Nandhalala

My Review : Nandhalala



Based on the Japanese movie “ Kikujiro” , Mysskin’s “Nandhalala” is a travelogue with a brilliant background score by Ilayaraja & excellent cinematography by Mahesh Muthusamy. Mysskin the director takes the third place only though he is the man behind the movie as the whole.

Ilayaraja is back with his haunting violins which made movies like “Veedu ” & “Sandhya Raagam ” memorable. He is one musician who knows the value of silence . In many poignant sequences where a customary music director would have tried his level hard to put in some music to fill in the emotion , Raja just makes the silence evocate the emotions in the viewer. Ilayaraja is the foremost person why many would have ventured into the theatres showing this movie & he does satisfy them whole heartedly.

All the three songs that find a place in the final cut "Melle Oorndhu Oorndhu , "Onnukkonnu.”’, "Thalaattu Ketka Nanum" are haunting pieces . Hearing Ilayaraja & K.J.Yesudas after a long time in itself brings back the nostalgic memories in you.

Mahesh Muthusamy is the second most significant person of “Nandhalala” . Movie has lots of long shots & the manner in which he has literally played with the camera in his hand is astonishing. With the aerial shots , low-angle shots which he used to great effect in “Anjathey” in that famous sequence & the number master shots in the movie , Mahesh must have had a ball in showcasing his talents which he has in abundance.

Mysskin , the director has done a decent job while the screenplay writer must have dozed off a bit while the actor is completely off target. The confusion in which he has conceived & portrayed the mentally ill character is average to put it mildly. Bereft of the sensitivity , poignancy & authenticity Myskkin’s mentally ill protagonist is stereotyped , ill-etched & far-fetched from real.

Except that aberration, rest of the characterisation are well-etched and conceived & brilliantly portrayed by the actors , be it Aswath Ram as the other protagonist or Snigtha , the bikers , the shepherd , the lorry driver , the coconut vendor , etc. Nasser , though he comes in for just 20-30 seconds or so , he leaves a mark in your mind . And Mysskin’s speciality is the situational humour & the angst which come out effortlessly onscreen. Rohini is too young to be Mysskin’s mother , atleast some make-up would have done some good to hide her youthful demeanour.

The final 15-20 minutes disturbs you & leave a mark where the director & writer in Mysskin some to the fore but the two reasons why the movie makes a greater impact are one ,Ilayaraja & two , Mahesh Muthusamy.

On the whole , “Nandhalala” is a journey worth travelling .

Bottomline : Thalaatu..!

4/5

CHIKKU BHUKKU

My Review : Chikku Bhukku



Legendary cinematographer-cum-director Jeeva’s assistant Manikantan who completed the former’s last project “Dhaam-dhoom” after his untimely demise has come out with his first full feature “Chikku Bhukku”. The movie’s basic thread is inspired from “Love Aaj Kal ” but the comparison ends there for it is like comparing chalk & cheese.

“Chikku Bhukku” is viewer’s nightmare & it’s like the worst punishment one can go through in the name of entertainment. One shudders to think how can one end up watching such a movie in the first place wasting time & money. Moreover what must have been going through the mind of the producers when they convinced in frittering away their ?hard earned money in such an inane project. Manikantan has just squandered his chance big way.

Movie is very sluggish , amateurish , uninteresting , head-ache inducing , silly , absurd, .....losing at adjectives to describe it. Only solace is the 1985 part of the story even though it is not that novel atleast it tries to capture your attention.

Preetika is not only pretty but “acts” well too & an exact antithesis to what all that of Shriya , who looks jaded , doesn’t seem to know anything remotely related to acting .Infact Shriya trying to do a “Bommarillu” Genelia or a “Jab We Met” Kareena irritates the already battered & bruised viewer leaving him/her to squirm in the seat.

Arya’s portrayal of Sekhar is calm & matured while his characterization as Arjun is half baked & his performance too takes a beating due to that.

Shanthanam is the only reason why one may remain sane while watching the movie & he prevents the viewer from getting into a complete meltdown.

Music by Colonial Cousins Hari-Leslie is nothing attractive while Gurudhev’s cinematography is classy & the colour tone he has employed to show variation between the 1980’s story & the present day one is good. Technically movie is sound but content wise it has nothing to vouch for.

On the whole , please don’t recommend it to even most nastiest of your enemies.

Bottom-line: “ Chikku Bhukku “ – Total derailment.!

1.5/5

Va (1/4)

My Review : Va



Puskhar-Gayatri fresh from their different yet successful debut movie “Oram Po ” are back with yet another different attempt with “Va “(1/4) . The film's story takes place in one night, in which the protagonist, with the help of his would-be brother-in-law, hunts for a last liquor before leaving to Saudi Arabia. The freshness of the concept & the manner in which the movie has been shot are the strong points while the sluggish screenplay plays the spoilsport.

The direction is also patchy with some good sequences interspersed with some very ordinary & some very amateurish ones. While watching the movie sometimes one get a doubt whether the same due have done this movie too for they have done a very neat job in their debut feature.

Dialogues too are at times funny & at time kiddish. But the thing that make it worse is the bad dialogue delivery from Shiva & the one who has dubbed for Lekha. Shiva’s rendition of Kovai Tamil is simulated & doesn’t jell with his body language.

Shiva is getting typecast & he seems to be doing the same thing all over again right from his debut movie “Chennai 600028”. He seem to have reluctance to come out of his comfort zone which would make his survival difficult in the industry which is fraught with heavy competition. Or else he would end up as a comedy side kick in the near future.

S.P.B.Charan does a neat job of it as the brother-in-law of the hero .He has come a long way since “Unnai Saran Adaindaen ” in his expressions & histrionics. His dialogue delivery is way better than the hero & heroine while his comical expressions are a treat. His innocent & naive demeanor adds up to the effect.

Lekha has nothing much to do which the bane of the heroine of contemporary Tamil movies.She overdoes her expressions in many of the sequences & she needs to learn how to draw a line between comical expressions & insanity .

John Vijay is as competent as ever & after “Oram Po ” he gets a meaty role in this movie & he has utilized the opportunity well.

Nirav Shah’s cinematography is one of the USPs of the movie . He is as stupendous as ever but the green tone does gets under one’s nerve after a point.

G.V.PrakashKumar’s music has nothing much to offer while his BGM is pathetic to say the least. Its as if one is watching a amateur drama & BGM being given for it by some part-time musicians.

On the whole , “Va (1/4) ” is not as bad it is portrayed in the media . It does keeps one engaged in the goings-on with the intermittent phases of amateurishness that leaves one dismayed .

Bottomline : Appetizing but not enough kick to offer..!

2.5/5

Mynaa

My review: Mynaa



I’ve always liked the work of Prabhu Solomon , be it original or inspired , for he always tries something novel .Whether it is “Kokki” , “Ladam” or “Lee” , each of these movies had an unique storyline & thoroughly enjoyable at the same time.
“Mynaa” is no different , in fact THE best of all his works so far , I should add.

The premise is in itself very novel & fresh and the manner in which he has gone about things is brilliant. Though it is billed as “A journey of Love ” , the backdrop of how an intense friendship develops between the fugitive & the pursuers within a matter of 24 hours is a very fresh idea , very well executed on screen. “Chemistry ” between the prisoner & the constable in pursuit is as striking as that between the lead pair . The seamless confluence of love , sentiment , anger , comedy & tragedy leaves you speechless at the end of 2 hours & 30 minutes .

The screenplay has a seamless flow with no impasse whatsoever making it a worthwhile movie viewing experience . One sequence is suffice to get acquainted with the calibre of Prabhu Solomon . The whole Bus sequence is terrific (I wonder when was the last time we had a sequences in which the viewer goes through such a gamut of emotions in a matter of 15 minutes .Kudos Prabhu). Though I have reservations about the ending of the movie which looks contrived , movie as a whole has disturbed & will disturb anyone who happens to watch it.

Vidarth who in the role of Suruli , the fugitive madly(literally) in love with his childhood sweetheart who goes any lengths to get her , is very good. The body language , though appeared to be borrowed a bit from “Paruthiveeran ” , his dialogue delivery & histrionics are apt to the character he portrays .He is yet another talent & how the talent is made used of by the Tamil Movie industry is remained to be seen.

Amala Paul’s beautiful eyes conveys a lot augmented by an expressive face . As the gullible schoolgirl who too reciprocates in the same manner as that of the hero without knowing what fate has in store for her , she manages to incarcerate the viewers hearts & later their minds.

Thambi Ramaiah in a substantial role where he gets chance not only to do comedy but also various shades of emotions is another strong point of the movie. As said earlier his chemistry with Vidarth is a treat to watch.

Sethu as the inspector with a kind heart is another good find . Supporting cast have a huge role to play in the success of this movie. Especially the actress who enacts the Inspector’s wife role is brilliant . She makes the viewer hate her & the fact that people enjoy her getting killed is a testimony to her acting skill.

Coming to D.Iman’s music , it is one of the best album of his yet. “Mynaa mynaa manukulle” "Kaiya Pudi" "Neeyum Naanum" are soothing melodies which ringer in the ears for a long time. Background score except for a couple of instances where it is jarring is good overall.

Technically also the movie is brilliant as does all Prabhu Solomon’s movies so far. Sukumar’s cinematography is astounding & the manner in which his camera plays through the natural beauty of Moonar , Bodi & Theni , one is at loss of words. That he manages to present the human emotions & conflicts inspite of all the distractions he would have encountered in the rich backdrop speaks for his work & his talent.

“Mynaa” is a fulfilling movie watching experience after a very long time & every cent spent is worthwhile .

Bottomnline : “Mynaa ” , a charming nightingale ...!

4/5

Uthamaputhiran

My Review : Uthamaputhran



Dhanush-Mithran Jawahar duo has once again managed to vindicate why some movies are best left undisturbed rather than trying to remake it in another language & get it all wrong. After the horrendous remake of “Aarya” as “Kutty” , they have once again managed to do it again in this remake of one of the immensely successful Telugu movie “Ready” as “Uthamaputhran”. Atleast “Yaaradi Nee Mohini” was okay , may be because the director himself was an assistant director when the original was made.

Movie looks jaded , too long & tiring & a perfect example of too much anything is good for nothing. After a point one gets lost & even irritated with the same jokes played all over again & again. First half has nothing happening around while the second one is too long , slow & irritating after a point one begs for the movie to get over soon so that can come out have a fresh air. It getting suffocating after a point of time.

Dhanush needs to choose better subjects rather than trying to make remakes again & again , even after knowing how things can go horribly wrong as seen in “Kutty”. And when does he stops mouthing loads of dialogues which gets under the viewers nerves after a point.

Genelia sleep walks her role . Her lip sync is pathetic & she kinda getting typecast in similar roles.

Vivek tries his best to tickle the funny bones & he does succeeds to an extent but viewers can take only upto a point .

Movie is full of artists of all sizes & stature . Frames gets overcrowded which leaves one panting for breath.

Technically movie is average . Balasubramanyam is the cinematographer. Songs are not that interesting.

Screenplay is erratic with many loose ends & no lucidity whatsoever . Dialogues are trite & on the whole, the movie watching experience tiresome.

Bottomline : Simply not ready...!

2/5

Jackie

My Review: Jackie



Suri , after the immensely successful & critically acclaimed “Duniya” & not so successful “Junglee”, has joined hands with Puneeth Rajkumar for the first time. He once again proves the old adage “Form is temporary but the class is permanent” . “Jackie” is thoroughly enjoyable entertainer with all ingredients to make for a gratifying viewing . Not only action , comedy , romance , sentiment , suspense , message ....all you expect in a good masala pot pouri are there in palatable proportions , there is also a story to back it up.

Suri has once again proved that he is a master storyteller & a talented writer .The lucidness of the screenplay & witty dialogues are the strong points of “Jackie” . Hardly one can feel that 2hours & 30 mins has passed as the movie keeps one glued to the happenings right through. Nowhere does one feels that the movie is dragging or not interesting. Though there are a few logical loopholes here & there , Suri has camouflaged them with élan .

Ravi Kale’s character is not that well etched out as well does Bhavana’s. The character of the hero’s friend who gets killed in the encounter is also not properly dealt with , with loose ends kept hanging. & what is the role of Sampath Raj & his team is not properly explained. But the success of the director lies in that he doesn’t allow one to think about these aspects while one is in the theatre watching the movie.

Puneeth , dances like a dream , agile in the fight sequences & comes out unscathed in the comical situations too. When it comes to serious scenes he flounders a bit & has to work on it. His dialogue delivery is good with a good voice to boost.

Bhavana has nothing much to do but appear glamorous in the dream song sequences. One wonders how come a girl from such a humble background can wear such elegant & classy dresses she wears .

Rangayana Ragu is the real show-stealer with his witty dialogues he brings the roof down with laughter. In the scenes he is in all you can notice is only him with all others taking a back-seat.

Among the strong points of the movie , music is a prominent one. “Shiva Antha Hogutidde” & “Ekka Raja rani” are foot-tapping numbers ruling the charts . V. Harikrishna is the music director .

Award-winning cinematographer Satya Hegde is another major strong ally for Suri . His work is slick & trendy . No wonder he is highly regarded here in Karnataka film circle.

On the whole , Jackie is a good time-pass entertainer.

Bottomline :Bindaas...!

3.5 /5

Enthiran

My Review: Enthiran





Wait is over & here it is for all to see, Shankar’s dream project “Enthiran”, starring Rajnikanth & Aishwarya Rai. Movie is produced by Sun Pictures & music by A.R.Rahman & is billed to be the most expensive movie ever made in India. So naturally movie of such magnitude gets & has gotten everyone excited. Does all the hype & hoopla gets reflected in the end product is a different question altogether.

If you detach Rajnikanth & the amazing visual effects from the movie, with all its wretched writing & appalling screenplay it would have been easily the worst product from Shankar. Somehow the performer in Rajnikanth (he is amazing in the role of the Robot especially with the negative shades reminiscent of his memorable villainy of yesteryears) & the visual effects of the US-based Stan Winston Studios and Industrial Light & Magic seem to blind everyone of the many pedestrian aspects of the movie.

While watching the movie one gets resonating thoughts from one of Shankar’s own production “Arai En 305il kadavul”. Like how Shanthanam & kanja Karupu make use of the power of the almighty , here too Shankar seems to have done the same with the mighty money that has been invested in the movie. Especially the final 30 mins are freaking insane which sure gratifies juvenile instincts of the grown up kids.

Shankar needs to get all the accolades for making this movie happen in the first place. Notwithstanding the run of the mill script , he has shown the hard work , perseveration, imagination & moreover guts to conceive & create movie of this magnitude & making the world turn back & make notice of a Tamil movie. If only he had concentrated more on the script , then it would have made Indian film industry proud .

Rajnikanth is the prime reason why the movie is getting all the notice it is getting . It is a delight to watch him the role of the Robot with all the negative shades. One saw glimpses of that in “Chandramuki” but here he has satiated many people’s desire to see him a role with hard core villainy. Even at 60+ , the charisma he exudes on screen is unbelievable.

Aishwarya Rai looks radiant & dances well. Unlike in most of her movies here atleast she has done some amount of work albeit in showcasing his dancing skills. Otherwise she continues in her merry ways as far her acting skill is concerned.

Danny Denzongpa , Shanthanam & Karunas are all grossly underutilised.

A.R.Rahman’s music , which was proclaimed to be another main point of the movie , falls flat. No song has the quality that the previous one’s of the Shankar-Rahman combo had. Background score is at best mediocre.

Rathnavelu’s camera work is adequate. His efforts couple with that of the visual effects team make the viewing grand & in some instances jaw dropping.

Anthony’s editing is adequate overall but at times very ordinary especially the song sequences jumps out all of the sudden.

On the whole , “Enthiran” is a “Pizza made in Muniyandi vilas”

Bottomline : For the kid in you..

3/5