Nobody said it.This time it's all me.Life isn't like in the movies.Life... is much harder

Tamil movies 2011 #Snapshot

2012-01-11T09:42:00.000-08:00

2011- Year of dramatic change in Tamil cinema industry. Dramatic change in terms of interest and response of audience. The year was completely dominated by attention they gain for the movie rather the yester year’s performance. Visibility played the main stay for any opening. From Surya to Karthi to Dhanush every body wanted to run for the visibility and position them as the star whom the audience wanted to watch. It worked commercially though. But this year it’s going to be a complete different game.

The year started off well with Siruthai and ended off well with Mounaguru. The year had occasional hits and it had plenty of good openings. Good hypes lived and the rest failed miserably. Many movies couldn’t deliver it with the hope which it carried with previous year’s flicks. Nadunisi Naigal, Porali, Rajapattai are some of the examples. Gautham Menon failed, Samuthrakani failed, Suseendran failed many bigger names failed just because they didn’t understand the penetration of other interest in audience.2011 was the year of social media to Indian cinema, Audience had all the option to try ,comment and review before the movie releases. This obviously sets expectation meter in a very clever way. The industry still doesn’t trust on the reach of the social media and freelancing on movie.

Mayakkam enna topped my list. It won just because of its simplicity and reality it carried through out. The movie had a fantastic BGM and a monster performance from Dhanush and Richa. I would definitely rate Mayakkam enna as one of the best Orchestered Musical album though it had some unconventional songs. Azhagarsamiyin Kuthirai was a delight to watch. Right from the beginning the movie was the honest to literatary work and it had stunning performances through out. It shattered all the ideologies about the good looking heroes and Appukutty was the talk for some time. Suseendran started off great with Azhagarsamiyin Kuthirai. I would definitely not rate Aadukalam above Pollathavan, but Adukalam was gripping tale of Dhanush and Pettaikaran. The Pettaikaran was scary, believable and he made the complete movie look interesting above Dhanush and Tapsee chemistry and he took it off completely from Dhanush and Kishore.Vetrimaran has the technique to do it, to take it off completely from the Hero.

The year’s blast was Aranyakandam.The movie was a riot and it has all credit to the debutant director. The dark tone, noir and the pace of the movie were stunning and it ripped off the formula movies in style. The movie didn’t work out commercially but technically the movie would go as the best made movie in recent times. Mounaguru became the dark horse of 2011 and Arulnithi’s gruffly appearance and moody disposition was well received. A mystery unfolding to mysteries was not new to Tamil cinema but the movie was kept engaged by the director santhakumar and in a very simple way.

Personally I am not with any of the money-spinner like KO / 7 AM Arivu for a simple reason they had nothing in them.7 am arivu was complete flawed and I had no interest of sitting through out the movie. KO had an interesting Masala but I am surprised with success it has gained. Thanks to SUN TV for the marketing they played on the movie and KO would remain as a mystery of 2011.

Mankatha won only for the screen presence of Ajith .The salt and Pepper look won the movie completely with the audience. The movie had no logic but it was destined to win because the Ajith fans were totally dry for hits and they needed one average movie to bring the momentum of celebration and Mangatha happened.Myskin’s Yutham sei was a good thriller ,what was not interesting was his repetition of style . His unusual dialogues and mannerisms of the characters are getting repeated in his every movie he makes, Yutham sei would have been a blast if the style was little deviant from his old style.

Every one said Velayudam was a hit, I am happy if it was a hit but the movie was absolutely crap. Avan Ivan was a disaster and bala disappointed in a big way. Nadunisi naigal was a hyped to be a path breaking movie but I could not move with the profuse violence it had for no reason.

Top 10 Movies of 2011

1. Aadukalam

2. Aranyakandam

3. Mayakkam Enna

4. Mounaguru

5. Azhagarsamiyin Kuthirai

6. Deivathirumagal

7. Engeyum Epothum

8. Ko

9. Kanchana

10. Vagai Soodava /Mankatha/Yutham sei

7 Aam Arivu (2011) **1/2

2011-11-07T00:11:00.000-08:00

Surya ,A.R.Murugadas,Ravi K Chandran should have made this movie little more sensible.I would definitely blame it on the director for the commercial elements and take it for granted logic in a movie which the director wants to take pride on.The movie rides on Bodhidarman but it truly denies the fact he is the boon for the movie. The movie leaves a larger dent in the screenplay and the ability to convince the audience with its movement throughout. I have nothing against the movie, I enjoyed it for its base plot, initial fifteen minutes and the performance of Surya .I would definitely like to know whats the need for the movie to take a link between bio war , Bodhidarman ,Tamil enthusiasm in such a lousy form . The combination doesn’t work at all. The combination as a package is confusing or rather looks like a over speaking kid.

Bodhidarman is a remarkable education to all the viewers. Geniunely I would thank Murugadas. I don’t have the knowledge about Bodhidarman but I didn’t want to know Bodhidarman in a preaching mode. I would have been a happy person if the movie had lesser commercial aspect . It’s a opportunity missed in a greater way to A.R.Murugadoss. Surya is a wonder, he is the best student available today in Indian cinema. He just does or brings what his master wants. I respect this totally.

Mistake no : 1 Should have changed the background voice for the first fifteen minutes.Naser,Partheepan or Kamal Hasan voice would have done wonders. This sounds like Film division news reel / Nadanthathu enna

I enjoyed the way Bodhidarman life was portrayed. Technically I would rate it as superlative, it had the potential to look world class, indeed it can be rated. The way Bodhidarman episode ended didn’t convince me at all. Did any one feel the same ? Bodhidarman episode ends and it travels to Chennai circus. It should have been vice versa. Non linear format would have been a great presentation. With first fifteen minutes clearly waiting till Aravindhan discovers about Real Subha srinivasan.There would have been a greater grip with the director to hold the audience for the main show.

Mistake no : 2 Sequence of the plots.

Mistake no : 3 Justify the research or present it in a believable format. I request or plead Kamal Hasan daughter to stop speaking about Tamil in a language she spoke. My wife said it was Tamil ( !!!).Ulndorpettai is a typical example.

Mistake No : 4 Don’t make us believe in the course of the movie some bullshit. Getting in to IIT campus hiding out in the woods for twelve days and performing a DNA transformation .It can be argued you would believe if it’s a Hollywood movie. Agreed, Initially itself its been indicated it’s a tribute to ancient Tamil and it also indicated the ignorance of present Tamil generation. You have made it sensitive.I expected it to be sensible. But DNA transformation with out any expert help in laboratory facility is a joke.

Mistake No : 5 Seriousness and scripting in present day sequences would have been greatly appreciated. The Nokku varmam has become a irritation after some point of time. And the discussion of Donglee with his master just puts off the whole morale of how Bodhidarman was respected.

I might sound negative in this review ,but truly this is not my intention. I didn’t read or hear any reviews for being very true to my experience with this hyped movie. A.R .Murugadas is a talented director but this experimentation needs sacrifice of some songs and some intuitive judgement about audience wisdom about any thing. As a viewer I don’t need any thing great onscreen I want to believe in what I see, I don’t want to see a cocktail of sensible subject ( Bodhidarman ) with Fantasy after projecting so much about Tamil.

I didn’t have the impact of watching a great movie. Definitely worth a watch. Failing to its hypes.

Aanmai Thavarael ( 2011) *** 1/2

2011-06-26T12:24:00.000-07:00

,Aanmai Thavarel is a honest remake of Hollywood flick Trade.It has modulated itself to our own style. But this is one movie which has to be watched for being aware of the situation we live and move every day. The scene and the concept arent film and they daringly bring the dark shades and reality in a very explicit way.We never knew how the trafficking of women happens , we would be least bothered to know about that , why these things happen is a thing, which should be known to every one who lives away from home.

Anmai Thavarel is a search of a lover boy Vetri for his girl Yamuna who is kidnapped by a group. The group kidnap a bunch of women in the enroute to auction them online. It becomes extremely difficult for Vetri to go with the pace of Cops , as he is losing time . He gets the help of Charles Antony ( Sampath) an ex cop to save his girl , who masters the plan for Vetri to save from the online auction. What unfolds and what we see on the way to auction is a shocking reality .

Its difficult to digest how sophisticated the trade for flesh has become and it freaks out to see the scenes which can possibly happen near the place we live also. Movie is never in to the preaching mode, but it just warns you , that it would definitely freak you out. Debutant Kulanthai Velappan has focused on bringing the relevance of the concept and he has presented a gripping movie from the beginning till the end. You will not find any glitches, All you see is a commendable socially relevant theme, which has maintained a thread of realism, and managed to keep the interest alive almost throughout.

The actors you see in this movie gave out a qualified performance for this matured movie, You would never feel that you are looking at a debut actor or aN actress. Dhuruva and Shruthi are the only main characters, the victims whom we know from the movie. It’s a clear and executed acting of the director and it has brought the best in them. You will be struck by the Subbu Panju character in this movie. What has become common nowadays is , Sampath is present in all the good movies. Its understandable and his presence has become inevitable nowadays.

Aanmai Thavarael would have been the movie which was well marketed , but it’s a movie which should be watched. Because what happens in the movie is not shown as a random kidnap, but a clear planned execution . One must watch.

Rating : *** 1/2

Avan Ivan ( 2011) * 1/2

2011-06-19T09:04:00.001-07:00

The word Bala alone inspires ! But surprising to see his fast track creation disappoints. Every body needs their time and its understandable now. Bala has to be in his comfort zone ,and he has nothing to prove as a director ,but if he wanted to prove some thing commercially in Avan Ivan , I am sorry he has disappointed . There is no history in any cinema world that two formula can be clubbed to bring a successful movie. Bala’s style + commercial outcome ??? Even Balamahendra went out his formula to make a fun movie, so is the case with all directors. There are some mistakes which Bala makes like in Naan Kadavul opting for a U certificate !! Avan Ivan he has forgotten his script and his sense of humor. Avan Ivan isn’t dark or noir but it lacks the stretched experience of a movie it self.

His highness ( GM Kumar) is a Zamindar of a village near Theni .Though he has lost his wealth ,he gains respect and love from the localites. Walter ( Vishal ) an aspiring drama artiste and Kumbudren Saamy ( Arya ) a Petty theif are the close aides of his highness .Highness and the two guys have their funny moments in the first half .Highness get targeted by a cattle theif ( RK ) after his business was shut down by Highness. Rest of the movie goes in a revenge mode.

You can’t avoid the comparison with Pithamahan in the second half. Why didn’t Bala notice nor the whole team notice the similarity of it ? Convincing and entertaining part are the supporting actors. Ambika and GM Kumar have done stunning roles which takes the movie away from noticing that it doesn’t have a strong screenplay. Vishal has his finest role, Though not clear with his character ,he has his moments of exhibition. His squint eyes and stunt sequences show the stage is made only for him . Arya plays the second fiddle in the movie, but collectively if you see the movie doesn’t have a choice for him to play any thing other than what he has done. There are female leads in the movie, but they have nothing to do in this movie. Avan Ivan is a very strange example among Bala movie where the female lead have very less role to play or impact the whole movie.

Arthur Wilson is always at his best when he with Bala, I don’t have to mention . Yuvan’s has fantastic orchestration in some of the visuals. Its great team for technical excellence and they have showed their brilliance previously and now also.

But where is Mr.Bala ? I don’t have any words for the flawed screenplay. I feel the incompletion in the script and the similarity which has let down the movie in the whole way. There is no way of justifying for his blemished writing and pointless second half, None of the moments looked fresh from Bala’s mind and it looked like a directionless ,incomplete and a compulsive product which has sneaked out before post production !!

Avan ivan is a movie which I would like to forget this year !!! Truly disappointing.

Rating : * 1/2

Azhagarsaamiyin Kuthirai (2011) ***

2011-05-15T13:01:00.001-07:00

I feel very satisfied when the plot is adopted from Tamil literature. I loved Sasi’s Poo and now Suseendran’s Azhagarsaamiyin Kuthirai adopted from Writer Baskar Sakthi’s work, is a simple and fantastic movie of goodness and humanity. Its been some time I had a good time on a Sunday afternoon which pushes me to write the review after watching the movie. Suseendran is here to stay,simply he is growing movie by Movie.The best thing about him is that he has got the thinking to look simple, rather than going big and failing miserably, like Susee Ganesan .

Azhagarsamiyin Kuthirai is about a Village ,which is preparing for its annual Azhagar Festival where the deity parade happens around the Village. The wooden horse goes missing and the blame game starts. The villagers manage to snatch a real horse which actually belongs to a person Azharsamy whose bread is dependent on his horse. Azhagar samy comes in search of the horse to the village.Villagers refuse to give the horse which they had started worshipping as divine Azhagar.Azhagarsamy has to get back to his village with his horse ,his marriage is dependent on it. Rainless Village believes this horse would bring back the good times .

Movie is simply fantastic for its simplicity, what this movie tells is that good movie doesn’t need fat budgets. Simple and honest presentations can sweep the minds of audience and it can stay longer than the bigger budgets. The movie is very honest to the original story ,it has created a classical adoption of the characters as in the literary work. After I was done with the movie ,I felt I was reading a short story. Some day our directors have to learn we have lots and lots of short stories in Tamil to make as a movie. Azhagarsamiyin Kuthirai strength lies in its characters. Everybody has something to tell about their life and their village.

Appukutty as the Azhagarsaamy is outstanding, you cant ignore him through out the movie.You can understand his pain and situation that he wanted to get his horse back and fly. Director has taken his time to explain the changes which happens in Appukutty’s stand. He conveys so beautifully why the villagers believe this festival so important for their life. Every characters are interwoven with this festival. Suseendran portrays the formality of collecting donations in a funny and in a realistic way,which just reminds of our own behavior for Festival donations. Like all the rural flicks ,we have the typical characters but these ones have a definite role and their realization towards the goodness and humanity is simply fantastic. Suseendran has taken a dig on the superstitious belief and rituals.

When there is Ilayaraja playing BGM for these kind of plot ,you have one more character competing with the director. Ilayaraja music is a character of its own in this whole story and you don’t have words for describing the song “Kuthikira Kuthikira”.

Don’t expect a gripping tale or a fun ride when you are watching this movie, But rest your expectations aside and enjoy this realistic tale which tells about the goodness and culture of Village. And above all this movie doesn’t have a tragic end formula like all the rural movies. Movie is definitely going to make you feel good and its one noteworthy movie to be applauded this year. Well done Suseendran and team.

Rating : ***

Yutham Sei (2011) ** 1/2

2011-02-13T06:27:00.000-08:00

Myskin has preset style which he cant change, he is refining himself in that style rather not trying any thing else. I could predict the core of the movie right from the word go that its going to be a cheap pleasures of high society like he did in his other movies. I sincerely think he should take different inspirations for his movies apart from women being exploited ,kidnapped and saved.

Yutham sei is a much refined movie with respect to his performance and his work. But he tries to put forth a compulsive scary camera before audience which gets repeated in all his movie with a violin background. Yutham sei is an investigation about serial killings which happens in the city. J.Krishnamoorthy a underplayed CBCID cop is handed over with the responsibility to go behind the killings who is in his personal agony of his sisters whereabouts who went missing mysteriously. Things get connected so shockingly but it makes tougher for the cops to locate where the real culprit of the serial killer lies . Yutham sei brings lots of scary atmosphere to the viewers in terms of practices and in terms of happenings around the city.

The truth behind the movie is Myskin’s strength and the fact behind the script is his success. Myskin handles both of it in his own style which looks much more better than in Anjathey. But some how the motive behind the killings looks indefinite of not finishing and terminating .Myskin could have little bit more worked on his script which would have made him create a intelligent movie. But the movie is definitely compelling and gripping and I bet we would not watched a thriller in Tamil cinema as this sort of intensity in the recent times . I felt he has tried to mask the spoofs through the visuals and mysterious movements of his characters. Climax disappointed me totally, there is an unconvincing non motivated display which makes you forget the whole brilliance which we see through out the movie. The melodramatic ? or the motive driven professional investigation ? Myskin should have convinced himself before ending it as such. Because the story unfolds in lots of aspects and it has definitely made the second part of the movie blunt when compared to razor sharp first half.

Cheran is impressive, First time I see him less spoken and very well underplayed. He is a no nonsense actor and it shows in every frame. I am becoming a very big fan of Jayaprakash who plays the doctor .There are lots of debutant actors as always in Myskin movies who give a fantastic performance. Camera of Sathyan is the biggest star in the movie.Movie traverses with his camera and he has delivered a intense stuff. Some how the BGM of Myskin is very very predictable, which is actually spoiling the expectation I draw towards this director. Every character has a story to tell and we definitely get a tongue-tied feeling about their past which has become monotonous with Myskin’s script.

Myskin is a stuff and he is well read .He displays that in all his movies. For the sake of respect which is gaining nowadays , I would want him to break his jinx and sentiments towards yellow sarees and animatic stunt scenes . It would definitely be very satisfying if the director comes up with different motives other than women and being exploited by men. Some how this spoils the whole expectation that I have on Myskin. And last it would be great to see Myskin with a script , motives and characters not resembling his previous scripts .

Rating : ** 1/2

Top of 2010

2011-01-01T07:30:00.000-08:00

Top Tamil Movies of 2010

1 Enthiran

2 Vinnaithandi Varuvaya

3 Boss Engira Bhaskaran

4 Ayirathil Oruvan

5 Angadi Theru

6 Myna

7 Kalavani

8 Madarasapattinam

9 Singam

10 Tamil Padam

Top Songs of 2010

Hosanna - Vinnai Thaandi Varuvaya

Kilimanjaro - Enthiran
Un perai Sollum Pothey - Angadi Theru Usirey Poguthey - Ravanan

Un mela aasai thaan - Ayirathil Oruvan

Thuli Thuli - Paiya

Myna Myna - Myna

Omana Penne - Vinnai thaandi Varuvaya

Vamma Thurai - Madarasapattinam

Arima Arima - Enthiran

Aval appadi - Angadi Theru

Top Hindi Movies

1.Udaan

2.Love Sex Dhoka

3.Ishiqiya

4.Dabaang

5.Anthardwand

6.Rajneethi

My favourite

Album of the year - Vinnai thaandi Varuvaya

Movie of the Year :Ayirathil Oruvan /Udaan

Manmadhan Ambu(2010) **

2010-12-27T04:53:00.000-08:00

Sincerely some thing is very much wrong with Ulaganayagan.I think he carries a very strong head of not knowing what is needed to make a good entertainer or a commercial hit.I presume he has been flaunted about his skills and realization, now he pulls the directors name to add in his cards just for the sake.Where is Ravikumar in the whole movie.What is his role? . Accepted this is not a bad movie but where are the standards which were conveyed to us.

Mannar,Madhan,Ambu the three make the Manmathan Ambu.Interestingly titled and we get the excitement of the movie in the first fifteen minutes when Ambu ( Trisha ) is suspected by his fiancé Madhan ( Madhavan) who is a businessman.Madhan appoints Mannar ( Kamal ) to spy on Ambu when she leaves for a holiday with her friend Deepa ( Sangeetha ) to let him know about the secret affairs.How this complexity unfolds to a different relationships is Manmathan Ambu.The movie fades away when we get in to the cruise.

Kamal has written screenplay and story.Why is he hesitating to add his name on Direction.Is he too worried about including or is he in the safer bet .Sincerely apart from Madhavan and Sangeetha I didn’t find any thing interesting about the whole movie.Too much of sophisticated stuff which were inserted for no reason.People may praise the song which was pasteurized in reverse imagery but to me it was a painful watch .May be I am biased on this, but frankly speaking complexity in a weak screenplay adds pain.

Madhavan has been a revelation off late.Soi Pollathey and his drunken oneliners are some of scenes which just puts this actor ahead of entire cast of this movie.Madhavan and Sangeetha are at their best in this movie for all the good reasons.Kamal and Trisha ,I couldn’t understand the sympathy turning out to love through a poem.But still do you really have to say any thing about Kamal’s acting.Some how the characters look serious but they pretend to be funny which is annoying except for Madhavan and Sangeetha.All I wanted to ask his ,how did he go for shooting with this screenplay.

Oneliners,Spoof,backmasking humour are all Kamal’s trademark from the beginning.But there was a huge support from the directors like Singitham or KSR ,but I feel in this movie KSR has been holidaying when Kamal was acting.I have totally lost the interest with Kamal being in a movie other than his acting.It would work wonders if Kamal surrenders himself to directors than dictating or poking his interest on the screen.Let the wonders work through his acting not through his scripts.I am tired and so are many of your fans.

Eesan (2010) **

2010-12-17T04:43:00.000-08:00

Eesan is the second movie for Sasikumar as a director after his cult classic Subramaniapuram.After making one of milestone movie in Tamil Cinema,what is least expected is a movie with a brilliance.We are not running along with hypes but its not needed to get in to a different space .for the sake of versatility.Sasikumar lacks the sophistication in his movie,he lacks the Urban touch in a movie which speaks mostly about the Super rich spoiled society.Sasikumar has forgotten his razor sharp screenplay which he presented in his earlier movie.I have no intention of comparing with any movie ,but Eesan is a movie which lacks Good editing,Screenplay and plot.

Eesan is about the super rich spoiled brats who ruin the lives of women .Sezhiyan(Vaibhav) ,son of State minister Deivanayagam is a fellow who spends his time with his fellow friends in pubbing and flirting.They ruin many women lives and they hide the crimes with the power of Sezhiyan’s dad .Sengayya ( Samuthirakani ) an IPS officer is fed up of getting hold of their crime and then releasing because of political pressure.Sezhiyan falls in love with Reshma ,daughter of a Business Tycoon who has messed with Sezhiyan’s dad( AL Azhagappan) in a Political deal.Both parents accept for their marriage anticipating their business and political future.Sezhiyan gets kidnapped and Sengayya is put in to the charge to search Sezhiyan,when he digs in to the investigation he discovers the nasty world of Super rich which shocks .

I can’t understand why Sasikumar needed 200 minutes to tell a story.Totally rubbish.Secondly what is he trying to convery through the first half of the movie.Is he justifying the brutality of the second half through the first half.What is the need of negotiations and business rivalry plots in this movie which is altogether pointing towards a different concept.Mr.Sasikumar no body was in a hurry to watch such an disaster? Every body wanted you to come up with an good script and make a movie.I would be happy if the editor had played a little role in this lengthy movie.

Having said the above,Movie tries to portray the super rich life in a darker sense.It also tries to capture the lighter moments but all is forgotten when we see the real world of them.We cant testify the credibility of the culture but it has become a routine news for the Urban people.We hear it every day and we see it in all the pubs and hang outs ,the super flirts,Drunken monkeys but we cant take a life out of them in a positive note even for a second.But Sasikumar tries it out.But he fails.He tries to show the negative image in a positive note and gives the real retribution in the end.But in the end Sasikumar also gets punished that’s the sadest part.Eesan still has some razor sharp dialogues and some scary ,worrying scenes which makes us think.The social message which is being told is a real concern for any body who lives amidst the super rich society.I dont have any concerns in the movie other than the length and the editing but those two has spoiled the screen play.The movie should have 1 hour shorter than the actual.

Samuthrakani excels ,he has been honest in his performance .The character of Deivanayagam utters some of the very powerful dialogues in the movie in a typical political manner.I have no words for Abinaya but I strongly condemn Sasikumar for using her for this movie.Some how I wasn’t comfortable with the scene with Vaibhav (!!??) ,I even felt like leaving the hall.James Vasanthan and Kathir delivers good for Sasikumar and they have done it again.

Good Performance,Good Music,Good camera ,You have expectation, what else you need ? Good script and sharp and uncompromised editing.We are missing both in Brutal Eesan.Eesan has yanking and dragging scenes,Not to deny that it has some emotional and real meaningful scenes.It has even some nativity scenes which hasn’t been shown in any of Tamil Movies.But still Sasikumar testifies of patience and he disappoints us with a very ordinary movie filled with Brutality and Vodka.Some where in the length the true intention of the movie gets missed.Thumbs Down!!!

Nandhalala(2010) ***

2010-12-15T08:47:00.000-08:00

I have to ask Mr.Myskin why he didn’t credit Kikujuro in the title card after all you have designed even the posters copying from Kikujiro.Why the new age directors are relectant is giving the credit to the orginal version.The concept of a story is the crux of any movie than the story or the screen play.All handled well the movie comes out as a entertaining product.I was told he gave the credit in the audio release which is a year ago and now he has lived with the delayed release of the movie and he didn’t want to give to original version.But for Nandalala is poetic as per the Bharathiar lines.Very very poetic title ,the movie traverses the emotions of human being in the form of journey.

Bhaskar Mani a mentally challenged person and Aswin Ram a kid meets in the journey in search of their respective Mothers. The journey and motive of their search are radically opposite and both come up with their own experiences and attitude problems to get along.Both meet up with many sides human faces and they move along them till the destination.Experiences of them doesn’t give any changes to them but we feel the experience as a traveler.

Nandalala is genuine in its presentation.Its brilliant in its performances,Its superior technically and it has not compromised even a single scene which are potential to spoil the integrity of the script.Having said all, Ilayaraja has played his master stroke and he has enjoyed his composition in every part of the movie.You don’t see him often making a mute title card ,but recording with the water passing through the grass.Genius at his best.I was totally disappointed when the nomad song of the old lady missing in the movie.The song it self is a creation of its own with an unknown language with a great level involvement in composition.

Myskin is a knowledgeable person and he has crafted a fantastic movie which is poignant and he has built his characters so poetically who speak often with their body language.I would request him to stop the weird body languages his characters exhibit when they are fierce and angry .Movie portrays social inequality ,brutal assassinations,motivation,thirst for flesh all as a sub plot.When we get to reach the main part we have no option but to expect the worse than being very optimistic about the end.We knew that both the travelers are to be ignored or put to shame ,but we anticipate the level ,which was unavoidable.Sadly we can not think of alternatively ending their search in a positive manner.Thanks to Myskin to put our questions to fullstop with his presentation.

I have certain qualms about the characters ,A physically challenged person who doesn’t know to zip his trousers and who has lived all along in an asylum,who isn’t aware that lifting a woman’s dress is a mistake surprisingly finds a place for his toilet at the hidden ,abandoned area in a village.Also This character why is it very silent ( Though he slaps at the end) when a woman begs for his life.Did he understand the need for a silent and status for which the woman pleaded.Why Baskar Mani asks whether she would kiss him and Aswin Ram on a lame reason.Of all the things what made Baskar Mani normal all of a sudden ? I have very bleak understanding of this character,but these things are overshadowed by the great performance of Aswin Ram and Myskin .Some very very different scenes have given a lift and status to this movie which is much appreciable.I am impressed with the way Myskin tries to give a versatility to his every situations but some times I felt it was over loaded.

Nandalala is a poignant and fantastic movie with great performance,Go for it to enjoy the Maestro’s soulful Back ground music. But disappointed with Myskin as a owner of this movie ???

Mynaa ( 2010) ***

2010-12-14T09:50:00.000-08:00

Some times you might even forget what you have been doing for years,Things might get mighty and unavoidable than the routine duties.Thats what is happening with me for the past two months.I have been searching for time to write reviews for movies I watched .All said, Myna has lived to some extent on its expectation and hype.Myna wouldn’t be called as a cult or great movie but definitely it gains a commercial and critical success which a director dreams for.

For years Prabu Solomon has been trying to convey some thing to the audiences,But he has been giving half baked stories like King,Lee,Kokki.But if you look at all these there isn’t a direct narration or plot in his movie.He has a style and stuff to present but all along he has been lacking perfection to present as a complete product .With Myna he has improved his presentation and core plot which struck deep in the viewer’s experience. The success of any film maker lies in the screen play ,to me Prabu Solomon wins in the last thirty minutes.

Myna is a realistic experience of love , of two souls who get in to trouble. The journey of their love is portrayed along with sub plots which takes a destructive effect on these two people.Myna is about Sruli and his love with Myna.His world starts and ends with Myna.How malevolence and circumstances destructs the dreams of Sruli gives the substance of Prabu Solomon work.Along the dense forest the love and search gives us a relief from lots of monotonous works we have been watching.Good work Mr.Solomon.

For first one hour ,you have no idea what is this all about.You cant stop comparing with Paruthiveeran or any village stories,but underneath this one hour you get fresh experience of Bodinayakkanur life style on the hills.Things shift to a different mode when Suruli escapes from the cops .The Cop Bhaskar and Thambi Ramaiyah puts up one of the best performances in the recent past which elevates this movie .Myna definitely wins because of the superlative performance of four people Vidharth ,Amala pal and the cops.Infact there aren’t much people in the movie .You cant stop praising Iman’s Music and Sukumar’s camera in the movie.

Prabu Solomon should have worked on the first half.This would have made this a run away success like subramaniapuram or Paruthiveeran.Those movies attained the cult status because of the interesting and racy first half with humour.Myna lacks it completely.Its a let down in the first half.We have some melodramatic scenes which infact irritates.But the second half is a super work and super success for Prabu Solomon and team.The way the plot ends ,gives us a deep distress which makes us to ask question who is responsible for this ?

Myna is a breath of fresh air,but its definitely not an end which you would love.Sorry for the delayed posting.

Why Enthiran is a milestone, yet disappointing for fans!!!

2010-10-05T11:27:00.001-07:00

I have been seeing lots of hardcore super star fans tight lipped about the experience they had with Enthiran. Firstly, they are disappointed. Secondly, they don’t want to spoil the success of the man who they have admired and worshiped for the past twenty years. And moreover, Rajini’s movies have been always formulative and superlative. If you ask me, Enthiran tries not to be a Rajini Movie which makes any of Rajini’s fan to get furious and barmy. It isn’t their mistake. It is to be noted and understood that Rajini had always given them that packed food and the fan’s expectation and experience have learnt that Rajini Movie should be Rajini’s and not some others.

Even with Manirathnam’s Thalapathi, Rajini didn’t offer a typical ‘Rajini’ stylish movie, but it was masked with the nerve and blaze of the character Surya. It had lots to offer for a fan of Rajini rather than enjoying only the magic of Rajini style. Shivaji would be the best example where Rajini wanted to break free. I wouldn’t accept or have faith that it’s Rajini’s decision to change his image in Enthiran. It would be his thought that he had handed over his brand management to the director.

As a Rajini fan anybody would expect an introduction scene, introduction Philosophical song, Motherly sentiments, Friend sentiments, Lots and Lots of Punch dialogues, a letdown scene by his well wishers and he would come back with bursting energy. If any of the things are not there then it isn’t a Rajini movie. Over the years he has been colossal entertainer who had assorted with their emotions and lifestyle with that formula. Being said that a fan would obviously expect the same in a much bigger way with Enthiran. Enthiran doesn’t endow with any of these things. It’s obvious Rajini fans would be disappointed. If anyone who knows the pulse of the fans it should be Rajinikanth, he wouldn’t have done it very intentionally to disappoint his fans. For his fans he is a Demigod who appears to the external world only in silver screen, though his personal way of life has been much admired and esteemed by everyone, his one frame would make them go contended. But they want it in the style as they know Rajinikanth.

People say Rajini’s fans are non critical about his movies. The fans have never celebrated any of his which doesn’t worth. Be it Kuselan or Pandian. Though Pandian had a great music and directed by a veteran director the movie wasn’t a blockbuster as his earlier movies. Rajini works on the emotional part of his fan’s conjures when the directors work for the success of the movie. Given any movie Rajini always communicates with his fans on screen. At least for a single frame. This has built the relationship which goes beyond criticism and cinematic experience. Rajini is a part of any house hold name during Diwali or Tamil newyear. Even now a guy who has seen Rajini movie first day first show is considered and viewed as a hero among his friends .This all made any of ordinary fan to expect beyond their experience with Enthiran.

This is kind of different scenario but a much delayed thing which accepts brand superstar to the northern part of India. Though Sivaji was a big hit in north, but the critics were sharp to make fun of it. But southern India was celebrating its success. The acceptance of Rajinikanth beyond life wasn’t happening till these days. It was because of void of emotional connectivity with Hindi fans.

Rajini had acted in a movie which wasn’t created for him.It was actually meant for Kamal and then to SRK. We have to accept it. We have to strongly accept it. This is one fact which answers lots of disappointment. His tailor made roles or the remade movies were modulated for Rajini fan’s expectation. I remember Kamal giving an interview about Robot four years ago “Me, Shankar and Sujatha discussed about making a movie after Indian. We discussed a movie called Robot which would cost 50crores (in 2004 roughly I believe ) but it would run for 50 weeks”. Kamal was sure about its success given the depth and skill of the team.

In 2004 the estimated budget was 50crores, in 2010 it sums upto 165crores (as per the media). Do you think it is possible to get the Return of Investment with SRK or Kamalhassan. It needed a star who is already a brand who gains lots of equity more than films and above all there should be a strong power which should connect to their emotions. Its absolute Economics and Marketing definitely not for the Superstar that this movie is on Rajinikanth.

If you ask me I am not sure whether the CG is to be compared with Hollywood flicks, the quality of any work comes with the budget. Spend $200 million you make Matrix, spend $35 million you will be able to deliver only this quality. Its absolute nonsense to compare this with Hollywood flicks because this movie has its own vision and own literary brilliance to support its plot.

Finally it’s time for Rajini to spread boundries. For twenty five years he had been entertaining Tamil Nadu. Now Shankar has elevated the brand to the next level of international viewership, where people believe that with Rajini some magic is possible though they don’t accept as we worship him. The second part of Robot may be on its way. But sure Rajini would team with Shankar again for the brand visibility to a market which was totally sarcastic about his screen presence. For it to happen, Rajini has sacrificed lots of formulative stuff and the satisfaction factor of his fans.

The Enthiran product can’t reap its benefit it doesn’t get in to the merchandise of Rajinikanth. Toys or Tees or Conceptual factors which would definitely sell just for the Rajinikanth and nothing else.

But as many said My mind still wants the gutsy and unwaged Rajinikanth who hails from village with lots of sentiments and humour who had been entertaining the six crore people ! I am going with the success of Enthiran but I don’t want the sophisticated Rajinikanth anymore because I connect with Rajini emotionally and not through entertainment. That’s what people of Tamil Nadu do and that’s why people are tight lipped.

Enthiran ****( 2010)

2010-09-30T21:03:00.000-07:00

Hurray!!! Its entertaining,vibrant,fun ride,over satisfied,technically shocking!!! To perceive this as a dream project after lots of changes,after missing Sujatha the man who shaped shankar’s dream ,after mess with SRK ,Enthiran is possible only because of Rajinikanth .You don’t have to expect any thing out from Enthiran,enter the hall with no expectation and you will return with full masala-ed Sci Fi entertainer.Shankar has nutured and presented this with a difference though he has casted the unprecedented Rajinikanth!Its one smashing movie with Magic of Rajini and brilliance of Shankar's delivery.

Enthiran is about a machine made to do good deeds which gets misdirected .Enthiran makes mistakes logically,it hypes lot ,it doesn’t feed you with what a Rajini fan would expect throughout,it doesn’t provide you with usual Rajini humor but Enthiran stands out as an outstanding entertainer because of Charisma of Rajini and Shankar’s work.

Technically the movie doesn’t disappoint you at all,it has got the style and uniqueness of all CG dominated movie.Most part of the movie is shot in CG which makes a different viewing experience for the fans.But its good to see lots of convincing CG with Rajini style embedded which gives roars in movie halls.Music and recording has a real feel of the SCI Fi than of a super star movie. This would have made some of the fans to get disappointed but there are scenes which rebuilds energy of Rajini with style and force.

Shankar knows ;with Rajinikanth any thing is possible ,because Onscreen he is the only man who makes us believe that he can count till infinity.This unarguably has to be enjoyed beyond criticism,be it any scene ; Rajini sprinkles his magic through out which makes Enthiran an impossible Rajini Movie.This might draw lots of varied experiences but Enthiran’s magic is completely on the shoulders of Rajini kanth which is vividly displayed with style.High electric scenes when the emotions flow from Chitti ( Robot) and when he finds the human Rajini amongst the Robots are clear examples how even single frame of shots can bring the smiles and energy of a ordinary Rajini fan in a Sci Fi dominated movie.

Aishwarya Rai looks energetic than never before ,she has shown some very hardworking dance sequences which just gives answer for every Rajini fan why Rajini was very particular about the Mrs.Bachan.Never in the movie other are not able to be noted because of the screen presence Shankar has provided for Robot Rajinikanth.From my view ;the movie is sophisticated but it lacks bit of realism which Shankar brings so beautifully in his movies.At times the movie builds so easily and so casually at initial stages which makes difficult to compare as a package given the racy and gripping vibrant Rajini we see in the last thirty minutes.Last thirty minutes some how comes as a Michael Hussey innings and Enthiran earns and will mint money because of that.

Thanks to Sujatha who gave shape to his characters which he made in his books,it wouldn’t have been possible for Shankar to create some intelligent versions of Robot with out him.Sujatha –We miss you and even Shankar will do through out his career.Thanks boss!You are a true Genius.

Shankar has evoluted as a successful delivery Head than being a director.He understands the life-cycle of a movie and he delivers the product with real flavor than not being technically complicated or confusing.

Some things are immortal and some people never fail.Rajini kanth proves it and he just shows media and business world how much of bucks his screen presence means ! Enthiran thorough entertainer void of Rajini Punch dialogues but A new charismatic Rajini with Style and sophistication.Have your fun ! Happy Diwali Folks !!! Dot .

Rating : ****

Boss Engira Bhaskaran ( 2010) ***

2010-09-13T05:39:00.000-07:00

Its been some time that we had an experience with lighthearted ,Non sense comedy,Fun filled movies.Last year SMS gave the real feel about the present day sense of humour and this year Rajesh is back with Boss engira Bhaskaran with the same mood and feel.He didn’t want to disturb his momentum he had with SMS and he just didn’t want to take the risk of testifying against the present day directors and story line ups.Rajesh has impressively made a screen play with out any story and the best part is that it ends with a hilarious note.

The story is about Boss a.k.a Bhaskaran.The movie has nothing to say about him or his love affair with Chandrika or his friend Nalla thambi,but it has just the casual day to day affair with these three in a warm ,loving manner.Not Even at a second the movie gets in to the serious note which makes BEB a fun filled laugh riot of how Bhaskaran gets Chandrika in the typical Rajesh style.

High notes to Arya for his performance, He shines in many places even when Santhanam tries to dominate.Arya has enjoyed this role like Jeeva did in SMS.The best part is that he looks stunning .Every one should have loved to act in this movie ,for the mood.Now that we can realize that movies can be made interesting when actors give their interest rather than just acting.Director Rajesh has given a neat role to every one who are involved with a bit of humour added to every body.

Movie wins because of the chemistry Santhanam works with Arya.He did it with Jeeva in SMS and he has given his best in BEB.Movie has no different story line nor a screenplay but it moves with so swiftly because of the situational comedies and one liners Santhanam cracks .No doubt he should have got a better share of payment for this movie than any actor in the movie.I wish this pair of Rajesh and Santhanam to stay for more movies.

I have no qualms that Movie would be enjoyed by every body ,But the best part of the movie comes in the last fifteen minutes with a cameo role.I don’t want to break the surprise ,He is an actor who can make you laugh like how your best pal brings the laughter in you.Arya , Santhanam ,Rajesh and it’s a sure winner for this year and BEB is the movie every one can watch to break free and laugh out Loud.As my brother tweeted Boss Engira Blockbuster.Very well done.

Aashayein (2010) * 1/2

2010-09-02T09:47:00.000-07:00

Nagesh Kukunoor is an impressive story teller, His movies has an image which are feel good and had substance. With an impressive cast John Abraham Sonal Sehgal, Girish Karnad, Farida Jalal one would expect a interesting movie from Nagesh.But the movie becomes a boredom at a point ,and you find it very difficult to sail along with the movie.

What went wrong? The whole plot shot in Hospice gives a very depressed though it aims at bringing a feel good factor.Rahul ( John Abraham ) finds himself with Lung cancer on the day he wins three crores in a betting.Rahul flees from his lover Nafisa ( Sonal ) leaving quite a lot of money to a Hospice in search of peace .He meets many people at the verge of death who openly accepts their state of being. Rahul among the people searches his cure before his death which basically ends meaningless for himself and for us.

Nagesh has tried the world of fantasies to bring a different outlook but sadly his intentions gets lost with a very sick story line.The predictable and lousy story line starts of some how very impressively.The initial moments of color and frames gives the hope of an interesting feel good movie,but sadly the movie turns upside down the moment Rahul discovers about the hospice.Nagesh has an impressive technical team who can lift the movie but when the screen play is down ,you have no mood for enjoying .But still Sudeep Chatterjee brings the beauty of my favourite Pondy.

John Abraham has matured over the years and its good to see him over come his initial hitches in acting.Its amazing to see the pair of John Ab and Sonia Sehgal .But it’s the chak de India girl Anaitha Nair who steals the show at the later part of the movie as the cancer patient.The movie puts a platform for them,they have proved it but some how the screen play looks pathetically weak and Nagesh has to take the credit for it.

Some how the movie refuses to get in to your mind or heart ,The beautifully shot visuals gives the treat but where is Kukunoor ? Ashaiyein just tells us how the melodramatic movies can be made with the typical Dying hero and bunch of old people .But movies have moved far off and the interest have traveled so far .Even if you are telling a story in a hospice its much needed that you have to have a credible screenplay to bring emotions ,Gone are the days where audience felt pity for the cancer patients on screen.It was sad to know Nagesh Kukunoor didn’t realize it.

Trailer of Mangatha

2010-08-30T08:08:00.001-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACnupTjc1rg

Trailer of Mangatha

Starring : Ajith ,Nagarjuna

Directed by : Venkat prabu

Naan Mahan Alla

2010-08-30T07:57:00.000-07:00

Naan Mahan Alla comes in shades of Pollathavan and Suseendran knowingly or unknowingly has lots and lots of resemblances of Vetrimaran’s movie.I was impressed with the way movie went on the first half with humour and no nonsense romance and All along the movie was able to hold the grip of an entertainer genre.

Jeeva (Karthi) an easy going guy gets in to the job search because of his romance with Priya (Kajal agarwal)and he had to get in to a job to prove his worth .Jeeva’s father Jaiprakash gets targeted by a gang who kidnaps women for their lust.At one point Jeeva looses his dad and he goes in search of the gang through his network.Its just the two parallel track of the Mobs and the Jeeva which meets in his dad’s murder.

Suseendran should have worked upon the resemblances and similarities of screenplay with Pollathavan.The feeling of Pollathavan in the characters and Climax popped out so naturally that some how I was hesitant to rate this on a high note.Suseendran has studied well for the movie.I can accept that.He just want to realty and he never wanted to over board the commercial aspect in the movie which is really a noteworthy point about this movie.Two aspects suseendran succeeds through this movie 1.Gripping climax and the last twenty minutes and 2.First half humour.Its an old tamil cinema formula to deliver a hit but still many doesn’t follow it .When you don’t want to prove some thing its very much recommended that our Tamil Directors can follow this rather than trying some idiotic scripts and commercial values.

Karthi is getting so natural with humour and action.Some how I feel he can carry better roles than this.He isn’t looking like experimenting but he is choosing roles which is a welcome move.Apart from Karthi ,the college hooligans make an impressive mark in the movie.They have been trained and handled well by the team.Even the visuals of them are shot in dark and it gives the mood for the climax.

Naan Mahan alla could have been a much better movie if Suseendran had involved an another meaty role for some character.still he builds the movie with a warmth of a realistic one.Yuvan should has a good note with BGM but with songs ,I am not impressed.Naan Mahan Alla is a good entertainer for its screenplay and Karthi’s performance.

Madarasapattinam (2010) ***

2010-07-10T00:58:00.000-07:00

Madarasapattinam is a sweet and simple emotional journey to the yesteryears beauty Madras Presidency.Things were organized in the city then and its so surprising to see those places in CG which has now transformed as a nuisance and a thing to comment on Madras.Madarasapattinam wins for its detailing and for keeping it straight though there are some negatives about the movie.Vijay’s Maiden own story is an impressive love story which may have shades of Lagaan or Titanic but its a different story of its league.The first period movie in Tamil which can be declared hit.

1945 Amy Jackson the daughter of Governor lands Madaras Presidency ,she gets impressed by the culture and heritage of Indian people and of course the brave man Parithi(Arya).This starts the tussle between the british officers and the Dhobi Community.Film moves to present and past ,In the present day Amy in the verge of her of serious illness travels from UK to India in search of her Lost love Parithi after 60 years.In the past love blossoms between Parithi and Durai amma ( Amy ) with language being a no barrier.Amy is forced to get engaged with Wilson ,Commissioner of British police.Amy and Parithi runs for their life and love.The movie unfolds as a fantastic portrayal of emotions in this period with absolutely no dialogues.Present and Past has an unique ending with Amy leaving and Parithi leaving respectively.

Vijay has got a fantastic team and his imagination will pay rich benifits for this movie.Niravshah is at his best and the mood in the yesteryears are simply superb.The winner all the way in this movie is Selva Kumar for his art work.Even at a single frame the work of computer graphics didnt give a feel of artificial work.Truly world class.A genuine art work at its best. Being said that Vijay should have worked on his dialogues in a better way.Some of the words were very ordinary but though it has some very good lines like the Voter’s officer questioning the present day Amy “ 35 koodila tholaitchuttu 110 koodila thedureengale “ about the way India has grown in numbers.

A lot was expected from Arya after Naan Kadavul ,I expected some intense emotions from him ,but the actor didn't give me a impressive performance.It could have been much better if Arya would have worked on his dialogue delivery and body language as Vikram does.Amazingly stunning Amy Jackson steals the show ahead of lots of actors.She emotes and makes us feel the language which she is trying to communicate through her eyes.Amy is a fantastic choice and she stands as the boon for this movie though her initial impression towards Arya wasn't well justified though.Madras becomes the hero in the movie.The nostalgic frames about Wall tax road,Mount road and Central and the canals appears as a dream and it would come closer to heart for the people of chennai.

I just miss Nasser in Tamil movies.Tamil cinema should be ashamed for not using Nasser.Nasser is a cut above the class actor and he just proves how wonderful he can bring his presence on screen.Nasser reminds of Nambiar in his midieval day performances .Instead of running behind Prakash Raj for all the better reasons Directors should be behind Nasser.I beleive , Vijay has the same feeling about him .After Poi solla porom the character of Kusthi vathiar is a enjoyable performance from Nasser.

GV Prakash has improved a lot after Ayirathil oruvan,but GV should work on re recording badly.In some frames its just being so repetitive that it gives the melodramatic feeling.Vijay has built an inspiring team with a inspiring story and it succeeds with minor flaws.It might not be a land mark movie but definitely a beautiful movie for the season.Though shot in the back drop of Pre Independence ,this movie doesnt get in to that space to make it complex.That works astonishingly for the director by keeping it simple and straight.Good work Vijay.

Rating : ***

Raavanan ***

2010-06-18T00:36:00.000-07:00

Raavan brings Technical brilliance at its believable and reachable point for Tamil Cinema. Raavan redifines the mythological inspiration in a celluloid form with its imagination and intelligence.Truly this movie is one of the landmark in Vikram’s character and different from his earlier version since he has changed his much praised dialogue tone and accent.Vikram has just been very mighty and powerful and has over taken the creator of the movie.Manirathnam should have been watching quietly a hungry wild beast when Vikram was performing rather than moulding him to his frame.But though Raavanan looks mighty the movie is weak for its simplified direct inspiration and very closed approach of Mani Sir.

Raavanan is an intelligent but simplified resemblance from Ramayanam ,the motivation and emotions are similar with Raavan being the powerful and true human being than Raaman .Veera ( Vikram ) the extremist who is been searched by SP Dev (Prithivi Raj ) and team for his rebellious and criminal activities.Veera is desperate to take revenge on Dev and team for killing his sister Vennila ( Priyamani) who was raped by the cops.Veera abducts Dev’s wife Ragini and Dev goes in for a hunt for Veera.Ragini –Dev- Veera a war of humanity and power .

Vikram could not have asked more than this to reach this stage.A monster at his best,uncontrolled, emotional, hungry , Balanced ,this man erupts at his best with his dialogue delivery and body language. Its totally scary to look at this actor and even the best of actors would look scrawny before this character.Vikram stabilizes the charater of Aishwarya Rai,initially struggling ,the character of Aishwarya moves along in confusion and choice.Not to Blame on Prithiviraj ,but he can not be compared with the strength and home work of Vikram.Karthik inspired from Anjaneya makes the humor part of the movie.Every character has a role and difference in this movie be it Prabu,Priyamani but on the whole it’s a Vikram show.

One thing which has let down and looks a disaster is Dialogues.Its a simulated interest of words which is been inserted and at lot of instances it looks out of context.Contextual interest deviates and the whole mood of the creator gets in a different outlook,Very bad work Suhasini.Santhosh Sivan and Manikandan,it’s a mighty combination.Even one name would have given greated treat,the duo have given us a visually mesmerizing heaven which we can only dream .The localities and the colors bring a new breadth to the Movie.Rahman and Manirathnam is the best in the industry and the magic continues.

Mani Sir should have more got more interested in the groundwork to bring a base for the character,because the first half looks bleak and weak.The second half with Priyamani brings the force for Raavan.Manirathnam makes a fair display of commercial aspects too and he had got that in his touch.Most of the time the visuals ,the performance makes us forget Manirathnam ,which is good for the viewers too.

Historically different ,this movie searches for a poignant end but give a touch of evil ,which works .Raavan is definitely a milestone for its technical brilliance and it could have been much more better,Because when its from Mani Sir you obviously demand more from his box.But still it’s a visual treat.

Rating***

Rajneeti (2010) ***

2010-06-11T23:24:00.000-07:00

Unwanted hypes might spoil the true creations also,this movie kind of escaped from getting failed.Its a generalistic option to go for a viral marketing nowadays for the movies before release,but this movie team opted for a lousy channel with a lousy theme to market .Some how the movie was much beyond it what they had emphasized and it was saved.Rajneeti adopted from Mahabaratha,Little bit of God father gives the gripping mood for its racy screen play and performance of the lead characters.

Its difficult to first get in to the movie until you get to realize this is based on some characters which you knew,For example the character of Bharati Rai (Nikhila Trikha) whose character is from Kunthi Devi who gives birth to Ajay Devgan resembling Karna becoming the rival for the family of Bharathi Rai .This is a political gang war between one of the biggest Political family of a state.its about revenge,Love and hatred engulfed in the form of Politics .Ranbir takes the lead with his Mamaji Nana Patekar to cleaverly plot against the rival gang of the family.Things get settled when you understand the characters.The characters are much in number and it might even leave you to get isolated from the movie for the first twenty minutes.

Rajneeti is about the fantastic screenplay and the tactical display by Nana Patekar and Ranbir Kapoor.Ranbir Kapoor is busy and pretty smart in his performances these days and he is just proving why he is the darling of all the good directors.Its been some time that I saw Nana Patekar in a good character.Though might not be the best of roles but Nana just gives a glimpse of his legendary skills.First time in my life I was totally convinced with Arjun Rampal’s performance.Ferociously played this actor had displayed a fine maturity in his role as Prithiviraj prathap.Much has been hyped about the Katrina Kaif role .the actress has worked on her accent and language to stand beside this league of actors.Prakash Jha’s love with Ajay Devgan continues with Raajneeti also.

The whole credit of success is for Prakash Jha,the movie is superlative in some parts ,definitely this is not a excellent creation through out,but still when you are done with the movie you would realize you were with one of the good political drama of our times.Politically this movie is cunning, wicked, tactical, ferocious display .Media abuse,power misuse,dynastic rule all make a mockery at the so called democracy.Prakash jha cleverly tells how democracy can be a eyewash and it can be made as a excuse for lots of caste,racial issues.

Rajneeti is over dramatic and it gives a cheap value for life ,but it definitely engrossing and gripping political drama which you would have watched in the recent times.Go for its performances and screenplay.

Rating : ***

Singam( 2010) ***

2010-06-02T04:45:00.000-07:00

Singam roars,Definitely the movie is a Masala Briyani prepared well.No nonsense a typical Tamil film with out and out Action and Romance Singam succeeds and comes in as a rescue for this summer.Singam directed by Hari looks for the safest bet in all the aspects with very intelligently handled action sequences.

Duraisingam a honest and aggressive sub Inspector of Police at Nallur village is the most respected and beloved Cop in and around the village.Mayilvahanam ( Prakashraj) who is a Mob in Chennai tries to brawl with Singam at Nallur but he fails so badly because of the power and influence Singam had earned in his village,Mayilvahanam returns back to chennai and brings Singam by transferring him to Chennai to take revenge at his fort.Singam is humiliated by the Mayilvahanam by restricting him to take action against the illegal activities of Mayilvahanam ,which Mayilvahanam effects through his link in Police Department.Singam stands against Mayilvahanam after he meets Kavya(Anushka) who started loving him at Nallur.Singam doesn’t give up after it and it becomes a highvoltage action package .

Hari sensibly and intelligently chooses the locality which he knew very well.Hari has regained his masala action adventure which he had given in Samy,This might not be a much complete movie like Samy but surely this would go as a better action movie in the recent.The clear screenplay and the action sequences carry this masala package with racy picturisation.Its a very intelligent idea some of these directors like Hari,Tharani,Lingusamy use ,by fast forwarding the vehicle chases,by kidnap dramas.Though these were there previously these directors handle in a way which would give the feel of a racy thriller.

Surya as Singam is a good choice ,he should have had a very bad throat through out the shoot of this movie.He screams and screams,interestingly it doesn’t go as a punch dialogue .The only problem with Surya in the movie was his Accent,the actor just couldn’t come near the Tutucorin accent.Surprisingly the accent changes when he gets transferred to Chennai.

Hari should not have chosen Prakashraj,he doesn’t look or act as a dangerous Mob who operates Chennai.Most of the time he was literally hiding out from Surya.The characterization and the choice of actor could have been different rather than Prakash raj.People are fed up with Prakash raj of these kind of roles.Anushka is the refereshing package of the season,she doesn’t have to strain so much by acting,I guess people would watch even her frame stands still.Vivek looks very pathetic in the movie ,cant able to bring his magical days,this guy is really struggling.

Music and camera just get a very minimal notice as this movie completely overshadowed by Surya and Hari.It cant be compared with Samy as Samy had a powerful villain and very meaningful script than Singam.But Singam definitely roars for the action and Surya.

Rating :***

Kites * 1/2 (2010)

2010-06-02T04:42:00.000-07:00

Two months of No movies .Tight schedules to keep, House shifting and I was left with no time for Blogging. Understandably change of activities but I was carving for a movie.Kites had bad reviews but I expected this movie for Gusty look of Hritik and trust on Anurag’s characters.Sadly this movie ended with nothing and absolutely nothing.

Kites is a story about J (What does J stand for ?? Even in passport its J ,So funny ) who falls in love with Linda .who is incidentally engaged with Tony the son of Bobby who owns the biggest casino in Los Vegas. Tony’s sister is madly in love with J and J is there for her money. At one point of time he couldn’t take up his thirst for money and goes behind the Girl .Things mess up and the duo escape from Los Vegas. Things were very good till this. Poetic, acceptable, Refreshing and all but it the second half had nothing to say and it just showed up the end with a unconvincing completion of work.

Kites fails badly for the incomplete work in the screenplay ,mainly in the second half.First half had fantastic move of incidents but what next is irritating and totally messed up. Should have been poetic but it looks so weird,The uncanny history of Spanish girl has no impact left on the story and even the J’s history of marrying women for Money.Anurag creates characters well,he has a good taste for glamour and seduction on screen ,he has not delivered with completion with Kites.The movie looks with a big hole on the screenplay and he has no idea what he was doing after J and Linda flees from Tony.

Hritik shows how hot he can look even with his dusty and untidy clothes.He has a role to play but there is nothing unique for the actor in this movie. I didn’t expect the Spanish beauty Barbara Mori to act so well.She can act very well,but these movies are totally not her place to prove her acting ( !!) skills.Kabir Bedi and Kangana has a very very small appearance .Overall there are no characters.Its all about the J and Linda but you got to search what is so desperate about them to be mad in love.I had no idea what Anurag is trying to prove with his take on Love. I wasn’t sure whether he was trying to justify Love is more than Money or Sacrificing is more than Love .Idiotically told last sequences has a very bad impact on the overall movie,Its totally unconvincing movie from the director and actor.

Even in a single frame I could not see the actor Hritik ,All I could see was the Model Hritik and apparently I couldnot understand why this movie took two years in making.Watch this movie at your own risk.

Rating :* 1/2

Ravan Trailer Hindi HD

2010-04-17T14:15:00.000-07:00

Paiyya (2010) **

2010-04-02T00:48:00.000-07:00

Linguswamy is always lucky .He gets a good hype and expectation for his movies before its release, but he fails off late . Be it Ji,Bheema or now paiyya.What would you expect from a director who gave Run and Sandaikozhi; an action bolt but not similar to his earlier ventures.Paiyya is a technically superior movie but we don’t have a plot here to support it.Paiyya fails in the midway due to lack of logic and substance.

Paiyya is a ride from Bangalore to Mumbai in a sexy Black Lancer with Karthi and Tamannah.Tamannah wants to escape from the people who are chasing her due to property issues,Karthi a guy who stays with his friends falls in love with Tamanah from the moment he sees her in Bangalore.Karthi helps Tamannah to escape from Blore ,in the mid way both face the Gundah power .The fun part and the only different part is there is a different group who searches Karthi and different one who searches Tamanah.It gets usual with Bad guys searching Good Guy,Scorpio,chases,Songs,Love,Stunts.climax.

Why in the whole world Lingusamy is so fascinated with this story,A guy who is new to the city unknowingly messes with a Gundah and the Gundah searches him.Fed up…totally fed up.He should think different .At one point you don’t know what he is up to .If its just the journey he wanted to project then there should be interesting subplots ,but sadly the movie travels with Karthi looking at her through the mirror.What an interesting plot he took but sadly he leaves with his usual stuff of Toll plaza searches and road side fights .If he would have made this journey a interesting one with totally different plot then this journey would have been a memorable one for every body.

Karthi the usual Tamil cinema Hero who is slapdash, totally helping everybody, cant stand injustice, falls in love at first sight, misses interview for a girl, typical lover boy ,has the power to finish even 50 professional Mobs .We don’t have to define him ,his introduction scene defines completely.Sadly he falls in the trap of this commercial masala.But a fact is he has all capabilities to become the macho action hero.Tamannah is beautiful in the movie and she remains just being beautiful in the movie. There is no relevance why people were chasing her.

Technically the movie is a great watch,it brings a beautiful drive along the Mumbai highway ,capturing the whole beauty of Indian Roads and Karnataka.Intense visuals brings a gripping mood for the action scenes and Lingusamy could have brought more difference in action sequences.Songs are already at top of the charts and its been shot very well with Karthi and Tamannah.What makes this an average watch is its technicalities,Typical example of how editing,BGM,Camera helps a director to cover up his incapability.The movie some how pretends to move fast because of these people who had handled Camera( Mathi ) and Ediiting(Anthony Gonsalves)

For some time last year Tamil cinema had forgotten this Good Guy - bad Guys chase story but Lingusamy wants to bring that hangover again.Movie is not a bad watch but it doesn’t worth the expectation or the hype.It can entertain for its technical brilliance and of course you will fall in love for the sexy Mitsubishi Lancer.

Rating : **

Angadi Theru (2010) ****

2010-03-26T12:46:00.000-07:00

In these three years since the release of Veyil ,I met Vasantha Balan thrice and I tried to ask him about the Movie Angadi Theru.But he always sounded low and he always projected what he was not.Last time when I met him in “Paa “ screening, I told him about the “Kathailagai pesum “ song from Angadi Theru and I could really see his face getting brighter.He should have been very energetic about this creation.I don’t know why this movie was delayed but this movie had come in the right time for Tamil Cinema.After repeatedly hearing the movie’s songs for nearly eight months I couldn’t wait to watch the movie though I was expecting a emotional ride for two hours.I bow to Vasanthabalan’s original and brave attempt Angadi theru for its realism and sensation.

It’s a heavy walk in Angadi theru,its about two sales people who fell in love amidst the inhuman work culture and treatment at a TNagar Super store .The film is inspired from a popular TNagar store which was in news for its brutal treatment of its employees and customers.The love blossoms in a place where even speaking with Opposite sex is treated so ruthlessly. Sexual harassment,Poverty,Exploitation and the crowd of TNagar ,Movie moves forward true to the core and it just makes you feel heavy.Ends so poetically with out a compromise ,Angadi Theru is one fine movie for its splendid scripting and Razor sharp writing.

Vasanthabalan’s sincerity is totally admirable.He just puts forward a brave attempt in portraying the mores and episodes of the poor sales people of how they live and how they move around the city .In a place where survival is a mandatory with out a compromise ,emotions gets shared with true intentions also but it gets seen as a crime .Intensity runs high from the very beginning and at the beginning I felt Vasanthabalan is trying to push the emotions towards us,but in the ride I was able to see the research and home work he had done to script this.There isn’t a much of a intelligent story but the screenplay of the movie is crafted so brilliantly that it can match any of the great screenplays told before.We know which store Director is mentioning about but he has taken lots of pain and exertion to draw inspiration to bring it in celluloid.

Told in flashback Angadi theru is a much refined movie than Veyil ,it carries enormous amount of pain than Veyil.It has much darker side to portray than Veyil,Its need not be compared with Veyil but It’s a movie with some gripping moments and touching incidents.Anjali( Katrathu Tamil ) who plays Kani has had a revelation of performance ,she is totally soaked up in the character and for sure she is a actress to watch out for ,Her performance will win glory for the movie.Mahesh portrays typical sales guy ,a lover boy how he fights against his fate.Fantastic performance for a debutant.Brilliantly performed, every character has a very unique performance.

Jayamohan has penned his best work atlast in movies, societal concerned, self sympathized, verbiage which just moves your mind and heart when you are inside the hall.The scene before the interval is a classic example of the intelligent writing and direction.Music is a strength to the movie,I know many wouldn’t have heard all the songs,I recommend all the songs of the movies.One of the best in recent past.So beautifully shot and poetically performed.Camera of Richard M Nathan gives your mind a feel that you are in Renganathan street.One of the best works by all means.

Angadi theru is a movie which has lots of pain and I was prepared for the heavy ride but I didn’t expect that I would be totally moved by this creator’s work. This would go as one of the best movies in the recent past and Vasanthabalan arrives here truly than in Veyil .Go for this to watch the real life of the sales people who smiles at you when you buy a TShirt or saree. VasanthaBalan should make a light hearted movie next time.This is a wish from a fan.I know you would be reading this.

Rating : ****

Munthinam Parthene ( 2010 ) **

2010-03-22T13:26:00.000-07:00

Munthinam Parthane is a movie directed by Magizh Thirumeni .Assistant of Gautham Menon.Lots of shades of Gautham Menon,Even the locales.But he believes in Tamil dialogues to some extend than his Boss.Muthinam Parthane is not a bad attempt for its outlook.I liked the director’s name ! His maiden venture in to Films starts of with a lovestory which lacks clarity.

Sanjay starts of the movie narrating his journey from his late twenties till he gets married.Sanjay falls in love with many girls but he never finds his soulmate .When he accepts some body he realizes his love and concern for the past relation. Some how the movie goes off in a unclear fashion which actually goes terribly wrong about the screenplay.Sanjay settles down with what he was given to him than going in search of the girl.

One fine thing about this movie is characterization ,Director had built some realistic characters around the main characters who actually make this movie close to interesting.The character of Ilango and Priya are typical guys whom you would find in every office.Every intention of the director is to tell the story of the Urban Youth in a emotional manner but he just loses the grip on the way.He lets out lots of events to describe the intentions and attitude of the working professionals which actually doesn’t interest because it slowly became a serial kind of feel.Director doesn’t want to explain but he doesn’t want to be clear of his scenes too.It doesn’t confuse the audience it just makes it very evident that his screenplay is not scripted well.

Some how the Main character Aarthi didn’t interest among the whole lot. Played down by rumors ,her problem with relations, her independence were not presented well.The whole absorption was totally missing in her performance and emotions.Sanjay plays out a fine performance ,realistic,cool and sharp.The problem with lead female characters are that every body looks similar Aarthy,Pooja and Anu.And that’s a problem when you name your characters with very familiar names.I think Director should have learnt this from his Guru ,Of how to name characters with specific identification.Taman’s music plays off in wrong time in the movie,Guy should seriously work on his BGM.Eeram was impressive this is disappointing.Magizh has chosen some beautiful locales in and around Chennai which is actually impressive.Vincent captures his mood and it gives fresh look to the whole presentation.The beaches,Anna salai and so on.

Movie is good in patches but as a whole it’s an average movie and one another movie which tells about the IT professionals in a “so called” realistic manner

Rating : **

Katcheri Aarambam (2010) * 1/2

2010-03-20T13:34:00.000-07:00

What the hell has happened to Jeeva??? Did he really wanted to act in this movie.It looked a thorough entertainer like SMS.But sadly exactly after a year of SMS Katcheri Arambam comes from Jeeva and it makes a very normal rather a boring movie .I always believed Jeeva is the finest actor among the young breeds but just that he isn’t being lucky enough to draw the big Directors.Even the Mediocre production value SMS was a huge entertainer because of Jeeva and Santhanam .No body could deny it is one of the best movie of last year .Katcheri Arambam becomes a usual commercial movie with Masala ,Don but told in a lighter manner.

Paari ( Jeeva ) falls in love with Mathi ( Poonam Baweja) from the moment he lands in Chennai.Mathi is being chased by Sivamani ( Chakravarthy ) who is a Don of Chennai.He forces her to marry him and he tortures and harms the people who even speaks to Mathi.Paari plays a plot to get his love .End the Villain gets Gyaan through a lengthy dialogue.

There are some very good one liners in the scenes apart from that we cant even sit after the interval.First one hour the movie entertains with Jeeva’s fun with Vadivelu,but it’s a boring affair after that.I almost felt like leaving the hall after some time.The movie tries to spoof some of old Tamil movies but then it becomes one of its kind to get spoofed in the midway.Sadly again Poonam Baweja looks pathetic emotionless.Chakravarthy has got a new look with hair transplanted ,He starts of as a dangerous Don then slowly the screenplay makes him a joker.Sad to look at Sathya Charkarvarthy in these type of roles.

These would be a commercial average hit and it falls in the genre of Padikkathavan ,Jeeva has pumped lots of energy to speak through out in this movie.Surprised to see how RB Chaudry got convinced to make a movie from the Debut Director Thiraivanna and that too with this story line.

There is a dialogue in this movie a translation of a Tamil proverb “ Difficult Difficult Temple Going there one Difficult, Restless & Jing Jing Dancing “ It goes out well with this movie.

Rating : * 1/2

Vinnai Thaandi Varuvaaya (2010) ***1/2

2010-02-27T00:20:00.000-08:00

Love stories in cinema are immortal and Tamil movies had its golden moments with some time-less love stories.Gautham Menon usually gives love stories as passing plots which always have added magic in his movies .When this guy wanted to direct a full length light heart Love story there has to be a difference.And surprisingly there is difference in the way of outlook how we see the movie.VTV is not about the love alone its about two different characters of whom we get to see their moments after falling in love for each other.Vinnaithandi Varuvaya is a poetic name and the movie goes by its name.It can not be called as a Master Piece of Gautham but definitely I was much satisfied than Varanam Ayiram.

Gautham Menon’s love with Mechanical Engineering ,church marriages ,one liners continues.But definitely this time much intimate and closer to his heart.Karthik a Mechanical Engineering graduate an aspiring director falls in love with Jessy ,an IT professional.Jessy likes Karthik but she hesitates to accept because of her parents.At one point she expresses her interest and they wait for things to happen in their family.Jessy moves away from Karthik for no reason when she find nothing improving in her family.Jessy moves out of India and Karthik learns that she is married.Karthik meets his Jessy back after years and its nostalgic and definitive for the story.

Gautham makes a candid approach some thing which can be closer to Mouna Ragam,Before sunrise .He plays his game with two characters.He lets them cry ,laugh,long,speak and go on their ways.Their dreams are bigger ,but their love stands tall in between them.Gautham puts across a very realistic dialogues here.I would really accept, this gives the movie the realistic look.Its not all a movie touch to romance here,There is no gundas,they decide on their fate and Gautham uses Emotions as characters here to move his plot.Its more of conversation perceptibly intimate on their love,dreams and their life ahead.Any one would have their own moments because its easily relatable.This movie just makes Gautham’s writing skill to get noted than his direction.

Simbu plays his best character of his life time and he is smart .Every frame is apparent that he wants to break from his usual roles.He takes up this character so seriously and he has displayed enormous amount of maturity as an actor in his performance,Modulation,Body language.Trisha is a finest exhibition of intelligence,enigma and beauty.The character itself is a mystery and Trisha has perfected it so beautifully and had read the lines from Gautham’s mind so well.There aren’t much of support characters but Ganesh as friend of Simbu provides the humor through his outlook on Simbu’s behavior.

AR.Rahman with Gautham and Thamarai is definitely not a ordinary affair.Three of them wants the best and they provide their magic in their own ways.Aromale defines the mood of the movie and it plays as a haunting ballad throughout.Manoj camera is another character in the movie.It just brings the whole mood and tone to the emotions of Karthik and Jessy.The camera more than being fresh it tries to be very earnest to the script and it adds up beauty to the movie.

The end may not be conventional and any relation which had lots of questions has to end mysteriously or unconventionally.Gautham has been brave to tell this script because if you think back there isnt much of twist or a big tale to tell.He had the faith on his writing and he has done it with style.This wouldn’t go as one of the greatest but definitely a fresh way of looking in to romance in our space.The movie in the second half breaks away badly in to patches with Karthik’s dream and a romance but it had to be told other wise it would have been just a conversational affair.Gautham didn’t make this movie with scenes rather he has trusted so much on his simple dialogues and performances which I liked.For sure VTV doesn’t have great dialogues but it goes as the day to day conversation of two people who are madly in love.

VTV is sleek,realistic,expressive and it would be loved by many for its simplicity.A definite watch !

Rating : ***1/2

My Name is Khan ( 2010 ) ***

2010-02-19T23:42:00.000-08:00

After so much of hesitation I went for My Name is Khan first day ,with zero expectation on Karan Johar Movie.I have had lots of irritating melodramatic stuffs in his previous movies,especially with Kabhi kushi kabhi Gham.I hated his creation like any thing.But this one.Not bad at all.Its a descent watch with great performance from Sharukh Khan. Off late am I becoming lazy in writing reviews ,the question I have to ask my self because my friend is cribbing me that I have become lazy on writing on movies.I write about this movie after a week .Thats bad.After twitter ,facebook participation my comments have been swift to them but blog has been pushed to second level.I need to work on it atleast for good movies like MNIK.

MNIK is the Rizwhan Khaaan from Epiglottis ,a man who has a syndrome of Asperger,wants to meet president of USA to tell that his name is Khan and he is not a terrorist.He wants to prove that his family once he had was never responsible for any of the terrorist activity.Is Karan Johar making sense.I would totally agree.There was sense in this script with less of his usual la la la stuff and group dancing and that idiotic relationship dialogues.

Some how I used to think that Karan Johar is the Hindi version of our Vikraman for his BGM and dialogues he writes.But MNIK wins because of two things Sharukh and good piece of dialogues from Shibani Bhatija.There are moments you will feel “ wow “ for the dialogues.Its not the words as such but the situational meaning it puts across in the movie and for the subject.For example “there was initially BC ( Before Christ ) and AD ( After death ) now for us there is one more which after 9/11 and before 9/11” Very true every Muslim would tell this when they go the immigration check. The script boldly takes the script of harassment the Muslim community has been undergoing after 9/11,It’s a very emotional war which they undergo for the extra minutes which takes in the immigration just because they belong to Muslim community.Its the tough five minutes many would have faced for their names and appearances .But for what ? How much have changed their names,How much people have changed their appearances,it’s a long story.Movie puts across to lime light in a believable manner.You don’t have feel this guy is acting too smart for what Karan Johar had done.He has taken a real meaning which Kurban or Newyork didn’t do in a clear manner.

The movie moves like Forest Gump and the performance like Adam sandler ,you have to just take out that comparision to enjoy SRK’S performance.He sweeps the movie totally,he is magical and his blushing act when Kajol proposes to him for the marriage is an true example why he is a great actor.He is innocent,can crack puzzles,caring father, inquisitive and loving husband ,scared of moving objects,Helping hand,true human .This man has had a dream run with this movie ,I would definitely not agree if some body claims it’s a ordinary performance.Kajol’s presence itself is like a graced occasion. Her presence just confirms how important this movie is for SRK and Karan.Kajol is a magic when she is with SRK and it works still.Nothing can stop this pair on screen.Some of the support characters play a vital role in the movie for instance the Bhabi character,SRK mom .They tell you the crux of the movie through their dialogues and acts.

MNIK would definitely make you feel this movie is made with sincerity , Karan Johar has drawn lots of issues in to the movie and he has worked to look sleek and believable.Ravi K chandran’s every frame is fresh and songs of Shakar ehsaan loy is all kind of back ground stuff which actually is appreciable from KJ.MNIK should be watched for Rizwaan Khan and totally for the cause .I truly enjoyed the movie and go for it for Sharukh Khan .

Ishqiya (2010) ****

2010-02-14T10:46:00.000-08:00

My friend is pissed off with my pronunciation on the word Ishqiya ,some how the movie was postponed on a other friends request for watching together.All set when we tried the tickets we had to run theatre to theatre for seats.I regret of not watching it on the first day.Ishqiya will be the best movie of the year (though very early to comment ) for its superlative screenplay and the culture.Great directors bring culture to their presentation and make the movie a history,Quentin Tarantino does that often.Vishal Bharadwaj should be very proud of his assistant Abishek chaubey on his maiden venture and first it was Vishal’s Kaminey and now his script Ishqiya turning out as the finest in the recent times.

Ishqiya is a complex matrix of love and betrayal,Mafia .Set in Eastern uttarpradesh the movie moves around two individuals Khalujan (Nasurudeen shah ) and Bebbon (Arshad Warsi ) who run from their boses carrying his money and reach Krishna (Vidhyabalan) whose husband ,the duo’s old friend who gets killed in a fire accident.Krishna gets in to the hearts of both and it’s a war between love and lust for them.Krishna has a plan for both of them about escaping from their bosses through kidnapping local millionaire.Its gets complex and every body points gun on each other till the hide and seek is out.

Abishek Chaubey has to be applauded for bringing frivolous approach to filmmaking,he has a fresh way of telling things with a dark humour and intensity.He brings the cult culture and the flavour of UP in a unmatching style.This style of story telling is completely new to Indian cinema ,we have seen with Quentin Tarantino or Butch Cassidy and sundrance kid,There are traces of them also but we cant call it off completely as there is a clear inspiration of telling a fresh movie ! Ishqiya needs real skill for scripting and Vishal has become the most wanted in Indian cinema nowadays.This movie just proves why he has regarded as the finest movie maker in India.Screenplay builds the pace and it never fades away.Every aspect of Uttarpradesh gets in very aptly and it’s a real mastery the team has made a fantastic presentation on that.

If there is script and direction which gave the style and intensity ,the performances makes this movie one of the finest movie of recent times.Vidhya Balan is having a dream run,she is cunning ,seductive, expressive and brilliant.She makes the life of the duo in trouble and then puts them on the track .She runs the show for Ishqiya,I doubt any one would have done as brilliant as Vidhya.Its a amazing three performances ,Naserudeenshah goes underplayed intentionally for his age and character,Arshad throws away his lust on Vidhya in a very funny way .The three gives the humor for the movie too .

The fact this movie is dark but it remains as a clear and well crafted movie.There are amazing supporting charactes which give stability to the movie and the importance of the supporting characters and their dialogues are given greater evidence like in Kaminey.Ishqiya remain stylish and it puts the rural background for its culture and captures the urban practices.There are handpicked old Hindi songs which gets involved in the movie and travels along the characters.Music is out of the world.Dil to Bacha hai ji is getting in to my nerve and I am getting hooked.

If Gulzar,Vishal,Abishek team gives one movie a year ,It would definitely cheer the fans.We have great director in making with Abishek Chaubey .Raja san writes” If VB is the equivalent of Quentin Tarantino in Hindi cinema, safe to say with Chaubey, we have a Robert Rodriguez in the making.”and that’s 100% true

Asal (2010) * 1/2

2010-02-05T09:26:00.000-08:00

There are two differences between Vijay and Ajith.Vijay speaks his punch dialogues of his own,self chanting but Ajith makes other to speak about him .Vijay will be in lousy Tshirts and Jeans and Ajith will be in Armani Suits and Sunglasses.If every body thinks Ajith is not like Vijay think this and watch Asal you will accept ,what I said was true.Sitting in the hall I felt sleepy and I wonder why for this story there were three names in the title Ajith (!!) ,Saran and Yuhi sethu.Asal can pass commercially because of opening week collections,fantastic camera , some beleivable stunts and ofcourse the Ajith factor.Asal was not too bad but it lacks with time.It still the old Tamil style Mafia story and father sentiment.

Asal is about the guy Siva who isnt the legal son of Jeevanantham an industrialist in france.Siva is brought by Jeeva but his sons Sam and Vicky avoid him.Sam and Vicky try to trade of weapons with a drug mafia which is opposed by their dad.Jeeva gets killed and Siva is thrown out.When Sam and Vicky signs the deal the affected person kidnaps Vicky.Now Siva goes in search of Vicky,but he realises the real villain is not there.

Every body wears suits,sunglasses same as Billa.Billa was a fashion show ,it suited well because Ajith had a control over his weight but here his tummy is oozing out.There isnt much of dialogues for Ajith,he comes like Batman and hits and smokes cigar and disappears.He gets two bullets in the chest but still comes alive.Mr.Ajith will also be slowly pulled to the state where Vijay is if he doesn’t look his mannerisms and his hesitancy to act.There are some scenes which looks very simulated but that’s how Fans of Ajith accept him and celeberate him.

There is Yuhi sethu in a irritating role for comedy track as a DON.Sameera and Bhavana are surely a releif in this movie.I couldn’t understand the thoughts of the screenplay writers.It was very evident the two brothers were ineffective and the powerful villain was in India ,but he dies before interval ,Did Ajith came back to fight with these brothers who couldn’t stand against Ajith ?

Camera of Prashanth should be definitely applauded for bringing the style and beauty of France.The stunts were interesting because of good visuals and choreography.I don’t have any thing to say about Charan,who made movie which became hits in the past.There was nothing special before and even now.This time atleast he has bycotted his very irritating support characters in huge way except for Yuhi sethu and the two cranks who follows him.

If you are a Ajith fan you would like this ,but if you are neutral you will get a big yawn but when you try to sleep the horrible BGM will not allow you to sleep.Asal is an out and out duplicate version of typical masala movies.

Rating : *1/2

Tamizh Padam (2010) ***

2010-01-30T00:23:00.000-08:00

Siva and Amudhan make a great combination on screen with their spoof.Tamizh Padam a full length spoof on Tamil cinema over the years makes you to laugh ,laugh and laugh.Its a non stop express of fun till the end.Tamizh Padam succeeds with its harmless fun and performances.You should really have the real guts to make a spoof out of some of the greatest acheivement and performances,and Tamizh padam does it with a harmless screenplay.

Siva the saviour of the world orginates from no where ,he falls in love with a Priya .He earns one rupee more than his father in law with in minutes and he goes in search of his family with a family song ,he clears a group of mobs and at last he lands to end the laugh riot.Every character in the movie is named after some of Tamizh cinema’s much loved characters.

Pure fun is their intention and we keep finding the takeoff with the laughter which doesn’t stop at all.From the very first beginning till the end we cannot find even a single second which makes you feel they have slipped in their screenplay.The second half was looking ordinary in the imagination but the last ten minutes did the patchworks.When the Mouna Ragam Karthik Character arrives you can really feel how the character is still loved by tamil cinema and same is how Kandasamy is hated.You have Thalapathy,Run,Boys,A.R.Rehman,Kakha Kakha,Padayappa what not every movie today and yesterday has been invited for the party.

Movie wins because of Siva.Siva’s appearance as the innocent young guy brings the laughter even at the so called serious scene.This guy can pen even good movies in the future.I still believe the magic of Saroja is because of Siva.You can not stop hitting the front seat guy out of laughter during the Bharathanatyam scene which he learns in one night ( scene copied from Kathalan ) and during the Kakha Kakha scene.Tamizh Padam team has a comical performance from Vennirai adai Moorthy,Mano Bala,MS Bhaskar,Periar thasan.Paravai Muniamma.

We feel used with the spoof halfway through the movie that makes a dull phase in the movie.You have to completely forget the logic and loyalties to enjoy this movie .You would do it absolutely.Tamizh padam tells us how droning we have been in many movies,how repetetive our characters were,how we forget logic when we make movies,how we blindly follow stars.Thats a good note for this movie.End of the movie you would not be able to tell the story but sure you will feel satisfied for the movie.Definitely you wouldn’t regret it.Thorough entertainment guaranteed.

Rating:***

Goa ( 2010) * * 1/2

2010-01-29T13:09:00.001-08:00

Over confidence or lack of thought ! what ever you name Venkat Prabu hasn’t delivered ! You have to agree the movie is a laugh riot but is there a interesting plot ? Nope! You sit in the hall expecting some thing to happen and end of the day you return back with nothing.Goa is a Venkat Prabu Holiday as he calls but with no agenda and no directions.He just travels and comes back home with a group of funny people around.

Samikannu ( Premji) ,Vinayagam( Jai),Ramarajan ( Vaibhav) escapes from their village robbing the jewels of their village temple .Some incidents motivate them to fly to Goa in an intention to marry a foreigner and get married.Premji succeeds in love but the others get directed on their hunt.Nothing happens .and in the end Nothing happens.Its the story of three villagers arriving at Goa for an intention.

Making a movie with funny characters wouldn’t make a interesting movie.Goa has some good spoofs but how long Venkat Prabu will be driving this show? I had to convince myself that I would not be disappointed by this team .This movie doesn’t deserve to be compared with Chennai 600028 nor the funny thriller Saroja.This is a different presentation like a video album or a documentry but not a movie with a story.Venkat’s intention to make the audience laugh gets a hit but where lies the grip in the movie to deliver a success is a big ??? Because the movie tests the patience badly.45 mins in the movie there were three songs and for what ? No reason!

Its Jai who is very impressive among the three.You can not stop laughing at his English.He has matured as an actor atlast.Premji the same funny,mocked up but this time he gets a girl and he follows the parody in the same repetitive manner.Sampath has mocked on a film personality so aptly, that I was awestruck on his modulation of voice and performance.Arvind is a surprise package in the movie.Sneha builds a suspense but it fads away so badly.

This movie is Dil Chahta Hain meets Hang over but in a very very wobbly manner.Movie had a great momentum to start with at Pannaipuram ,it builds with the continous laughter but when the need to deliver arrived Venkat took a vaccation.He forgot he is making a movie.Highly predictable and not at all infectious.His previous movie had repeat viewing because they werent predictable and they were infectious.Goa is a typical vaccation with no harm ,you can enjoy many moments but don’t dig for any intelligence or twists! You will burst in many scenes ,you will be disappointed in the way.

Goa is a entertainer to extent,lesson to Venkat Prabu and a hit for it expectations !

Rating : **1/2

National Awards - 2008

2010-01-23T08:37:00.000-08:00

The list of some major awards:

Best Film: Antaheen

Best Tamil Film : Varanam Ayiram

Best Director : Bala ( Naan Kadavul )

Best Hindi Film: Rock On

Best Actress: Priyanka Chopra (Fashion)

Best Actor: Upendra Limaye 'Jogwa'.

Best Supporting actress: Kangna Ranaut (Fashion)

Best Supporting actor: Arjun Rampal (Rock On)

Best Debut Film: A Wednesday

Best Special Effects: Mumbai Meri Jaan

Best Popular Film: Oye Lucky Lucky Oye

Best Male Singer: Hariharan

Best Female Singer: Shreya Ghoshal

Best Animation Film: Roadside Romeo

Best Editing: Firaaq

Best Children Film: Gubachi Ganu

Vinnai Thandi Varuvaya -Trailer

2010-01-21T11:36:00.000-08:00

Vinnai thandi Varuvaya First Look

Dir : Gautham Vasudev Menon

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ha3fTQNTG_0

Guest Column by Sabhari - Ayirathil Oruvan

2010-01-19T09:21:00.001-08:00

Ayirathil Oruvan has been drawing lots of positive reviews and equal negative reviews.From all the persons I have heard nobody was neutral about the movie.This review is done by one of my friend Sabhari ,who has a keen interest on Movies and equally amazing knowledge on movies..This is a guest review on Ayirathil Oruvan to know the other side opinion on movie which I liked.

Thanks Sabari for the review --- Karthik K

Hyping up a movie by filming it for years together & following it up with good marketing has become the order of the day. One more young & innovative director falls prey to this tactics and he’ll definitely feel bad after looking back at his attempt. Just like any other movie-goer who has seen “Kaadhal Kondaen”, “7G Rainbow colony”, “Pudhupettai” I too had great expectations for the movie. But this one did not only let me down, but has also made me develop an aversion towards this avid film maker.

The premise of the movie – a team of archaeologists (Reema Sen, Andrea and team) with the aid of the Indian government go in search of lost artifacts from the Chozha dynasty ably supported by Karthi and team; what follows is 200 minutes of the director’s imagination (for the plot), and “inspirations” from umpteen number of English movies (for the scenes) made in a very artificial way. Although the first few minutes of the movie create a bit of curiosity about what is in store, you really can’t stop your eyes going to your watch. Songs at unnecessary junctures, kiddish romances that does not add spice to the already dragging scenes, hard to accept make-up, CG etc. follows for the next 45 minutes or so. The various barriers that the team faces are ill-conceived and to add to it is the CG effects. The viewer at times definitely feels that “how do Hollywood movies have such wonderful visual effects or for that matter a Shankar or a Maniratnam movie”.

There are scenes inspired from “Braveheart”, “Gladiator”, “Troy”, “300”, and all the other period war movies that you can think about – the only problem is why does someone need to “hold the line” when you are equipped with Sten guns, pistols and other automatic weapons against a small army with spears and swords. Does the Indian government have so much leisure time and an army of soldiers at their disposal just too fulfill the needs of a set of relatively unimportant people (except for a minister). Even if we ignore all these logical flaws in the movie, the picturization, art direction, music, action, etc. adds only to the already sore eyes, ears and heart.

With very little scope for acting Karthi, Parthiban & Reema have made the most of the chances that they get, but overall the whole cast at times looks irritating due to the badly shot scenes & lack of logic. I really don’t see the use of Adrea’s and Azhagam Perumal’s character. The off-screen team claims to have done a lot of research for the movie, but it hardly shows up on screen except for the first 20 minutes of the second half. The screenplay keeps dangling just to take you to the actual plot and this makes you totally uncomfortable in your seats.

I would not call this as a “valid attempt” by the director – because he is capable of making much better movies and period movies definitely need to have a meaty and convincing storyline. To summarize: Aayirathil Oruvan is a lengthy, costly, noisy, vulgar, meaningless movie. If the man has thoughts of making a sequel for this one, he better drop it right now or get his act together before starting to shoot.

Ayirathil Oruvan (2010) ****

2010-01-14T06:39:00.001-08:00

Wow is the word I would say for Selvaragavan for his script and imagination.Dont dig into the histories this movie matches the expectation and hype it created.Ayirathil Oruvan is a dream movie for any director and Selva breaks his silence with his powerful creation.There are many many loop holes but still this chozha epic puts us back to 9 centuries where the Chozha culture ruled the south east Asia.

Movie starts with a Chozha and Pandia War in 1279AD where Chozha king goes leaving his kingdom to Vietnam.In the present day Dr.Lavanya (Andrea) and Anitha (Reema Sen) goes in search of where abouts of the Chozha tressures with the government aided team which is assisted by Coolie Karthi.The team lands in the island and till the moment they reach the destination we are spell bound by the imagination and the magical work of Selvaragavan.

Movie completely belongs to Selvaragavan,It takes enormous guts to make a movie about War,Ancient history,Culture, present day ,Any producer would hesitate to get convinced.The success of Selva starts from there.Then on he took 3 years to make this movie.Truly understandable and every bit of the movie was convincing and enthralling. Credit goes to the Team of technicians who made this fictional movie so real.

The engrossing first half and emotion packed second half makes us to feel that we aren't watching a Tamil movie.The craft of Selva is evident when he could make a shot for 20-30 minutes with out any dialogue in the crucial period of the movie.

Karthi can be the real spiced up original face of movie there are reasons to justify it .The actor had waited so long for three years and he came up with such a fantastic performance,The initial moments of the movie belongs to his uncanny,comical questions and comments.He is entangled between the two ladies and the songs made between them tell why Selva is one of the best in the industry.

The meaty role of the movie belongs to Reema Sen,I don't want to get compromised that she is a normal heroine stuff.She is powerful,cunning.Seductive what else.She fights against the mysteries put before her and she handles the erotique moments so bravely ,that you might feel little uncomfortable.R.Parthiban as the Chozha emperor has spoken much through his eyes.This man is a wonderful actor and he is not making his orginal typecasted movies and he is not acting ,after seeing him I felt he should appear more onscreen than on stages.Every character has its say and You cant leave Andreah for her intensity and intelligence in the movie.GV Prakash knows he is working new for a team which has a unique identity in the Tamil industry( Selva and Yuvan).He proves he can match the director's expectation.

As Tamizhians we don't know much of history ,We dont understand the Tamil the ancient Tamizh Nadu spoke.It shame on us, But This movie brings very relevant images of the culture and rich heritage is a glimpse.You have to wonder and accept the plot happening in Vietnam because Chozha's had lots of connection with Vietnam.They ruled Vietnam and the Tamil literature flourished during Chozha period.But when you see the Chozha through the Eyes of Selvaragavan ,I bet you will be frozen for a moment.Its great that this guy brings lots of research and insights though its completely imaginative stuff.

Movie has loose ends,CG should have been taken care ,The explicit A contents of the movie is justifiable but it crosses the limits for family audiences and of course The guns doesn't end for Reema sen alone. The second half might be bit dragging too much of profanity and Military forces used as a comical troop ? . Imagination throws out lots of criticism too, which can go against also.

But still this movie is a treat to watch !

Selva proves he is a creator and what I love is his imagination and screenplay.Kudos for your guts and thanks Selva for treating with this movie.You are definitely different here!

Top Movies of 2009 Tamil & Hindi

2009-12-31T07:25:00.000-08:00

No big names of directors in the years list except Bala's Naan Kadavul.Year belongs to fresh talent Arivazhagan of Eeram,Samuthrakani with Nadodigal and Vikram of Yavarum nalam impressed with their fresh plot and screenplay.

It was not difficult for me to pick the best Hindi movie of 2009.Dev D and Kaminey are one of the best made movies of our times by talented Anurag and Vishal .Other movies are no where in match with the first two but it fills the rank.

The list goes based on the voting results

Top movies of Tamil

1.Eeram

2.Nadodigal

3.Yavarum Nalam

4.Siva Manasula Sakthi

5.Naan Kadavul

6.Pasanga

7.Vannila Kabadi Kuzhu

8.Unnai Pol Oruvan

9.Kanden Kathalai

10.Peranmai

TOP MOVIES HINDI

1.Dev D - Dir Anurag Kashyap

2.Kaminey - Dir Vishal Bharadwaj

3.Paa - Dir Balki

4.Rocket singh sales man of the year - Dir Shimit Amin

5.3 Idiots - Dir Rajkumar Hirani

3 Idiots ***1/2

2009-12-24T21:54:00.000-08:00

Amir Khan has done this before ,but this time in the direction of Rajkumar Hirani I expected some thing different but I feel over the time he is been trusted with too much of intelligence ,he just plays to prove the character of Brand the intelligent ,witty,take easy ,winner Amir Khan.At some point there should be differentiton ,I felt enough of the brand Amir Khan .”Five point some one” would be the most read book in India and the film marketed that way at the beginning but plays a very different plot much more complicated in some places but ends with light mood which is actually enjoyable.

Three idiots is about the subjective take on educational system and pressure exerted on the students at the prime engineering colleges and by the parents .Its about the following and living your dreams.Movie knows what to take from the novel 5 Point some one ;it draws only 5 percent from the book and follows a very comical plot with Amir Khan as the show stealer from the beginning.Its once more for Booman Irani as Viru aka Virus ,the director of Imperial college of Engineering whose principles gets beaten up by the Rancho ( Amir Khan) .One day Amir Khan disappears and the other two idiots goes in search for him.

Amir khan at the age of 44 can play the 20 year old college kid .it is overwhelming,humourous but at one point the guy has to give up his QSQT,DCH,Rang De basanti roles.Its a dominant Amir khan we see in this movie where he makes others to underplay through his role.Seasonal Madhavan and Sharman make the other two idiots but they underplay most of the time as their characters are dependent on Amir Khan.Still Sharman and Maddy make their own presence in many scenes.Especially the scenes when they perform the Moothra Visharchan at the gates of Virus and in the scene when Sharman explains the working of Induction motor ,you have to erupt in laughter .Madhavan is one of the finest actors and he just proves he is a directors actor more than any thing.There are repetitive comedies kind of Sardar comedies but still it looks fresh and very funny.Kareena was fabulous in this movie and her character is short and well crafted .Fantastic performance .

Rajkumar Hirani is a master story teller and he knows where to place the intense scenes which would sell his product.He is one of the greatest finds of Indian cinema ,and he just lets his editing and screen play travel intelligently with timely humour and substance which would make this movie a definite success.But if you ask me the first half of the movie was very dramatic ,dominance of Amir Khan character should have been taken a second look .Rajkumar Hirani once again puts forth his message in a very light and intelligent blended with characterisation and humour.

Movie will be a super hit but if you compare with Munna Bhai it lacks its magic because the Brand Munna Bhai is much powerful than Rancho as the character is a self made not like Amir Khan who wanted to underpin his excellence.But still the movie has one of finest comic scenes which will make you to enjoy .Go for it for sure.

Avatar (2009) ****

2009-12-17T10:37:00.000-08:00

Now every body got their answer to their Question why James Cameroon didn’t make even a single movie after a sensational Titanic.After 12 years James Cameroon comes with Avatar which breaks through boundaries of film making technology. New experiences make new practices,and new practices make new culture.This is one such.There was a period when a generation grew watching Star wars,then it was Jurassic Park and then came Matrix and now its for next generation.Avatar.Avatar can not be just branded as a movie it just redefines the art of story telling to presentation.With Avatar James Cameroon delivers the richest and new to earth experience a viewer can ask for !

Pandora far away from Earth , human “Sky men’ and the animated humanoid inhabitants of Pandora, the Na'vi, engage in a war over the planet's resources .Jake a paralysed Ex US Marine operative enters in to the Pandora world through the Avatar program designed in space.Jake meets Neytiri (Zoe Saldaña) a Na’vi princess who takes Jake to their community.Jake gets in to the world of Na’vi ,then the war begins.

Cameroon wrote this script in 1994 and he started his work in 1997 ,Understandably it took 12 yrs to make this movie in to a complete form.Cameroon doesn’t want to depend on stars ,he relied more on his imagination and technology.The movie begins in a slow pace ,it builds in its own pace till it comes to the new world Pandora and we anticipate a thing which we havent seen or experienced before ! It was the same feeling which I had awaiting to look at the first Dinosaur in the screen when I watched Jurassic park fifteen years ago.When Jake becomes a Na’vi animated humanoid we are informed that we are about to enter in to a completely new experience.The movie uses a stereoscopic cameras which can simulate human sight.Rich colors and combination of the visuals makes this a very rare experience on screen.I would call it rare only for this movie because movies have to follow from here taking on the technology,In a way it becomes a trendsetter for future movies.

The movie is engaging for the 163 minutes and it has details for the time. The Pandora Jungle,the wildlife creation,hanging mountains,the fauna ,mythological symbols are absolutely out of the imagination for any type of viewer.Can you believe Cameroon worked Linguistic organisations to develop a new language of Na’vi ?,The newly designed Helicopter wings gives a small example of the detailing of this movie.Ebert tells Avatar is destined to launch a cult ! True indeed that it just creates a new wave for the movie making in a format in which imagination and skill works with technology to bring up a experience than a movie.

Watching this movie I felt that am not missing any part ; emotions.actions.human story,alien story what not.Its complete package and its exhaustive also in a overwhelmed manner.Avatar is one of the great movie of our times and it would be a reference for the generations.And at last I feel 250$ being spent in such a intelligent and imaginative manner to give a life time experience.Its booked all the way for the week ,watching in 3D will give a greater experience so wait for your tickets and watch it for sure in 3D.

Source : Wikipedia for detailing

Rocket Singh Salesman of the Year ***1/2

2009-12-14T09:31:00.000-08:00

I always wanted to have a carrer in sales.When I first joined sales I never thought I would get in to a new life style of Sales jargoans.When you are new to the field ,the first day would be the most exciting and horrifying day in a sales career.No sales person is the same ,they are unique and every sales person teach you a different ways to sell yourself and your product.In typical direct sales most of the time your product doesn’t sell but you who gets sold.Thats when customers become loyal.Jaideep Sahni and Shimit Amin takes the clue from this one line to make a movie with the extremely talented Ranbir Kapoor.They succeed too with their not so fancy ,simple story.

Harpreet singh is the Rocket singh sales man of the year.A average mark guy who gets in to computer sales ,not with standing the illegal ,unofficial trades of SALES PITCH ,gets kicked by his boss and fellow collegues.Harpreet never wanted to go in the wrong way works on a decision to sell computer on his own taking the lead from some of his collegues who are good to him.Singh makes his collegues as partners and the new company Rocket sales corpn becomes a sensation ,They fight out with the competitions sitting inside the workspace of the competitor.

One day Ranbir would get a movie which would tell why he is so much hyped about.Rocket singh is just one another step to reach that point.He has matured well with in a year and he is continuously in visibility but still able to show variants.This movie gives him not the funny guy but a serious ,ambitious guy who believes in values and loves his grandfather.He has let out an extremely outstanding performance. We have some interesting characters in the movie ,Giri(D Santhosh) the Porn loving service engineer,Nitesh the Manager who drives the sales men crazy and the Koena( Gauhar Khan) the perfect receptionist .The movie some times looks very much restricted because it happens only at a small office.

It’s a very straight simple story which just tells the war of values between a Boss and employee .But it gets straight and interesting only because of screenplay and performance.Movie might not thrill you or engage you like Shimit Amin’s other movies but sure you will love this movie for its simplicity though there are logical flaws.Ranbir builds the movie and the rest of the characters over take Ranbir in the midway and finally it becomes a director’s climax.

Best posters according to Roger ebert

2009-12-13T09:10:00.000-08:00

Great movie posters of the decade

¶

I was inspired to gather these after looking over Adrian Curry's selection of the best movie posters of the decade at the auteurs.com. His #1 choice is shown above. I tweeted that Curry's list was "bleh," but that was in the haste of the twitment. Actually, they're fine. It's just that they inflamed me to go looking for favorites of my own. If you have better ones, link to them in the Comments.
¶

If there is a poster I complete agree with Adrian Curry about, it's the one below. In my haste and carelessness, and because it was shown last, I foolishly said it was his "best" in my earlier Tweet of this page. Curry made no such mistake. Visit this page at the auteurs.com to read what he actually wrote about it. The poster is bewilderingly inappropriate.

AP critics Germain, Lemire pick decade's top films

2009-12-11T18:05:00.000-08:00

Tweeted by Roger ebert

By DAVID GERMAIN and CHRISTY LEMIRE (AP) –

Years pass and tastes change, at least a little. In choosing their top films of the past decade, Associated Press movie critics David Germain and Christy Lemire stuck closely to their favorites from each year.

But here and there, a film that came in a bit lower on their list at the time has crept up in their esteem to make their cut for best of the decade.

Here are their picks, along with the ranking each film had on their annual top-10 lists from years past.

The top 10 films of the decade, according to AP Movie Writer David Germain:

1. "Pan's Labyrinth" (No. 1 for 2006) — Writer-director Guillermo del Toro presents a wondrous hybrid of stark historical drama and wildly inventive fantasy in this saga of a girl (Ivana Baquero) whose encounter with an ancient forest spirit offers escape from her bleak life in 1944 Fascist Spain. The chilling images are as fanciful as anything Terry Gilliam's ever dreamed up, and the film offers a marvelously ambiguous finale that could be the downer of the year — or pure bliss.

2. "You Can Count On Me" (No. 1 for 2000) — The perfect script meets the perfect cast. Writer-director Kenneth Lonergan captures the essence of sibling unity and disharmony in a taut comic drama propelled by tremendous performances from Laura Linney and Mark Ruffalo. This small-budget Sundance prize winner is wistful, hopeful, celebratory and hauntingly sad all at once. On screen, family matters don't get more exquisite than this.

3. "The Barbarian Invasions" (No. 1 for 2003) — Sentiment and cynicism in perfect blend. Writer-director Denys Arcand crafts a sly sketch of intellectuals who've grown emotionally jaundiced by trying times yet still throw a whale of a party, in this case, for a dying pal (Remy Girard). His reconciliation with an estranged son (Stephane Rousseau) and final farewell to loved ones is heartbreaking, while Marie-Josee Croze brings a sublime damaged-goods grace as a junkie who scores heroin to ease the dying man's pain.

4. "Once" (No. 2 for 2007) — This may be as real as new love gets on screen: Awkward, inspiring, nervous, hopeful, passionate, impossible, frustrating, and in the end, left in limbo for another day. The micro-budgeted tale from writer-director John Carney stars two non-actors, musicians Glen Hansard as an Irish busker and Marketa Irglova as an Eastern European immigrant. They meet, fall head over heels and, literally, make beautiful, Academy Award-winning music together.

5. "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" (No. 7 for 2000) — A Klan rally that resembles the march of the Wicked Witch's guards in "The Wizard of Oz"? Must be the Coen brothers. Their Depression-era take on "The Odyssey" is a Looney Tunes successor to "Sullivan's Travels" that lets George Clooney go deliriously over the top as leader of a Three Stooges-style trio hilariously rounded out by John Turturro and Tim Blake Nelson. With T Bone Burnett as maestro, the savory songs brought on a roots-music revival that continues today.

6. "The Hurt Locker" (No. 1 for 2009) — The first great Iraq War film proves so universal that it can stand among the classics from past wars. Director Kathryn Bigelow drops viewers in at ground zero for a disturbingly close and claustrophobic look at the strains of disabling bombs for a living. Ably supported by Anthony Mackie and Brian Geraghty, Jeremy Renner is fierce, slow, frightening and tragic as a sergeant so addicted to the adrenaline rush of defusing explosives that he can no longer conceive of another way of life.

7. "The Saddest Music in the World" (No. 1 for 2004) — Filmmaker Guy Maddin spins a blissfully twisted tale of a legless Depression-era beer baroness (Isabella Rossellini) who stages a contest to find the world's gloomiest tunes, and a can-do American (Mark McKinney) determined to win the prize for the Yanks. The distorted black-and-white images and demented music perfectly complement Maddin's absurdist tone.

8. "WALL-E" (No. 2 for 2008) — If we all had this plucky little robot's work ethic, we wouldn't have fallen into a recession. The animation masters at Pixar have delivered a true innovation, a robot love story tucked in a cautionary environmental tale wrapped in a sci-fi saga, with romantic leads who communicate adorably in mechanical beeps and squeals. The title character of Andrew Stanton's adventure is beyond endearing as he toils alone to clean up filthy old Earth after everybody else has left.

9. "Adaptation" (No. 1 for 2002) — "Being John Malkovich" writer Charlie Kaufman and director Spike Jonze succeed splendidly in creating a film about absolutely everything. Their tall tale of an insecure screenwriter is a spot-on rendering of artist self-loathing, and through cryptic philosophizing becomes a universal story on adapting to life. Nicolas Cage is at his best since "Leaving Las Vegas," with great support from Meryl Streep and Chris Cooper.

10. "Moulin Rouge" (No. 1 for 2001) — Sting's "Roxanne" as an ominous tango? This IS the reinvention of the Hollywood musical. As director Baz Luhrmann notes of heroine Nicole Kidman, "She sings, she dances, she dies. ... She's broad comedy and high tragedy." Kidman and co-star Ewan McGregor are corny, endearing, passionate and doomed in this dazzling pop-tune grab-bag that busts up the joint by tossing all musical conventions out the door.

___

AP Movie Critic Christy Lemire:

1. "No Country for Old Men" (No. 1 for 2007) — This breathtaking saga of crime and carnage along the Rio Grande emerges as the Coen brothers' masterwork among their bold and eclectic filmography. In adapting Cormac McCarthy's novel about the repercussions of a ruined drug deal, Joel and Ethan Coen (and the great cinematographer Roger Deakins) have created an evocative, beautifully bleak landscape. Josh Brolin and Tommy Lee Jones both give subtly powerful performances, but Javier Bardem is chilling in his Oscar-winning supporting turn as an eccentric serial killer.

2. "There Will Be Blood" (No. 6 for 2007) — An inventively gorgeous yet wildly weird epic about greed, lies, manipulation and insanity, with a terrifying leading performance from Oscar-winner Daniel Day-Lewis as a ruthless California oil man. Except for its inescapable intensity, you'd never know this was a Paul Thomas Anderson movie. All his usual stylistic tricks are gone; the "Boogie Nights" and "Magnolia" director seems more focused on character and storytelling, and he leaves you gasping.

3. "American Splendor" (No. 1 for 2003) — A film unlike any other that year, and perhaps unlike any other, period. Wildly ambitious and imaginative, and consistently successful. Part feature and part documentary with some animation tossed in, the story of cranky comic book writer Harvey Pekar is full of sharp comic observations. As Pekar, Paul Giamatti is vividly funny and sad, usually at the same time.

4. "Far From Heaven" (No. 1 for 2002) — This would have been one of the best films of 2002 based solely on its exquisite cinematography and production design. Add Julianne Moore's complex performance and writer-director Todd Haynes' keenly observant script, both Oscar-nominated, and you have a movie that's nearly flawless. Haynes' loving homage to the Technicolor female-driven melodramas of the 1950s looks and feels so authentic, it makes you forget you're watching a new movie.

5. "Sideways" (No. 1 for 2004) — Also starring Paul Giamatti, further proving that beneath his character-actor looks lie the talent and versatility of a leading man. Disarmingly written and beautifully cast, with equal amounts of humor and heart, Alexander Payne's middle-aged, coming-of-age tale of loneliness, love of wine and unlikely relationships resonates long after the lights go up. Superb supporting work from Virginia Madsen, Thomas Haden Church and Sandra Oh.

6. "Memento" (No. 3 for 2001) — Told backward, writer-director Christopher Nolan's revenge thriller leaves you reeling over what you just saw — or didn't see. Its narrative approach is ingenious (and turned out to be hugely influential), and it must have been incredibly hard to craft and make all the details fit. As a man seeking revenge for his wife's murder, Guy Pearce is dark and tormented. And in supporting roles, Carrie-Anne Moss and Joe Pantoliano are perfectly mysterious.

7. "Mystic River" (No. 7 for 2003) — A modern-day Shakespearean tragedy, this is one of Clint Eastwood's best ever as director, more haunting over time than even his 2004 best-picture winner, "Million Dollar Baby." A gripping, gorgeous film about revenge, friendship and lost innocence in a richly detailed Boston setting. Excellent performances from an incredible cast: Sean Penn, Tim Robbins, Kevin Bacon, Marcia Gay Harden and Laura Linney.

8. "The Squid and the Whale" (No. 1 for 2005) — There isn't a false note in this darkly funny story about married writers who are divorcing, and how the split affects their sons. Writer-director Noah Baumbach's film, loosely based on his own '80s adolescence in Brooklyn, is poignant and observant, hilarious and achingly sad. Jeff Daniels is perfect as the pompous patriarch whose glory days have long since passed; he gets excellent support from Laura Linney as his wife and Jesse Eisenberg and Owen Kline as their confused kids.

9. "WALL-E" (No. 5 for 2008) — Pixar's masterpiece. The animation company maintains its impeccable track record with this irresistible, visually marvelous tale of the last robot on Earth. It's groundbreaking in its simplicity. Although the little guy and his lady love, Eve, exchange maybe three words total, director Andrew Stanton is resourceful enough to find infinite ways for them to express themselves.

10. "Wonder Boys" (No. 10 for 2000) — Michael Douglas shines in the unlikely role of an English professor and novelist who's stuck, personally and professionally. The acting is categorically strong from a talented ensemble cast, especially Robert Downey Jr. The dialogue is insightful, the characters feel achingly real, and although the story takes place over a wild weekend, the situations never seem forced in director Curtis Hanson's hands. It's one to stop and watch every time it comes on TV.

Source: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gwcd0Nc4x2PjTCg3IMqUx0lrAaOwD9CHBPE80

The chartbusters

2009-12-11T10:05:00.000-08:00

Spare a minute to record your suggestions on the top movies released/Made this year in Tamil/Hindi.Please comment !!!I would be running a voting for the movies with the nominations.You can mail me at kkarthikmail@gmail.com or tweet me @KKarthiK_

Cheers

Paa (2009) ***1/2

2009-12-07T08:25:00.000-08:00

Some times after you have achieved a lot in your career ,you give options for others to experiment in you! Its like grandfather lending his time and patience for his grandchildren.Amitabh has nothing to prove for himself .But if he has to take one movie in which you wouldn’t see BIG-B as Amitabh is Paa.Because Paa is a director’s movie and Paa goes as the finest experimentation done by Balki with Amitabh which succeeds as a gentle breeze.This movie brings the 60+ actor in a completely surprising performance !

Paa ( Which should have been named Maa) tells the story of 12 year old kid Auro who is affected by Progeria who was born due to a love tale between Vidhya and Amol Arte .Vidhya goes away from Amol for his selfish stance about having child.Thirteen years later Amol a MP , meets his son in a school function .

Its not difficult to enter in to the world of 12 yr old Auro who is affected by Progeria .He is sharp,witty,emotional,funny,naughty and serious too.He has question and comments like the normal kids of his age.Every body are good with Auro and every body takes care of him ,they are conscious of what they are doing when Auro is near them.It makes comfortably ride with Auro ,not introspecting much in to his inner feelings.Not even a second, You can even find the shades of Amitabh in the whole movie.The whole episode brings a simple ,moving presentation of a human being. You will some of the best humorous scenes in the recent past in this movie when Auro discusses with his friend and when his friend compares himself with his dad. Absolute price less fun and you would not seen such a sharp dialogues in the recent past.

Movie is engaging for its sharp,humorous dialogues and performances.The acting matches the writing.Abishek’s role has some dramatic scenes involved but can be excused considering the whole presentation’s quality. The movie fantastically depicts the relationship between a mother and kid .It just takes the peek inside the difficulties of a single mother in raising a kid who is affected by serious disease. There is one scene where Vidhya’s Mom tells Abishek on why she is very adamant” Raising a kid single handedly makes a woman strong”.VidhyaBalan could not get a better role than this and she has lived to the character which Balki dreamt of.Its not at easy to look and emote like a Mother of a 13 year old but Vidhya has swept it away with such a brilliance.

Paresh Rawal is such a natural actor that he can impress you even with a single minute of his appearance. He plays the caring father, Veteran politician, Mentor in the movie one of the very well written roles of the movie.I expected the full version of the Ghum sum song in the movie but sadly it became a bit song.BGM of the movie is grand and it makes us understand why Balki wanted only Ilayaraja to compose for him.

Looking at the camera you can see who is the Godfather of modern day camera of Indian cinema.Camera is so fresh and it just picks the mood at the right moments.Balki has given a fantastic emotional and rightly paced movie which makes a wonderful watch.Go for it !

Rating :***1/2

Classic remake!!

2009-11-28T01:03:00.001-08:00

Take a guess whats being remade,Whats being composed again? Ninaivo oru Paravai will be heard again for Bharathiraja’s son debut with remake of Sigappu Rojakkal.It would be definitely challenging to match the standards of Kamal,Sridevi,Bharathiraja,Ilayaraja .But the present team has roped one of the talented natural actors.Jeeva will play the role which was played by Kamal.Yuvan would be composing .Official news is yet to be released.Lets wait.

Yogi (2009) **

2009-11-27T11:07:00.000-08:00

I sometimes get carried away by the eminence ,Yogi is one example.I expected a fresh movie from Ameer,who claims that he has written the story of Yogi.Yogi is a out and out copy of Book by Athol Fugard / Academey award winning movie Tsotsi,just that the climax is just remade to Tamil sentiments.Yogi is a discontinous ,slowpaced movie which never picks the pace and never lets us get involved with the movie.

Yogi is written by Ameer and directed by Subramaniam siva ( Thiruda Thirudi).Yogi is the guy who has a troubled past due to his father ,he grows as the ruthless ,drugged arrogant man.The story is told in the slums of Thiruvanmiyur.Yogi when he robs a hotel he finds himself with a infant whose mother is meets with an accident when Yogi tries to steal her car.Yogi decides to live a new life with the baby but odds makes his life difficult and even worse.

Ameer as yogi is good but I don’t understand why Ameer was so fascinated by this story.Why he wants to give a heroic image ? I assumed that he should have been impressed with Tsotsi novel as a whole.Ameer has a perfect physique and eyes to give an alarm as a gangster but just that some times it looks so cinematic with the stunts.Some times its very difficult to understand Directors .Paruthiveeran was a cult classic and I trusted from that on Ameer movie wouldn’t have any exaggerated stunt sequences nor a repeated sequences.Even Ameer would have worked on that.But some how the final product lacks the grip and it abides to the commercial formula as a copied tale.

Sequences which were told as Ameer’s past were irritating though its not exaggerated. Some how I felt there was some kind of compulsive dreadfulness showered for the sake of thrusting on his present behaviour. But sadly it was predictable. The baby which has acted should have had a terrible time.The scenes where a snake enters in to the box and the scenes where the ants crawl over the face of the kid makes us feel distressed.Truly there wasn’t any natural intensity which was evolving .Yuvan shankar raja and Ameer make great music but here I find Yuvan’s work with no representation.Madhumitha and Snehan has delivered a neat performance.

If this is Ameer’s influence on a movie where he has scripted and acted then I wasn’t comfortable and I was totally disappointed with it. Subramaniam siva is not known for attempting these kind of movies,There is no point in attempt unless you deliver with clear chords.My friend used to say I hate the word ‘Good attempt”.I am slowly getting inclined to that saying.Good attempt is a failure.I doesn’t work with the movies.
Rating :**

Yogi in trouble

2009-11-26T10:23:00.000-08:00

I have booked for friday evening show for Yogi and now I hear the news that its release may be (??) postponed due to stay in Madras High court.

!!!

2009-11-23T11:14:00.000-08:00

As I have not be reveiwing DVDs for some time for various reasons,I have decided to write more on movies ( Reviews on new releases would continue) .Hope to catch you all more often with writeups+the reviews for weekend
Readers for whom the blogspot URL is blocked at their offices,you can try http://kkarthik.posterous.com/ which follows the same posts as in Woohhaa.

Pazhassi Raja (2009) ***1/2

2009-11-20T12:15:00.000-08:00

When these two men make film the whole Malayalam industry stands still and watches it.The magic of M.T.Vasudevanair and Hariharan deserves it and the two are the most respected and highly honoured pair in Indian Cinema.When they make a movie on a freedom fighter we need to look in to the depth of the character than the film itself.My friend Sooraj invited discussion on MT and Hariharan an year ago,and from then on I have been reading some thing about MT.Pazhassi Raja as a movie is a crafted work from the legends of Indian cinema with some constraints. MT,Hariharan,Ilayaraja,Rasool Pookutty,Mamooty.What else you can ask for ?

Keralavarma Pazhassiraja(Mamooty) is a brave king of Kerala who stood against the British Colonial rule when his neighbour kingdom were surrendering themselves to the East India Company.Pazhasi Raja moves with his men to the Waynad woods and attack the British force with Kurichiyar natives through Guerilla warfare.British force defeated and frustrated plan in wily manners to bring him down.But the Men of Pazhassi Raja never surrendered to the English men.Thats history !

First and foremost thing ,I watched in the Tamil version of Pazhassi Raja and I wasn’t comfortable with the dialogues penned by Jayamohan.It was discontinuous,hyper toned and it was not impressive at all.I experienced the same in Nan Kadavul with Jeyamohan who is actively now getting in to dialogues.I would sincerely request him that he should either look for correcting the skill of dialogue or stay away from Movies.He is a respected writer but film dialogues are much different which doesn’t come to the same frequency as we read a book.If Tamil version doesn’t impress amidst all the greatness below then it should be because of Jeyamohan.I was totally bothered on this.

Mamooty has lived with honour and valour in this role and he just makes us prove time and then why he is one of the best actors in Indian Cinema.He is an inspiration for acting in many sense though he hasn’t mastered the art of stunts.His body language and expressions are very influential in some scenes when he doesn’t speak a word. Sarathkumar as Edachena Kunkan is a revelation of a character for the Tamil Actor.This will easily become the best in his career.The best thing about these characters are its human side though they get enacted in the War movie.MT’s script doesn’t leave even the characters of Padmapriya and Manoj K Vijayan to go in a shade .

Hariharan’s direction is well aware that he is making a movie of a generation and about the revolt which took place before 1857.The budget constraints are very well visible but to bring a technically brilliant direction with this production values is truly amazing and respectable.I could definitely say this wouldn’t go as a great of Malayalam cinema but this would surely make the industry flourish which is in a back foot note for production and budget reasons.MT’s script tries to capture many aspect of soldier’s emotion,Sometimes it kills the time.The movie is three hours long and it could have been reduced .

Ilayaraja is Ilayaraja ,Yesudas sings only if its Ilayaraja,The orchestra and the BGM makes this man a legend and he will be forever.Pazhasi Raja needs a bigger platform though its speaking about a small hero of freedom fighter,It delivers with immense energy to move the Standards of Malayalam Production values.I respect that .Watch this movie for some of the splendid performances and the magic scripting of MT.

Rating :***1/2

2012 (2009)

2009-11-15T00:25:00.000-08:00

I was wrong ,I thought I wouldn’t like this movie.Because I can not expect any human side of a movie in Roland Emmerich works,still the movie kept me thrilled for its visuals and graphics work.Its a wonder movie for the special effects and nothing was able to stop the imagination of Roland Emmerich.You have to be in the film to enjoy these moments in the screen ,I agree there is much in the film if you take out this.This goes discontinued but the graphics builds the movie for which it intends to.

Roland Emmerich doesn’t waste our time much , he blows the whistle for global cataclysm from the beginning and we have the heroes John cusack, Amanda Peet,Danny Glover and much more who fight to survive and save the people.I don’t have any thing to say on the story line .The tag line says it all “ we were warned “.All we see how our world goes down and how some of the landmarks of the world gets destroyed .We experience the free fall of the buildings and the maps getting disorganised .End of the day there is a race which survives who start their life from 01.01.0001 .

This is the perfect ground for Roland Emmerich ,he displays his imagination and screenplay in such a way that the viewers don’t think about the week link of the plot and characters too.I guess some of the scenes in this movie shouldn’t be introspected much I think.For example the ark starting from China ? Serious problem about the movie which I wasn’t comfortable is that the movie doesn’t put what it wanted to convey.Infact it doesn’t tell any thing to us. Lets not get in to it.Emmerich doesn’t wants us to get in to it.He doesn’t bother about the critics he takes the inspiration from all his movies and gives a special effects show which is worth your ticket.

Movie puts a real show in demonstrating 100 ways to survive during floods and earth quake .Fly in a plane when volcano is erupting,hit the Eiffel tower ,run when the run way is getting divided,You can speak in cell phone in India when the whole country is destroyed.Indian cellphone towers are so powerful !!!! But this all are fun and factors of engagement when you watch this.Because Emmerich doesn’t think any thing small its massive destruction and 2012 shows it all in a immaculate manner.

When I came out of the hall dark clouds were passing by and we had a horrible jam in the traffic ,we had a to fear ”Am I still in the movie”.Go for this movie purely for the special effects which you would not have watched earlier.

Inglourious Basterds (2009)

2009-11-10T10:03:00.000-08:00

I was in sathyam for Inglorious Bastards and I was amazed to hear the shrill whistles when the name Quentin Tarantino appeared in the Title card.Its very difficult to be Quentin Tarantino because if any thing just resembles his style ,it can be easily branded as Copy cat from Tarantino.With Inglorious Basterds he just earns the uniqueness more with style and craft which he is made of.

Inglorious Bastards is told in chapter and We laugh at the scenes which aren’t funny but this what the intention of Tarantino also.Jew Hunter (Christopher Waltz) allows a girl Shosanna (Mélanie Laurent) to escape.Four years later the same girl finds her opportunity to kill a Nazi premier league in a Film premier. Aldo Raine recruits a team of eight Jewish-American soldiers to France as civilians to create panic to the Nazis.The missions of the Bastards and Shosanna meet ,Jew hunter strikes a deal with Bastards, but the Bastards remain clear to their mission.

Christopher waltz as the Jew Hunter is witty ,dangerous,thickly accented ,he drives us crazy with his long conversations in the tense moments of his victims.He knows what is he up to and this would be one of the best written character of Tarantino like Samuel Jackson character in Pulp fiction.Initially it was DiCaprio who was suppose to play this role ,Waltz has made a phenomenal presentation of a Nazi Hunter with poise and intensity.He makes the real bastard in the movie in hunting down and making the deal with Bradd Pitt.You cant enjoy his character but you cant stop being too keen on his way of expression and handling the clause.

We get to see the charming but quiet serious Mélanie Laurent whose opportunity to take revenge on the Nazi’s comes her way in the form of the premier show .She is not clumsy but she is definitely unlucky .Shosanna character defines the plot for the movie.We know who she is ,but the real meaning comes when she puts the final plan against Nazis.Brad Pitt is quiet amazing in his performance he has a very unusual accent but had a very clear course to take it up.He doesn’t give up even when he is caught and his humour continues with the Jew Hunter which actually deceives the Jew Hunter.He is much relaxed and he enjoys every second of his performance.

We see a French man cutting woods in the initial scene and we obviously get thrilled about the brutality of the initial scene going to be ,but its composed .We have a definite adventure right from the scene one.Sure we have scalps being removed,heads being brutally beaten up but still the blood of the movie remains in the well crafted script. Thats Tarantino ! The cult status of his movies makes us expect assorted music and characterisation. This movie doesn’t disappoint with any thing but this is definitely a diverse mould from Tarantino.We know about the lengthy conversation which he fits in his scenes which continues about a argument with no leads, Tarantino this time puts here with a differently poised scene in the bar with Nazi and German Actress.

At some point you need to agree that this is the matured movie of Tarantino for its stage and plot.Than Pulp fiction there were lots of meaning in the script which makes it much more engaging.I loved this movie truly for the characterisation and the splendid script of Tarantino.

Kanden Kaathalai (2009)

2009-11-07T04:59:00.000-08:00

This one more example to show how the task of remaking of movie is difficult.Kanden Kathalai has the perfect cast and team to remake the highly loved Jab We Met.Jab We met was enjoyed for many factors like the crazy attitude of Kareena ,The silence of Shahid and ofcourse this movie came when the duo ended their real life relationship.Kanden Kathalai had tried its level best to match the expectation but some where the magic of Jab We met was missing.

Sakthi an industrialist ,heart broken meets Anjali a bit of cranky and bit of realistic girl in a train journey,lots of twirls we end up at Theni at Anjali’s house.Her parents arrange for Engagement between Anjali and Mokka Rasu.Anjali runs away with Sakthi to meet her boy friend Gautham.Sakthi returns back to Chennai while Anjali is let down by Gautham.Sakthi goes in search of Anjali to take her back to Theni .

Kanden Kathalai has its moments of reality and good aspect of it is the change in the script which has helped the movie.KK works for Tamannah and Santhanam.Theni is a refreshing aspect for the movie though we didn’t get the real feel like the Mumbai Patinda travel .Tamannah is witty,cranky,realistic.She had almost acted in every movie like the one in KK.We don’t see Karishma in Tamannah.But sadly we weren’t able to stop comparing Bharath and Sahid. Confidence of Bharath is drastically missing which has let down this movie in many parts.Its mainly because of the dialogues of the movie which sounds histrionic ,some of the important parts of Bharath were just translated from Hindi which didn’t work out.

The real hero of the movie is Mokka Rasu ! This is one big movie for the comedian after Siva Manasula Sakthi ,he has given a great touch to the comedy track.Though it might look daft comedies but if you see there are some characters in real life around us which would resemble Santhanam .R.Kannan was highly impressive with Jeyam Kondan one of the finest movies of last year ,I loved it since it was a typical Tamil movie with stable emotional contents.Kanden Kathalai was a perfect stage for him to show his skills ,but Kannan relied so much on the Chennai – Theni journey which was infact abstracted exactly from the Hindi version.The first half of the movie didn’t work out much as it was expected.This scenes should have been supported by good dialogues but Pattukottai Prabakar dialogues hears as just translation.

We enjoy the movie when we reach Theni thanks for Mokka Rasu and some good sequences which follow .Its not a bad remake but some aspects didn’t help as it was supposed to be.

Rating : **1/2

Adhavan (2009)

2009-11-01T10:13:00.000-08:00

Atlast I had some time to catch up Adhavan,I didn’t expect any wonder from KS Ravikumar .He is the same ,he didn’t change even a single bit since his movies with Sarathkumar.Surya on the other hand is irritating to watch with him grim face as a anti hero! Its also very difficult to write about a movie which has nothing special and impressive.

Adhavan is a difficult watch for its plot .Its an age old story told with new costumes and fresh camera.Adhavan a contract killer is on a mission to kill a Judge( Murali) who is about to submit a report on Child kidnapping.Adhavan enters in to the family of Murali to Kill him .At the climax we are asked to believe that Surya is the son of Murali to some how end this story.Adhavan takes the revenge against the people who are against his Dad.

Surya definitely has to come out of this hangover of exotic locales and grim face .Its irritating to imagine him as a rough assassin with this outlook.I wasn’t able to believe even for a single second that he is a contract killer ,every thing looks so artificial in his behaviour.Surya has to venture in to new area of acting than going along with safe bet like KSRavikumar ,Hari.I am not keen in watching Surya as a commercial hero.

Movie definitely belongs to Vadivelu,the theatre erupts in laughter when he is threatened by Surya .With out Vadivelu this movie would have been a big torture.I don’t know why Saroja Devi was grabbed in this movie.

KSRavikumar is known as the most successful commercial director in Tamil cinema.It true he delivers a formula in this movie unchanged from his earlier movies.There are many takers for his movies even I am not for his party.Adhavan is irritating but Vadivelu provides the relief .My friend messaged me after seeing this movie on the first day “ Madhaaaaavaaaaaaaa Mudiala “ Its true.

Rating : *1/2

Peranmai (2009)

2009-10-22T09:23:00.001-07:00

Its difficult when you dont have many movies for Diwali,The ultimate joy of Diwali ends when there isnt much movies around your city.This Diwali is one of the dry diwali for movies .Peranmai is a much expected movie from SP Jananathan who had made E and Eyarkai .SPJ tries to be different and he succeeds in most of the parts.Movie will mark a difference for Jayam Ravi who has given a great performance in this role.

Peranmai is about a NCC trainer Dhuruvan who hail from a tribal caste.He takes the responsibility to take five girls to trekking in a dense forest as a part of the training program.Dhuruvan and team find a group of Foreign men who intrude in to the forests for a deadly reason.Dhuruvan along with the girls fight against the men for a cause.

Movie boldly speaks about how the society treats backward class person even he attains a respectable position.Ponvannan as the Forest ranger speaks how people humiliate the reservation quoto and their allocation to jobs.Movie doesn’t lashes out or preach against the society ,it simply puts the truth and makes a clear mockery on the mindset of so called “upper caste”.Thats the intelligence of this movie and apart from that it takes a different space as the villain ,A nameless gang who are against the interest of the country but they have a mission .

Jayam Ravi looks fit and energetic for this role ,You will not see a better NCC trainer than Jayam Ravi ,he has worked relentlessly on his voice and I could find from his broken voice box.He is the man who stands for the definition of Peranmai is the superior quality of a man with complete control on his body and soul .Jayam Ravi works hard with the Girls and controls his emotions when he is humiliated. Five girls performance has to be applauded for their commitment and stunning energy through out the movie.

SP Jananathan gives a pro reservation movie blended with international substance which we are fighting today.The first half of the movie takes a lot of time to settle because of the training and I felt the whole movie ends as training because Jayam Ravi trains the girls till the climax.SPJ’s climax is a fantastic touch but it needed justification, I couldn’t understand why the girls who travelled along with Ravi became silent at the end after performing so much .

Many questions in this movie goes unanswered but the movie can be definitely watched for it SPJ’s take on Reservation and Jayam Ravi’s fantastic performance.

Rating :***

Short film for Joy of Giving week contest

2009-10-06T10:14:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQNf6D-Mu2Q

Team Vikrti Presents--A video for a short film competition and as a part of the celebration of the JOY OF GIVING week.
Team--Aparna , Karthik, Subu, Suvirnath, Sushanth, Srihari, Raja
CAST--Fab (Gitanjali Dilip), Srividya, Leander, Prashanth, Prabu, Karthik (parkour), Karthik (loyola)
Music --Band Oxygen

Wake up Sid(2009)

2009-10-05T09:36:00.000-07:00

I was too busy for the three days that I couldn’t find time to write about the movies which I watched during weekend.Wake Up Sid after its promising trailer and refreshing songs doesn’t live up to the expectation due to some thing which is unexpected.Movie is slow but for me I wasn’t comfortable with Konkana sen ,Can you believe it was her character which didn’t make me comfortable when looking in to the whole movie.

Sid Mehra is a rich kid ,not spoiled though but self arrested .He wears cartoon sox and loves Simpson's cartoon.Surfs with his apple mac about cars even before the night of accounting exams.He is not aware of the word seriousness nor perfection.He meets Ayesha(Konkana Sen) in a party ,an wannabe journalist who is a perfectionist and though both of them are from different worlds they get each other in a friendship.Sid comes out of his house when his Dad questions about his exam results and stays with Ayesha.How the world of Sid awakes due to Ayesha is the whole movie.

Konkana is an amazing actor but I cant keep on seeing the same characterisation .What was needed was refreshing like Ranbir’s character.Even her costumes were much like Luck by chance character played by her.Konkana is struggling for her career in all her movies.Her character is a matured character but even she looked so matured for Sid .Her character is not to fall in love with Sid but slowly get in to the world of Sid .For us that slowly takes away the time completely. Movie is about the two characters and we dont see any thing new ,We are given with something where every thing happens unbelievably with out any struggle.

Ranbir is stunning with his performance,He is handsome ,refreshing,funny,harmless and interesting too.You would like his character but you wouldn’t like to be him .The character Sid is poetic at times ,that makes him to change and evolve from his self arrest.Some how the romance between Sid and Ayesha didn’t make an impact ,though these coming age movies doesn’t have a dramatic emotions to impress.I liked Character Laxmi who played the fat friend of Sid,she was very expressive and realistic.

I love the music of this movie and I am repeating it in my play list almost for a month.Wake up sid starts off promising resembling much like Dil Chahta Hai but fades away as the movies moves .We don’t have a impressive screen play which could have lifted the Ranbir’s performance.But still the movie shows Ranbir can act well.

Rating :**

2009-09-27T00:55:00.000-07:00

No movies this weekend,I didnt want to watch Whats your Rashee ? .I am eagerly awaiting for Wake up sid .The songs of wake up sid -Fresh and good.

Unnai pol Oruvan (2009)

2009-09-19T02:00:00.000-07:00

So the stupid common man of Tamil Nadu in screen in the face of Kamal Hasan.Experience of A Wednesday is fresh in minds for all who have watched it and its inevitable we compare both the movies.But at one point I decided to forget the original version to enjoy this movie.And Unnai Pol oruvan succeeds to reach the viewers through performances and ofcourse through loyal remake which it had followed.

Unnai Pol oruvan is about a common man’s action when he is pushed to the limits of patience in this society ,his outburst puts the City police to look for the bombs which says that he had planted around the Chennai city.He demands for the release w terrorists and he puts a unconventional end for his action which the commissioner of police didn’t want to disturb.

Kamal in his good form ,not trying to experiment and abiding by the script.Its good to see Kamal making a good remake unlike Vasool Raja which spoiled the charisma of the character.Kamal’s emotional outburst to Mohanlal in the later parts shows how he improvises himself for every scene.Mohan Lal’s pronunciation should have been watched closely though he sounds good.Major portion of the dialogues are with Mohanlal and he sweeps it with a classy touch of style and aggression. I enjoyed Mohanlal’s bodylanguage which is one of the reason why is considered to be a legendary actor.

Some of the new additions in this movie is character of Lakshmi as Secretary .The typical IAS/IPS tussle was well brought in the crisis time .Mohanlal brings his anger and confusion to a patient state when had to decide on the common man.Director Chakri Toleti had bet on a script which can hardly fail and he is loyal to script with out major changes.Shruti’s music has a perfect platform to prove her skill and it brings the mood in a intense manner.

All said the movie lacked the momentum of thrill because of lack connection between the common man and terrorist ,A Wednesday has a scene where police will have a doubt that Nasurudeen shah would be the boss of terrorist group and there will be a masked photo in the presentation which will make the viewers to think in different ways about the common man until he unveils himself.I don’t know why Kamal didn’t want this scene though it doesn’t add meaning to the movie but it adds up the intensity.I was surprised to see why Cops of Tamil Nadu police didn’t even try to predict about this man.

But still Unnai Pol oruvan is a good remake with out songs ,loyal to original script and I enjoyed for the good performances of Kamal and Mohanlal.

Rating :***

Eeram (2009)

2009-09-11T13:52:00.000-07:00

There were two things which were on my mind when I came out of the hall about movie Eeram.One I was totally impressed by the director Arivazhagan ,Second thing was “ shouldn’t this movie be 15 minutes shorter which could have made this a great movie.’ But for this ,I would definitely say this movie is a must watch for all the tired and frustrated viewers.

Eeram has lots of suspense which takes its beginning from a suicide of Ramya(Sindhu Menon) in an apartment ,making herself drowned in a bath tub.Vasu(Adhi),a police officer also who is the past lover of Ramya wants this case to be investigated by himself .Lots of strange things happen in a short time after the death and Vasu doesn’t have any clue of what’s going on.But he is very much sure some thing very intentional is prevailing around .When every thing is exposed at a point we are absorbed in the script. We have still more to come but it becomes very lengthy .

Lots of logic ,lots of very meaningful justification ,intelligence that’s the director for you.When did you hear some fresh dialogue. I would definitely say Eeram has lots of influence of Sujatha’s words and Arivazhagan has blended his words in a very intelligent manner to make this a very fresh and suspense thriller.I can definitely say I loved the dialogues of this movie more than any thing.Movie needs lots of work to make the viewers to get convinced about the actions of Vasu and that happens through Arivazhagan’s words and his logic.Instincts are powerful means of communication when one is searching for answers.He has used it in a complex but in a very meaningful manner.

Adhi the ” Mirugam” Guy makes an impressive performance and he is allover the script.His accent is different but clear with a touch of sophistication.Adhi is a guy who doesn’t want to get in to sentiments and not also in to instincts but his notions drive him to chase the mystery behind the death.He is helpless and he wants to solve this for some reason.He has his mindset very clear about at one point of time which leads him to solve this.Adhi’s voice takes him over in this movie.Sindhu Menon and Nandha make a very impressive performance.Director is very careful is making their character as each characterisation is very vital for this movie to maintain the suspense.

Movie has a refreshing and serious camera work by Manoj Paramahamsa.He brings the darker moments in an intense mood which really lifts this movie.Arivazhagan should be a Sujatha fan because of Srirangam flashback,Sindhu’s book and also her interest.

Shankar is very clear in his production and he has succeeded this time too.This movie might be lengthy in the secondhalf but it’s a must watch for this season for its impressive directorial debut of Arivazhagan and Adhi’s performance.I havent spelt even a percentage about the suspense about Eeram ,Go watch it.

Rating :***1/2

National Awards are here !

2009-09-07T07:33:00.000-07:00

List of winners
Best Film: Kanchivaram
Best Director: Adoor Gopalakrishnan for Naalu Pennungal
Best Actor: Prakash Raaj for Kanchivaram
Best Actress: Uma Shri for Gulabi Talkies
Best Lyrics: Prasoon Joshi for Maa, Taare Zameen Par
Best Playback Singer: Shankar Madhavan for Taare Zameen Par
Best Female Playback Singer: Shreya Ghoshal for Jab We Met
Best Art Direction: Om Shanti Om
Best Family Welfare Entertainment Award: Taare Zameen Par
Best Overall Entertainment: Chak De India
Best Film on National Integration: Dharm
Best Screenplay: Feroz Khan for Gandhi, My Father
Best Supporting Actor: Darshan Jariwala for Gandhi, My Father

Ninaithale Innikkum (2009)

2009-09-06T00:33:00.000-07:00

After watchin this movie every body will understand its not easy to remake a movie .First thing is the right script and next is the right time for a remake ! Ninaithale Innikkum disappoints in both aspects.Ninaithale Innikkum remake of the Malayalam hit Classmates tries to invent scenes for Tamil and it lets class down with a poor screenplay and with a stage which doesn’t suit Tamil Cinema.

Niniathale Innikkum is about a batch of college students ,their nostalgic moments in the past and their reunion after nine years.Sakthi ( Prithiviraj)and Vasu ( Karthik)always have problem at college between them selves and Siva is their common friend.Vasu wants to break Sakthi’s love with Meera(Priyamani) by making her stand against Siva in college election.Some unpleasant things happen and students reunite for a cause after nine years.During the reunion many truth evolve and many get answers.

College politics is a culture in Kerala and it goes very much with General politics in Kerala.Here College politics is not a big factor nowadays .I felt little difficulty in understanding the real heat of the politics which the movie tries to show.First factor is that the political things were not at all shown.Movie is a let down mainly because of this very center point ,It wasn’t not able to keep up the momentum nor it was able to produce some interest to the viewers.I was watching like a baffled looking for some thing to happen for the first forty minutes .

Prithiviraj in my words is not so impressive as he doesn’t have much to do other than some stunts and some heat arguments.One guy who was very impressive was Karthik as Vasu.His theatrical skill and training makes him one amazing actor and he proves his selection of movies.I would like to see more movies from him.Priyamani irritates through her accent .

Vijay antony has to seriously look on his background music .Movie’s camera is difinetely fresh and it gives us a great treat to watch.I wouldn’t give a thumbs for any thing in this movie other than the camera .

GNR Kumaravel should have been over confident in making some original scenes in this remake.Its not a bad idea to bring a originality in remakes but you need to have the right movie for the right stage.Also it needs to skill to make some interesting and gripping screnes to make a thriller! I forgot to mention it’s a thriller and there is a suspense in the movie which wouldn’t affect you so much .
Rating : *

Quick Gun Murugan (2009)

2009-08-29T11:33:00.000-07:00

When you enter the hall for Quick gun Murugan you have no idea about the movie other than the promo in V channel which was aired 15 years ago .But when you watch this 90 minutes movie you will feel this movie is a great watch and a good fun in the Indian stage.Quick gun Murugan not only takes the Tamil movies but it takes the whole Indian movies for a crack .QGM rides on the sentiments and lousy emotions which appears in Indian cinema for fun and he succeeds .Its a out and out harmless laugh riot for all the viewers .

QGM (Rajendra Prasad )is the Desi Cowboy who fights for cows against the Non Vegetarian Rice plate Reddy( Naser).QGM gets killed in the fight between the two ,when Murugan stands against Reddy who tries convert all Vegetarian Hotels to Non Vegetarian.QGM returns to earth with the special permission from ChitraGupta to take revenge on Reddy.But twenty five years passes away by that time and Reddy grows up as a business tycoon who wants to estabilish his brand McDosa.Its a fun battle between the two of the home made comic characters till the end.

First thing about this movie is its cast.Its has got the talented bunch of actors who make us laugh and who speak English and Tamil in the Desi manner.Interestingly this is a huge task for the director Shashanka Gosh to develop this movie from a promotional ad to a full length movie,its not funny any more some times when you hear those English accent as we hear that day in day out in our work place.But the best thing is the humour element is well brought by the director to make us laugh.

Nasser is the best of the lot with his wild mannerisms and comic emotions .He makes a mark as a legendary actor who can fit in any role .Rajendra Prasad with his mark as “ Mind it “ and ‘ I say” makes us feel we are among the new genre of movie making in Indian cinema.

I truly welcome this original script with wild and bold attitude it’s a long way for this character QGM from a promo.Surprisingly there are lots of blood shed in this movie which is not encouraging .I loved many of the dialogues which was written based on our own movies with a touch of humour in it.A lot of home work has gone in the movie a prefect example is the scene when Mango dolly polishes her nails in the bed when Reddy speaks on phone.A typical Bollywood item girl activity in the 70’s.

I give a thumbs up for this movie which has originality in the script and Mind it there are lots of Maa stuff and Tension da stuff which can make your mind feel free for the 90 minutes you watch this.

P.S : Read in news paper that the sequel to this movie would be " Good Bad and Idly"

Rating : ***

Kanthasamy (2009)

2009-08-23T07:58:00.000-07:00

There are some things which you can not change in tamil cinema and its directors .One is Learning from experience and the other is repeatability ! If there is a big budget movie then its going to be only Robin Hood type movie ! How much years we are experiencing the same story line and the same old climax before the court with the hero supported by masses.I am fed up with this type of story line.A blend from Shivaji and Anniyan looks really funny and I had thought Susee Ganesan as a intelligent director after watching his previous movies but he has fallen as the same victim.Kandasamy is not a movie which you don’t know nor its going to give you a new experience .Kanthasamy doesn’t live up to expectations and hype.

Kanthasamy IPS( Vikram) is the CBI officer who targets filthy rich industrialists for IT raids.In the mean while prayers of devotees in Lord Kanthasamy temple gets answered in a unique manner.Kanthasamy with his team of his friends help the poor people prayer in a super hero avatar.CBI prompts its team to find the truth behind the Kanthasamy temple.Every thing narrows down to Kanthasamy and it’s a ride from India to Mexico and then back to India .

There is no suspense in the movie and its not a spoiler that I said the story line .There is vikram every where in the movie.Kanthasamy doesn’t look different in screenplay or in its presentation.Its good to see Vikram on screen after some years and he should seriously think about acting in these kind of over hyped movies.Vikram is amazing as Kanthasamy IPS but he doesn’t get help from the story line! Movie moves fast but the problem is we know how the investigation would go and how Kanthasamy is going to evade the investigation.

Kanthasamy is a man who had a fighting younger days and aspiring days to become an IPS officers ,He hunts the big fishes of Money world and puts them behind the bars .He knows what he is doing behind the scenes as the super hero Kanthasamy but we are left with no clue about the motive of the cause.Prabu easily narrows down that super hero Kanthasamy is CBI officer Kanthasamy ,its possible only in movies.

Intelligent movies are movies which have intelligence applied in every sense of visuals and script.Susee Ganesan tries to project this movie as an intelligent movie through his rich visuals and jargoans which is actually ridiculous.He has used some idiotic assumptions and logic to show twists in the plot.

Vadivelu is a big let down for this movie and every body wants Prabu in their big budget movie.Camera has done lots of interesting work which is encouraging and entertaining ! Susee Ganesan’s choice of locales ,but I wouldn’t accept a CBI office looking like a IT park.Lots of reality is missing in many of the scenes,which looks exaggerating.

Kanthasamy would entertain many people but it a average movie which will survive through Vikram’s energy.Movie wouldn’t be a big trendsetter as it was hyped as there is nothing new in the movie.The movie could have been a good movie if the treatment was good .Sadly we don’t have it here.I don’t know I don’t feel like applying my mind to write a review for this movie even.

Rating :**

Kaminey (2009)

2009-08-14T08:02:00.000-07:00

Dhan tana tan! This brings the magic for the movie. The magic is there all over the characters and music .Kaminey is the much anticipated movie of the year and it proves that it has got the things to make it a special movie.Shahid Kapoor’s much needed elevation to the big league has come through this movie.Shahid didn’t dissipate any of the chance provided to him and he is the gripping dynamism in the movie. Kaminey by far is the best movie in this year.

Kaminey pays tributes to lots of old Hindi masala movies and its a unpredictable ,engaging journey of twin brothers.Charlie(Shahid 1)who chose to follow the wrong route finds himself messing with Narcotics department because of his greed to chase his dream.Guddu(Shahid 2) who marries Sweety (Priyanka Chopra)is put in to problem because of her brother who is a Gangster and also in to political movement .

Kaminey easily breaks many of the usual formula though touching many usual styles,Those were infact brought to us in a very intense and dark manner .Its more like Guy Ritchie movie ,Gangsters chasing a unknown person.But If not for Vishal Bharadwaj this movie would have been a mess for its editing and screenplay.Movie has a exemplary presentation which is sure not a simple .Its complex and its not at all spoon fed to the viewers.You will be engaged with the movie from the beginning and the fever never fades away.You have to stay in the movie till interval to get the real magic of Vishal.He proves that he is a master in his skill ,he brings the very ordinary twist in a style and he puts forth the stage for a big encounter .This movie is about the ugly drug dealers,tiny gangsters,Mafia,Cops but I am warning don’t expect the usual plot ,You have to do a little work in the movie to get involved.

Shahid Kapoor is now in the big league with this movie and its not a easy to be in the center stage of this movie.Its a extraordinary performance from the actor and he carries the movie with the dual role in style and intensity.Shahid is there in the movie from the very first minute ,he proves he has got the substance to exhibit in a complex drama.This is the break point for the man and lets watch hism from now on.Priyanka adds a mark to her recent performances.She is sweet ,intelligent and daring .

We find lots of difficulty to travel with Vishal because of the number of characters he tries to show us.We don’t know who and what in the first instance ,it’s a intelligent way to keep us guessing which would have gone other way if it was mishandled in a slighter manner.Vishal has a dark sense of creating his character though its not negative but its not usual .Lots of movements and characters alone doesn’t make this racy ,The camera and the editing is one the rocking aspect in this movie.The differentiation between the two characters is brought by the tone in the visuals.

My Ipod plays Kaminey repeatedly ,its not for the hype but for its quality music and the wonderful lyrics by Gulzaar.Film doesn’t disappoint in picturising those songs.Dhan tana tan is the USP of this movie it lives ,we also run along with Charlie when the music plays.With all the aspects of the movie Kaminey also had some problems for me.Too much of characters were infact disturbing me to get along with the main character.The chemistry between Guddu and Sweety worked but I felt Sweety’s character forced Guddu to the love which is not a justifiable for the character.Too much of time is consumed in the first half which could have been avoided.

The quality of Vishal’s skill puts behind all these negatives and we get a entertaining and gripping Bollywood movie .Its the movie which will get a status for Vishal and Shahid and also for Dhan tana tan .Go watch it ,You cant miss this twins .
Rating :****

Public Enemies (2009)

2009-08-08T07:24:00.000-07:00

Its very difficult to avoid Public enemies because it has got high level precision and clarity.There are many things which the movie lacks for a great movie but surely this one is up the charts for Michael Mann .Public enemies is the life of John Dellinger,the Maverick Bank robber.

The movie happens during the great depression and John Dillinger targets the rich banks for his hunt and he does it with style and accuracy.He is so dominant that his actions makes mockery over the American security.Melvin Purvis(Christian Bale) is the man to get Dillinger .The movie shows the FBI’s initiative to incorporate scientific, data-driven methods into its mission.

Johnny Depp looks like Original Dillinger and he even smiles like him.Johny Depp’s portrayal is sensual,stylish and powerful.He gives the balance to his robbery and his romance with his girl Billie Frechette (Marion Cotillard),Christian Bale is aggressive and motivated but we don’t know any thing other his mission to get Dillinger.Dillinger is self created and true outlaw whereas Melvin is a systematic agent which makes a obvious combination of real rivalry between them.But Mann didn’t want both of them to look like Abagnal and Carl Hanratty.This is not a cat and mouse game but a serious officer’s mission and very intelligent Robber’s journey.

Too much of details and study makes the movie to miss some of the very visible information for the viewer.Melvin Purvis character lacks the grip we are unable to expect anything else from him other than getting Dillinger.We find difficulty in locating who’s who in the earlier part of the movie till the movie settles down.

Once the movie settles we get the experience of the Dante Spinotti’s HD camerawork! Shaking camera and visuals which are really a different experience.But it creates mess in some parts before we get used to the actual intensity of the visuals.The visuals are sleek and very lucid but don’t know during loud gun battles the camera looses its projection and we hardly find comfort in those scenes.Audibility is also a problem in the live recording.But Mann’s study and clarity in his works for aesthetics is amazing and gripping which makes this movie a violent battle between two antagonists

Melivin’s trap to get Dillinger is a gripping moment and defines the movie overall.It tells the character of Dillinger in a manner which answers every thing about the powerful public Enemy who lived in 30’s.This may not be the best of Depp’s performance but this will remain remarkable for his accurate portrayal of John Dillinger.

Mothi Vilayadu (2009)

2009-07-25T23:15:00.000-07:00

To be very frank I walked out of the movie in the middle! It is really difficult to watch a Saran Movie,Every time I expect “ Atleast this time “ But he has the reputation of making some mediocre movies in the past which had unexpectedly become a commercial hit.This time with the trailer and songs I expected a decent entertainer.It was such a irritating and amateurish performance onscreen and direction which made me to walk out of the hall.

Vinay and Kalabavan Mani make a funny story about family,Business and revenge,Till first half of movie you have nothing to enjoy other than the Kajal Agarwal's smile ,but with second half of the movie comes the most irritating part .No Logic,no point where the movie leads,some rubbish dialogues and twists makes a painful watch.I would clearly say this movie is one of the worst made movie this year for its screenplay and performance.Even the dubbing looks so irritating in this movie.I could not understand how can Saran take his screenplay for granted to give such a movie .

I feel bad for wasting two hours of my life in watching this movie which speaks about the high profile business people life and their games in a idiotic way.One convincing factor is the songs and Music! Colonial cousins have delivered peppy tunes for this movie which looks good onscreen.I should be honest , If I expect a neat entertainer with good screenplay from Saran then I am the biggest fool !

Trash

Achamundu Achamundu (2009)

2009-07-19T11:06:00.000-07:00

Arun Vaidhyanathan intentions are appreciable ,This is a pressing issue going around the world.Child molestation is a universal stigma and cause we all have fight against.Movie speaks about Child molestation and brings out the statistics of happenings around the world .

Senthil Kumar ( Prassana) who works in U.S as a software employee with his wife Malini ( Sneha ) and his daughter Rithika.Senthil and Sneha employs Robertson( John Seah) to paint their house .The problem starts there and the couple and child undergoes lots of trauma to come out of the incident which happens because of John Seah .

Movie moves in a irritating pace and it can not be graded as a thriller ,I would say this is a Offbeat movie and as a movie its not interesting watch referring the plot.We are made to know who is the culprit and what would be done and what would happen in the middle of the movie itself and it gives no interest for us to anticipate or expect any thing from the screenplay.

Technically the movie is good ,shot completely with high resolution Redone camera it has technically sound art work .Performance wise too this movie is good and nothing to complain.But all I have to say this has no extraordinary sense of appeal to a viewer apart from the intention of the movie .

This movie is clearly advertised as thriller and it should stand for it atleast,first one hour goes in a snail pace and we don’t know whats the intention of the movie at all.We have some very normal instances which are tied together to make a climax which is really not convincing.Screenplay part of this movie has no life from the director. I know i am going against many of the reviews which are here in this media ,but seriously I mean it.

But the theme of the movie has to be brought and told as this movie does .Its a responsibility and we need to understand the seriousness of the movie in the right cause.I fully support that .

Rating : **