be killed by the loan shark. The almost new faces give refreshing look to the scenario with lighter emotion which is more than enough for this kind of movie. Notably the two friends – Saravanan and Prabhu, acting, esp. towards the matter of love, when Prabhu come to know his friend romance his co-sister has been dealt decently and maturely when Saravanan confront his love in front of her father.

Though there isn’t a need for a track of romance, it only put us on intent to know what unveil next and helps the movie run for about 2 hours rather ending 20 minutes earlier to be quite thriller.  The songs aren’t memorable except Gana Bala’s usual song on alcohol! Mohan Raman, as Shastri had done an unexpected role to the finest and outshines as a realistic broker whether to believe he’s good or bad until his escape to Goa.

I find the vital of the movie has been voiced well from the stand of Saravana: that those landmarks are mostly buildings/structures built by a civil engineer and the design of future is also in the hands of same. The movie put us upright throughout, have a strong story and screenplay (written by NH4 fame Manimaran) and was directed by Thanukumar, a debutant and former assistant of Vetrimaran. Unlike VIP, which deals with obstacles during a building construct? The Vetrimaran team has spotlight into the area of real estate and loan shark that grips in every possible way. 

Indru Netru Naalai (INN) – A Travel though Time

First thing I felt coming out of the theater (drive-in), watching the film Indru Netru Naalai (today yesterday tomorrow) was, how creative our filmmakers are? Following TEOA, here is another movie based on science fiction which takes us on a fun ride through time travel. Though many films have come up on this concept, this is the first time the Tamil filmdom has experienced such and the team has also succeed in their mission.

A scientist from the future (2065) sent a time machine to the current year and it lands at the hands of two friends (Vishnu and Karunakaran) and an inventor during an accident. When the inventor falls into coma after an electric shock, the friends take away the machine and use it for their astrology business – Karunakaran being an astrologer; they recover things people have lost by going back in time using the time machine but make believe others it’s quite astrology and earn enough.

During one such travel to past, they make a mistake without their knowledge and it saves a gangster from an encounter who’s targeting the father of Mia George, who is in love with Vishnu. Understanding it later, they decided to correct the mistake by going to the past but landed in trouble even before the time machine broke away with no option to go further. How did they handle the situation is something sustain the eagerness till ending.

The film is quite an entertainer and behind the scientific notion it’s the realistic comedy-drama that put forth the entire sum. Not that the concept of time travel doesn’t work, but without a good story and screenplay even with a subject travelling to space seems to work not well. I would say anyone asking me about the hero of the movie is the story and though the artists/actors are equally important (like everyone given their best here) the story is perhaps one of the finest in recent past.  

I remember seeing couple of movie in past on time travel but I was uncertain about my understanding of the concept until watching INN. The director (Ravi Kumar, a debutant) has simplified the function of time travel and that too watching in our regional language the understanding becomes easier. The invention of time machine is also simple, cool and uncomplicated for viewers to get a fair idea.

Among the performance, the character of Vishnu and Karunakaran was outstanding and their lack of star status helps us easily relate and involved in the story. For a sci-fi movie, the visuals usually used to be mysterious and high tech, but except the beginning and things relevant to machine everything seems to be realistic and happen to be in real. The travel in past to granny age is something bring back the old charms lively which have been seen as images alone.

P.S. Thanks to our fellow blogger Rajesh, if he hadn’t written about this film I would have missed a great amusement. He has started to watch movies on first day first show, but I watched this movie last day last show hence the film was suppose to leave the theater for next release.  

Tamizhuku En Ondrai Azhuthavum

I watched this interesting Tamil movie called Tamizhuku En Ondrai Azhuthavum (Press 1 for Tamil) in Home theatre is also a good entertainer. Released at the beginning of this year, the movie has a unique plot which is based on science connects various angles in a single core device called cell phone. Technology has developed a lot and we live in a science world where lives depended on it, whether it is used for good or bad the film captured it quite well.

The movie begins with a deadly bomb in a call taxi that comes around the Chennai city and an 80 tonne solid rock (vaasthu kal) hangs from a multi-storied building (as the crane struck halfway) with a woman trapped beneath the scrap where the rock suppose to fall anytime. The film goes behind the scenes where a terrorist in intend to disturb the Independence Day celebration, plants a remotely controlled bomb in a call taxi and follows the car for an apt place to blow up.

In the mean time, all the mobile networks in the city fails due to a solar flare and an hyperactive science geek Vasanth tries to activate a part of the mobile network and once the lines are restored the terrorist will activate the bomb which was connected via a cell phone that is waiting for signal. And also Simi, who is struck under the scrap, will be rescued only if the text message she had sent reach his beau Mukil. Though the bomb blast and rock falls down at last, how do they escape becomes the exciting part of the whole.

Nakul as science geek impresses everyone by his technical knowledge and innovations, also creates projects for the engineering students which land him on restoring mobile network. His relation with his mother (Urvashi) is something heeds, and makes a different family perception where science prevails very much. But more than Attakathi Dinesh, in his usual easy going attitude and as a property promoter who falls in love with Bindu Madhavi – a counsellor, whose expressions conveys lot. Sathish as taxi driver has done a decent yet realistic comic role and although he loses his phone he deal was amusing.

I usually don’t write about movies I watch at home theatre, if the movie isn’t worth or interesting to watch. But TEOA (Tamizhuku En Ondrai Azhuthavum) wants me to write as I find the concept being very different and experimental, so that others could watch it if haven’t. Though it is movie not quite scientific or love story – which is a part that doesn’t work well, but still worth watching for its unique subject and sequences that carries logic.

The movie doesn’t have songs except a single track that bend with the story; Thaman’s BGM has worked well and produced a great feeling towards the ending. Cinematography at other hand is also good and captured the cityscape in a beautiful and colorful manner. And to put above all, I admire the direction (by Ramprakash Rayappa) for taking science as main subject and making it realistic and simpler to appreciate by commoner that to in a light-hearted way feels healthy. TEOA – a movie for those enjoy science and humor. 

My first Smartphone: Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini i19195

Mobile phones have become an essential part of the life and Smartphone’s are greater advancement in telecommunication that works versatility. Once we shifted from our native home, cellphone has become our communication tool though telecom. Although I have a mobile phone, the calls I receive or dial is very less, so we haven’t got a number separately for home and my number has been the source of communication and only mom use it frequently.

Actually I don’t need a phone, as my communication has been least, but as you all know Smart phones are used not only for dialling numbers... it’s a small PC (personal computer) comes within our palms. There are countless apps to do versatile jobs and my intention for the smart phone was to connect internet (esp. to use social media and navigation) while on the go and get a personal number which I could use when going out with cousins to leave back the mobile used at home.

I was searching for a Smartphone, to suit my need, for long time and was sure not to go for the brick or tablet size (5 or above inches), because that size could not easily hold by me and also wanted the phone to be less weight. But at this range there are least phones and those less weighted aren’t powerful and enough with storage memory. And also I couldn’t afford more than 15K. By this time I find Samsung galaxy S4 mini which comes within the budget, but not here, in the US.

Glad my friend (who was in US on onsite, then, and who get the PTA) was left with more than a week to return home and even at that short period he agreed to get me the phone and placed an order immediately on Amazon. He didn’t say anything about the phone later and in the activity of importing the Patient Lift I couldn’t enquire him but only later when I visited him, at home, he told on my request that the order has been cancelled at the last moment. But he had arranged to get the phone though his colleague, in March, when he was supposed to return.

Actually I was to get this phone in December when my friend returned. But I got it only in the first week of May when his colleague really turned-up. The S4 Mini is a mid-range model of its flagship Samsung Galaxy S4 Smartphone and has a similar design and software features to its high-end counterpart. It has a powerful processor (1.7 GHz Qualcomm snapdragon) with 1.5 GB of Ram and 8 GB of storage memory that expandable up to 64GB.

Like I said above, it’s the weight (S4 Mini i19195 weights just 107gm) and screen size (4.27” Super AMOLED screen) that want me to for it. The phone comes very handy in dimensions operates with Android 4.4.2 Kitkat and it is an international version mobile that includes 4G LTE. The phone has 8-megapixle (mp) rear-facing camera (+HD Video recording) and 2-mp front-facing camera and also has advance features like NFC, Smart Stay, Hands free mode... For the single micro sim card holder, I use the Airtel telecom service and the frequency is very good. 1900 mAh Li-lon battery power is very decent for my limited usage.