Smokey and the Bandit

I had fun on Sunday watching the film Smokey and the Bandit, a comedy action entertainment featuring Burt Reynolds, Sally Field and Jackie Gleason. The 1977 film, based on a series of high-speed pursuit has commendable comedy scenes comprising action and hilarious lines, settles on a simple track of transporting a truckload of beer across state lines of US.

Two truck-divers (Bandit and Snowman) accepts the challenge of picking up a truckload of beer from Texas to southern Georgia, which is illegal at that time to transport specific kind of beer across state lines, for the refreshment of two big-shots.  Soon enough both were at the highways; Bandit on his black Pontiac Trans Am (a speedy car) kept roping the police towards him (as a decoy) to keep away their attention from the illegal truckload driving by Snowman. Meanwhile Bandit picks up a runaway bride ‘Carrie’ on his car where he becomes the target of Texas Sheriff ‘Justice’, a senior law officer whose younger son was yet to be Carrie’s groom.

With specific time and distance in miles, the film runs at high speed chasing, skating, jumping and floating of cars was highly influenced by CB radios, through which they seek acquaintance from fellow truckers that help them to escape from police pursuits. The most interesting part of the film was music, which captivate the mood exactly while on pursuit and increases the speed thrill. The best of all was legendary Jackie Gleason’s character as law officer targeting the Bandit, whose serious intentions all make laugh as it become funny.

Apart Burt Reynolds and Sally Field - as lead make charm and become sweet companion on the pursuit - the ‘Pontiac Trans Am’ has been hero wades through different terrains. The film seems to be inspiration for many films unrolled on the series of pursuit and I could relate many Indian movies with similar stunt sequences which perhaps could be a replica of Smokey and the Bandit. The film director (Hal Needham) himself been a stuntman has left impression. It is the only movie I have experienced with constant chasing entertainment… may be there could be some need to check.

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. 

Runaway Train

Following the ‘Sky Fall’ other day, I watched the ‘Runaway Train’ in the weekend at home-theater. Almost I enjoyed both the films, sky fall sounded like the best James Bond film ever made or I seen - I am not a James bond fan and haven’t watched many on its series, but I feel sky fall lives close to perfectness and straightforward. Daniel Craig performance was really good and he proved to continue to fall in mind as James Bond. Runaway Train is another interesting movie directed by Andrei Konchalovsky, the 1985 adventure thriller is based on story of two convicts escaped from a prison in Alaska, and boards a train that goes out of control.

Manny and Buck, who escape through a sewer pipe using Buck’s position as laundry collector in prison, took a freezing cross-country hike to board a train that runaway after its engineer suffered a heart attack. Only after a collision that badly damage the lead engine to accelerate to dangerous speed, the convicts aware the situation and along with Sara, a locomotive hostler on board, they attempt to stop the train by disconnecting the MU cables, apart the railroad heads decision to derail the train to avoid major accident. The warden of the prison chases the train via helicopter to catch the convicts before it collide.

The opening scene of the train sound marvelous and its progress at great velocity takes on an ever adventurous train ride across desolated snowy Alaska. Jon Voight as Manny, portray two different faces: Vicious, while asserting dominance over Buck (Eric Roberts) and hit him hard to scramble outside the engine and sensible, when decided to face dead by uncouple the lead engine, leaving Buck and Sara safely behind. Even Rebecca’s part was very little her expressions were expensive! The music really put on a vibrant stream when the train moves esp. the final notes on violin or some other instrument was awesome. Cinematography was another wonder indeed ruled the scenario!

Music on Maryan

Music is my favorite thing always, just like nature and I hate music in the presence of nature singing. It is always joy listening to music or a soothing song causing great relief in the presence of anything stress. The expectations used to be high when first time listening to a song or an anticipated album is released. But once bought a music album (always film songs) I can’t wait anymore or do anything until listening to it quite. From the day bought tape recorder, then, I used to buy audio cassettes (which transferred into CDs once they are introduced) occasionally on specific actors or music directors. I followed this practice until two years back and now all songs are only downloaded from internet but the curious of listening for first time doesn’t hide and it only enhances if the music was composed by A.R. Rahman.

I have found rejoice listening to his latest release Mariyaan (an upcoming Tamil film) and enormously touched by the melting tunes. With simple words, AR has quite engrossed with his sophisticated wisdom in music and recreated a sound of sea (Kadal). I would consider Mariyaan equal to Kadal - which I think one of AR’s best composition ever and my personal favorite on his top chart. ‘Innum Konjam’ is a wonderful song, quite fascinating and soothing the heart. Tabla has played a main stream or resource of this song rhyme by singer Vijay Prakash paired with Swetha Mohan.

‘Nenjae Ezhu’ has sung by AR himself, writing the lyrics along with Kutti Revathi expressed the depth of eternal love. The song sounds similar to AR’s One Love (a single commemorate the beauty of Taj Mahal) is an inspirational one enhanced in AR’s emphasis voice. ‘Naetru Aval’ is so caressing and embracing song in Chinmayees humming vocal and along with Vijay Prakash provoke a sense unexplainable! The mild instruments play a silent music supporting the longing mindset. ‘Enga Pona Raasaa’ is a solo song supporting the same longing mindset in mild music, but in Shakthisrees embraces voice.

The following songs are supposed to travel on high spirits and on fast track tunes: ‘Kadal Raasa Naan’ is quite based on lyrics comprising the struggle on sea and desert sand penned by actor Dhanush - who lead the film. In Yuvan’s voice the song was sharpened more! ‘Sonapareeya’ is very catchy and tuned as fast as speed boat, bearing the lyrics of Vali apart a rap portion written by Sofia Ashraf. The song is interesting to listen but only I don’t know what Sonapareeya means? The last one among the seven was, ‘I Love my Africa’. A song based on African tribal music and quite strange lyrics except Rahman singing on English notes, Blaaze had done great job with the support of Madras Youth Choir gave voice to Africa.

Quite a pleasant album, do check and enjoy!

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.

Out of Africa

Only few films leaves impression at heart and Out of Africa is one of the kinds. The beautiful yet romantic drama is staged through the African landscapes, works on the script loosely adopted from the autobiographical book Out of Africa written by Isak Dinesen, which published in year 1937. Meryl Steep plays the brave women of pseudonym (Karen Blixen) flawlessly expressing the love and disappointment elegantly, flapped wings like an angel throughout the film.

The story drives back in 1913 at Denmark’s cold winter hunting ground chugs into the vast wild Africa, Karen travels in plan of starting a dairy farm in British East Africa (now Kenya) with boyfriend Blixen, who she marries following a brief ceremony. But her anticipations went distressed when her money misused to purchase a coffee plantation rather a dairy farm; she lost faith with husband later learning his extramarital affairs and lead her contract with disease. She also develops a close friendship with a local big-game hunter(Robert Redford) which later turned into love affair, moved her close with him and they go for hunting and camping in forest together. But their differences on material affairs kept them away from marry and financially lose drive her back to Denmark writing her experience on Africa.

The film also touched by the concern of education and health of African tribe children and alike the prominence of words, the scenes weren’t enlightened. But the African chef and care taker of Karen’s house amazes through their English speaking and beholds the expression on eyes, rather indifferent action on face. The most impressive was the background score, whereas its romance or revealing the vast wild Africa, music plays an adjacent role upon the breathtaking scenes: the biplane ride above the African landscape and passage of steam locomotive seems uneasy to forget stunningly. Even I watched it through the home theater connected to LED TV, the impressions seem to never unchanged and I would count this film as one of the best I have watched.

Fact

The film released in 1985 (the year I was born) was directed and produced by Sydney Pollack under the Universal Pictures.  I too learned the film was one of the vastly awarded, including seven Academic Awards on main resources:  the sound and cinematography which fascinated me a lot on front.  The soundtrack by John Barry took the fifteenth place in the American Film Institute's list of top 25 American film scores.

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.  

கடல் - கவிதை விமர்சனம் / Poetic review

மீண்டும் மீண்டும் மூழ்க தூண்டும்  'கடல்' 

'நெஞ்சிக்குள்ள'  என்னமோ வசியம்  செஞ்ஜோ
'மூங்கில் தோட்டம், மூலிகை வாசம்'
மனம்மெல்லாம் வீசும்
'இதுபோதும் எனக்கு இதுபோதுமே'  

கரைதட்டிய  கப்பல், ஈர்பது போலே
இந்த 'கடல்' விரித்த வலையில்
விழுந்த 'என்ன, எங்கே கூட்டி போற'
'அடியே... அடியே…’
'என்ன எங்கே நீ கூட்டி போற'.

இந்த கடல் அரிப்பு, இதமா
புல் மிது  பணிந்த பனி போல்
பரவசமா, 'சித்திரை நிலா' நிழல்
கடலில் வந்து விழுந்தாடும்
விதம், அழகுக்கு ஓர் இலக்கணம்.

இதுபோதும் எனக்கு இதுபோதுமே
வேறென்ன வேணும் 'கடல்' போதுமே 

Inductive to sink recurrently into ‘sea’
playing something philter ‘into heart’;
‘bamboo garden, herbal fragrance’
winds allover the heart
‘it’s enough for me, and it is enough.’

Like the ship tapped aground, attracts
on the expanded sea web
trapped me, ‘where are u taking along?’
‘Hey… Sea…’
‘Where are you taking me?’

The itching of the ‘sea’ warms
or of the dew on the grasses
rapture, the ‘May moon’ shadow
fall and dance into the ocean
was, literary beautiful.

This is enough for me, and it is enough.’
What else I need more, than the ‘sea’?

Footnote:

The poem was inspired by the 'Kadal' songs: Kadal (Sea) is a Tamil film directed by ace director Mani Rathnam and music by the Oscar winner AR.Rahman.  The words I brought into the quotation marks are derived from the song lyrics, almost the first line. The songs of Kadal drive me quite merrily under pleasure and I’m listening to it every day and before heading to bed, it causes some comfort and peace to heart. 

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 :)

Open Range

Open Range is one of the finest western films I watched yesterday, filled with fascinating sights and sounds; and the beauty of the western landscape was captured brilliantly thought the stunning cinematography. Ever so simplest story and screenplay, each characters proposes decently either and unlike any other cowboy films I watched, nothing were well-built like this and limited to significant action and gunfight.

Boss and Charley are the two main characters of the movie, taking avenge for killing their co-cattlemen and badly injured another; arrive at the nearby town waiting for the right moment to capture the marshal to put into the jailhouse and encounter his gunmen’s. There’s a mild and matured romance between the Charley and Sue – the sister of a doctor, who took care of the wounded cattlemen.

In the absence of special effects and graphics, the film engrosses and enhance through the raw and simple emotions; and the setting of the town is at base, but the conflict between the gunmen and town people were unlike bewildered. Glad the movie came up with 5.1 channels, emphasis the dynamic effects of theater and recreates a feel of live esp. the sound of battle, rain and thunder rocks! The film released in 2003 is based on the novel ‘The Open Range Men’ by Lauran Paine and was filmed around Alberta, Canada. 

The film was produced, directed and lead by Kevin Costern.

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.

Big Fish

Watched the 2003 American fantasy drama, Big Fish, based on a storytelling series by a father to his son despite his distrust on his stories, he continues telling stories from the deathbed on his eventful life across young age and what interesting was the characters in the stories are extraordinary. The film’s major plot was reconciling between a father and son and the son’s attempts on mending their relationship were all dramatic and heartwarming at climax… when he reveals that whatever his father said is true and only he had exaggerated them.

The stories at flashback is radiant and have characters that are fairy tale sort and the places are all prototype and classic at viewing; and the fall of the father (played by Ewan McGregot) in love at young age with Alison Lohman is very cute and adorable. The hidden town of Spectre is fascinating with all friendly people; the circus is somehow hilarious and the show of conjoined sisters is an excellent image on graphics and the giant man (Matthew McGrory) is a show stealer.

Albert Finney’s approach on his character is award winning and his expressions through storytelling is alive and elegant; and Marion Cotillard is bewitching and her attitude and compassion towards her father-in-law is beautiful. The movie deals with the motion pictures are quite wonderful and alongside the simple screenplay were obvious reading through senses and after all, the profound between the father and son is inspiring.

The film adapted from the novel titled the same, was directed by one of a notable director Tim Burton and the film was highlighted through number of nominations award. Since I leaned this film deals with father son relationship, I want to watch it sometime and having been cherishing a strong bond with my father, I couldn’t stop giving way to the perspective by watching the movie two nights before. 

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. 

Postmen in the Mountains

I think the title reveal it all, but that isn't enough and there’s something much more to behold bewitch and enhancing about the film that words could mere describe. With no subtitle I watched this Chinese movie moves with light hearted emotions between a father and son amid stunning mountain scenery and remote villages, leaves a deep impact at the rear fall.

With the soothing traditional Chinese music, the movie wakes up to the misty morning among the mountains and patches of green fields; where a young man leaves his home with backpack of letters or mails on a journey as a postman at the mountainous rural areas of China. Back in memories, his father, who forced to retire due to a bad knee decided to accompany his son who succeed his job as a postman for years, on his journey exploring the routes and mail recipients.

The film embark on hiking routes throughout, walking up and down the valleys and climbing mounds and crossing rivers, the father guides his son from behind on the nitty-gritty of the job, makes him realize that it’s not just a job of distributing letters but being courtesy and generous at exhibiting friendship with villagers. There are many popup flashbacks alongside the journey sending bond waves of memories embrace with current emotions and gestures between the father and son is remarkable.

Almost light warming, damp and dew, the film beholds some visual treat and the way of nature exists was enchanting and breathtaking, while no trace of added special effects or use of technology everything sights simple and beautiful. Not to forget the German shepherd that accompanies all the ways ahead their journey emphasis with its gratefulness and as a guide signals at certain attain.

Footnote:

'Postmen in the Mountains' is a 1999 Chinese movie – originally titled as 'Nàshān nàrén nàgǒu', based on a short story set in the early 80’s, around the mountainous region of western Hunan province of China. The movie attracted me so much or I moved to core by watching it that I would recommend anyone to watch it in silence (not putting at mute) and it doesn't need any dialogue to understand where gestures speaks a lot!

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.

Hugo

I was watching this movie for sometime by parts until watched it quite last night; I totally impressed by the  way it filmed even I find it initially boring as it moves  slowly, the cinematography kept me appreciating and inspiring to watch it fully. Adapted from the novel title ‘The Invention of Hugo Cabret’ the movie is a 3D historical adventure drama winning a bunch of Oscars and directed by Martin Scorsese. I really wonder how fantastic would it be watching through big screen wearing 3D glasses. I hadn’t got the opportunity to watch it while it released last year.

Asa Butterfield, who plays the title role of Hugo, was mesmerizing through his acting as a boy living on the clock tower of Paris railway station and maintaining it secretly while seeking to fit his father’s automation which he believes to write a message. During his continues process of stealing parts to mend the automation, results in discovering the concealed life of very famous illusionist and filmmaker Georges Melies and his way of moviemaking and all makes us upright and fascinate.

The movie brings the whole set of old Paris railway station – Gare Montparnasse, alive and the clock tower and sight of Paris were amazing and the train crash was a great piece on the incident of past. Asa Butterfield eyes were grasping at lot than his conversation and motion, each one of them presents their course of acting very well and Ben Kingsley as the masterful Georges Melies is not challenging for the actor who lived as a Gandhi on the film titled the same.

The film also reveals the innovation in creating special effects on movies when there are no more advanced technology and birth of computers.... the manual techniques of those days are awesome and challenging. The Hugo somehow reminds me the polar express and technically the movie beholds wonder with great visual treat and sounds to listen!

Hugo is one of a best innovation and use of technology.