Retrospective twitterification (1991 part 2)

Retrospective twitterification : 

Just imagine twitter was there in the 80's and 90's and I were to review movies released then on twitter. 

Year 1991, March - December: 

Gopura vasalile:

It is one of those rare films in which all the departments of film-making confluence in harmony to come up with a thoroughly enjoyable movie. Priyadarshan who makes his tamil debut does so in a sparkling manner. Whether it is P.C.Sreeram's superlative camera work or Ilayaraja's stupendous musical score or perfect casting, Priyadarshan could not have dream of a better debut. 

Bottomline: One of the best feel good movies in recent times

4/5 

Uruvam: 

Jaded Mohan's forgettable comback, "Uruvam" is way off target. It is neither scary nor thrilling. Hideous makeup of the haunted characters that try to spook only make you laugh. 

Bottomline: An amateur attempt 

1.5/5

Puthu Manithan: 

Sathyaraj - Goundamani chemistry is way more sparkling than Sathyaraj - Banupriya's which is the prime reason why one can sit through this fairly mundane affair. The movie's comedy track is going to be one of the most sought after in years to come. 

Bottomline: Watch once for the Sathyaraj-Goundamani banters.

2.5/5 

Chinna Thambi: 

I still can't fathom what is there in this movie other than outstanding Ilayaraja's songs that mandates such a huge response from the audience. Story is about two mentally retarded persons one of whom is a singer who seems to know about everything except what is "thaali"while another who knows only about "thaali" and nothing else and who among the two successfully get to use it.  And to add the female lead's character threads dangerously between naivety and retardness. The climax is the most cringe-worthy sequence in the history of tamil cinema.  

Bottomline: A simplistic reworking of "Meendum oru kadhal kadhai", :P  

2/5 

Captain Prabhakaran: 

R.K.Selvmani, after his power-packed and immensely successful "Pulan Visaranai" that was inspired by "Auto" Sankar, is at it once again with equally powerful and interesting take on forest brigand Veerappan, in his second movie "Captain Prabhakaran". Vijaykanth (100th film)shines in the titular role while the movie's debut villain Mansoor Ali Khan sparkles. Liyakath Ali Khan's dialogues  that are razor sharp does ruffle a feather or two through it's potent political undertones. Ilayaraja's background score elevates the movie a couple of notches as does Rajarajan's jaw dropping cinematography. 

Bottomline: An all-round adrenaline pumping spectacle.  

4/5

Cheran Pandiyan:

A well-written and engrossing family drama, "Cheran Pandiyan" makes an enjoyable viewing. The ensemble cast of solid actors and pleasing musical score of newbie Soundaryan with lots of female pleasing sequences along with awesome comedy track from now in form Goundamani - Senthil duo makes it an instant recipe for a pleasant viewing for the whole family. 

Bottomline: Wholesome family entertainer.

3.5/5 

Sendhoora Devi: 

"Sendhoora Devi" is Rama Narayanan's crude uncredited remake of the yesteryear classic "Kulandhaiyum Deivamum" with the little "Sivaji Ganeshan" Shamili in the lead in a duel role along with an elephant, dog, monkey and horse. It is a perfect example of how can a classy script can be maimed into such a laughable caricature. 

Bottomline: Only for the pea-headed 

1.5/5

Maanagara Kaaval: 

Vijaykanth's fine form continues with "Maanagara Kaaval" too. His confidence in the young film-making graduates from the film institute is paying off rich dividend. When most of his contemporaries are stuck in the masala universe, he is taking up unusual subjects which are getting well received. Vijaykanth and cop uniform seem to be a secret recipe for a sure-shot hit. 

Bottomline: An engrossing action thriller

3.5/5 

Veetla Ezhi Velila Puli:

A remake of kannada movie, "Veetla Ezhi Velila Puli" deals with an interesting concept of equality in the married couple but the execution goes haywire. There are quite a few hilarious sequences here and there, but overall it fails to sustain in entertaining the audience. S.V.Sekhar and Janagaraj are lively in their roles while the same can't be said of the female leads which is an important drawback that contributes towards the lackluster impact.

Bottomline: Good concept on paper but poor execution.

2.5/5 

Azhagan:

K.Balachandar in his latest movie "Azhagan" has opted for a lighter story yet the terrific acting of the whole cast packs a punch. Mammooty, Banupriya, Geetha, Madhoo and all the four kids keep you enthralled with their superlative acting. Maragathamani's musical score is another shot in the arm for KB. 

Bottomline: Enjoyable lighthearted drama

3.5/5

Jenma Natchathiram: 

"Jenma Nathathiram" is a fair enough remake of the cult horror classic "The Omen". In spite of the insipid lead pair, the making of the movie keeps it engaging. Horror elements have worked out well. A relatively unknown cast and crew have done justice to the material in their hand.

Bottomline: Fairly well made remake of the cult movie. 

3.5/5

Idhayam: 

Tamil cinema seems to have unearthed a worthy successor for Mohan in Murali. He aces the "Oru thalai ragam" prototype effortlessly. Written and directed by debutant Kathir supported by a blockbuster musical album of Ilayaraja, "Idhayam" is technically sound and emotionally evocative. Newcomer Heera looks radiant and the movie has a contemporary urbane feel to it. 

Bottomline: A poetic romantic drama, go for it

3.5/5

MGR Nagaril : 

"MGR Nagaril" is a well written comical thriller, a typical malayalam remake. Though not in the same league as that of its original "In Hariharan Nagar", it is nonetheless a faithful remake that retains the essence of the original especially when one considers other malayalam scripts being butchered by tamil directors by addition of  unnecessary commercial elements when they remake. 

Bottomline: An engaging thriller with enjoyable comical portions

3/5 

Nattuku Oru Nallavan: 

It is one of the most irritating movie of the year. Filmmakers should realize that just by having a bankable star and a story that deals with a sensational issue with generous dose of patriotism would not succeed at the box office. A solid story and engaging screenplay is what that is important and this movie lags behind in both these crucial departments. 

Bottomline: A total washout

1/5

Bramma :

 "Bramma" is yet another interesting movie from the talented K.Subash. He seems to have mastered the art of making commercial cinema with loads of intelligence. An apt followup to last year's  massively  impressive "Sathriyan". Sathyaraj-Goundamani combo is in terrific form and regale the audience once again with their fireworks. Kushboo is ravishing while Banupriya is impressive. 

Bottomline: An enjoyable cerebral masala entertainer. 

3.5/5

Gunaa:  

"Gunaa" is yet another vindication of the fact that Kamalhassan is one of the most versatile actors in the country today. A brilliantly written, beautifully made and awesomely enacted (perfect casting) movie, "Gunaa" is one of those movies that would keep making the tamil movie lovers proud for decades to come. Ilayaraja's haunting background score and divine songs keep intruding into your mind for days. 

Bottomline: A soul-stirring classic, an ode to pure poignant cinema.

4.5/5

Rudhra: 

The master of screenplay K.Bagyaraj is back with a bang with "Rudhra". Basically an investigative thriller, he spices it up with his trademark humour and intelligent twists and turns. The initial 20 minutes or so in which Bagyaraj successfully cracks a bank robbery single-handedly is one of the most enjoyable stretches in recent years.

Bottomline: An effortless entertainer that is cleverly written  

3.5/5

Thalapathi: 

Armed with an excellent powerful ensemble cast led by the leading superstars in two south indian film industry, out of the world musical score from the god of music Ilayaraja and world class cinematography by Santosh Sivan, Manirathnam hits the bulls eye once again with his modern day reworking of the Mahabaratha's Karna-Duryodana friendship. 

Bottomline: Masterclass on screen. 

4/5 

Thalattu Ketkuthamma: 

Debutant Raj Kapoor's "Thalattu Ketkuthamma" deals with the topical issue marital rape and maternal mortality,but the same is told in entertaining manner without any scope for complaints. Prabhu's purple patch continues. 

Bottomline: A sweet lullaby

3.5/5

Pondatti Sonna Kettukanum: 

After starting the year promisingly with "Naan Pudicha Mapillai" where he dealt with father-in-law and son-in-law dynamics, V Sekhar ends it with an equally compelling take on the father-in-law and daughter-in-law dynamics in "Pondatti Sonna Kettukanum". This time around the emphasis in on humour and it has worked out very well though at times it borders on crudeness and crassness. Goundmani is in fine form. 

Bottomline: Fun-filled family entertainer with a message 

3.5/5

Retrospective twitterification

Retrospective twitterification : 

Just imagine twitter was there in the 80's and 90's and I were to review movies released then on twitter. 

Year 1991, January - February: 

Sigaram:

One of the best musical albums of the year undone by poorly executed movie that is not gripping enough. SPB is in form both as the lead actor and the music director, if only Ananthu was also up to it, "Sigaram" would have become a cult classic.
Bottomline: Buy it's audio cassette and save money
2/5

Eeramana Rojave: 

Another terrific musical album spoilt by cliched story and inane direction. The lead pair who make their debut have a long way to go before they can be considered as actors. Chinni Jeyanth and co's comedy track is the only redeeming factor other than the songs.
Bottomline: Wait for Oliyum oliyum for the songs, skip the movie
2/5

Dharma Durai:

Remake of a kannada movie, "Dharma Durai" showcases Rajnikanth in a very mellowed down avatar which is the main reason why it has not gone down well with his fans. However, the family audience are lapping up the over the top melodrama and Ilayaraja's terrific assortment of songs.
Bottomline: Actor Rajni is back
3.5/5

Kumbakarai Thangaiah: 

It is a middling movie that is neither good nor bad. Gangai Amaran fails to sustain the success rate that he had last year with couple of Ramarajan flicks. Prabhu sleep walks in the titular role. Ilayaraja's songs are the only saving grace.
Bottomline: Poor execution of a okayish story.
2.5/5

Thai Poosam: 

Rama Narayanan is back with his snake and baby Shamili in this movie that is most suited for kids and those who are still juvenile in their minds. Watch out for the scene in which snake types a letter in a typewriter, priceless. Baby Shamili is the only competition for Sivaji  Ganeshan as far as expressions in the playing of Nadaswaram is concerned.
Bottomline: Cult classic :P
2/5

Naan Pudicha Mapillai:

Movie rides solely on the shoulders of Janakaraj in one of the roles of his lifetime. As a demure and naive father-in-law he has the whole set of female audience rooting for him, the main reason why the movie has become this successful.
Bottomline: Janakaraj's one man show
3/5

One minute reviews: From Sully to Angamaly Diaries via D16

One minute reviews: From Sully to Angamaly Diaries  

Sully:

"Sully" is yet another real life story that has Tom Hanks playing a real life hero. Based on the autobiography of Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, "Highest Duty" and directed by Clint Eastwood, what would have been a boring docu-drama is made into a engrossing procedural thriller. The screenplay is written in such a nuanced style that it keeps you on the edge of the seat though you would have known the actual story beforehand. An inspiring movie.

Devi: 

"Devi" is an enjoyable horror-comedy which scores higher due to its comedy than the meek horror elements. It is a joy to watch Prabhu Deva dance on screen after a long time and the nod to the "chikku bukku rayile" with his brother was nostalgic.

Kodi:

"Kodi" is a middling political thriller that might have become a better movie with a more powerful antagonist. Danush is adequate while Trisha is too meek to carry out such a powerful character. And the mindless masala turn towards the end further accentuates the decline.

Accham Enbathu Madamayada: 

"Accham Enbathu Madamayada" has a bearable first half, unbearable second half and insane ending indicating that GVM has lost his mojo. Jaded STR and bloated Manjima fail to redeem a poor movie. A.R.Rahman's terrific album wasted. 

Kavalai Vendam :

 Except couple of comical moments which can be seen anyway in the comedy channels there is absolutely nothing in this inane movie. Jiiva's pathetic form continues. 

Saithan:

3/4rth of the movie is a well written thriller that is engaging and keeps you to the edge of the seat. But the problem starts when Vijay Antony's character takes a turn towards masala universe from where the movie nosedives into the abyss which no redemption undoing all that it achieved until that point. 

Chennai 600028 2nd innings:

Though can't compare with the naivety, novelty and audacity of the first innings, 2nd innings does have its moments that are numerous enough to keep you in good spirits. Cricket portions however don't have the punch of the former.  

Bairavaa:

You know movie is terrible when only good part of the movie is the 20 odd minutes of flashback portion that doesn't have Vijay in it. Movie is late by at least a couple of decades. Vijay , what next, a movie directed by S.P. Muthuraman? !

Dhuruvangal Pathinaaru: 

A well written and made thriller with perfect casting and first class acting. It is a fantastic debut by Karthik Naren who seems to have total confidence on his script than anything else, a trait most seasoned directors in the industry seem to have forgotten. 

Dangal:

 Aamir Khan's and wrestling's "Chakde India", more rooted and more cinematic than the former. Amazing performance from Aamir and almost everyone in the cast. One of the well made sports movie in the last few years.

Munthirivallikal thalirkkumbol:

 It is a feel good family entertainer that hovers in the zone between average to above average. It is almost a fairytale where all the potential conflicts getting resolved very conveniently.

Bogan :

Bogan has a good concept on paper that suffers due to poor execution on screen and improper casting. It needed a charismatic protagonist to match the devastating screen presence of Arvind Swamy than the earnest Ravi. And more importantly they could very well would have done away with the mentally retarded female lead character.

 Singam 3:  

Si 3 is injurious to your ear. Still not recovered from hard of hearing, dizziness, nausea, tinnitus and headache. This movie is a perfect example of how one can abuse technology, worst use of Dolby Atmos. All I can remember is the screeching sounds of the cars breaking and flights landing.

Ezra :

A horror movie with high technical finesse but a routine mundane storyline, engaging nonetheless. Movie scores mainly due to its first class casting. Technical finesse they achieve at the budgets they use in Malayalam cinema is astounding. 

Yaman:

Yaman has interesting premise and story but the lackadaisical screenplay tries it's best to shoo away the viewer's interest in the proceedings. Vijay Antony is developing into an actor with terrific screen presence. But please avoid something that you were doing in the name of dance, Bhagyaraj would have felt better seeing that. What could have been a topical and currently relevant engrossing entertainer "Yaman " fails to live up to it.

Kutram 23:

"Kutram 23 " is a thriller sans any thrills. It is predictable throughout and the medical aspects would make you go ROFL. Arun Vijay with totally artificial and stiff body language and trite voice modulation tries his best to sell his cop role but in vain. Making is good but the end product leaves a lot to be desired.

Yakkai :

It is time tamil movie makers learn a lot from their malayalam counterparts about how to make engrossing thrillers. It will be a disservice to the word thriller if anyone calls this inept movie as one. Kreshna's characterization in this movie is " legendary " :P

Managaram: 

An example of solid film making and flawless screenplay writing. Casting is superb but somehow when you leave the theatre you miss that "WOW" factor.

Badrinath ki Dulhania: 

It is a pretty average romcom mainly due to its terrific lead pair. If not for them, the movie would have become a washout. Intentions are good but the execution is below par.

Kavan:

"Kavan" is a mediocre, superficial and focus less movie with a disinterested Vijay Sethupathi and miscast TR further pulling down a already sinking ship.

Angamaly diaries:

It is one of the rawest movies in Indian cinema in the recent past. When you see a good romantic movie you feel lovely, a comedy movie light and a masala movie adrenaline pumping. In the same way this movie elicits disgust, nausea, dizziness, numbess of mind which I feel is the success for the makers of this movie. Pure cinema.

One-minute reviews: Premam, Tanu Weds Manu Returns, 36 Vayadinile, India Pakistan, Uttama Villain, Komban, Yennai Arindal and Nanbenda

Premam: 

Alphonse Putharen is a movie maker to watch out for. After the mighty impressive ""Neram", his second feature film, "Premam" is a instant classic. How can anyone even think of conceiving a movie on multiple love failures in such a breezy, light-hearted manner yet with moments that tug your heartstrings. Nivin Pauly can do no wrong and Sai Pallavi is an overnight heartthrob. Infinite times better than "Autugraph" and hundred times better than "Life Ishtene", both movies which are among my all time favorites. 

4.5/5

Tanu Weds Manu Returns: 

"Tanu weds Manu returns" is watchable mainly for Kangana Ranaut's superlative performance. I can't remember a dual role that is so convincingly portrayed on screen in recent times. Deepak Dobriyal keeps the audience in splits with his antics. On the whole, it is a mediocre movie made praiseworthy by terrific Kangana.

3.5/5

36 Vayadinile:

"36 Vayadinile" is a shrunk version of How Old Are you. As a result it has lost the soul of the original but for the ones who watch it for the first time it would be a decent female empowerment saga. Jyothika scores in her comeback with a restrained performance. On the whole, though it is not that moving it is entertaining nonetheless.

3.5/5

India Pakistan: 

"‪India Pakistan" has its damn hilarious moments in between large stretches of dreariness. Vijay Antony's hattrick though he has more or less the same dead pan expression throughout the movie. One time watch.

3/5

Uttama Villain:

I got a choking feeling at the end of the movie. What will Indian cinema be without Kamalhassan, the actor. Thought of it makes you depressed.‪ ‎"Uttama Villain‬" what a movie. What an actor. 

4/5

Komban:

"Komban" is an engrossing watch, keeps to hooked to the screen till the end. Judicious mix of action and family sentiments keeps everyone entertained. Karthi and RajKiran chemistry sizzles and might bring a tear or two.  

3.5/5

Yennai Arindal :

Goutham Menon is getting monotonous, hackneyed and knackered with his movies, be it action or drama or romance. Experts for few sparks from Ajithkumar and Arun Vijay now and then, "Yennai Arindal" is a big yawn. 

2.5/5

Nanbenda:  

If you do it for the first time, it is novel and enjoyable. When you repeat it for the second time, it gets a bit weary but bearable nonetheless. But when third time on the trot, it gets plain irritating and repulsive. Udayanithi, Shanthanam and Rajesh & co must realize it before it is too late. "Nanbenda" is too much to bear. 

1.5/5

100 days of love: 

"100 days of love" is a cute little romantic movie which takes its own time to meander into your mind and stays on for few days. Essentially a new age romcom, steady screenplay, cute lead pair, light mood, and excellent technical credentials make it a happy watch.  

3.5/5

Interstellar to O Kadhal Kanmani - One-line reviews

Interstellar to O Kadhal Kanmani - One-line reviews

Interstellar: 

As a person with average intelligence, I can't understand what were they trying to depict in "Interstellar". At the same time surprised at many others who seems to have understood what was going on. Was it a special show for Physics buff i went to.... Found it hard to control my sleep ‪#‎Interstellar‬.

Linga:

It would have been an honorable retirement if he had retired after "Enthiran". Now it is totally embarrassing seeing him play a guy of mid 20's prancing around heroines younger than his daughters and doing stunts that are the precise reasons why people mock at him.

On the whole, "LINGAA" rombaa LONGAAA

2/5

Anegan:

Anegan is just about average. Terrific idea very simplistically told.

Tamilukku en1ai Aluthavum :

Tamilukku en1ai Aluthavum is very entertaining. Hyperlink format screenplay very neatly presented. If only they could have made it a bit shorter and crispier it would have become a sleeper hit.

Kakkisattai : 

Kakkisattai : boring wannabe star vehicle that never takes off constantly pulled down by a very convenient and lax - lazy screenplay.

Enakkul Oruvan:

Enakkul Oruvan, a half hearted and half baked remake of Lucia. When it comes to remakes and retaining the flavour, tenor and tone of the original, there is no one who comes anywhere near to Jayam Raja.

Rajathanthiram :

Rajathanthiram is a very good and engaging heist movie that deserves better promotion and bigger box office returns.

Valiyavan:

Valiyavan has one of the silliest reasons for revenge that the audience were laughing out loud when the director intended touching sentiment sequences.

O Kadhal Kanmani:

In my 1st decade mouna ragam, 2nd alaipayuthey, 3rd ‪#‎OKKanmani‬. Manirathnam redefining romance over the decades

Sri Talkies in the "Sarabham" teaser

Sri Talkies gets acknowledged by the makers of the Tamil movie "Sarabham". Watch the below video @ 0.40 secs. 

200th Tamil movie review

Looking forward to my 200th Tamil movie review with "THUPAKKI"......

                            

My musings: Claps & Boos of 2011, Part 2

Disclaimer: The content of the article is strictly my opinion & objectivity of this article can be tainted by my likes & dislikes. It is an analysis of Tamil cinema in 2011 neither by a journalistic point of view nor by trade view. It is purely how a movie buff in me observed Tamil cinema in 2011, so it won’t be bereft of any subjective proclivities. So if you are inclined to read an objectively written look back at the year kindly skip.

Let us see the movies which deserved the “Claps” & those which received the “Boos”. Also I’ve tried to analyse why they got “Claps ” & ”Boos” respectively.

“ Claps “ :

“Vaagai Sooda vaa” is in my opinion the best movie of the year . “Vaagai Sooda Vaa” deals with a heavy subject but presented in a very subtle manner yet makes a powerful impact on the viewers , therein lies the brilliance of the writer-director Sargunam. Marxist ideals & views are the basic thread of the story but it is more covertly depicted rather than being on your face jingoism of the same. We have seen a lot of movies which deals with societal issues being loud , opinionated & preachy . This is the first time as far as i can remember a maker has presented such an issue based movie in such a pleasant manner. Sargunam with this movie proved that his success was not flash in the pan rather here is a creator who is sure will make Tamil Cinema proud in the times to come. “Vaagai Sooda Vaa ” is a movie that satiates the movie buff in you.


“Aranya Kandam” gave Tamil cinema one of the most talented creator in Thiagarajan Kumararaja. Touted to be the first neo-noir genre of movie in Tamil , “Aranya Kandam ” is a blast for movie lovers. Thiagarajan Kumararaja did an excellent job in his debut feature . Both the writing & execution were flawless. It’s been a way long time since one had come out of the theatre with a feeling of “Wow..!” in Tamil. The seamless lucidity of the screenplay make one wonder at the hard work & acumen of the writer. Seamless confluence of thrill , action , comedy , treachery as it happens in real life is well captured in the screenplay. Though movie is full of action ,gore ,blood & violence one doesn’t get repulsed by it instead left marvelling at the poetic portrayal of the same. “Aranya Kandam” is a must watch irrespective of whether one knows the language or not for this movie is racy yet arty, gory yet classy.


“Mouna Guru” will easily qualify as the most well scripted movie of the year . It has been a very long time since one has seen such a engrossing thriller which keeps one in the edge of the seat for almost more than 2 hours of the running time. There is no lag in the screenplay anywhere which is lucid & gripping all the same. “Mouna Guru” is a well written & executed thriller and Shanthakumar is a precious talent who will surely make Tamil cinema proud in the future.


“Engeyum Eppodhum” is a simple, neat & engaging movie with a hard-hitting message. M. Saravanan shows a lot of promise in his first movie. He has amazingly illustrated that for a movie to be a thriller it doesn’t always need to be on crime , underworld , heist , so on. He has also remarkably managed to swell the viewer’s eyes almost throughout the movie at the most pleasant of sequences too. Movie is not bereft of clichés but they fade into the background in comparison with the freshness of the concept & the characterization of the cast especially that of both the lead ladies.


“ Yudham Sei “ is yet another thriller from Myshkin presented in a lyrical manner. Myshkin seems to have mastered the act of presenting an action-thriller in a poetic style. “Yutham Sei” keeps one at the edge of the seat right from the scene one to the last. Though the screenplay is slow paced , Myshkin succeeds in weaving a storyline which engages the viewer glued to the screen all through. The clarity of purpose that the director has shown coupled with courage shown by the producers in supporting that purpose has culminated into such a thoroughly enjoyable movie for the movie buffs.



K.V.Anand’s “Ko” is an interesting political thriller which like his previous flick “Ayan” has loads of logical pothole submerged under a racy screenplay. The pace is so fast & riveting that its hard for anyone to even think about those flaws. Thus K.V.Anand has once again reiterated the fact that he is one of the best when it comes to handling a commercial plot.




“Deiva Thirumagal” is an adaptation of “I am Sam” presented in a palatable manner for the Tamil audience. With judicious mixture of melodrama , feel-goodedness , mindless comedy , comic-book song sequence & excellent acting , “Deiva Thrirumagal” was an enjoyable movie. Though the movie is “filmy” to the core Vijay has managed to present a tale which intrinsically has the danger of getting boring in an interesting manner. Vikram was excellent in his portrayal of the protagonist with subnormal intelligence. The body language , dialogue delivery & demeanour clinically depicts the joy , agony , anger & sorrow of the character of Krishna , a grown up child with the mental age of 5.


“Aadukalam” was one of the best movie of the year especially considering that it was showered with honours at the National Awards. Dhansuh as Karupu did an excellent job & neat execution of an interesting story by Vetrimaran made this movie special. Dhanush started the year with the first hit of the year with “Athe athe” & ended the year with humungous hit “Why this kolaveri di”.


“Kavalan ” was a reminiscence of those golden days of Vijay in the mid & late 90’s with many such romantic movies of his which made him the most popular up & coming hero of those days. Seeing Vijay trying to change his track of sorts is in itself quite refreshing for Tamil Cinema needs heroes of his stature & charisma to be around to bring in the variety .“Kavalan ” as a movie is not a path-breaking , artistic movie which can be classified as a classic. It has its share of downers like the patchy screenplay , poor editing with poor song placement , very average making , gimmickry in the form of stunts. Yet it is a refreshing simple romantic tale with the last 30 minutes of the movie having one of the best twists we have seen in the last few years. “Kavalan” was a perfect decent family entertainer sans any violence or gore or vulgarity. As a fan of vintage romantic Vijay of the yore , I “Kavalan” a lot.


“Mankatha” was entertaining in parts , which ends up with a bang with adrenaline rush & had power packed performance from Ajithkumar in his 50th movie. There are only few men like Rajnikanth , Vijay or Ajithkumar who can carry a movie with an ordinary script on their shoulder . “Mankatha” is one such where the versatile actor in Ajithkumar tried his level best to keep the boat from sinking for the “captain of the ship” Venkat Prabhu floundered. USP of the movie is Ajithkumar & he lived up to the hype & expectations. In a role with loads of greyness in it , Ajithkumar rocked the screen.



Raghava Lawrence hit the bulls eye with his second directorial venture “Kanchana”. The movie kept the viewers engaged with the occurrence on screen . Though it had certain shortcomings & crassness here & there with a valuable message driven home it was one of the enjoyable Horror-comedy movie (genre that Raghava Lawrence has mastered) of the year.


“Velayutham ” was one of the thoroughly enjoyable commercial entertainer of the year . As a fan of Vijay I am happy that both the movies he did this year met up with success especially considering the hard time he was going through over the past couple of years. M.Raja has once again proved that he is a producer’s delight when it comes to churning out hits & getting money back. Who cares if he is doing so with help of a original hit or an inspired one as long as everyone is happy. “Velayutham” was a perfect family entertainer for the festive season & satisfied one’s craving for entertainment.


When one enters theatre to watch Selvaragavan’s movie one does so with lots of expectations. May be that expectation might lead to the undoing of “Mayakkam Enna” as is it was nowhere near to any of his previous ones. Though Selvaragavan manages to salvage some pride in the second half seeing the movie as a whole one was not satisfied with it . But when one consider the below average fare that we are getting treated to in the last couple of years , “Mayakkam Enna ” is way above all those ones.

There are two under-rated movies which came & went without much noise but I thoroughly enjoyed them , “Potta Potti” & “Doo” . Potta Potti 50/50” was a simple yet enjoyable movie . The movie was humorous with no logic what so ever. Story though inspired by “Lagaan” it had south Indian flavour sprinkled generously throughout. Screenplay was lucid, linear & easy on your cognition while dialogues are darn funny & witty at the same time.



Debutant director Sriram’s “Doo” was a simple movie with a uncomplicated story presented in a straightforward narration with adequate support from the technical team. Barring the lead actors who tend to overact a bit, the cast fit in nicely to provide a neat movie that can be enjoyed. Sriram showed his potential as a neat story-teller without losing his focus on what he intended to convey.

“Boos “:



The manner in which “7am Arivu” was hyped & advertised that the movie will make Tamils around the world proud led to its own undoing. Movie was entertaining in parts but what made it not work was the sluggish screenplay especially the first half which was a drag. With such a powerful story the impact on the viewers ought to have been humongous. But sadly due to the listless direction by Murugadoss movie failed to create any emotional impact on the viewers. “7 am Arivu” was undone by the makers’ myopic vision & poor execution.


“Nadunissi Naaygal” was technically brilliant but thematically appalling. By taking recourse in to the old sadistic thrillers of the yore & joining the bandwagon of portraying the mentally ill persons as dangerous & psychopathic, Gautham did no good for those who are working tirelessly for to alleviate the stigma associated with mentally ill & mental illness. The problem with the movie was the content & it failed miserably in box-office because it right away shoed away family audience as well as female audience.


“Vaanam ” was yet another example how in one language the movie can be interesting but in another not. Since I had already seen the original it struck me that the soul & spirit of the original was missing in Tamil version. The screenplay played truant here with many scenes ending abruptly which gave the feeling as to whether the movie was done in haste. The climax which packed a punch & left one moved in the original , left the viewers apathetic in this remade version.


Samuthrakani after his successful “Nadodigal” slipped this time with his “Porali”. His noble intentions were undone by poor execution . And there was an overdose of sermonizing which got unbearable after a point when each & every character gave their share of moralistic one-liners. There were few instances of brilliance but they were few & far in-between getting submerged in the gargantuan mediocrity.


Bala’s “Avan-Ivan” touted to be the maverick director’s first full-length comedy drama was a huge let down. Movie was boring , comical scenes made you frown while the last 15 minutes of the movie was anything but pathetic to say the least. Screenplay of the movie was very loose. Many scenes were disjointed with lots of loose ends left untied with a wealth of unnecessary & pointless scenes spewed all over. It was a shocker from the director of the calibre of Bala.




Jiiva’s “Rowthiram” had a poor storyline & bad casting while “Vandaen Vendran” was a case of good story undone by a poor screenplay.


“Payanam” had artificiality writ large all over it & in some places the happenings borders on a stage drama like. Also the recourse to melodrama , contrived nationalistic jingoism & comedy in the most unwarranted of sequences made “Payanam” a very average travel.


“180” had splendid visuals , youthful cast , technically brilliant yet lacked soul . Part of the reason was bad writing & part of the blame should go to bad direction.



”Vengai” was a routine village action fare with bloodshed-sentiment-romance on the lines of “Thamirabarani” which tested one’s patience to an large extent.


“Osthi” was a bad remake with bad casting while “Rajapattai” was a movie done in haste ending the year in a sombre note.




As we close the year 2011 , we can look forward to 2012 with great expectation with movies like “Viswaroopam ” , “Kochadaiyan” , “Nanban” , “Thuppaki” , “Billa 2” , “Maatran”, “3” , “Irandam Ulagam” , “Karikalan” , “Vettai Mannan” , “Mugamoodi” & “Neethane En Ponvasantham” expected to hit the screens.

Sri